Laser Vision Correction, or also known as laser eye surgery, is a well-established way to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Procedures such as LASIK, PRK and SMILE® reshape the cornea so that light focuses more accurately on the retina, improving clarity for people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. Suitability for this procedure varies from person to person, and a detailed assessment is the best way to understand if your suitability and the best option for you.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery, or laser vision correction, refers to a group of minimally invasive procedures that correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. In Australia, the most commonly performed techniques are LASIK, PRK and SMILE, and each aims to provide clearer, more comfortable vision for everyday activities by adjusting how light enters the eye. Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal shape, general eye health and individual visual goals, which are discussed during your consultation.

Common Eye Conditions Treated with Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery may be suitable for people with:

• Short-sightedness (myopia) – difficulty seeing clearly at a distance
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – difficulty focusing on near objects
• Astigmatism – blurred vision caused by an irregular curve of the cornea

These conditions affect how the eye focuses light, and laser vision correction aims to improve this focusing ability.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

With advances in technology, more and more people are suited to laser vision correction. Your suitability will be defined through a series of assessments and pain-free diagnostic tests that measure your eyes. It also relevant to consider the following criteria:

Checklist for suitability:

• Aged 18 years or older (typically mid-20s for prescription stability)
• Stable prescription for at least 12 months
• Healthy corneas with adequate thickness
• No significant dry eye disease
• No active eye infections or inflammation
• No autoimmune conditions that affect healing

Your ophthalmologist will review your visual goals, your medical history, and your test results to determine if laser vision correction is suitable for you.

Pre-Surgery Assessments and Tests

A comprehensive eye assessment is an essential part of determining suitability and will be done at your initial consultation. These tests help understand the shape, strength and health of the eye.

Common pre-surgery tests include:

• Refraction to measure prescription strength
• Corneal topography to map corneal curvature
• Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
• Tear film assessment for dry eye
• Pupil measurement
• Retinal examination

These results help guide the safest and most effective laser vision correction treatment approach.

Factors That May Make You Unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery

Not everyone is suitable for laser vision correction. However, if this is the case, your ophthalmologist will discuss alternative options, such as refractive lens exchange, which may provide a better visual solution.

Risks and Possible Side Effects of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is considered a proven and effective procedure and is widely performed with high success rates. However, all medical procedures carry some degree of risk. Risk factors vary between individuals and often improve as the eyes heal. These factors can include:

• Temporary dry eyes
• Glare or halos, especially at night
• Mild discomfort during early healing
• Fluctuating vision
• Rare risk of infection
• Occasional over or under correction

What to Expect During the Laser Eye Surgery Process

A typical laser eye surgery journey involves several steps:

1. Consultation — full eye assessment and suitability discussion
2. Treatment planning — lens measurements and customised program
3. Procedure day
   • Anaesthetic eye drops
   • Corneal preparation
   • Laser reshaping (seconds to minutes, depending on procedure)
4. Immediate recovery — rest for a short period before returning home to rest as laser is a day procedure
5. Follow-up visits — first check usually the next day

Total time in the clinic on procedure day is usually a few hours, with the procedure itself taking only minutes. Recovery is rapid, and most people find they wake up to see clearly and are able to drive, undertake daily activities and return to work within 24-48 hours.

Recovery Timeline After Laser Eye Surgery

Every person heals differently, but most recovery follows a similar pattern.

Typical timeline:

• First 24–48 hours: Vision becomes clearer; mild dryness or glare sensitivity is common
• First week: Continued improvement; avoid swimming, eye makeup and contact sports
• Weeks 2–4: Vision stabilises; dryness reduces
• 3 months: Most people reach their final visual result

Recovery tips:

• Use prescribed drops as directed
• Avoid rubbing the eyes
• Wear sunglasses outdoors
• Attend all follow-up appointments

How Dr Ben LaHood Supports Your Laser Eye Surgery Journey

Patients receive detailed assessments, tailored recommendations and ongoing support through every stage of their vision correction journey. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, the focus is on ensuring safety, comfort and clarity about what to expect. Dr LaHood’s experience in refractive surgery, combined with his use and skill using advanced diagnostic technology, helps guide the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if laser eye surgery is right for me?

A suitability assessment will determine whether laser eye surgery is an appropriate option based on your eye health and prescription.

Can I undergo laser eye surgery if I wear contact lenses?

Yes, but you will need to stop wearing contact lenses for a period before assessment, as they temporarily alter the corneal shape.

How long does the laser eye surgery procedure take?

The laser procedure itself usually takes only minutes, with total clinic time a few hours.

What are the long-term effects of laser eye surgery?

Results are long-lasting, though natural age-related changes such as presbyopia may still occur.