The Laser Vision Experience

Initial Consultation and Discussion

At this initial consultation you will have a detailed eye health history taken and a full eye examination.  This thorough examination process will take approximately 1 hour. This will vary from person to person depending on the equipment used and tests you require.

If you wear contact lenses you may be asked to leave them out for a period of time prior to your assessment.  Please check with your clinic for details when you book your appointment.

At your assessment your eye health history will be taken, including some of the following questions:

Have you ever worn glasses?

Do you wear contact lenses?

Have you had ocular or systemic disease and medications?

Have you had previous ocular problems?

Have you any previous eye injury?

You will also be asked about you work and lifestyle needs to help us formulate the most appropriate vision correction strategy for you.

You will receive a comprehensive eye examination.

Dilating eye drops may be used as part of the examination.  If they are used, the drops will make you light-sensitive outdoors, therefore, you should not drive a motor vehicle for two hours afterwards. The drops can also make it difficult to read things up close for an hour or two after the examination.

The examination combines computerised vision testing and sophisticated corneal mapping technology to determine the status of your eyes and suitability for laser eye surgery.  You will generally have the following assessments/tests performed:

Measure any uncorrected vision you may have, and your vision as corrected by prescription lenses.

Measure the size of visual error in each of your eyes in order to determine the amount of correction required, and to develop the appropriate surgical strategy.

Make a map of the curvature of your cornea.  The information will be used to link the shape of your cornea with refractive errors.  The procedure will also detect any irregularities, abnormalities, or diseases you may have.

Measure the thickness of your cornea.  The result may affect the required amount of LASIK correction.

Measure the size of your pupil in dim and room light.  Night vision will be discussed with you.

Measure the ability of your muscles to align your eyes.

Examine your eyelids and associated membranes to see if they interfere with your cornea, and whether or not they properly regulate tear flow.

Examine the lenses in your eyes to check for clouding (cataracts), and other abnormalities.

Measure the pressure within your eye in order to detect glaucoma and related conditions.

Examine the back of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels, in order to check for any eye or systemic disorders.

Follow-Up

Your results will be reviewed and discussed with you.  You may be asked to attend another testing session depending on the results of this examination.

After discussing and assessing your particular needs, we will explain the different laser eye surgery options available, as well as the benefits, alternatives, and possible consequences for you.

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The Day of Surgery

If you are suitable and decide to go ahead with laser eye surgery, the procedure will take place in the laser suite.

Please allow approximately 90 minutes in total at the clinic, including:

30 minutes for the necessary eye drops to take effect. These include local anaesthetic eye drops which prevent pain during the procedure, although some mild discomfort may be noticeable.

30 minutes undergoing surgery.  First, the IntraLase laser is used to create the corneal flap, followed by the Excimer laser to re-shape the cornea.

20 minutes wait after the surgery. A transparent protective shield is placed over each operated eye.  This will remain in place until the next day.  Before you leave the clinic you will be given instructions for the period before you return for your first post-operative check-up (depends on the procedure).

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Going Home

After surgery, you must not drive home yourself.  If you are not accompanied by a friend or family member, we can call a taxi for you.

Your eyes may water and feel gritty throughout the day and night following surgery - this is a normal response.  Pain is rare following LASIK surgery, but you will be given pain tablets to use if you require them.

During this initial recovery period, we suggest you engage in activities with which your vision feels comfortable, such as listening to music, meditating, or sleeping.

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Seeking Accommodation?

If you prefer not to go home between the day of your surgery and the following morning when you have your first post-operative check up with us, we can assist you in booking some overnight accommodation.

Please contact one of our staff if you would like additional information.

The Day After Surgery

Please follow the advice of your doctor.  You may remove your eye shields on the morning following surgery, but you must not rub or wash your eyes.  Depending on the procedure, you may need to attend a post-op appointment, in which:

Your eyes will be checked.

Your vision and ocular status will be assessed.

You will receive anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops to use as instructed.

Your next post-operative appointment will be arranged.

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Recovery and Aftercare

As your eye heals your vision may fluctuate during the first three weeks after surgery.

It's not unusual to notice:

Occasional blurring of vision.

Greater sensitivity to light.

A gritty, irritated feeling.

Some difference in sensation or vision between eyes.

Please keep in mind these simple guidelines while your eyes are recovering:

Do not use eye drops other than those prescribed by us.

Do not rub your eye vigorously for one month following surgery.

No body-contact sport for 4 weeks following surgery.

No swimming for at least one week (ocean or pool).

No eye make-up for one week.

Take extra care, for one week, when bathing or washing your hair to avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eyes.

Do not drive until your vision is adequate for both day and night.