Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible for Lasik?
You are likely eligible if you are over 18 years old, have had stable vision for the last 12 months, are not pregnant, don’t have certain diseases of the cornea and retina and are generally in good health. Make an appointment with Hobart Eye Surgeons, and we can discuss your eligibility.
What should I prepare before visiting my Lasik specialist?
Before your appointment with Hobart Eye Surgeons, make a list of:
- the symptoms you are experiencing, even if they are not directly related to your eyes
- any recent life changes
- any medications and supplements you are taking.
How long will the procedure take?
The procedure itself only takes a few minutes per eye. However, pre and post-operative checks require you to be there a few hours before the procedure.
Will I be able to throw away my glasses?
We can help you decide on this, keeping your age and preferences in mind.
How soon can I get back to normal, drive, play sports or go to work?
Most people can return to their regular activities the day after. Playing sports may take a bit longer.
Do I need to take time off from work?
This depends on the procedure and your personal circumstances. However, if it helps, we can arrange for your consultation and procedure to occur on the same day.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is considered very safe, with over 10 million successful procedures performed worldwide. There is an extremely low incidence of complications, especially as our team at Hobart Eye Surgeons is very experienced, and our technology and equipment are advanced and correctly maintained.
What is the risk of complications?
All surgical and medical procedures carry a degree of risk of complications. If you cannot accept the minor chance of complications, you should not continue with treatment.
Will I have any long-term side effects?
There are no long-term side effects if your procedure is complication-free.
What if I can’t keep my eye still enough or if I blink during the procedure?
We use an active eye tracker that will redirect the laser beam according to any, even microscopic, eye movement. We also use a small device that prevents blinking.
Will my vision be corrected forever?
Mostly, yes, when it comes to laser vision corrections and myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. There can be some regression in the first 3 months – however, this can be fixed with an enhancement procedure.
I wear glasses for reading. Can laser surgery fix this?
Yes. LASIK can use monovision, where one eye is corrected for myopia and the other for hyperopia. We can discuss whether this approach is best for you – we can even try it out with contacts or glasses – or whether there are better alternatives.
Will I be able to wear corrective lenses after Lasik?
Most likely, yes, if you only need a minor prescription. Contact lenses can be used one month after your procedure.
Are all Excimer lasers the same?
No. First-generation lasers were broad-beam lasers. Today, nearly all lasers are scanning lasers, where a small spot or strip of laser beam rapidly scans the cornea.
How will I know which treatment is best for me?
We’re here to advise and help you make the decision. We will always assess your case individually, with your specific circumstances and needs in mind. We offer free assessments to ascertain the best treatment plan for you.
I don’t need glasses all the time, so would LASIK work for me?
This depends on your age and your symptoms. Make an appointment with Hobart Eye Surgeons, and we can discuss your individual needs.
How has LASIK advanced over the past few years?
LASIK involves creating a paper-thin flap on the cornea, under which the cornea is reshaped before the flap is repositioned.
In the 1990s, the Femto laser was developed, allowing procedures to be done with a laser rather than a mechanical cutting tool. Since then, the major development has been in the speed of the lasers. They were once 50hz and are now a minimum of 400hz.
Similar to traditional LASIK, Femto-LASIK uses a second Femtosecond laser to create the thin flap on the cornea, resulting in higher safety and precision. Femto-LASIK is the procedure of choice for most of our patients.