Laser Vision Correction FAQ’s
Laser Vision Correction can be a life-changing procedure. Having clear vision without being dependent on glasses is liberating – but the best procedure needs to be chosen, and it needs to be done properly.
These are your only eyes and you get one chance at a perfect result.
Here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions by our patients that you should know if you’re considering laser vision correction surgery.
1. Am I Suitable for Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
It might sound obvious but the most important decisions are made well before surgery is performed. Not everyone is suited to laser vision correction and depending on your eye condition, there may be procedures that will give you a better result, such as an implantable contact lens or lens replacement.
2. Do you have any corneal problems?
Corneal problems may hinder healing after laser vision correction surgery. Any abnormality of the cornea is considered a relative contraindication and needs to be fully evaluated before a decision is made to proceed with surgery. Procedures that avoid the cornea, such as an implantable contact lens, avoid this complication.
3. Do you suffer from Dry Eye?
Dry eye may result in a less predictable vision outcome and can slow recovery. Dry Eye needs to be managed before surgery. Even if you don’t suffer from dry eye before surgery, you need to know that laser vision surgery causes dry eye in at least 30% of patients, and it will need treatment.
4. How quickly will I return to Normal Vision after Vision Correction Surgery?
Healing and return to normal vision depends on the procedure and technique used. While most patients will see well enough to drive without glasses the day after surgery, vision recovery can sometimes take longer. Implantable contact lens surgery heals quickly as there is not much of the eye that is damaged to require healing. PRK takes a week or more to heal as the surface layer of the eye needs to heal to allow vision to return.
5. Will other eye problems be fixed by having LASIK or other Laser Vision options?
Other eye problems are not fixed by laser vision correction. Vision correction surgery will reset the eye’s focusing but it does not restore the eye to perfection. Ageing causes many changes in vision including loss of close vision (presbyopia), lens changes (cataract), blemishes and sun damage. After laser vision correction the eye will continue to age and the vast majority of people will need reading glasses again unless further surgery is performed.
6. Will Laser Vision Correction prevent other eye diseases?
Diseases of the eye are not prevented by laser vision correction. You will still need regular eye examinations to check for glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataract as you get older.
7. Will Vision Correction Surgery stop cataracts?
Cataract is a common eye condition. While it’s not caused by laser vision correction, many laser patients will eventually have Cataract Surgery. Cataract surgery after having had laser vision correction is not uncommon and with proper care, it is normal to experience excellent vision after cataract surgery.
8. Is Retreatment possible?
Retreatment is possible. Sometimes, despite perfect surgery, the eye heals in an unexpected way and retreatment is needed. Retreatment is an appropriate and successful intervention as long as there is no underlying eye problem.
9. Does Laser Vision Correction cause floaters?
Floaters in the vision can be an annoying symptom post-laser vision surgery. The surgery does not cause floaters but can be associated with their appearance. They rarely need treatment and ironically, laser surgery can actually be a treatment for them!
10. Will I be able to see without glasses after Laser Vision Correction?
More than 95% of patients having laser vision correction will see without glasses. Laser or LASIK has been around for more than 30 years because it works. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are all correctable and if the surgery is performed properly, it is usually a fast, painless procedure that heals overnight.
11. How much does LASIK Cost?
The cost of laser eye surgery is one of the most commonly asked questions when patients are considering laser vision correction. We have created a more detailed page with a simple calculator and some more information. Click the link for more information on the cost of LASIK surgery.
Book your complimentary Laser Vision Assessment
If you would like to book your complimentary Assessment, or need more information, complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible. Or call us on 02 8080 2180.