Laser Refractive FAQs

The benefits of laser refractive surgery can last many years, often resulting in permanent vision improvement. However, some factors can influence longevity.

At Hunter Laser Vision, our aim for you is to be glasses free. Our assessment and consultation are geared toward achieving this result for our patients.

Laser surgery itself takes less than 10 seconds. However, you will be in the theatre rooms for around 10-20 minutes per eye. For lens surgery it takes approximately 20 minutes.

For most procedures we suggest you have the remaining business week off work. However, this will be subject to the kind of work you do.

Yes, all appointments will need to have a current in date referral with your eye history, from either your Optometrist or your General Practitioner. 

No, as this is a private facility. In most cases, there are rebates from Medicare. Please ask for a rough estimate of fees when booking your consultation.

• Age: Candidates should generally be at least 18 years old, as vision can still change in younger individuals.

• Stable Vision Prescription: A stable prescription for at least one year is important. This indicates that the person’s vision isn’t changing significantly.

• Refractive Errors: Suitable candidates typically have mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism.

• Corneal Thickness: Adequate corneal thickness is necessary to ensure there’s enough tissue to create a flap and perform the laser treatment safely.

• Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from serious conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus.

• No Autoimmune Diseases: Individuals with certain autoimmune conditions or those on medications that affect healing may not be suitable.

• Lifestyle Considerations: Active individuals or those involved in contact sports may prefer LASIK due to its quicker recovery compared to other procedures.

• Quick Procedure

• Rapid Recovery

• Minimal Discomfort:

• High Success Rate

• Long-Lasting Results

• Reduced Dependency on Glasses/Contacts

• Suitable for Active Lifestyles

• Improved Quality of Life

LASIK uses two lasers, one to create a hinged flap on the surface of the eye and another to reshape the cornea. After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned and remains there without stitches.

At Hunter Laser Vision we use only the most advanced methods and technologies during our LASIK surgeries. One of these technologies – the Zeiss Visumax 800 – is 100% blade free and has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety and outstanding vision.

Here at Hunter Laser Vision we use state of the art equipment. The Zeiss VisuMax 800 allows for Precision, Blade-Free Surgery, Quick Procedure Time, Enhanced Comfort and has a Proven Track Record. The VisuMax 800 is recognised for its effectiveness and high success rates in vision correction.

SMILE stands for “small incision lenticule extraction” and combines the best of both worlds from PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK techniques.

• Adults with Stable Vision: Candidates should be at least 18 years old and have had stable vision for at least a year.

• Moderate Refractive Errors: It’s effective for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Those with mild to moderate hyperopia (farsightedness) may not be ideal candidates.

• Good Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye.

• No History of Eye Surgery: Those who have not undergone previous eye surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, are typically better suited for SMILE

• Minimally Invasive: SMILE involves a small incision, which reduces trauma to the eye and promotes faster healing compared to traditional LASIK.

• Quick Recovery: Most patients experience significant vision improvement almost immediately and can return to daily activities within a day or two.

• Precision and Safety: SMILE uses advanced laser technology for highly accurate corrections, resulting in effective outcomes tailored to each patient’s needs.

• Less Flap-Related Complications: Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not create a corneal flap, minimising potential complications associated with flap dislocation or healing issues.

• Wide Range of Treatable Vision Issues: SMILE effectively treats myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, making it suitable for many patients.

• You can expect to be at the surgery for 2 hours.
• No contact lens wear for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• No make-up on the day of surgery.
• Wear comfortable warm clothing with no loose fibres.
• On arrival, you may be given anti-anxiety medication.
• SMILE surgery normally takes around 20-30 minutes.
• Both eyes can be treated on the same day.
• The day after your procedure you will need to return to the clinic for a check-up.
• 2 weeks and 2 months post-operative appointments are included in your surgical fee, unless you wish to visit your own Optometrist if you are from out of area.
• Most patients can return to work the following day. 
• For one week after the surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and stay out of dirty and dusty environments.
• You should keep the area dry; showering is fine, but no swimming.
• Most patients can drive the next day

• Refractive Errors: Individuals with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism are potential candidates.

• Corneal Thickness: Candidates should have enough corneal thickness to safely undergo the procedure without compromising eye health.

• Stable Prescription: Those whose vision prescription has been stable for at least a year are preferred, as significant changes could affect the outcome.

• Age: Typically, candidates should be at least 18 years old, as younger individuals' eyes may still be changing.

• Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have no serious eye conditions, such as keratoconus, cataracts, or severe dry eye, and overall eye health should be assessed.

