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SMILE® Pro, LASIK, PRESBYOND®, PRK
Laser Eye Surgery
Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? Our laser eye surgery here in Sydney offers a permanent solution to correct your vision and rid you of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. We offer a wide range of laser refractive treatments including SMILE® Pro, LASIK, laser blended vision (PRESBYOND®) and PRK. At Eagle Eye Surgeons, our surgeons use the most advanced Zeiss laser refractive suite technology, including the Visumax 800 Femtosecond laser and the Mel 90 Excimer laser.
Making the decision to undergo laser refractive surgery is a big step towards achieving clearer vision, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Book your appointment with our team at Eagle Eye Surgeons. and take our laser suitability quiz to determine your eligibility and the best choice of treatment for you.
Understanding the different types of laser refractive surgery – SMILE® Pro, LASIK, PRESBYOND®, PRK.
Laser refractive surgery has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, providing an effective means of correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The three most common types of laser refractive surgery are SMILE® Pro, LASIK and PRK. Each procedure has its own unique advantages and considerations, catering to different individuals and their specific needs. Our procedures are performed using advanced Zeiss laser technology to support precision and visual outcomes.
SMILE® Pro
(Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a thin disc-shaped lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. This technique preserves more of the corneal structure, leading to faster recovery times and reducing the risk of dry eye compared to other laser procedures. SMILE® Pro is suitable for individuals with higher degrees of nearsightedness, moderate farsightedness and up to 5D of astigmatism.
LASIK
(Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most well-known and widely performed laser refractive surgery. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea using a femtosecond laser, which is then lifted to allow the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, acting as a natural bandage during the healing process. LASIK is known for its quick recovery, minimal discomfort, and high success rates.
PRK
(Photorefractive Keratectomy) is an older technique that predates LASIK but is still widely used today, especially when LASIK is not an option. With PRK, the thin outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is removed to allow direct reshaping of the underlying cornea with the excimer laser. The epithelium then regenerates naturally over time. While PRK has a longer recovery period compared to LASIK, it may be a better choice for individuals with thinner corneas or certain corneal irregularities such as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.
Laser Blended Vision
PRESBYOND® is a type of advanced laser eye surgery specifically designed to treat presbyopia, an age-related condition that affects near vision and causes the need for reading glasses. This process usually starts around the age of 40. We are one of the only clinics in Australia to offer this treatment and the only clinic in Sydney. This procedure combines the benefits of LASIK with additional technology to improve near vision without compromising distance vision. PRESBYOND® is suitable for patients who have presbyopia along with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. This may be the best choice of treatment if you are reliant on reading glasses. If you need reading glasses, you can find further information regarding this potentially life changing procedure here.
Pros and cons of SMILE® Pro
SMILE has gained popularity in recent years due to its minimally invasive nature and potential benefits compared to LASIK and PRK. Here are some pros and cons to consider when evaluating SMILE as a potential option for your laser refractive surgery:
Pros:
- Minimally invasive: With SMILE, only a small incision is made, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for faster healing and visual recovery. Absence of a flap also removes the small chance of flap related complications. As a result SMILE usually has complete recovery within 3 days, making this an optimal choice for patients who participate in a range of sporting activities.
- Preserves corneal structure and reduced dry eye symptoms: SMILE removes a smaller amount of corneal tissue compared to LASIK and PRK, potentially leading to better long-term stability of the cornea. SMILE may result in fewer cases of dry eye compared to LASIK, as less of the surface corneal nerves are disrupted, one of the major benefits of the procedure.
- Can now be used to treat farsightedness in addition to shortsightedness and astigmatism.
- High success rates and Quick Recovery: SMILE has a proven track record of safety and efficacy, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Most patients experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours after SMILE, with minimal discomfort.
Cons:
- Limited availability: SMILE may not be widely available in all locations, as it is a newer procedure that requires specialized equipment and training. We offer SMILE with the latest technology, the Visumax 800 laser system part of the Zeiss refractive laser suite, at Eagle Eye Surgeons.
- Less flexibility in treatment options: SMILE is primarily suitable for correcting nearsightedness and may not be as effective or offer the same range of treatments for individuals with astigmatism or farsightedness.
