LASIK eye surgery was the most commonly used method for treating refractive eye problems before the advent of SMILE.
Canberra Eye Laser uses the Carl Zeiss VISUMAX® 800 femtosecond laser to create a flap in the cornea. Once the corneal flap is lifted, a MEL 90 Excimer laser provides customised refractive treatment to the underlying bed of the cornea. The excimer laser beam safely and accurately reshapes the cornea to patient-specific requirements.
The highly developed optics of the laser make the finest corrections possible, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Intelligent technology tracks even the slightest eye movements during treatment and guides the laser beam to continue to work in precisely the right position.
Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) offers numerous advantages for individuals seeking to improve their vision and reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. Here are some of the key benefits of undergoing LASIK eye surgery:
- Enhanced vision: LASIK can significantly improve your vision, allowing you to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
- Freedom from glasses and contacts: No more worrying about fogged-up glasses, lost contacts, or eye irritation.
- Increased confidence: Many people report a boost in self-esteem after undergoing LASIK surgery.
- Enhanced lifestyle: Enjoy greater freedom and convenience in daily activities, such as sports, travel, and hobbies.
- Long-term cost savings: While there is an upfront cost for LASIK, it can save you money in the long run by eliminating the ongoing expenses of glasses or contact lenses.
- Quick recovery: LASIK typically involves a short recovery time, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days.
Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure
LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis at Canberra Eye Laser, meaning you can return home on the same day. Here's a breakdown of the LASIK procedure:
- Numbing Eye Drops: Numbing eye drops are administered to anaesthetise the eye.
- Creating the Corneal Flap: A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted.
- Laser Reshaping: An excimer laser precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the specific refractive error.
- Repositioning the Flap: The corneal flap is carefully repositioned onto its original location, where it adheres naturally.
- Recovery: Following the procedure, you will be able to return home, however, no driving for at least 24 hours.
The entire LASIK procedure typically takes around 15-20 minutes per eye. While some patients may experience pressure during the laser application, the procedure itself is painless.
LASIK laser eye surgery only takes a few minutes per eye, but you will need to be at our clinic for a couple of hours for pre-operative consultation with the doctors and preparation.
Your vision will recover quickly after surgery. Most people wake up the next day and are surprised with how well they can see. It is normal for minor fluctuations in vision to occur over the following days and weeks as healing continues.
Our patients generally find that they can drive within 48 hours of LASIK laser eye surgery once cleared by our team,
This depends on your age and your LASIK laser surgery results, but this is the goal.
We recommend taking 1-2 days off work for your LASIK laser surgery and recovery, depending on your working environment. Our team can provide a medical certificate.
LASIK laser surgery costs $3,900 per eye, however, these costs may vary so we recommend booking a free assessment to determine the final costs.
Laser eye surgery doesn't hurt. No needles are used, and local anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb your eyes once you are in the procedure room. Some slight sensation to touch on your eyelids and forehead may be felt. You will notice a mild pressure sensation on your eye during the procedure. You don't need to worry about blinking and the doctor will talk you through the whole process.