What is Refractive Surgery / Laser Vision Correction?

If you find glasses or contact lenses uncomfortable or inconvenient, throw them away and enjoy the hassle-free vision you deserve.

Refractive Laser Eye surgery is a step towards freedom – the freedom of waking up with clear vision; the freedom to play sports safely, and the little things, like seeing clearly in the ocean, shower or pool. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct common vision problems.

Am I suitable for Laser Vision Correction?

If you’re over 18, with a stable prescription and your eyes are healthy, chances are you’ll be suitable for laser correction. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you will have to wait.

The best way to find out if you’re suitable for laser eye surgery is to book a consultation with a specialist.

When you make your appointment, the reception team will ask you to send a referral from your optometrist along with your most recent prescription, preferably no more than 6 or 12 months old, so that the specialist can pre-screen your suitability for laser vision correction.

Your eye specialist will take you through a thorough examination, explain how you’ll benefit from laser surgery, and discuss the best option for you.  They will generally bulk bill your laser assessment if you bring a referral from your optometrist.  Please note: soft contact lens wearers should leave their lenses out for 3 days before consultation.

You will be taken through a thorough examination, we will explain how you’ll benefit from laser surgery, and discuss the best option for you.  Your laser assessment will be bulk billed if you bring a referral from your optometrist.  Please note: soft contact lens wearers should leave their lenses out for 3 days before consultation.

About PRK and TransPRK No Touch laser eye surgery

Suitable patients are offered PRK laser treatment using the sophisticated Schwind Amaris laser at Melbourne Excimer Laser Group in East Melbourne. This laser enables the surgeon to perform TransPRK No Touch – an advanced laser treatment that not only avoids the eye coming into contact with any instrument, but also reduces possible intraoperative issues since it only involves one laser from start to finish.

With TransPRK No Touch, the epithelium is removed with the laser followed by prescription correction by the same equipment so no change over to another machine is required.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

(This differs from LASIK in which the Femtosecond laser is used first followed by the excimer laser second). The procedure is smooth, painless and quick making even the most apprehensive patients feel comfortable. TransPRK is performed under local anaesthetic drops in under 5 minutes on each eye.

A soft contact lens is placed on the eye for 4-7 days to help with the healing process before being removed by your specialist in their rooms.

About LASIK laser eye surgery

LASIK is a popular method of laser vision correction. The procedure involves the creation of a corneal flap using a Femtosecond laser and then correction of the shape of the cornea using the Schwind Amaris laser. The procedure is painless and delivers optimum visual outcomes. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of both laser options so you can make an informed choice about the best method for you.

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

The cost of your laser eye surgery will depend on a number of factors including the type of surgical method used and the amount of vision correction required. After a full consultation, your surgeon will give you a detailed quote for your laser eye surgery procedure. The price includes a follow up appointment with your surgeon and subsequent routine check-ups for a full year following your treatment. In some cases, a second (enhancement) procedure may be recommended. If there is room to further improve your vision, your surgeon will generally not charge extra for this service.

FAQs

Most patients will be free of glasses after laser eye treatment. The final outcome will depend on the severity of short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism. Your surgeon will discuss expectations and explain likely outcomes during your initial consultation.

4–5 days off work is recommended for adequate healing to occur after laser eye surgery.

Sadly, laser eye surgery can’t address the need for reading glasses, which is a natural process of ageing called Presbyopia. However, a monovision treatment strategy can be planned for your laser eye surgery, leaving your non-dominant eye for reading, thus removing or reducing the need for any spectacles.

Addressing and managing the underlying cause of dry eye prior to surgery can ensure that you are suitable for laser treatment. Overuse of contact lenses is one of the commonest causes of dry eyes. Discontinuing contact lenses for a while can resolve dryness.