• Lifestyle Considerations: Active individuals or those in contact sports may prefer PRK since it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related issues.

The benefits of PRK include: 

• Quick surgical procedure
• No corneal tissue flap is created
• It can be repeated
• Good for thinner cornea and dry eye conditions

• You can expect to be at the surgery for 2 hours.
• No contact lens wear for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• No make-up on the day of surgery.
• Wear comfortable warm clothing with no loose fibres.
• On arrival, you may be given anti-anxiety medication.
• Trans PRK surgery normally takes around 10 minutes.
• Both eyes can be treated on the same day.
• The day after your procedure you may need to return to the clinic for a check-up.
• 1 week post-operatively you will have your bandage contact lens removed.
•  2 weeks and 2 months post-operative appointments are included in your surgical fee.
• We suggest you take a week off work.
• For two weeks after the surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and stay out of dirty, dusty environments.
• You should keep the area dry; showering is fine, but no swimming.
• Most patients are able to drive after 1 – 2 weeks, but full visual recovery normally takes 4 – 6 weeks. Your vision will gradually improve during this time until it stabilises around week six. For most patients improvements to their vision last a very long time and the procedure does not need to be repeated.

• Effective Treatment for Scarring: PTK is highly effective in removing corneal scars and improving visual clarity for patients with scarring from injuries or infections.

• Improves Visual Acuity: By smoothing the corneal surface, PTK can enhance overall vision, reducing distortion and improving clarity.

• Non-Invasive Procedure: Unlike LASIK, PTK does not involve creating a corneal flap, making it a safer option for certain patients, particularly those with thin corneas.

• Quick Recovery Time: Many patients experience significant improvements in vision within weeks, allowing for a faster return to normal activities.

• Relieves Discomfort: Patients suffering from discomfort due to irregular corneal surfaces can find relief, leading to an improved quality of life.

• Versatile Application: PTK can be used to treat various corneal conditions, including corneal dystrophies and irregularities, making it a versatile option

• Corneal Scarring: Individuals with corneal scars from injuries, infections, or prior surgeries that affect vision may benefit from PTK.

• Corneal Dystrophies: Candidates with conditions like anterior basement membrane dystrophy or other corneal irregularities are often suitable for this procedure.

• Stable Vision Prescription: Candidates should have a stable vision prescription, indicating that their refractive errors have not changed significantly over time.

• Age Considerations: Generally, candidates should be at least 18 years old, as younger individuals’ eyes may still be changing.

• Unsuccessful Other Treatments: Individuals who have not had success with other treatments for corneal issues may find PTK to be a beneficial option.

• You can expect to be at the surgery for 2 hours.
• No make-up on the day of surgery.
• We suggest you take a week off work.
• For two weeks after the surgery, you should stay out of dirty, dusty environments.
• You should keep the area dry; showering is fine, but no swimming.
• Full visual recovery normally takes 8 weeks.

• Age - tear production often decreases as we get older
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders
• Environmental factors like dry or windy climates, air conditioning, or heating
• Extended screen time reducing blink rate
• Contact lens use

We have a range of options when it comes to treating your dry eyes. Including the following:

• Artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to provide temporary relief.
• Prescription eye drops: Medications to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Punctal plugs: Small plugs inserted into tear ducts to prevent drainage and retain moisture.
• Warm compresses: Applied to the eyes to help unblock oil glands and improve tear quality.
• Eyelid hygiene: Regular cleaning of eyelids to maintain proper oil gland function.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: To treat underlying causes like meibomian gland dysfunction.

• Artificial Tears:

  • How They Work: These over-the-counter eye drops lubricate the eyes and provide temporary relief from dryness. They can mimic natural tears and help improve moisture.

• Prescription Eye Drops:

  • Examples: Restasis (cyclosporine) 
  • How They Work: These drops help reduce inflammation in the eye and increase tear production over time.

• Punctal Plugs:

  • How They Work: Small devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep tears on the surface of the eye longer.

• Medications:

  • Examples: Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation that contributes to dry eyes.

• Warm Compresses:

  • How They Work: Applying a warm compress can help unclog blocked oil glands in the eyelids, improving the quality of tears.

• Lipid-Based Eye Drops:

  • How They Work: These drops contain oils that help reduce evaporation of tears, providing longer-lasting relief.

• Surgery:

  • How They Work: In severe cases, surgical options may be considered, such as cauterizing the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage.

• Symptom Relief: Effective treatment alleviates discomfort, such as burning, itching, and irritation, improving overall quality of life.

• Improved Vision: Addressing dry eye can enhance visual clarity and reduce blurriness caused by insufficient tear production.

