Lasik / Laser Eye Surgery Specialists Brisbane
What is laser eye surgery?
Nearly half of all Australians wear glasses or contact lenses. That means an estimated 13 million of us know how inconvenient they can be. There’s the cost, upkeep and sense of reliance – not to mention their limitations when it comes to doing the things we love.
The good news is that clear, crisp vision can be restored – and with it, all the lifestyle benefits.
Laser eye surgery (or laser vision correction) is a safe, fast and effective treatment for suitable candidates which corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.
Our patients regularly tell us it’s ‘life-changing’ and wish they’d done it sooner.
Did you know? Other forms of laser treatments are used to address a range of different eye conditions. You can read all about them in our FAQ
How does laser eye surgery for vision correction work?
Our laser eye surgeon uses a highly precise surgical laser to reshape your cornea.
- If you’re short-sighted, we flatten the corneal surface.
- If you’re long-sighted, we sculpt the corneal surface into a steeper curve.
- If you have astigmatism, we even out the corneal surface.
Reshaping your cornea allows it to focus a sharp image on your retina. In most cases, clear sight is restored.
Who makes a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
- You’re at least 18 years old.
- You’re not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a stable prescription that hasn’t changed in at least a year.
Which type of laser eye surgery is right for me?
At Eastside Eye Care, we specialise in both LASIK and PRK vision correction surgeries. We also offer flapless lenticular extraction too. This broad range of treatment options means we can offer great outcomes for most patients. Through robust examinations and discussion, we assess your suitability and recommend the safest treatment for you.
LASIK vision correction (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)
The LASIK process
Step 1: A flap of corneal tissue is created using the femtosecond laser.
Step 2: The flap is lifted and ‘hinged’ back to reveal the deeper layers of the cornea.
Step 3: The cornea is reshaped using the excimer laser.
Step 4: The flap is folded back into place and heals itself.
Advantages of LASIK
- Pain-free procedure.
- Little or no post-operative discomfort which typically resolves in less than six hours.
- Rapid recovery of vision and return to normal duties almost immediately.
- Covers a wide range of prescriptions.
PRK vision correction (photorefractive keratectomy)
The PRK process
Step 1: The protective surface layer of the cornea is gently removed using the excimer laser.
Step 2: The laser reshapes the cornea.
Step 3: A bandage contact lens is applied to speed up surface layer regeneration.
Advantages of PRK
- No touch procedure.
- Safer for higher prescriptions.
- Safer for thinner corneas.
- Safer for those playing contact sports or at risk of knocking eyes.
PTK laser eye surgery (phototherapeutic keratectomy)
Using specialised laser technology, we can treat corneal scar tissue or irregularities with a laser procedure called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). What’s more, we can combine this treatment with PRK to enhance or restore your vision too!
Curious to hear more about laser eye surgery?
See what our satisfied patients have to say.
Dr Hann is an incredible physician whose kindness radiates throughout his practice. He took the time to ensure I understood all the aspects of the procedure, never once rushing our discussion, answering all my queries with a patience that put me completely at ease. His commitment to patient understanding is commendable!
Frequently asked questions.
We know it can be hard to find the right information about laser eye surgery. And there are important decisions to be made. Here are some questions we’re frequently asked, but if you still need answers, just get in touch.
Thanks to advanced laser computer technology that tracks your eye during its natural movements, there’s no need to worry about looking in the right position. And because we use an instrument that keeps your eyes open, you don’t have to worry about blinking either.
The main risks involve being unable to complete the procedure due to unforeseen limitations of the eye itself. Inflammation or infection can occur after the procedure, but these are rare. More commonly, patients can experience dry eye after the procedure but this can be managed well.
A small percentage of patients (less than 5%) may require a touch-up procedure following PRK treatment. In rare circumstances, corneal haze and infection can occur.
With LASIK, patients will see results the next day. With PRK, results are seen from 2 weeks to 3 months.
The positive effect on your cornea is permanent. However, changes in the eye over time can impact the effectiveness of the original laser treatment. You’ll still be subject to the eye’s natural ageing process which typically means the need for reading glasses (mid-40s onwards) and the development of cataracts (50s onwards).
Patients can often drive safely the day after LASIK treatment and one week after PRK.
We also use laser eye surgery to treat a range of different eye conditions, including:
- retinal laser for diabetes and retinal tears <link 3.5>
- glaucoma lasers to reduce pressure and prevent angle closure <link 3.3>
- YAG laser to treat cloudy vision (PCO) after cataract surgery.
Put your vision in safe hands.
Book a call with our friendly team to get started.
