Scar Tissue and Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know
When considering Laser Eye Surgery, there are a number of factors that should be considered. While treatment is now suitable for more people than ever before, some things can affect your suitability for the procedure. One such issue – though relatively uncommon – is the presence of scar tissue on the eyes.
While scars are more often associated with our skin, scarred tissue can also affect our eyes. Scarred ocular tissue can cause a number of issues, including blurred or distorted vision, and discomfort in the affected eye. In some cases, ocular scarred tissue can affect a patient’s suitability for Laser Eye Surgery. The good news is, thanks to ongoing advancements in technology, this is becoming increasingly rare.
As such, many patients with scarred tissue are still able to achieve major improvements in their vision with the help of Laser Eye Surgery.
The development of the Artemis Insight 100 VHF digital ultrasound scanning technology is largely to thank for this. This impressive bit of kit allows us to accurately determine the depth and extent of scarring – alongside any other imperfections – on the cornea. As one of the world’s leading Laser Eye Surgery providers, London Vision Clinic is one of the few clinics in the UK to use this technology.
In fact, the Artemis ultrasound scanner was developed by our very own founder and expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Professor Dan Reinstein, alongside colleagues at Cornell University. The scanner is able to measure individual corneal layers in 3D to the measure of 1-micron precision (that’s 100th the width of a human hair!).
This is just one of the many reasons London Vision Clinic is one of the world’s most renowned complication repair clinics.
An insight from a Laser Eye Surgery patient with scar tissue
So, what can a real-life patient with ocular scarring expect from Laser Eye Surgery? Let’s take a look at one example from a past patient of ours, Irene.
Having suffered a firework-related accident as a child, Irene had experienced poor vision ever since. The extent of her ocular scarring meant that Irene wasn’t optimistic about being eligible for Laser Eye Surgery, let alone seeing dramatic results from treatment. However, following various tests, measurements and scans, Irene felt increasingly confident in the process and the potential results.
Shortly after her consultation, Irene met with her surgeon, Professor Reinstein, who further discussed her treatment with her. Having addressed her doubts and concerns, it wasn’t long before she was fully on board and looking forward to treatment day.
Afterwards, Irene writes in her (five-star) TrustPilot review: “After my next day appointment with Prof Reinstein I couldn’t believe how calm I felt about agreeing to go ahead (so not like me) and I had complete faith in Professor Reinstein.”
As expected, the surgery was another success story and Irene was thrilled with the results, labelling it a “life-changing” experience.
Artemis Insight 100 Insight technology and Laser Eye Surgery repair work
In the video lecture below, Professor Dan Reinstein explains the unique and innovative applications of the Artemis Insight 100 Insight VHF digital ultrasound technology.
In another video lecture, below, Professor Reinstein also explains the ‘fix up’ and therapeutic repair capabilities enabled of the Artemis Insight 100 Insight technology.
Have you suffered scarred tissue in your eyes? Concerned that you won’t be suitable for Laser Eye Surgery? There’s only one way to find out! Get in touch with one of our friendly Patient Care Coordinators to discuss your options. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today.
View Comments (104)
I have tissue rot behind my eye, is there something that can be done to stop me from going blind?
Dear Carol,
I'm afraid we only provide laser eye surgery, and we are also unable to give medical advice of this nature over this forum. In order to get an accurate answer to this question, you would need to visit your optometrist in person, for an eye exam.
We wish you the best of luck.
Kind regards,
London Vision Clinic
I have scarring post-LASIK surgery (from a different company). Is it possible to treat this with Artemis VHF digital ultrasound scanning technology?
Hi Ross,
Thanks for getting in touch, and apologies for the delay in responding. Yes, theoretically it may be possible to treat your scarring using Artemis technology - we have successfully used this technology to treat patients with corneal scarring in the past. To begin the process, we would need to see the records from your previous surgery, so that Professor Reinstein can review them and advise whether you would be a suitable candidate for treatment. The best thing would be for you to contact the clinic where you were treated to request the records, and then email them directly to us at info@londonvisionclinic.com. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to us first and be given a personal point of contact, please do call us on 020 7224 1005 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm), or fill in the our online contact form (https://www.londonvisionclinic.com/contact-us/) with your details, so that we can contact you directly.
