Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
- What can you expect from it?
- Are you suitable for it?
- What is involved in having it done?
- How long does it last?
- Are there limits on what can be corrected?
- How do I know if I am suitable for LASIK?
- How long does the procedure take?
- Is the treatment permanent?
- When can I drive after LASIK?
- When can I go back to work?
- Are follow up consultations covered by the initial fees?
- If I require further treatment do I have to pay?
- What are the potential risks?
Surgery FAQs
- What can I do to prepare my eyes for the procedure?
- Why do contact lenses need to be left out before my treatment?
- How long does the procedure take?
- What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?
- When can I go back to work?
- How long is it until the flap is secure?
- Is the procedure permanent?
Recovery FAQs
- What should I do immediately after my treatment?
- How long should I use these protective plastic shields?
- When can I drive again?
- What are the medicated eye drops for?
- When can I go back to work?
- What can I expect in the following weeks after my surgery?
- Why should I use the lubricant eye drops?
- How often should I use the lubricant drops?
- What are the best lubricants drops to use?
- Does air-conditioning or heating affect my eyes?
- What about reading or working on the computer?
- What sunglasses should I wear?
- What about washing my showering and washing my hair?
- What shouldn't I do after LASIK?
- When can I wear eye makeup?
- How long before I can fly in a commercial airliner?
- Why does my vision sometimes go blurry, but then clears when I blink?
- Why is my vision worse at the end of the day?
- What if I have dry, gritty, watery, scratchy eyes or feel like there is something in them?
- What if I have itchy eyes?
- What if I get very red eyes?
What can you expect from it?
Laser eye correction is safe and effective. Most people are extremely happy with their results and wish they had done it years ago.
However you should be aware that like any innovative surgery, it’s not always a textbook result. Even using the most up-to-date technology and lasers, we cannot guarantee everyone will walk away with perfect vision afterwards. Even though you’re unaided vision will have improved, you may notice it will not be as good as it is now when wearing glasses, and often one eye will have stronger vision that the other.
Healing time can also vary person to person, though in general recovery will only be 1 to 2 days.
And finally, while most people will be able to function without glasses, some with high prescriptions may need to wear glasses for certain occasions, such as driving at night.
Are you suitable for it?
Not everybody can have, or should have, laser eye correction.
You may not be suitable if your prescription measurements are out of the range that can be corrected, or if your corneas are too thin.
There could also be other issues with your eyes that may mean you should not go ahead with the treatment, such as: severe dry eye, glaucoma, or retinal problems. We will usually not perform refractive surgery if one eye is significantly amblyopic (lazy). If there is any sign of cataract then it is not sensible to have LASIK.
The surgery also may not be able to achieve what you want it to do. You should have a reasonable expectation of what results can be achieved.
What is involved in having it done?
The laser treatment takes around 1 to 2 hours and is performed at the Lions Laser Vision Centre. You will have some oral sedation and analgesia and will need someone to drive you home after the treatment. It is also a good idea to have someone drive you back to the centre the next day.
The LASIK procedure itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye and is performed with local anaesthetic eye drops. You will be lying comfortably on a bed during the procedure and the surgeon will talk you through each step. The anaesthetic drops stop you feeling the need to blink and your eyes will be held open so that you cannot blink. The laser part itself will take between 15 and 60 seconds. You will need to be able to lie still and keep your eye steady while looking at a target light for this part of the procedure. The laser will track your eye movements during the treatment which is why it is important to keep as still possible. The procedure is usually not painful but there are some unpleasant sensations, including some pulling and stretching of the eyelids, pressure, and very bright lights.
How long does it last?
After the procedure, it takes around 3 months or more for your vision to completely stabilise. However you’ll notice the most change within the first month.
After this time you should not see any change in your distance vision for a long time. The effect of the LASIK surgery does not wear off, but your eyes can continue to change with age.
If your eyes do change then it may mean that glasses, or another laser treatment, are necessary years down the track. This is less likely for older people and those with lower levels of nearsightedness.
Near vision usually starts to deteriorate in mid-to-late 40's. When that starts it will be necessary to use glasses for near vision in some circumstances and the need for these will gradually increase as you get older.
Are there limits to how much refractive error can be corrected?
Yes, there are. The limits for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism can depend on many factors, especially the thickness of your cornea. This is something that can only be determined at your consultation.
How do I know if I am suitable for LASIK?
To find out if you’re suitable for LASIK you’ll need to book in for a consultation. We will check your condition and look at the general health of your eyes. We will then discuss the procedure and what results you can expect. If you would like to check your suitability or if you have other questions please contact us on (08) 9381 0758.
How long does it take?
The treatment itself takes 15-20 minutes per eye, but you will need to allow about 90 minutes for the whole procedure.
Is the treatment permanent?
Yes, the shape and focus of your cornea will alter permanently. This does not mean that your vision will not change over the years. As you age you naturally may become more short or long sighted.
When can I drive after LASIK?
In most cases you will be able to drive the day after LASIK. However, it’s best that you allow some time to adjust to the change. Ideally you should wait until after your ‘next day visit’ with the surgeon who will let you know whether it is safe to do so.
