Southport, Robina & Coolangatta:  07 5557 8888  |  Fax:  07 5557 8899
OUTLOOK EYE TREATMENTS

Laser Vision Correction

Why do I need to wear glasses or contact lenses?

The need for glasses or contact lenses is quite common and becomes more common with age.

There are several conditions that cause people to require glasses such as having trouble seeing objects at a distance from you, close to you, or both. The conditions that cause these problems are:

  • Myopia (Short sightedness)
  • Hyperopia (Long sightedness)
  • Astigmatism Presbyopia

What types of Laser Vision Correction are there?

It is fantastic that we live in an age where there are many options for laser vision correction, which allows treatment for the vast majority of people who desire to be free from glasses or contact lenses.

The three main types of laser vision correction are:

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves removing the outer layer of the cornea, then reshaping the cornea with a laser to improve vision. PRK typically requires a longer recovery time compared to other methods but is a good option for patients with thinner corneas.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is the most common laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. LASIK offers a quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive laser surgery for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. A small incision is made in the cornea, and a lenticule (small disc of tissue) is removed to reshape the cornea. SMILE offers a similar fast recovery to LASIK.

Laser Vision Correction is performed by Dr Brett Drury, a specialist corneal and refractive surgeon, through Lasersight, Gold Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Outlook Eye Specialists offer LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Both use an excimer laser to permanently reshape the cornea and correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. The most appropriate procedure depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, occupation, and other individual factors assessed at your pre-operative evaluation.
Suitability for laser vision correction requires a stable refraction for at least 12 months, adequate corneal thickness, no significant dry eye, and no contraindications such as keratoconus. A comprehensive pre-operative assessment including corneal topography, corneal thickness measurement, and pupil size evaluation is required to confirm eligibility.
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, applying the laser to the stroma beneath, then repositioning the flap. Recovery is rapid, with most patients seeing clearly within 24–48 hours. PRK removes the corneal surface epithelium directly, applies the laser, and relies on natural healing. Recovery takes 3–5 days with a bandage contact lens, and vision stabilises over 4–6 weeks. PRK is preferred for patients with thin corneas or high-risk occupations.
For the majority of patients, the results of laser vision correction are permanent. The corneal reshaping does not wear off over time. However, some patients develop a small degree of regression in the years following treatment, and age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia) will still develop from the mid-40s onward, meaning reading glasses may eventually be required.
LASIK and PRK can treat myopia up to approximately -6.00 dioptres, hyperopia up to +2.50 dioptres, and astigmatism up to approximately 3.50 dioptres. Treatment outside these ranges may be possible but is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Patients with very high prescriptions may be better suited to refractive lens exchange.
Laser vision correction is one of the most extensively studied elective surgical procedures in the world. When performed on appropriately selected patients, it is safe and effective. As with any surgery, risks exist, including dry eye, under- or over-correction, glare and halos, and in very rare cases a reduction in best-corrected vision. Your ophthalmologist will discuss all risks in detail at your consultation.
Yes. Soft contact lenses should be removed at least 5–7 days before your pre-operative assessment, and rigid or extended-wear lenses for at least 2–4 weeks. Contact lenses alter the shape of the cornea, and accurate measurements require the cornea to have returned to its natural shape.
Laser vision correction corrects distance vision but does not prevent presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focusing ability that affects virtually everyone from their mid-40s. If you are already presbyopic, your ophthalmologist can discuss options including monovision correction, where one eye is treated for distance and the other for near.
In the days before surgery, avoid wearing makeup, perfume, or cologne on the day of the procedure. Arrange a driver to take you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. For LASIK, arrange 24–48 hours away from screens. For PRK, plan for 5–7 days of reduced visual function during surface healing.
Laser vision correction is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and does not attract a Medicare rebate. Some private health insurance policies with extras cover may provide a partial rebate; check your policy details with your fund. Our team will provide a full cost breakdown at your pre-operative consultation.