Laser eye surgery

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a very effective method for treating vision problems called ‘refractive errors’. It’s commonly used to correct short‑sightedness (myopia), long‑sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (caused by an irregularly shaped eye). First developed in the 1980s, it has helped millions of people around the world have much clearer vision. For some refractive errors, it provides an alternative to glasses or contact lenses. This procedure is typically not covered by Medicare (except in rare situations), meaning you would usually need to pay for it yourself. Laser surgery will not correct presbyopia, so you will still need near vision correction with glasses/contacts from around 40‑45 years old. 

Why does the cornea's shape need to be changed?

For a person to see an object, light must reflect off it and travel through their cornea. It then reaches the back of the eye, where the retina converts the light into electrical signals. These signals are sent to their brain, which processes them into images that people see. 
 
In an eye with perfect vision, the cornea focuses light directly onto the retina. But if the cornea is too flat, too pointed, or has an irregular shape, it affects how light reaches the retina, causing issues like short‑sightedness or long‑sightedness. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct these problems. 
 
Learn more about astigmatism.

Types of laser eye surgery in Australia

There are several kinds of laser eye surgery available in Australia. Each method uses lasers, but they reshape the cornea in slightly different ways. The surgeon at the clinic will decide which type is most suited to your particular sight problems.

LASIK eye surgery

This is the type most people get. The surgeon uses a laser to make a flap on the surface of your cornea, which is lifted. A second laser reshapes the tissue below. The flap is then smoothed down.

Surface laser treatments (PRK and TransPRK)

These methods use a single laser to directly reshape the top layer of the cornea. They're just as effective as LASIK, but can make the outer surface of the eye feel sore during recovery.

Lenticule extraction (SMILE, CLEAR, SmartSight, SILK)

This is the latest development in laser eye surgery. Lasers are used to slice into the side of the cornea, then a disk‑shaped piece of cornea called a lenticule is removed to correct your vision.

LASEK eye surgery

Alcohol is used to remove the outermost layer of the cornea, then a laser reshapes the cornea below. The outer layer ('epithelium') then needs to grow back after.

Who should and should not get laser eye surgery?

If you have refractive errors like short‑sightedness, long‑sightedness or astigmatism, laser eye surgery could be a good option for you. However, it's not the right solution for everyone. 
 
The good news is that, even if laser eye surgery isn't suitable for you, there are other ways of managing sight issues. These include contact lenses and glasses.

Who should not have laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery isn’t a good option for everyone. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, speak to an optometrist at your local Specsavers store. They can offer impartial advice based on your eye health. Laser eye surgery isn’t recommended if:

Your vision is not stable

Lots of things can change your vision, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or getting older. Your vision needs to be stable for at least two years before having eye laser surgery. 

You live with certain health conditions or take certain medications

A few health conditions might mean you can't have laser eye surgery, including immune disorders and HIV. Some medication (such as for acne) might also mean you can't get eye laser surgery.

You have other eye health issues

There are a few eye conditions that might prevent you from having laser eye surgery. These include an inflamed cornea, uveitis, eye herpes, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, and thin corneas, among others. 

Advantages and disadvantages of laser eye surgery

Like any kind of medical procedure, laser eye surgery comes with pros and cons.

Finding a trustworthy laser eye clinic

Australia's laser eye surgery clinics are some of the best in the world. However, there have been some rare instances of underqualified surgeons doing the procedure and harming patients. 
 
Once you've found a provider, check the surgeon is listed on the Medical Register of Australia. Ask to see their laser eye surgery certificates, insurance papers, and recent customer testimonials.

Initial consultation

The surgeon will carry out a thorough eye examination and review your medical history. They will measure the shape of your cornea and work out which areas need reshaping. A special scanner will be used to create a detailed ‘map’ of your cornea’s surface. 
 
During this consultation, the surgeon should also explain how to prepare for the procedure. It’s a good opportunity to ask any questions you have ‑ remember there are no ‘stupid’ questions. At this stage, you should also ask for a clear breakdown of all the costs and fees, including aftercare.

During the surgery

In Australia, most people get LASIK surgery, although other techniques may be used. Whichever type you get, the process is quite similar. You’ll lie back in a reclining chair, and anaesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes. A clip will hold your eyelids open, and a suction ring may be used to stop your eye from moving. You’ll be asked to focus on a light above you. If you feel any discomfort, anxiety, or the urge to blink, you can let the surgeon know. They may also offer medication to help you relax. 
 
The procedure itself typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. Using a software‑guided eye laser, the surgeon will carefully remove and reshape parts of the cornea. You may notice a burning smell, similar to singed hair.