LASIK

LASIK (laser vision correction) and Refractive Surgery

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is for people who want their vision corrected permanently with no more need for glasses or contact lenses. While it may not result in absolutely perfect vision, it allows most patients to go about their lives without needing glasses.You can ring us on 1800 00 EYES (1800 00 3937) to make an appointment. We’ll check your eyes to see whether LASIK would be suitable for you.

LASIK uses laser to reshape the curve of the cornea, correcting your poor vision. It is done as day surgery with only local anaesthetic and there is little or no postoperative pain.

Where is it performed?

LASIK is performed in our rooms at 182 Argyle Street

How long does it take?

The procedure itself takes about twenty minutes; however, we like you to come in early so we can prepare you for the operation.

Before, during and after the procedure

Arrange for someone to bring you in for your appointment as you won’t be able to drive yourself home afterwards.

Before your operation we put in some anaesthetic eye drops. We might also give you a mild sedative to help you relax.

You lie down on a bed in the treatment room with your head underneath a microscope. We clean and sterilise the area around your eyes. Your eyelids are held open and a suction ring is put on to hold the eye steady. This is slightly uncomfortable but not painful. We talk to you throughout the procedure to let you know what’s happening.

A thin flap is cut from the surface of the eye and held back while a laser reshapes the cornea. The flap is then repositioned and it sticks back into place without any stitches.

After the procedure we put some more drops in and tape some clear plastic shields over your eyes for protection. Your eyes might feel gritty and irritated for a few hours after the operation and we ask you to go home and rest with your eyes shut to give them a good chance to heal.

You’ll come in to see us the next morning – with the eye shields still in place – and we’ll give you an eye test, tell you how to care for your eyes in the few weeks after surgery and make a follow up appointment.

In most cases patients have excellent vision the day after LASIK surgery.

What are the risks or complications?

99 per cent of LASIK patients experience trouble-free surgery without any serious complications.

However, as with any medical procedure, you need to understand the possible risks and limitations before you have it done.Between 1–3 per cent of patients experience under- or over-correction – both these can be fixed with an additional treatment.

After treatment you might be more sensitive to glare. Night glare is more common and may last for up to three months.

Patients with dry eyes sometimes find that the condition worsens after surgery. These patients might need to use lubricating drops for the first three to six months.

Discomfort after the operation is rare but some people have mild irritation, sensitivity to glare, watery or dry eyes. These are usually short-term symptoms.

More information:

For more detailed information about this treatment, and other refractive surgical options, we recommend you visit the Laser Sight website.

We offer these types of procedures for vision corrections: LASIK, wavefront guided excimer correction, PRK, Phakic ICLs, Clear lensectomy and Cataract surgery.