FAQs

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

LASIK is an acronym 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.

The first surgeon to perform this surgery was Iaonnis Pallikoris from Greece in 1990.

This is a procedure designed to correct the refractive error of patients who are short sighted, long sighted or astigmatic by reshaping the corneal surface of the eye. The cornea is the transparent window at the front of the eye.

The operation is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of the eye.

It involves the creation of a very thin layer (or flap) on the surface of the cornea, which is folded back. The laser is then applied, re-shaping the underlying surface for the correction of the refractive error. The flap is then replaced and bonds rapidly with the cornea without requiring any sutures. The flap acts like a natural Band-Aid, allowing for rapid healing, 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?

A free assessment by our refractive surgery staff is available to assess your suitability for refractive surgery.

The initial assessment and consultation with an ophthalmologist icostss $150. A referral is not necessary but Medicare will provide a slightly higher rebate of around half of this fee ($70.00) if you obtain a referral from your a GP or an optometrist. If no written referral is provided, Medicare will only provide a rebate of around $21.00 to $38.00 on your initial specialist consultation.

Your investment in the LASIK procedure (laser eye surgery) will be $3,500.00 for one eye or $6,100 for both eyes. You may choose to pay this by cash, credit card, bank cheque or electronic funds transfer at the time of your surgery.

This procedure is not covered by Medicare. Most private health funds also do not cover LASIK but you should check with your fund to find out your eligibility. A tax rebate of 20% of medical expenses over $2,000 spent in any financial year is claimable on your tax return at the end of the financial year.

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 usual to get a referral letter from either an Optometrist or your GP to see the surgeon. This is not essential, 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 and may give inaccurate results during testing.

How long does the procedure take?

Approximately 10-15 minutes per eye. You could expect to be at the clinic for about 1 hour 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 Wavelight FS laser, a plastic ring (fixation device) is positioned over the white of the eye, 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 iris recognition and an infrared eye-tracker which is locked in position prior to the commencement of the excimer laser application. This eye-tracker measures eye movements during surgery and is capable of following and actively adjusting the laser beam as small movements are detected. 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. Plastic shields cover and protect your eyes for 24 hours after the procedure. 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. Minor Vvisual 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 a Lasik Consultant.

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

Perth Laser Vision was first established in 1997. We have performed over 24,000 procedures to date.

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. Some of our staff members have had Lasik surgery and are happy to take the time to chat with you.

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 and contact sports for one month after surgery. Visiting the gym is fine as is cycling, jogging etc.

LASIK is not suitable for Boxing or other sport where eye injury is possible or expected. PRK is more suitable for these sports.