Pros and cons of LASIK
LASIK has been the gold standard for laser refractive surgery for many years, and its popularity continues to grow. Here are some pros and cons to consider when evaluating LASIK as a potential option for your laser refractive surgery:
Pros:
- Quick recovery: Most people experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours after LASIK, with minimal discomfort.
- Versatility: LASIK can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- High success rates: LASIK has a proven track record of safety and efficacy, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Cons:
- Flap-related complications: While rare, LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, which can sometimes lead to complications such as epithelial ingrowth, flap dislocation and rarely, infection.
- Dry eye symptoms: Some individuals may experience temporary or even persistent dryness after LASIK which can take months to resolve, although advancements in technology and peri-operative treatment of dry eye have reduced this risk.
- Corneal thickness limitation: LASIK requires a certain amount of corneal thickness to safely create a flap and perform the procedure, and individuals with thin corneas may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
Pros and cons of PRK
PRK involves removing the surface layer, ‘the epithelium’, of the cornea and then applying treatment with the excimer laser. It has a longer recovery time than other procedures and a higher risk of dry eye, and we recommend it to a minority of patients. PRK may be a suitable option for individuals who are not candidates for LASIK due to thinner corneas or other corneal irregularities, or sometimes for patients who have had previous laser eye surgery.
Pros:
- Suitable for thinner corneas: PRK can be a better choice for individuals with thinner corneas, as it does not require the creation of a corneal flap like LASIK.
- No flap-related complications: Since PRK does not involve creating a flap, there is no risk of flap-related complications such as dislocation or epithelial ingrowth.
- Stable long-term results: PRK has been shown to provide stable long-term visual outcomes, making it a reliable choice for certain individuals.
Cons:
- Longer recovery time: Compared to LASIK, PRK has a longer recovery period, as the epithelium needs to regenerate after it is removed during the procedure. There is the small risk of epithelium related complications such as delayed healing or rarely, infection.
- Increased discomfort: Some individuals may experience more discomfort during the initial healing phase after PRK compared to LASIK. We will apply a bandage contact lens to the eye following the procedure that our surgeons will remove for you at the 1 week follow-up. You will be required to see the surgeon at day 1, day 3, day 5 and day 7 post procedure.
- Potential haze: Although rare, a small percentage of PRK patients may develop corneal haze, which can temporarily or in some cases permanently affect vision clarity. The risk of this is reduced by application of a specialized chemical called Mitomycin C during the laser surgery procedure.
Factors to consider when choosing the right laser refractive surgery
When determining the right laser refractive surgery for you, our team will evaluate and consider many factors. These include:
1. Refractive error
Different procedures may be more suitable for correcting specific refractive errors. For example, SMILE may be more effective for individuals with higher degrees of nearsightedness, while LASIK can correct a wider range of refractive errors.
2. Corneal thickness
LASIK requires a certain amount of corneal thickness to create a flap, so individuals with thinner corneas may be better suited for PRK or alternative options.
3. Stability of vision
If your refractive error has been stable for at least a year, you may be a good candidate for laser refractive surgery. It is essential to have a thorough eye examination to determine the stability of your vision.
4. Lifestyle considerations
Consider your lifestyle and activities that may affect your decision. For example, if you participate in contact sports or have a high-risk occupation, SMILE may be preferred due to the reduced risk of flap-related complications.
Our highly trained Eagle Eye surgeons will carefully consider all factors and discuss the different options with you, so you can make an informed decision about the most suitable laser refractive surgery option for your specific needs.
HOW IT WORKS
The laser surgery process
Initial Appointment
At your initial appointment our team will thoroughly examine your eyes and determine whether you are eligible for laser eye surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the results with you and tailor the best treatment option for you, depending on your eyes and what your requirements are.
| Type of Lens Worn | |
Soft Lenses(daily or extended wear and toric) |
|
Hard Lenses(toric and true/polymethyl methacrylate) |
|
Day of Surgery
Preparation: On the day of surgery, our team will guide you through pre-operative preparations and informed consent, addressing any questions or concerns. You will be instructed to:
- Make sure contact lenses are not worn 5 days prior to surgery,
- That your face is devoid of any makeup or facial lotions,
- That you have a chaperone to take you home following your surgery,
- That you have taken Paracetamol or Ibuprofen 1-2 hours prior to the surgery and
- That you bring sunglasses to protect your eyes post surgery.
