Laser Vision Correction – Frequently Asked Questions
Considering laser vision correction is an exciting step, but it’s natural to have questions. On this page, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our patients ask about LASIK, SMILE PRO®, and PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision. From safety and recovery to eligibility and results, our goal is to help you feel informed and confident about your decision.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to your questions about Implantable Contact Lenses
What are ICLs, and how do they work?
What are ICLs, and how do they work?
ICLs are thin, flexible lenses implanted inside the eye to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses, ICLs are placed behind the iris (colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural lens. They work by bending light accurately onto the retina, improving vision without altering the eye’s natural structure.
Who is a good candidate for ICLs?
ICLs are ideal for individuals with moderate to severe refractive errors, thin corneas, or those who may not be candidates for laser vision correction like LASIK. Candidates should have stable vision for at least a year, be over 18 years old, and not have any eye conditions like severe dry eye or uncontrolled glaucoma.
Is the ICL procedure safe, and how long does it take?
The ICL procedure is very safe, with a high success rate. It is minimally invasive, typically performed under local anaesthesia in a day surgery, taking about 10 minutes per eye. Most patients experience improved vision within a day or two.
Can ICLs be removed or replaced?
Yes, ICLs are removable and reversible. If your prescription changes or you develop another eye condition, the lens can be replaced or adjusted, ensuring flexibility for future eye care.
What are the potential risks or side effects of ICLs?
ICLs are generally safe, but like any procedure, they carry some risks. These include infection, inflammation, or elevated intraocular pressure. Rarely, patients may experience halos, glare, or cataract formation. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist help monitor and manage any issues promptly.
Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK is one of the safest and most performed vision correction procedures worldwide. Advances in technology, such as the ZEISS VisuMax® 800 and MEL 90 lasers, ensure exceptional precision and safety. Complications are rare, and most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
Does LASIK hurt?
No, LASIK is virtually pain-free. During the procedure, numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort. You might feel slight pressure during the flap creation, but the laser reshaping process is painless. Mild dryness or discomfort is common during the initial healing phase and is easily managed with eye drops.
How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
Most patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure, with significant clarity within 24-48 hours. You can typically resume normal activities, like driving and working, within one to two days. Full stabilisation of vision may take a few weeks.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
You are likely a good candidate for LASIK if:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Your vision prescription has been stable for at least one year.
- You have healthy corneas and no significant eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
- A consultation with our specialists will include detailed eye measurements to determine your eligibility.
Take our online suitability assessment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to your questions about the LASIK procedure
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to your questions about ZEISS SMILE PRO® surgery
How is SMILE PRO® different from LASIK?
SMILE PRO® (small incision lenticule extraction) and LASIK are both laser vision correction procedures, but they differ in technique:
- SMILE PRO®: a small disc of tissue (lenticule) is removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea. No flap is created.
- LASIK: a flap is created on the cornea, lifted, and the underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser.
- SMILE PRO® is less invasive, with a smaller incision and reduced risk of dry eye compared to LASIK.
Am I a candidate for SMILE PRO®?
You may be a candidate for SMILE® if:
- You have mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism.
- Your corneas are healthy, with sufficient thickness.
- You are over 18, with a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
- You prefer a minimally-invasive procedure with a quick recovery.
Take our online suitability assessment.
How long does it take to recover from SMILE PRO®?
Recovery is typically fast.
- Most patients notice significant improvement in vision within 24-48 hours.
- You can return to normal activities, including work, within a few days.
- Full healing and stabilisation of vision may take a few weeks.
Is SMILE PRO® painful?
No, SMILE PRO® is virtually painless.
- Numbing eye drops are used during the procedure, ensuring comfort.
- After the procedure, some patients may experience mild irritation or tearing for a few hours, but this subsides quickly.
- SMILE PRO’s® smaller incision also minimises post-procedure discomfort compared to other surgeries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to your questions about Laser Vision Procedures
Who is suitable for Laser Vision Correction?
Today, ophthalmologists can treat a wide range of refractive errors, including shortsightedness, longsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close).
Advances in modern laser technology now enable the treatment of a broader range of prescriptions. Even if you were previously told laser treatment was not an option, it is worth revisiting, as newer techniques might make it possible for you today.
What is the best age to do Laser Vision Correction?
The most important factor for laser vision correction is having a stable glasses prescription. For some, this stability occurs early, allowing for treatment as young as 18. For others, their prescription may continue to change into their early twenties. While it is not unsafe to perform laser treatment on a changing prescription, the results may not be as lasting.
How long does the surgery last?
Laser vision correction is highly accurate with high success rates. However, your eyes will still experience normal age-related changes over time.
As you age, the natural lens of your eye becomes less flexible, leading to presbyopia—a condition where near vision becomes difficult. This typically affects most people in their 40s or 50s, often requiring reading glasses. Additionally, cataracts may develop later in life, usually requiring surgery in your 70s or 80s.
For those over 45 considering laser vision correction, blended vision can be performed to address both near and far vision needs, offering a tailored solution.
In the first 3–6 months after laser treatment, vision continues to improve as your eyes heal. In some instances, depending on the healing properties of your eye, slight regression may occur in the first 12 months, which can be addressed with an enhancement procedure.
What Payment Options does EyeHub offer for Laser Vision Correction?
Please note that Laser Vision correction is an elective surgery so does not attract any Medicare rebates.
If you have private health insurance, your plan may cover some of the cost of your surgery. It depends on our plan and level of cover. Please check with your healthfund provider prior to confirming surgery.
- Full payment for your surgery is due 5 days before surgery.
- Visit our Payment Options page for information about finance options such as MediPay and AfterPay.
What do Laser Vision Correction fees include?
The fees for laser vision correction services include:
- The procedure
- Post-operative drops and reviews up to 3 months
- One enhancement treatment up to 12 months post-op, if needed
We understand that laser vision correction is a significant expense. However, it is a long-term investment, offering lasting benefits for your vision and quality of life.
What do I do next?
Give us a call or book online to arrange an initial tele-consult, which is free of charge. This will help determine if you are suitable for further in-depth consultation and surgery.
How is PRESBYOND® different from traditional monovision LASIK?
PRESBYOND® is a next-generation approach to correcting presbyopia. Unlike traditional monovision LASIK, which prioritises one eye for distance and the other for near vision, PRESBYOND® creates a blended vision zone that enhances depth of field for seamless focus across near, intermediate, and distance ranges.
It leverages advanced algorithms and the precision of the ZEISS MEL 90 laser for a highly personalised treatment tailored to your unique eye measurements.
Am I a candidate for PRESBYOND®?
You are likely a candidate for PRESBYOND® if:
- You are over 40 and experiencing presbyopia (difficulty focusing on near objects).
- You want to reduce or eliminate dependence on reading glasses or bifocals.
- You have no significant eye conditions such as cataracts or uncontrolled dry eye.
A detailed consultation and assessment will confirm your eligibility.
How long does it take to adjust to PRESBYOND® blended vision?
Most patients adapt to the blended vision created by PRESBYOND® within a few days to weeks.
The brain naturally learns to combine the visual input from both eyes into a single, clear image.
During the adaptation period, you may notice slight visual imbalances, but these typically resolve quickly.
What are the key benefits of PRESBYOND® over other treatments?
PRESBYOND® offers several advantages:
- Enhanced versatility: it corrects presbyopia while addressing other refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Custom personalisation: each treatment is uniquely tailored based on your eyes’ measurements, ensuring precision and comfort.
- Minimal downtime: recovery is quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
- Future-proof technology: powered by ZEISS’ advanced laser systems, PRESBYOND® represents the cutting edge of presbyopia correction.
