Dr Alison Chiu has contributed to over 20,000 laser vision correction procedures and assesses each patient individually to determine whether LASIK is the right procedure for their eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.
Laser eye surgery is performed at our laser suite in the Sydney CBD.
How LASIK Works
LASIK is a two-step procedure:
- Step 1: Creating the flap – a femtosecond laser creates a thin, precise flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue
- Step 2: Reshaping the cornea – an excimer laser removes a precise amount of corneal tissue to reshape it, correcting the way light is focused. The flap is then repositioned; it adheres naturally without stitches
The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes for both eyes. Most patients notice significantly improved vision within hours.
What Does LASIK Treat?
- Myopia (short-sightedness) — the cornea is flattened to reduce focusing power
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness) — the cornea is steepened. Laser can generally treat lower hyperopic prescriptions than myopic prescriptions
- Astigmatism — the cornea is reshaped to make it more evenly curved
- Presbyopia – Presbyond is a specialised subtype of LASIK treatment for presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision
Am I Suitable for LASIK?
LASIK is generally best suited for adults aged 21 and over with a stable prescription. Suitability depends on several factors assessed during your consultation, including:
- Your prescription type and degree
- Corneal thickness and shape (assessed using topography and tomography)
- Pupil size
- Tear film health
- General eye health, including absence of keratoconus or other corneal conditions
Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. If LASIK isn’t right for you, Dr Chiu will discuss alternative options such as PRK or ICL surgery. Generally, if you are not suitable for LASIK, you will not be suitable for SMILE Pro either.
Recovery
Visual recovery after LASIK is rapid. Most patients see well enough to drive within a day or two. Mild dryness, light sensitivity, and halos around lights are common in the first few weeks and typically settle. You’ll use prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection.
Risks
LASIK has an excellent safety record, but risks include dry eyes (usually temporary), halos or glare around lights (usually temporary), undercorrection or overcorrection (may require enhancement), flap-related complications (rare), and, very rarely, infection or corneal ectasia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LASIK painful?
No. Anaesthetic drops numb the eye completely. You may feel some pressure during the flap creation, but the procedure itself is painless. Mild discomfort afterwards typically resolves within a day.
How long does LASIK last?
LASIK provides permanent reshaping of the cornea. However, it doesn’t prevent age-related changes like presbyopia (developing from the mid-40s) or cataracts. Some patients may need reading glasses later in life. There are also other surgical treatments for presbyopia.
Can LASIK treat astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism. Modern laser eye surgery is highly precise and can correct both the degree and orientation of astigmatism.
While earlier forms of laser vision correction had limitations, today’s technology allows most patients with astigmatism to be suitable candidates for LASIK or other forms of vision correction surgery.
A detailed assessment is still important, as suitability depends on factors such as corneal shape, stability of prescription, and overall eye health.
Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?
Dry eyes can affect LASIK suitability and outcomes. Dr Chiu and her clinical team will assess your tear film during the consultation. If dry eye is present, it may need to be treated before surgery. In some cases, ICL may be a better option as it doesn’t worsen dry eye.
Which is better - LASIK or ICL Surgery?
Neither is better overall. LASIK and ICL both correct vision to a comparable standard, and the right choice is determined by your corneal thickness, prescription strength, tear film health and age, not by one procedure being superior to the other.
LASIK reshapes the cornea. A femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap, an excimer laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and the flap reseals without stitches. It treats myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, takes around 20 minutes for both eyes, and most patients see well enough to drive within a day or two. It requires adequate corneal thickness, and the reshaping is permanent.
ICL leaves the cornea untouched. A soft collamer lens is implanted in front of the natural lens through a small incision, taking 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes. Because no corneal nerves are cut, ICL does not worsen dry eye. At Pure Sight it is generally considered from around -4.00, and for corneas too thin for a safe laser flap. Unlike LASIK, an ICL can be removed or exchanged later.
In practice, ICL tends to suit higher prescriptions, thinner or irregular corneas, and patients who already have dry eye. LASIK tends to suit low to moderate prescriptions with healthy corneas and a stable tear film. From the mid-40s presbyopia changes the comparison, and PRESBYOND or ICL Viva may be more appropriate than either.
Suitability can only be established by a comprehensive assessment, which takes about two hours and requires a referral from your GP or optometrist.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK vs ICL Surgery
Is ICL safer than LASIK?
Both LASIK and ICL are considered safe when performed by an experienced eye surgeon. Safety depends on your eye health, corneal thickness, prescription, and other factors. ICL surgery is fully reversible, which may be an advantage for some patients, while LASIK is permanent and both have an established long-term safety record.
How long do ICL lenses last?
ICL lenses are designed to stay in place indefinitely. They can be removed or replaced if your prescription changes or if another eye condition develops later in life, such as cataract.
Who is a good candidate for ICL surgery?
ICL surgery is often recommended for people with high myopia, thin corneas, or those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. Increasingly, ICL surgery is offered even if suitable for LASIK. An in-depth assessment with a qualified surgeon is essential to determine suitability.
Does LASIK give faster recovery than ICL?
Both procedures have quick recovery times, and many LASIK and ICL patients notice vision improvement within 24 hours.
Which gives better vision – LASIK or ICL?
Both can deliver excellent vision outcomes. The “better” option depends on your individual eye measurements, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term needs.