Procedure: The laser eye surgery procedure is typically very quick and painless. It is performed using local anesthetic eye drops. No needles are used to numb the eye. In select cases, if needed, a low dose of sedative as an oral tablet may be given before the procedure. We do require your cooperation during the procedure to follow commands so you will need to be awake during the procedure to ensure optimal visual results. It takes a few minutes per eye, and both eyes are treated at the same time. Our experienced surgeons will ensure your comfort throughout the process.
After the procedure
Recovery: This will vary between patients. As a general rule, immediate recovery is common, and patients can expect improved vision shortly after the surgery (usually 24-48 hours after SMILE® Pro and LASIK). For PRK, recovery is longer (usually 2-4 weeks).
Post-Operative Care: Detailed post-operative care instructions will be provided, including the use of prescribed medications and follow-up appointments. To manage dry eyes we also recommend that patients use preservative free lubricating eye drops and Omega 3 supplements.
Alternatives to laser refractive surgery
Some patients may be better candidates for non-laser refractive surgery options that also provide lasting vision correction. We offer Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation and Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), which in some cases are a better choice of procedure. These procedures can correct vision so you no longer need glasses, and also potentially remove the need for reading glasses if you have presbyopia.
Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL)
- Procedure: Phakic IOL involves implanting a corrective lens directly into the eye while preserving the natural lens (phakic means the natural lens is still in place) and is generally suitable for people under 45 years of age. These artificial lenses are made from a soft, pliable material, a biocompatible collagen polymer that offers UV protection.
- Suitability: Ideal for treating people with high refractive errors or those who are not suitable candidates for laser surgery.
- Advantages: Preserves the natural lens, enabling potential adjustments in the future. Suitable for people with thin corneas. The lens can permanently correct your vision, yet it is a reversible procedure and no corneal tissue is altered. The procedure, performed in an operating suite, is generally quick (10 to 15 minutes per eye) and recovery is in a few short days. If in the unlikely event you need or wish to have the lens removed, this can be easily facilitated by our surgeons.
- Disadvantages: Night vision can be impacted with peripheral and/or central haloes and/or starbursts. It does not reduce or eliminate the need for future cataract surgery. For patients with the symptoms of presbyopia, near vision glasses are needed for precise activities. The risks of lens based surgery apply and are covered in detail in our patient brochure which you will receive during the informed consent process.
Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)
- Procedure Overview: Clear Lens Extraction, similar to cataract surgery, involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
- Suitability: Commonly recommended for people with presbyopia who are not suitable candidates for laser blended vision, or those seeking a permanent solution for refractive errors.
- Advantages: Addresses refractive errors and provides a long-term solution. Can correct presbyopia by choosing a multifocal lens. As the native phakic lens is removed you will not need cataract surgery in the future which will minimise the likelihood of requiring eye surgery later in life.
- Disadvantages: There is no guarantee that RLE will improve your vision or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. After the procedure you may still need glasses or contact lenses for some purposes, either immediately after the procedure or years later. The risks of lens based surgery apply and are covered in detail in our patient brochure which you will receive during the informed consent process.
If you are a candidate for lens based refractive surgery, the choice between whether phakic IOL or clear lens exchange is better for you depends on factors such as age, eye health, and the eyes refractive error. Our experts at Eagle Eye Surgeons will guide you in the most appropriate direction to obtain optimal visual results and achieve your goals.
Glasses & contact lenses remain safe traditional alternatives to laser refractive surgery and lens based surgery.
Is Laser Eye Surgery for you?
Laser Eye Surgery Eligibility
Laser eye surgery is often the best choice for vision correction, but not everyone is automatically eligible. The eligibility criteria include:
- Stable Prescription: Candidates should have a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
- Healthy Eyes: There must be no evidence of corneal ectasia (keratoconus) and there must be an absence of other eye diseases like glaucoma or infections. At Eagle Eye Surgeons we conduct a thorough screening assessment to identify any pre-existing eye conditions.