• Enhanced Comfort: Patients often experience greater comfort in daily activities, including reading, using screens, and enjoying outdoor activities.

• Reduced Risk of Complications: Proper treatment can prevent more serious issues, such as corneal damage or infections, that can arise from untreated dry eye.

• Increased Productivity: With fewer distractions from eye discomfort, individuals may find it easier to focus and be productive at work or school.

• Better Quality of Life: Improved eye health leads to a better overall sense of well-being and satisfaction in daily activities.

• Customisation: Treatments can be tailored to individual needs, addressing specific causes and symptoms for optimal results.

• Long-Term Management: Many treatments offer long-lasting relief, allowing for better management of chronic dry eye conditions.

• Empowerment: Understanding and managing dry eye helps patients take control of their eye health and make informed choices about their care.

In CAIRS, a laser is used to create a ring-shaped tunnels in your cornea. The tunnel creation is completely painless and the patient does not lose any vision. It takes approximately 9 seconds to create these tunnels with the laser. Following the laser, a carefully prepared ring-shaped corneal tissue is carefully inserted into the tunnel created in your cornea.

A small, similar shaped ring of donor corneal tissue is threaded into the tunnel in your cornea.  This ring of corneal tissue improves the strength, rigidity and overall shape of your cornea. The segments causes a flattening and regularisation of the cornea which strengthens the cornea and can improve vision with and without glasses.

• Vision Improvement: CAIRS can enhance visual acuity by reshaping the cornea, which can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively less invasive compared to full corneal transplants, involving only the insertion of ring segments into the corneal stroma.

• Stability: It can help stabilise the cornea, preventing further deterioration of vision in conditions like keratoconus.

• Reversibility: The segments can be removed or adjusted if necessary, providing flexibility in treatment.

• Short Recovery Time: Many patients experience a quick recovery and can return to normal activities soon after the procedure.

• Reduced Risk of Complications: Compared to full corneal transplants, CAIRS carries a lower risk of complications, such as rejection.

• Outpatient Procedure: It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, requiring no overnight hospital stay.

• Customisable: The procedure can be tailored to the individual’s specific corneal shape and degree of irregularity.

• Riboflavin Drops: The doctor puts riboflavin (a vitamin) drops on your cornea.

• UV Light: The cornea is then exposed to UV light for about 30 minutes.

• Strengthening: This process helps strengthen the cornea by creating links between its collagen fibers.

• Stabilisation: The goal is to stop the cornea from getting weaker and improve vision.

• Healing: After the procedure, the cornea heals over a few days

• Halts Progression: CXL stabilises the cornea, preventing further deterioration in shape and vision.

• Improved Vision: Many patients experience better visual acuity and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively simple and can be done on an outpatient basis.

• Quick Recovery: Most patients recover quickly, often returning to normal activities within a few days.

• Reduced Risk of Transplant: By stabilising the cornea, CXL can decrease the need for more invasive surgeries, like corneal transplants.

• Long-lasting Effects: The benefits of the procedure can last for many years, making it a durable option for managing corneal conditions.

• Safety: CXL is considered safe with a low risk of serious complications.

• Vision Correction: RLE can effectively correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, often reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

• Presbyopia Treatment: RLE is a good option for those with presbyopia, allowing for multifocal or accommodating lenses that provide clear vision at multiple distances.

• Stable Results: Unlike laser vision correction, which reshapes the cornea, RLE involves replacing the natural lens with an artificial one, providing long-lasting results.

• Customisation: Surgeons can choose from a variety of intraocular lenses (IOLs) tailored to the patient's specific visual needs and lifestyle.

• Quick Recovery: Most patients experience a quick recovery time, often returning to normal activities within a few days.

• Improved Quality of Life: Many patients report enhanced vision quality and overall satisfaction, contributing to a better quality of life.

The replacement lens, known as an IntraOcular Lens (IOL) are a made of a soft, flexible plastic.  Premium lenses perform a range of functions to help avoid the need for wearing glasses after surgery. The range of lenses include:

• Monofocal - Also known as standard lenses, monofocal lenses are only able to be set for either near or distance vision so glasses will be needed after surgery for completing certain tasks.
• Bifocal/Multifocal - These lenses allow two ranges of vision, usually near and far vision. However, medium range distance, such as computer work may still require glasses.
• Trifocal - The latest in lens technology. Trifocal support near, medium and distance vision and are often the best lenses to avoid needed glasses after surgery.
• Toric lenses - Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism. Glasses may still be required following surgery for near vision.