When can I go back to work?
Most people require two days off work, the day of the procedure and the day after. If you’re booked in for a Friday procedure, you may only need one day off work, and can return to work after the weekend.
Some people will require longer, depending on their occupation. If you’re in a job that requires a lot of reading or computer use, it could take some time to feel completely comfortable with your vision. You may find your eyes getting tired quicker and you cannot concentrate as long as usual.
Those over 40 may also find it takes longer to adjust to their new vision.
Are follow up consultations covered by the initial fees?
Your follow up visits are covered for the first month, but after this time visits with the Ophthalmologist or Optometrist will be charged.
If I require further treatment do I have to pay?
Any further surgery performed within the first year will incur no extra charge, but after twelve months fees do apply.
What are the potential risks?
LASIK is a surgical procedure and as such has some associated risks and potential complications. You should be aware of these risks before going ahead with the treatment. The good news is, with improved technology, complications that can affect your vision are very uncommon.
Complications that may occur include:
- Over correction and under correction
- Complications creating the flap
- Haloes and night glare
- Flap slippage
- Loss of best corrected vision
- Epithelial in growth
- Dry eyes
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK)
- Kerectasia
Our surgeons are all trained corneal specialists who have the expertise and experience to deal with any complications that may arise. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.
What can I do to prepare my eyes before the procedure?
Research has shown that using a lubricant on your eyes (artificial tears) before surgery can improve the results of you LASIK procedure. You can start using lubricant drops at least one week, preferably two, prior to surgery. Apply the drops at least 3 times per day.
When your book your procedure you will be given a pre-operation instruction letter. If you have been told that dry eye is an issue for you then it can help to start taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (fish oil or flaxseed oil) at 2-3 capsules per day.
Why do contact lenses need to be left out before the surgery?
It’s essential that contact lenses are left out prior to the consultation and procedure as they may alter the natural curve of the cornea. To have accurate results we need to know what the natural curve of the cornea is.
How long does it take?
The treatment itself takes 15-20 minutes per eye, but you will need to allow about 90 minutes for the whole procedure.
What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?
The technology we have incorporates a multi-dimensional eye tracking system. This device can track tiny eye movements and will guide the laser to follow them, however if you move your eye outside of the tracking range the eye tracker will force the laser to stop the treatment. This is not harmful to the eyes, it just means the procedure will need to start again.
When can I go back to work?
Most people require two days off work, the day of the procedure and the day after. If you’re booked in for a Friday procedure, you may only need one day off work, and can return to work after the weekend.
Some people will require longer, depending on their occupation. If you’re in a job that requires a lot of reading or computer use, it could take some time to feel completely comfortable with your vision. You may find your eyes getting tired quicker and you cannot concentrate as long as usual.
Those over 40 may also find it takes longer to adjust to their new vision.
How long is it until the flap is secure?
Unless there is contact with the flap, it will settle into place and not move after the treatment.
Is the procedure permanent?
Yes, the shape and focus of your cornea will alters permanently. This does not mean that your vision will not change, though. As you age you naturally may become more near or far sighted.
What should I do immediately after my treatment?
Your eyes will be gritty and irritable and very sensitive to light for several hours afterwards. They usually water a lot. You will probably not feel like doing much other than sleeping, make sure you rest with your eyes closed. You can watch some TV but keep it to a minimum. Make sure you keep the shields on your eyes until the next morning, except to remove them before bed to put a drop from each medication bottle in your eyes before replacing them again. Your vision will be blurry on the day of surgery but should start to clear by the next morning. Keep water out of your eyes in the first week after surgery.
How long should I use these protective plastic shields?
Tape the shields on at night for at least 3 nights to avoid accidental rubbing of your eyes when you are asleep. You can take the shields off at home on the first post-operative visit. During the day just wear your sunglasses.
When can I drive again?
In most cases you will be able to drive the day after LASIK. However, it’s best that you allow some time to adjust to the change. Ideally you should wait until after your ‘next day visit’ with the surgeon who will let you know whether it is safe to do so.
What are the medicated eye drops for?
Both are used as preventative measures. One is an anti-inflammatory to help make the eyes more comfortable and the other an antibiotic. These should be used as instructed by your surgeon.
When can I go back to work?
Most people require two days off work, the day of the procedure and the day after. If you’re booked in for a Friday procedure, you may only need one day off work, and can return to work after the weekend.
Some people will require longer, depending on their occupation. If you’re in a job that requires a lot of reading or computer use, it could take some time to feel completely comfortable with your vision. You may find your eyes getting tired quicker and you cannot concentrate as long as usual.
Those over 40 may also find it takes longer to adjust to their new vision.
What can I expect in the following weeks after surgery?
There will be some fluctuation in your vision for the first few days to one week as the corneal flap is settling down. It may take longer for moderate or higher corrections to settle completely. Your eyes may remain sensitive to dryness/wind/air-conditioning/bright lights for some time, so you should use lubricant eye drops frequently and always wear wrap around/large sunglasses when outside during the day. In some cases it can take up to 3 months for your eyes to completely stabilise. It takes longer for the night-time vision to improve than day-time vision.