- Adequate Corneal Thickness: A sufficient thickness of the cornea is crucial for procedures like LASIK.
- Age: Candidates should be at least 18 years old for procedures like LASIK. This is because your vision and glasses need may not be stable until this time. After the age of 65 you are likely to develop lens changes or early cataract so lens based procedures are generally more appropriate than laser based surgery.
- Pregnancy: People are not eligible for laser eye surgery whilst pregnant and within 3 months post-partum, as the hormonal changes can affect your cornea and script.
Preparing for Laser Refractive Surgery at Eagle Eye Surgeons
Follow pre-operative instructions
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow before the surgery. This may include avoiding contact lenses for a certain period before the procedure, as well as any necessary medications or eye drops.
| Type of Lens Worn | |
Soft Lenses(daily or extended wear and toric) |
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Hard Lenses(toric and true/polymethyl methacrylate) |
|
Arrange transportation
Since you may experience blurry vision immediately after the procedure, it’s important to arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility.
Arrange for time off
Plan for several days off work or other activities to allow for a smooth recovery. While the recovery period varies depending on the procedure, most individuals can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. We know that many of our patients are busy professionals, and that arranging time off work can be difficult. With LASIK or SMILE procedures you can elect to have these at our practice on a Friday or Saturday, and people can often return to work on Monday. For PRK a minimum of one week should be taken off work to allow for adequate healing.
Follow post-operative instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops and any restrictions on activities. It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing.
Attend follow-up appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress and ensure that your eyes are healing properly. We ask that you please attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any concerns or issues you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Eye Surgery at Eagle Eye Surgeons
We offer the most advanced options for laser eye surgery, including SMILE® Pro, LASIK, laser blended vision (PRESBYOND®) and PRK.
Each of these procedures has its own advantages and considerations, and the best choice depends on your overall eye health and specific vision needs. SMILE and LASIK have the fastest procedure times and are often our recommended choice of procedure. PRK has a longer healing time and more discomfort after the procedure. We recommend this to a minority of people, when other techniques are unsuitable. Our surgeons may recommend this if you have a thin corneas or preexisting corneal conditions.
Laser blended vision, PRESBYOND® is a type of laser eye surgery specifically designed to treat presbyopia, an age-related condition that affects near vision and causes the need for reading glasses, generally starting from around the age of 40. It is a sophisticated procedure performed with the Mel 90 excimer laser by Carl Zeiss Meditech. This procedure combines the benefits of LASIK with additional technology to improve near vision without compromising distance or intermediate vision by optimizing the spherical aberration or the range of focus of each eye. Laser blended vision corrects your dominant eye for distance vision and your non-dominant eye for near vision. PRESBYOND® is suitable for people who have presbyopia along with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. If you need reading glasses, this may be the best choice of treatment.
Laser eye surgery has a high success rate and the vast majority of people achieve significantly improved vision without complications. Most people can expect to be glasses free, although it cannot be absolutely guaranteed, particularly if you have a high refractive error. Laser enhancements or touchups are needed in around 1-5% of cases.
The amount of time needed off work after laser eye surgery, including LASIK, SMILE, and PRK, can vary based on individual factors and the nature of the procedure.
1. LASIK & Presbyond:
- Return to work: Many people can return to work within 24 to 48 hours after LASIK. While vision improves rapidly, sometimes you may experience temporary visual fluctuations during the initial recovery period.
- Driving: Vision is often good enough to return to driving after 24 hours.
2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- Return to work: Recovery after SMILE may be 3-5 days for return to work, although often it is possible to return to work within 1-2 days.
- Driving: Vision is typically good enough within 24-48 hours.
3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- Return to work: PRK involves a longer initial recovery compared to LASIK or SMILE. You may require up to 1-2 weeks before being comfortable to return to work.
- Driving: Between a few days to 2 weeks. The recovery is longer than for LASIK and SMILE procedures.
- Full Stabilization: Full stabilization of vision may take several weeks to months.
The timeline for returning to work and driving depends on your individual healing rate, and it is crucial to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by our surgeon. To legally and safely drive after surgery you need sufficient visual acuity and stability. Our surgeons will see you on day one after the laser procedure and early in the post-procedure period to ensure you are safe to return to these activities.