I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions or any difficulty in obtaining your records, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
London Vision Clinic
Hi Ross,
I have seen that you have laser scar issue with your eye.
Have you found any cure?
I do have same trouble and trying to find cure.
Hi I had RVO in my left eye. I have nearly full vision in the eye, I just have a bit discomfort and a bit of loss of vision can this be treated?
Hi Tef,
I'm afraid we only offer refractive laser eye surgery and cataract surgery here. You would need to visit a retinal specialist or general eye hospital to discuss your condition. Sorry we can't be of more help.
Kind regards,
London Vision Clinic
i found of a corneal scarring .its not pretty much visible but very visible in direct light, some how its very irritating for me and affecting my self confidence. is it possible to remove it without complex surgery . please reply me my eye doctor saying tat mark will there and it won't go. please reply me so tat i can deal with it if it don't go
Hi Gayathri,
Would you be looking to have Laser Eye Surgery to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses? If this is the case them yes, in a lot of cases we have treated patients who have previous scars from corneal ulcers. However, if you were just looking to have the scar removed it may not be the best option to put you under an unnecessary procedure. Please let us know if you need any other information by getting in contact on 0207 224 1005 or via info@londonvisionclinic.com
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
I have idiopathic posterior uveitis and secondary glaucoma. I had 7 laser treatments, before the surgeries and 6 eye surgeries. I have scarring in my left eye and have lost almost all of my vision. I see a glow. I was wanderng if there is a procedure to correct this or remove the scarring? Is this possible?
Hi Renee,
Thank you for your comment. I would recommend you contact a more general Ophthalmic unit who would be able to recommend you to a specialist. Unfortunately, laser eye surgery is not going to help in your circumstances. We wish you the best.
Thanks
London Vision Clinic
can scar be treated? Am having issue with my left eye couldn't read with it.
Hi Kenny,
Scars can be treated, yes. However, it is on a case by case basis. Using the Artemis Scanner we can obtain a precise mapping of the cornea and are therefore able to treat scars other clinics can't. We would need to assess your eyes in order to determine your suitability. Please let me know if you would like one of Patient Care Coordinators to get in touch with you.
Thanks
I am considering laser eye surgery but I am prone to keloids. I have over 10 on my body including 3 on my face. Would this make me an unsuitable candidate for laser eye surgery? Can keloids form in my cornea?
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for your email. We have treated patients before who were prone to Keloids. However, this would be on a case by case basis. You may need to see an external specialist to fully confirm your suitability but it certainly isn't a contraindication at this stage.
Please let us know if you need any other information by getting in contact on 0207 224 1005 or via info@londonvisionclinic.com
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
Hi, I had an inflammation at the back of my right eye. Which was stopped with steroids, but has since left a scar at the back of my eye. I have peripheral vision in the eye but can't read with the eye because of the scar's position.
Can surgery correct this?
Hi Abi,
Thanks for your question. Laser Eye Surgery can usually do what the glasses are doing. As the scar is on the back of your eye, it is unlikely that Laser Eye Surgery will be beneficial for you. If your vision is corrected with glasses or contact lenses then there may be something we can do.
Thanks
Hi I have very bad scar tissue due to a viral infection in both eyes and as a result I have light sensative eyes dry eye and terrible night vision, can this be helped
Hi Kim,
Thank you for your question. It doesn't sound like Laser Eye Surgery is what you are looking for. Laser Eye Surgery can usually do what the glasses are doing. If you find your vision is improved with glasses then it may be beneficial for you. You would most likely need to address the dry eye as well. Do you take medication or drops for this?
Thanks
I had scar tissue removed from a cataract lenses and a few months later overnight I have blueness and a large severe floater. The eye doctor says its old age and I have to just live with it. What is your opinion? What do you suggest.?
Hi Tim,
I would suggest you go to a specialist to check your eyes. Was the scar following cataract surgery?
Thanks
London Vision Clinic