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FAQ'S

What is LASIK? What is the success rate? What is involved?

LASIK stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. Kerato means the cornea, and simileusis is Greek for carving or sculpting. It is called in situ because surgeons work with the cornea while it is in the eye.

This is a procedure designed to correct the refractive error of patients who are short sighted, long sighted or astigmatic. It involves the creation of a very thin layer (or flap) of the cornea, which is lifted under local anaesthetic. The cornea is the transparent window of the eye. The laser is then applied, re-shaping the underlying surface for the correction of the refractive error. The flap is then replaced like a natural band-aid and bonds rapidly with the cornea without requiring any stitches. This allows for rapid healing and minimizes post-operative discomfort and risk of infection. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours.

How much does the surgery cost and is it covered by private health funds or Medicare?

The initial assessment and consultation with an ophthalmologist is $145.00. If you have a referral letter from your Optometrist or GP and your Medicare Card, Medicare will pay $68.75 leaving a gap of $76.25 for you to pay. You may prefer not to obtain a referral for this consultation however; Medicare will only cover the current GP rate, leaving a larger gap for you to pay. It is best to contact Medicare to find out what the current rate is.

Your investment in the LASIK procedure (laser eye surgery) will be $3,050.00 per eye or $6,100 for both eyes and is not covered by most private health funds or Medicare. There is, however, a tax rebate available for medical expenses. You could choose to pay this by credit card, bank cheque or electronic funds transfer at the time of your surgery.

What steps do I need to take to have LASIK?

You will need an assessment appointment to find out if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. It is best to get a referral letter from either an Optometrist or your GP to see the surgeon. This is not vital but it will help to reduce the Medicare gap payable for the initial consult. Soft contact lens must be left out for seven days prior to your consultation and hard contact lens for one month. This is because the lenses change the natural shape of your eye.

How long does the procedure take?

Approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. There is also a half hour counselling session prior to the surgery. You could expect to be at the clinic for about 1-2 hours on the day. We ask that you have a restful day after your procedure, and recommend that you sleep or rest with the eyes closed to assist the healing process.

What happens if my eye moves during surgery?

In order to make the corneal flap with the IntraLase FS laser, a fixation device is positioned in order to hold the eye in place, therefore minimising your ability to move during this delicate part of the procedure. The Excimer laser is fitted with an infrared eye-tracker which is locked on in position prior to the commencement of laser application. This eye-tracker measures eye movements during surgery and is capable of following and adjusting the laser application as small movements are detected. If the eye moves outside of the eye-trackers range it will halt the process automatically. This provides excellent safety and surgeon control.

Can family and friends accompany me on the day?

Yes, they are more than welcome. You will need a driver for the day of your surgery and for your after surgery visit the next day.

How long will it be before I can see clearly?

You will be able to see your surroundings immediately following surgery. Within 4-6 hours after surgery your vision becomes quite clear.

Can I drive after my procedure? How long before I can return to work?

You can not drive until you have been seen by the surgeon the day after your procedure and had the plastic shields removed. Returning to work depends on the type of work that you do. The recovery time is rapid, but reading the computer screen (or reading in general) may be difficult for the first two weeks while the tissue is healing. Visual clarity changes are also common within the first 10 -14 days post-operatively. If you work in a dusty or aquatic environment it may be advised to take a short period of leave following surgery. A medical certificate can be arranged by our Patient Liaison Officer.

How long has Perth Laser Vision Centre been performing LASIK refractive surgery?

Perth Laser Vision was first established in 1997. We have performed over 18,000 procedures to July 2008.

What is the percentage of patients receiving Uncorrected Visual Acuity of 20/20 or better?

This depends on the refractive error to be treated. 96% of individuals with Myopia or shortsightedness less than -10D, can achieve 20/20 vision following LASIK. Nine out of ten of those with high levels of astigmatism (up to 6D) and myopia can also expect to achieve 20/20 vision. For those individuals with hyperopia or long-sightedness the results are similar, those with low to moderate levels of hyperopia up to 94% achieving 20/20 or better.

Can I speak to someone who's had LASIK?

We do have a testimonial brochure that is provided to patients on their initial consult. Most patients attending our clinics are more than happy to share their experience.

Can LASIK work for all types of eye disorders?

LASIK is the most common type of refractive laser surgery today and is used to correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness or astigmatism. Conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma cannot be treated with this type of laser. These conditions may be treated using other types of lasers but this depends on the extent of the condition, and you would be best advised by your specialist.

What do I do with my glasses now that I no longer need them?

Perth Laser Vision has established a spectacle collection service with CBM Australia through their Second Chance Medical Equipment Program (SCME). This worldwide organisation is dedicated to the prevention and curing of blindness as well as education and rehabilitation of people who are blind or have other disabilities. We collect the glasses at our centre and then send them to CBM Australia in Victoria. At the Victoria branch they are sorted, cleaned and graded. From here they are distributed to developing countries such as East Timor, Nigeria, Cambodia and Burma.

Go to CBM's website --> www.cbm.org.au

How soon can I play sport after surgery?

We advise that you avoid swimming for 2 weeks and avoid contact sports for one month after surgery.

Scuba diving is best avoided for 2 months after the procedure.

Kick boxing is not advised for at least 6 months after the procedure.