Corrective Laser Surgery

Laser Vision Correction

Laser Vision correction is another way of correcting short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. Whilst glasses and contact lenses are still used most commonly, laser surgery is becoming more popular especially with the excellent results achieved.


How does Laser surgery work?

Laser vision correction involves reshaping the cornea (front window of the eye) to change the power of the eye. This is achieved using an excimer laser, which is an ultraviolet argon fluoride laser that carries large amounts of energy in the form of photons. The photons break the intermolecular bonds in the tissue and can be used to remove very fine layers of tissue in a very precise way. The photons are released onto the cornea in a series of pulses. The beam is 'cold' and thus no structures in the eye are heated. The number of pulses depends on the level of and type of prescription that is being corrected and is predetermined before the operation.


LASIK verses PRK

There are two main types of refractive laser surgery performed today:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
This involves inducing laser pulses directly onto the outer corneal surface called the epithelium. This technique is used for smaller corrections. The proceedure is less technically involved than LASIK, however it takes a little longer to heal. It normally takes between two and four days for the vision to improve.

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis):
This involves producing a corneal flap which is lifted and the laser treatment is performed under the flap. The corneal flap is then replaced straight after the laser treatment. Whilst there is an additional surgical step the visual recovery is faster than PRK and one can usually expect to be seeing well within one day.

Traditionally the flap has been cut with a blade called a microkeratome. A new technique has now been developed called Intralase, which uses laser technology to cut the flap.  This enables the surgeon to make even more accurate incisions.

Pre and Post Operative Consultations

Eyes On manages Insight Laser Centre from our Queen Street location. All Pre and Post operative consultations are performed by our fully qualified optometrists who work in close association with leading Melbourne refractive surgeons. For futher information please visit the website for Insight Laser Centre at www.LASIK.au.com.

Pre-Operative assessment

Before you can consider laser surgery as an option for vision correction you will need a comprehensive eye examination. Measurements will be taken of your prescription, the shape of your eye and your corneal thickness to see if you are suitable for surgery. We also assess your ocular health for any unforeseen problems. Depending on the degree of your correction, we can provide an expected result from the laser treatment. 90% of patients achieve complete independence from glasses, while some may be left with a very slight correction requiring glasses on a part-time basis.

Post-Operative consultations

After surgery your eyes will require periodic assessments over a twelve month period.. At eyes on we have optometrists that are experienced in the post operative assessment of patients.  The eyes are usually checked one day after surgery, and then after one week, one month, 3 months, 6 months and then one year. In a small number of cases, as the cornea heals there may be some regression. This is more common for the stronger corrections and anyone with regression will be required to attend the laser clinic again for further treatment at no extra cost to the patient.

For further information, please call 1800 65 20 20.