What is laser eye surgery?

The eye functions like a camera to focus a clear image on the retina at the back of the eye. When the shape of cornea at the front of the eye and the shape of the eye itself are not perfectly aligned the image may be blurred or distorted. These imperfections are called refractive errors and require glasses or contact lens to sharpen the focus. The aim of laser eye surgery is to change the shape of the cornea to correct these imperfections. To correct shortsight (myopia) the cornea needs to be made flatter. To correct longsight (hyperopia) the centre of the cornea needs to be made steeper and to correct astigmatism the laser beam changes the shape in different areas.

Am I a canditate for refractive surgery?

• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• Both eyes are healthy.
• Wear glasses or contacts for distance vision and have a stable refraction.
• Are within treatment parameters.
• Be in good general health

What are the benefits?

• Reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses.
• Ability to play sports unhindered.
• Improved appearance and confidence.

Is laser vision correction effective?

One year after treatment over 95% of people with low to moderate prescriptions are able to pass a drivers license vision test without corrective lenses.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time?

Yes. increasingly, for convenience, patients are requesting both eyes to be treated on the same day.

Is it painful?

The procedure is performed using anaesthetic drops which numb the eye. Most patients experience little or no significant discomfort.

Is laser vision correction permanent?

Yes. 5-year follow-up studies indicate that after the healing process is complete your eyesight remains stable.

Will I still need reading glasses ?

Laser vision correction cannot prevent the natural ageing changes within the eye and if you are over 40 reading glasses may be required for near vision. It may be possible to have monovision treatment for selected suitable patients. This can correct for distance vision in one eye and reading vision in the other. We may recommend a 1 week trial of contact lens in order to see if you are suitable.

Will my eye look different?

After LASIK your eye should be white and clear the next day. The healing process can take 4-5 days with LASEK and the eye may appear red.

When can I return to work?

Most LASIK patients can return to all normal activity within a few days. We advise LASEK patients to take a week off work.

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