POLOKWANE – As the first centre in Limpopo to introduce refractive surgery called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) procedure, ophthalmologists Dr Nancy Melani from Sight Centre and Dr Kalushi Lesenya from Dr IK Ophthalmologist on Friday performed the procedure on their first patients, Margery Makua and Johnson Matshivha.

“We decided to bring Lasik to Limpopo to reduce the impact of travel to Gauteng for patients requiring this service. Today’s procedure was for patients who do not want to use spectacles anymore,” Melani stated.

She explained that the Lasik procedure is an alternative to having to wear glasses or contact lenses.

“During surgery, a special type of cutting laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, which is the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of the eye. In eyes with typical vision, the cornea bends or refracts light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye, but with nearsightedness, farsightedness or the astigmatism, the light is bent incorrectly. This incorrect refraction causes blurred vision,” Melani said.

Lesenya added that glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, but reshaping the cornea also provides the refraction needed to correct vision.

“Before coming for the procedure I had a bit of mixed emotions but excitement and anxiety at the same time. I’m relieved that for convenient purposes, our very own doctors in our province are able to come up with solutions for us to not travel far to get this procedure done,” Makua said.

Matshivha added that he was comfortable and impressed with how kind the doctors treated him and that the procedure went well.

“For anyone with an eye-sight or vision problem who would like to undergo this procedure, I would highly recommend a check-up at Sight Centre. It’s not painful at all and you have crystal clear vision after the procedure,” he said.

“An annual eye screening is recommended, however any deterioration in vision should be attended to urgently,” Lesenya concluded.

The laser machines were monitored by sales and application specialist for refractive lasers medical technology at Zeiss, Stefan Blanché who made sure that the machines were ready for the procedures.