Business

Turning back the clock to 20/20 vision with refractive surgeries (Lasik and Lasek)

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/20

It is no surprise that most people reduced to wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses due to visual restrictions, would love to turn back the clock to days of 20/20 vision. Without the daily hindrances of glasses or lenses, life is just that bit more freeing, enjoyable and unhampered by a constant demand.

For over 25 years now, refractive surgeries such as Lasik (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) and Lasek (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), has been a place of refuge and miracle for many looking to restore their vision to its former glory. But there are still others that have not heard about these procedures, while many more lack full awareness of the process, famed for its quick results and painless nature. It should however be mentioned, that while many undergoing Lasik or Lasek achieve 20/20 vision, some still eventually might require glasses for driving at night or even reading as they age.

However, not all who want to refractive surgery qualify to receive it. Patients should be between the ages of 18 to 45 with generally healthy eyes and cornea free of disease. They are first screened thoroughly and asserted that they have suffered from stable refractive errors for atleast one year, with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, while their cornea is also measured for thickness and structural normality. Those who are pregnant or nursing also do not qualify to refractive surgery within this period.

Refractive Surgery consists of three parts, and is performed on an “outpatient basis” on the day of the surgery. First, anesthetic eye drops are administered to numb the eye to accommodate a comfortable, painless surgery experience for the patient. The eyelids will be then be kept open by a device called a ‘speculum’, while the patient is requested to fixate his vision on a red light during the procedure.

In Lasik Surgery, a thin flap of corneal tissue is peeled off with one end of it still attached to the cornea, after which the cornea is reshaped to suit individual requirements by Excimer laser. Thereafter, excimer lasers create a cool light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it so light entering the eye focuses more accurately on the retina for improved vision. For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Excimer lasers also can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

Afterwards, the cornea flap is placed back on the cornea (like a door being closed), allowing the flap to adhere to its original position within five minutes. This enables the procedure to end in just a few short minutes, and paves the way for greatly improved vision over the next days. A day of rest is generally prescribed, although it is usually recommended that one refrains from any strenuous exercise for at least a week, since this can affect healing.

For patients undergoing Lasek Surgery, generally those with a thin cornea or with pre-existing medical conditions, an alcohol solution is put onto the surface of the eye and an ultra-thin sheet is applied. This alcohol solution loosens the thin layer of cells on the eye’s surface called the epithelium. These cells then stick to the sheet, which is then gently moved to the side of the eye, giving the surgeon access to the layer of the cornea which will be treated by the laser. Generally, Lasek Surgery takes a longer period of recovery than its counterpart Lasik.

Leading private healthcare provider, Nawaloka Hospitals, operates a state-of-the-art Lasik Centre in Colombo that has so far successfully performed over 12500 successful refractive surgeries. The centre is currently the only one-stop Lasik treatment centre in the country, enabling patients to get all the diagnostic, treatment and surgery procedures completed at one location. It is operated and lead by a team of experienced and highly skilled eye surgeons and healthcare staff, aided by a fully-equipped unit fitted with the most advanced machinery and technology capable of performing extremely delicate treatments. Nawaloka Lasik Centre offers Lasik for refractive errors, Corneal Collagen Cross Linking Treatment for Keratoconus (CXL), Corneal Collagen Cross Linking Treatment with Trans Epithelial Riboflavin Solution, Topoguided PRK, Topoguided PRK with corneal collagen cross linking treatment and Lasik extra.

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”