Dr Alison Chiu has contributed to over 40,000 laser vision corrections and assesses each patient individually to determine whether LASIK is the right procedure for their eyes, their prescription, and their 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 speciliased subtype of LASIK treatment for presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision (link to Presbyond page pls)
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 nor suitable for LASIK, you will also not be stuitable for SMILE Pro
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 your 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?
BRYCE – wrote the following FAQ comparing LASIK and ICL – please integrate to this or ICL page (better?)
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.