Laser vision correction is an excellent and proven option for those that are suitable looking to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. As technology advances and more people are able to benefit from this lifestyle changing procedure, it’s helpful to understand the benefits of laser eye surgery, as well as the possible risks, and what to expect during the process.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction, is a precise and minimally invasive ophthalmic procedure that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct vision problems like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Common techniques include LASIK, PRK, and SMILE®, which aim to improve how light is focused onto the retina for clearer vision.

What are the Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery benefits include the below practical improvements in daily life:

• Reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses: no longer require glasses or contact lenses for daily activities such as driving, watching TV, or reading.
• Ability to enjoy sports and outdoor activities: Activities such as swimming, playing sports, or going for a run can be achieved without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
• Say goodbye to forgetting your glasses or replacing damaged ones: Misplacing, forgetting or replacing damaged glasses becomes a thing of the past. This is especially beneficial when travelling, attending events, or managing a busy lifestyle.
• Relief from contact lens discomfort: For individuals who find contact lenses uncomfortable, surgery removes the need for eye drops, cleaning routines, and dealing with red or irritated eyes caused by extended wear.
• Increased visual freedom for appearance confidence: Some people report that not needing glasses improves not only their comfort but also their confidence.
• Reduced long-term cost: Laser eye surgery may reduce the long-term cost of maintaining vision, including buying new frames, lenses, contact lenses, and related accessories.

Risks of Laser Eye Surgery

While laser vision correction is a proven and minimally invasive procedure, as with all surgery, there are risks that should be considered and understanding and being aware of these is an important part of the decision-making process. These can include:

• Dry eyes – A common temporary effect that may require lubricating eye drops for comfort during the healing period.
• Glare or halos – Some patients may notice rings or glare around lights, especially at night.
• Under-correction or over-correction – In a few cases, the desired level of vision correction may not be achieved, requiring further evaluation; this can usually be corrected with an enhancement.
• Enhancement procedures – Some patients may benefit from a second procedure to fine-tune results.
• Infection or inflammation – Though rare, these can occur and are usually treatable with prompt use of suitable medications.
• Visual fluctuations – Some people may experience temporary changes in vision as the eyes adjust during recovery.

A comprehensive pre-operative consultation with Dr Ben LaHood helps to determine your individual suitability, allows the opportunity to ask questions and outlines any potential risks based on your unique eye health.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery?

Knowing what the process involves, both before and after surgery, can help you feel prepared.

Before your procedure

A full eye assessment is completed to check suitability which involves a number of eye tests. You may be asked to stop wearing contact lenses before your appointment. During this assessment Dr Ben LaHood will provide you advice on which laser vision correction technology is best suited to you and your visual goals, answer any questions you may have, and outline the procedure and recovery process.

After your procedure

Vision begins to improve within 24 hours, and most people return to normal activities within a few days. You will see Dr LaHood on the day following your procedure to check your eye health and make sure everything is healing as it should. You’ll receive aftercare instructions such as avoiding eye rubbing, swimming, or applying eye makeup during early recovery.

Laser vision correction is an excellent opportunity to support long-term visual independence for those that are suitable. Laser vision correction is an excellent opportunity to support long-term visual independence for those who are suitable. Dr Ben LaHood performs laser vision correction procedures with a personalised approach from consultation through to post-procedure care.

If you would like to understand your suitability for laser vision correction, please take the Online Eye Suitability Test, or if you would like to seek a referral to his care, please contact him here.