The time frame for flying after laser eye surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure you undergo (e.g., LASIK, SMILE, PRK) and individual healing rates. These are general guidelines, but it’s crucial to follow the advice provided by your surgeon:
LASIK & Presbyond:
- Typical Recommendation: Many individuals can fly within 24-48 hours after LASIK, as the initial recovery is relatively quick.
2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- Typical Recommendation: Patients often resume air travel within a 24-48 hours after SMILE.
3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- Typical Recommendation: Patients typically need to wait 3-5 days before flying after PRK.
- Considerations: PRK involves the removal of the outer corneal layer, and the healing process may take a bit longer compared to LASIK or SMILE. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your individual case.
It’s important to feel physically comfortable and confident in your healing before engaging in activities like air travel and to ensure you have access to appropriate follow-up prior to organising travel arrangements.
While we understand that you may be eager to proceed with laser eye surgery promptly, we do not offer same-day consults and laser surgery for several important reasons:
- A comprehensive dilated pupil exam is a crucial step to assess the overall health of the eye and determine the suitability for laser surgery. This examination cannot be compromised, as it provides essential information to make sure it is safe for you to have the procedure.
- Accurate laser surgery is dependent on a stable refraction, and rushing through the process on the same day may not allow for a reliable assessment of refractive stability. Ensuring your prescription has remained consistent over time is vital for the success and safety of the laser treatment.
- Our dedicated team at Eagle Eye Surgeons are committed to delivering the best possible outcome for you. They will conduct a thorough examination to ensure you are the right candidate for the procedure and tailor the approach to your needs. We want you to achieve your optimal vision without glasses, but we believe in doing it the right way, not the fastest. It is important for you to have time to thoroughly understand the procedure, and a chance to ask any questions, before making a decision.
We encourage you to take at least a week to reflect on the decision to proceed with the procedure. It is important to have adequate time to think and make a confident well-informed decision, before embarking on this transformative journey. Our team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Your safety, satisfaction, and achieving the best vision possible are our top priorities.
At our Eagle Eye Surgeons clinic, we recognize the importance of convenience and flexibility for our patients undergoing laser eye surgery. To accommodate the needs of those who prefer a seamless transition back to work, we offer laser vision correction at multiple times during the week.
We know that many people are busy with work and other important commitments during the week and that it is not easy to take the time out for laser vision correction. To make the treatment easier to access, we also offer consultations and laser treatments on select Saturdays. People who have LASIK or SMILE are typically comfortable to both drive and return to work by Monday. This means you can have the treatment and most likely won’t need any time off. Patients who have PRK will require a slightly longer recovery and need a minimum of 7 days off work.
Our commitment is to make your laser eye surgery experience as convenient and tailored to your individual needs as possible.
Yes. Eagle Eye Surgeons are the only laser clinic in Sydney offering laser surgery consults and procedures on Saturday. We recognise the challenges of finding the free time for appointments during the typical workweek, and so we have dedicated a few Saturdays per month for people seeking the benefits of laser refractive surgery with minimal disruption to their schedules.
This allows people who want to be glasses/contact lens free but find it challenging to take time off during regular weekdays to benefit from laser vision correction. While we cannot guarantee absolute zero-time off work, LASIK and SMILE procedures typically enable patients to return to their regular activities by Monday.
Most of the time your vision will be stable after laser surgery. Occasionally, in approximately 1-5% of people, touch-up laser treatments are needed to optimise results if there is minor persistent refractive error, or if your eyes regress or progress over time. We are dedicated to your long-term visual well-being and will perform any additional laser re-treatments needed within the next 2 years at no additional charge.
Due to the differences in the healing process after surgery the timing and number of follow up appointments after surgery differs slightly for patients who undergo LASIK, SMILE or PRK procedures. For all procedures our surgeons will see you at day 1, 1-2 weeks and 3 months after the procedure. More follow up appointments are needed in the initial recovery stages of PRK than other treatments because the epithelium which covers the front of the eye is removed with the laser. To protect the eye a contact lens is needed until this is healed, and healing takes longer than for other procedures.
Laser refractive surgery is unable to correct vision defects including: amblyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, and retinal vision loss, which do not arise from refractive errors. Generally people with these pre-existing conditions are not candidates for laser refractive surgery.