Why should I use the lubricant eye drops?
In the first few months after your treatment your eyes will be producing fewer tears, and therefore will be drier. This is a result of the cut nerves in the cornea, which is a normal part of the procedure. As these nerves grow back you’ll notice the eyes becoming more lubricated. The eye surface needs to be constantly wet to give clear and stable vision. Dry eyes have been shown to reduce the effectiveness of LASIK so it is in your best interest to use artificial tears liberally in those first few months. Do not use gel lubricants for 2 weeks after surgery unless directed to by the surgeon.
How often should I use the lubricant drops?
The more you use them, the better your eyes will feel. Unlike skin moisturisers, the drops drain away very quickly and need to be replaced often. Normally people need to use the drops every hour initially but this can be slowly reduced to every 2 hours, then 4 times per day (during waking hours).
What are the best lubricants drops to use?
The best drops are in the break-open containers, as they do not contain a preservative (Cellufresh, Luxyal, Refresh, BionTears, TheraTears, Systane Unit Dose). Make sure you dispose of these on the day they are opened. We have found that Cellufresh work well during the day. Thicker gel type lubricants such as Poly Gel or Viscotears work well for night time use. (Gel lubricants are not to be used in the first fortnight after treatment)
All of these drops can be bought over-the-counter.
Does air-conditioning or heating affect my eyes?
Both air-conditioning and heating decrease humidity and can result in drier eyes. If you go back to work and find your eyes drier than at home make sure you are not sitting in the path of an air vent and remember to blink when using the computer.
What about reading or working on the computer?
This can take some time to adjust to. If you had reading glasses or Bifocals/Multifocals prior to the procedure, or are more than 40 years old, you will most probably need reading glasses afterwards. Immediately after your treatment you can use some over-the-counter magnifying spectacles to get you by. At the 1-2 month visit we can prescribe some prescription reading glasses, if needed. For those who work regularly on a computer, you may find your eyes getting tired quicker and you cannot concentrate as long as usual. You should try and take frequent short breaks to allow your eyes to move more naturally if this is happening.
What sunglasses should I wear?
Your sunglasses should meet Australian Standards (check the tag) and have 100% UV protection. Many people also find polarised lenses, which block glare off the road or water, are better. It is good to get either a wrap-around frame or very large pair of sunglasses that fit snugly around your eyes/brow to block glare and wind from the sides.
What about washing my showering & washing my hair?
It is best to keep your eyes closed when showering and washing your hair and face for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.
What shouldn't I do after LASIK?
As far as activities go, don't go swimming at the beach or in a pool for at least one week after your treatment. The same applies for using a spa. Avoid surfing for at least two weeks and allow one month before scuba diving. Light exercise is fine within the first week. Just be careful around other people and do not rub your eyes if you get sweat in them. All contact sports should be avoided for at least one month. Never rub your eyes hard, and even more importantly, don't rub them even normally for at least the first month.
When can I wear eye makeup?
Do not use any eye makeup for at least one week after surgery. Try to avoid using makeup on the eyelids and lid margins for longer. When using eye makeup again try to use a hypo-allergenic type. Avoid mascara that lengthens lashes as the filaments tend to fall into your eyes throughout the day.
How long before I can fly in a commercial airliner?
There is no restriction on flying, but the humidity in the cabin is extremely low, which can result in dry eyes. Use lubricating drops or gel frequently on the flight to avoid sore, dry eyes and blurred vision after the flight.
Why does my vision sometimes go blurry but then clears when I blink?
This is a sign of dry eyes. If your eyes are dry the tears become very thick, like sludge, and you often need to blink a few times to clear it. If this happens you should start using the daytime lubricant drops more often (hourly). Contact us if it does not improve over time.
Why is my vision worse at the end of the day?
It is normal for your eyes to get drier as the day goes on and this interferes with the quality of vision. If you work on a computer or are concentrating on near work all day it can be hard to relax the eyes for distance vision and therefore they will seem blurry. You also tend to blink less when reading or using the computer and that will make the eyes drier. If this happens, make sure you use the lubricating drops more frequently and take frequent, short breaks from the computer to allow your eyes to move and blink more naturally.
What if I have dry, gritty, watery, scratchy eyes or feel like there is something in them?
This is related to reduced tear production. Your eyes often dry out after LASIK so will need to use eye lubricants. The more you use them the better this will get. Using the drops every hour is not too often. Don’t think that you can tough it out and not use drops, you’ll only make the situation worse in the long run.
What if I have itchy eyes?
This is an allergy response, so you may have got something in your eye (dust, pollen, animal hair). You can take an over the-counter anti-histamine tablets or use anti-histamine eye drops as directed, both available over the counter. We have found that either Zaditen or Naphcon work well.
What if I get very red eyes?
Some redness immediately after LASIK is common, especially where the white meets the clear part of your eye. These red patches are like small bruises and will clear over the first week or so. They are nothing to be worried about. If your eyes have become red some time after having your treatment this will mainly be due to dryness. In this case start using the lubricant drops, and if it doesn't improve steadily make sure you contact us.
For more information please contact us.
