You probably heard about laser vision corrective surgery from a friend or colleague. Most people are so delighted with the results they want to tell everyone about it. At NewVision Clinics we have no problems finding people willing to talk about their experiences. We have provided answers below to the most common laser eye surgery questions.

What is laser vision correction?

Lasersight correction is a treatment using either LASIK or PRK eye correction technology. LASIK eye surgery is used for long-sighted, astigmatism and most short-sighted corrections while PRK eye surgery is now used only for lower short-sighted corrections.

How does laser eye surgery work?

A cool beam of light is used to remove a microscopic amount of tissue and gently reshape the surface of the cornea. With LASIK eye surgery, a flap of tissue is created and placed in its natural position over the reshaped cornea. When the laser surgery is complete, light can more easily focus on the retina and uncorrected vision is therefore improved.

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?

After laser eye surgery, over 98% of our patients are able to drive a car legally without glasses or contact lenses. If you currently wear bifocal or multifocal lenses you will still need glasses for reading. However, as a result of the laser eye treatment, your reading correction will be much smaller.

Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

If you are eighteen years of age or older and wear glasses for long or short-sightedness or for astigmatism, you may benefit from corrective laser eye surgery. At your first consultation you will be given a thorough eye examination to make sure that your eyes are healthy and stable. If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have certain health conditions, you may not be a suitable candidate for the laser treatment. Melbourne eye surgeon Dr Noel Alpins will advise you if there is any reason why you should not proceed with laser eye surgery.

Are there any risks with laser eye surgery?

All surgical procedures contain an element of risk but, since 1986, millions of people worldwide have had successful laser eye surgery performed on their eyes.

Is laser eye surgery painful?

The procedure is painless. Mild anaesthetic drops are placed in your eyes before the procedure. Occasionally people notice a temporary slight gritty sensation in their eyes following laser eye surgery. You will be given medication to help overcome any minor irritation and your eyes will be examined on the following day.

Can I have both eyes treated on the same day?

It's usual to perform laser eye surgery for both eyes on the same day. In a few cases, where a complex prescription is required, we may recommend that each eye be treated separately.

How long does laser eye surgery take

The actual laser application will take 10 to 60 seconds. For both eyes, including operative preparation, expect to be in the treatment room for 20 to 30 minutes and at the centre for a little over an hour.

How soon can I return to work

It's possible to resume activities such as driving within 24 hours of surgery, but one or two days rest is recommended before returning to work.

What does laser eye surgery cost

The laser eye surgery cost depends on the level of correction required. Routine LASIK eye surgery  is $2175 for each eye for the common lower corrections. This includes eye mapping, vision testing and medications related to the laser surgery. It also includes post-operative visits to the eye clinic and, if necessary, the cost of re-treatment during the first year. Higher corrections are at an additional cost and the most complex corrections are $3175 per eye. You will be informed of the cost for your individual correction at the initial consultation. We can provide an interest free payment plan for your laser eye surgery. We also offer a family cost plan when more than one family member proceeds with surgery. Ask us for more details regarding these payment options.

I want to talk to someone

A staff member is available to talk to you directly on free call 1800 20 20 20 from 8:30am to 6:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours an operator will take your details and one of our technical people will call you at your convenience. Overseas callers should use +61 3 9584 0966. NewVision Clinics also regularly offers free laser eye surgery information seminars and of course you can always e-mail us.

Can you mail me more information on laser eye surgery

Yes. If you want a laser eye surgery information pamphlet mailed to you, just email us and give us the name and address that you would like us to mail the information