Laser refractive surgery is unable to correct vision defects including: amblyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, and retinal vision loss, which do not arise from refractive errors. Generally patients with these pre-existing conditions are not candidates for laser refractive surgery.
| Resume swimming | Resume sports (including contact sports) | |
| SMILE | 5 days | 5 days |
| LASIK | 1 week (with goggles) 4 weeks (no goggles) |
1 week (light exercise) 4 weeks (contact sports) |
| PRK | 1 week (with goggles) 4 weeks (no goggles) |
1 week (light exercise) assuming contact lens has been removed |
*** Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided to our patients in our post-operative manual.
*** It is important that you do NOT RUB your eyes, that you ensure that your eyes are protected from UV damage with sunglasses.
*** It is crucial that for all contact sports post-operatively patients attempt to wear eye protection and proceed with caution to minimize the risk of damage to the eyes.
All eye makeup should be avoided for 5 days prior to surgery. Post LASIK and PRK surgery eye makeup should not be applied for 1 week. Eye makeup is not to be applied post PRK until the contact lens has been removed by your surgeon. For SMILE eye makeup can be applied 5 days post surgery. False eyelashes, eyelash extension and eyelid tattoos should be avoided for a minimum of 4 weeks post all types of laser surgery.
Several alternate options in addition to traditional laser vision correction
Additional procedures our Eagle Eye Surgeons may suggest if they think it is the best option for you are:
PRESBYOND®, Laser Blended Vision
Presbyond is a LASIK based procedure, but may be a better procedure if you need reading glasses.
- Suitability: Ideal for people with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). This is often the optimal treatment for people aged 40 to 60 years of age, in the absence of cataract.
- Procedure: Combines LASIK with specialised technology centred around optimising the natural spherical aberrations of the eyes and utilising the concept of laser blended vision to address both distance and near vision, to get you free of glasses for distance vision and for reading.
STAAR Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer EVO Lens)
- Suitability: Recommended for those with high refractive errors (high myopia or hyperopia) who may not be suitable for laser surgery.
- Procedure: Involves implanting a corrective lens while preserving the natural lens (phakic).
Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)
- Suitability: Suitable for people with presbyopia, high refractive errors, or those seeking a permanent vision correction solution.
- Procedure: Similar to cataract surgery, replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens in the absence of a cataract.
Premium cataract surgery
- Suitability: Relevant for people with cataracts impacting vision and/or who are afflicted by presbyopia.
- Procedure: Involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant.
CONTACT US
Book your complimentary laser assessment
A thorough eye examination and consultation with an eye care professional is crucial to determine the most suitable option. Book your appointment with our Eagle Eye Refractive Surgeons to evaluate your eligibility and tailor the best solution for your vision. If you are not eligible for laser surgery, you may still be a good candidate for a lens based procedure to correct your vision.
Initial Appointment
At your initial appointment our team will thoroughly examine your eyes and determine whether you are eligible for laser eye surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the results with you and tailor the best treatment option for you, depending on your eyes and what your requirements are. Preparing for the appointment:
- Bring all contact lenses, glasses, list of regular medications
- Contact lenses cause warpage of your cornea and cause inaccurate refractive results.
- Do not wear soft contact lenses for 48 hours leading up to your appointment and five days prior to surgery.
- If you are a hard contact lens wearer generally they will need to be removed for 1 month for each decade you have worn them for, prior to the initial assessment (generally a minimum of 2 weeks prior to initial assessment). You will need to be assessed by your own optometrist monthly for three months prior to surgery to make sure your vision has stabilized. Once the measurements and initial consultation have taken place, you may wear soft disposable lenses up to 5 days prior to surgery.
- The initial appointment will last 1-2 hours. Your pupils may be dilated so you are not able to drive to/from the appointment, or within 2 hours of the appointment. A dilated examination is important to ensure you are a safe candidate for the procedure.
- Optometrist Consultation: You will initially be seen by our skilled optometrist to assess eligibility for laser eye surgery.
- Ophthalmologist Consultation: Eligible patients proceed to a detailed consultation with our ophthalmologist to discuss the best treatment options.