Laser Eye Surgery Brisbane
Modern laser techniques to support vision correction.
Explore Laser Eye Surgery? With Vision for Life Institute
Laser eye surgery is a well-established medical treatment used to help correct poor vision. Over the years, these procedures have evolved with advances in technology, surgical precision, and assessment techniques.
LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are just a few of these highly refined treatments. As your local ophthalmologist in Brisbane, our team performs thorough assessments prior to surgery to help determine which procedure may be most suitable for you.
The Purpose of Laser Vision Correction Procedures
LASIK, PRK, and SMILE are laser procedures that aim to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. These procedures treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Laser eye surgery is most commonly used to treat people under the age of 50. If you are over 50, refractive lens exchange may be a more suitable option.
Likewise, if you have a very high prescription, implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) may be a better option for you.
The Potential Effect of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye. This aims to help correct refractive errors in the eye and improve vision, potentially reducing the need for glasses and contact lenses.
Prior to any laser eye surgery, a thorough assessment is performed to determine if you are a suitable candidate. You will be advised on the day of your assessment whether you are a candidate for laser eye surgery and, if so, which option may be most suitable.
Not sure which laser eye procedure is right for you?
There are several types of laser eye surgery, each with potential advantages to consider.
Laser Surgery Procedures
LASIK Surgery
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the most well-known and most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. As with all types of laser eye surgery, LASIK aims to reshape the cornea.
LASIK requires two lasers: a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser.
During LASIK, a flap is first created in the cornea with the femtosecond laser (see diagram). This corneal flap is then lifted, and the excimer laser is applied to the deeper layers of the cornea.
The excimer laser reshapes the cornea and alters its ability to focus light, which may result in much clearer vision. The flap is then returned to its original position.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
In Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), also known as surface LASIK, the excimer laser is used to address the corneal surface rather than the deeper layers. No flap is created in PRK.
Visual recovery after PRK typically occurs over several weeks. However, compared to LASIK, it is often less likely to cause dry eyes afterwards.
PRK may be preferable to LASIK in certain situations, such as when a person has dry eyes, engages in contact sports, or works in the military. It may also be a preferred choice for people who have slightly thin corneas.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticular Extraction)
Small Incision Lenticular Extraction, or SMILE, is the most recent development in laser vision correction surgery. SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to remove a very small, precise, lens-shaped fragment of tissue from the cornea, called a lenticule.
Removal of this lenticule changes the cornea’s shape and may help the eye focus light correctly.
Theoretical advantages of SMILE may include a lower likelihood of postoperative dry eye symptoms and preservation of corneal structural integrity over time.
Common Laser Eye Surgery Questions
Am I eligible for laser eye surgery?
For most people, laser treatment is an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. There are, however, some instances in which laser eye surgery may not be the right choice.
If you have other significant eye conditions, LASIK, PRK, or SMILE may be associated with a greater risk of serious complications. In such cases, laser eye surgery is best avoided.
Conditions that may be associated with increased risk include:
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Glaucoma
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Keratoconus
- Significant corneal scarring
Our ophthalmologists at Vision for Life Institute will recommend surgery only when clinically appropriate, following a comprehensive assessment.
Are there other vision correction options apart from laser?
At Vision for Life Institute, we offer a wide range of vision correction treatments. Apart from LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, other options include refractive lens exchange and implantable collamer lenses.
Refractive lens exchange is a procedure in which the lens inside the eye is replaced with a customised lens implant that is designed to help improve the eye’s ability to focus.
It is a procedure commonly performed by our surgeons at Vision for Life Institute. During a refractive lens exchange, multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses are implanted. Refractive lens exchange is more commonly performed in those over the age of 50.
Implantable collamer lenses may also be an excellent option for those who have very high prescriptions, particularly very high myopia or short-sightedness.
However, it may not be suitable for LASIK or PRK. In such cases, a lens implant is permanently implanted inside the eye to help the eye focus vision correctly.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a short outpatient procedure performed under topical anaesthesia. On the day of surgery, you will need to come to the laser centre with a carer to drive you to and from your surgery.
If you would like to be relaxed, we offer a sedative tablet to help manage any anxiety you may be experiencing. Your eyes are then numbed with numbing drops to help manage any discomfort you may experience during the surgery.
The surgery then starts. During the procedure, you may feel movement around your eye and possibly some pressure. You will be asked to look towards certain lights during the procedure, but please don’t worry if you look away. Our eye-tracking technology helps the laser follow eye movements as they occur.
Within a matter of minutes, the procedure may be finished.
What laser systems does Vision for Life Institute use?
At Vision for Life Institute, we are proud to use the Alcon Wavelight Excimer Laser and the Zeiss Visumax Femtosecond Laser.
What can I expect after surgery?
After your surgery, you will need to use eye drops for a few months in an effort to help your eyes recover well and support your long-term vision.
There are a couple of follow-up appointments after your surgery to ensure everything is progressing as expected.
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Modern laser eye surgery is performed with numbing eye drops, so it does not usually hurt. Some people may notice pressure or mild discomfort, and temporary irritation or dryness may occur in the early recovery period.
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
If you’re interested in learning about the potential costs, please click here.
Are there other laser eye surgery options?
In addition to excimer and femtosecond lasers used in LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, ophthalmologists may also use several other laser eye treatments.
These may include:
YAG Laser: This laser is commonly used in people who have previously had cataract surgery to help treat a condition known as posterior capsular opacification.
SLT Laser: This laser is commonly used in people with glaucoma. SLT laser is used to help lower the pressure within the eye so that people don’t need to use glaucoma drops.
Argon Laser: This laser is commonly used to help treat conditions of the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy.
Who is the laser eye surgeon at Vision for Life Institute?
Dr Cameron McLintock performs laser eye surgery, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Dr McLintock undertook extra sub-specialist training in laser eye surgery.
Apart from laser eye surgery, he also performs implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery and refractive lens exchange surgery. He is also fully qualified to perform cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, corneal cross-linking, and all types of corneal transplant surgery.
What Sets Vision for Life Institute Apart?
Advanced Laser Technology
Our team uses only state-of-the-art technology to help our patients receive the most sophisticated treatment available.
Experienced Ophthalmologists
With over 25 years of experience in eye care, we address a wide range of adult eye conditions with the delicacy they require.
Ongoing Care
From assessment through to medical care and surgery, we provide support throughout each stage of eye treatment.
Laser Eye Surgery Performed in Brisbane
Are you tired of blurry vision? Laser eye surgery is a precise treatment that may help correct your vision. Using contemporary technology and techniques, our team will carefully assess suitability for each procedure. For further information, please contact our team.