New FLEX Laser Treatment for Short-Sight Problems

The Singapore National Eye Centre has announced that a new laser treatment helps in  correcting short-sightedness with minimum discomfort.

The Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction (FLEX) technique utilizes only one laser as compared to two lasers used in LASIK treatment.

A special VisuMax laser is utilized along with the FLEX to cut a lens-shaped layer from the inner portion of the cornea and to shape the cornea to correct the vision. The FLEX treatment causes minimum pain and reduces the treatment time.

The Singapore National Eye Centre has conducted around 30 FLEX treatments in 2010. The center has announced that this procedure works effectively with higher degrees as much as 1,000. The FLEX treatment was also tested in other regions of Europe and Asia. The FLEX could also aid individuals diagnosed with presbyobia or long-sightedness.

Singapore National Eye Centre’s Director and Professor, Donald Tan stated that the center has a patented procedure to keep the cut lens piece and store it for future purposes. Tan added that if the patient gets long sightedness then the lens could be implanted back to restore the myopia to some extent. However, this possibility is currently under research, Tan said.