1. How long has the surgery been performed?
2. Is the procedure safe?
3. Does the procedure hurt?
4. How long does the procedure last?
5. Will I require time off from work?
6. Am I covered with health insurance?
7. How does the laser work?
8. What happens if I blink or move my eye?
9. When can I return to normal activities?
10. Can the result be improved should it be less than perfect?
11. The surgery seems costly. Why is this so?
12. Is the procedure suitable for everyone?
13. What experience does the centre have?
14. Can I really throw away my glasses?
15. Why should I have my procedure done at Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre?

1. HOW LONG HAS THE SURGERY BEEN PERFORMED?

Laser Vision Correction was initially developed in the mid 1980's as an alternative to Radial Keratotomy. Initially it was performed on the surface of the eye as PRK, which is still performed today. LASIK evolved to overcome some of the disadvantages of PRK, most notably the time of recovery and the level of discomfort, and involves the combination of PRK and the fashioning of a corneal access flap. This corneal flap involves techniques very similar to those employed in the 1950's. LASIK, therefore, is the combination of two procedures, each with a long history. Whilst its own history is only five to seven years much confidence can be gained from its' related procedures.
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2. IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE?

In medical terms, LASIK and PRK are very safe procedures with adverse outcomes from complications of a serious nature occurring in under 1:1000 eyes. This is not to say that complications and side effects cannot occur. They may, as is the case for any medical procedure. Before proceeding with this procedure the risks specific to your circumstances must be assessed and fully explained to you so that you can make an informed decision.
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3. DOES THE PROCEDURE HURT?

During Laser Vision Correction of any form the eye is anaesthetised with drops. As such, you should not experience any pain during the procedure. It is normal, however, to feel the pressure of the suction that is used during LASIK for a 15-30 second period plus the tension on the lids of the speculum used to keep the lids widely open. These sensations should not be bothersome to the point of being painful. Following the procedure there will be foreign body feeling in the eyes that can be relieved by anaesthetic drops that will be provided. In LASIK this is for a period of 2-6 hours and is relatively mild. PRK on the other hand may be more uncomfortable and will take considerably longer to recovery (usually for about 2-3 days).
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4. HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE LAST?

After the initial recovery period that lasts for 6 months you can expect to have a permanent effect from the surgery. Rarely there may be some regression of the effect requiring remedial treatment and at times your refractive error may still be progressing at the time of the surgery. Also, should the eye develop other conditions such as a cataract or if you should become diabetic then there may be changes in the refractive error of the eye. If there is evidence of either regression, under or over correction or progression of your refractive error to the point where it is bothersome then our five year clear vision commitment will apply and any remedial surgery will be provided at no cost to you. Remember that as with the original surgery this surgery also carries a small risk that you must consider.
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5. WILL I REQUIRE TIME OFF FROM WORK?

Generally the surgery will be performed late in the week so that you can return to work after the weekend. How well you can function depends on the degree of your refractive error, the recovery rate of your eye and the type of visual tasks you perform. In general, people with smaller corrections who do not engage in heavy near or screen based tasks can expect to function very well the first week. Others may have a longer recovery. If possible, you should consider taking up to a week off work and do less near tasks initially.
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6. AM I COVERED WITH HEALTH INSURANCE?

Only small rebates are available from health insurers at this point and these rebates are restricted to procedures performed in an accredited theatre facility. Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre has accreditation so if you have full hospital cover a small rebate will apply with the majority of funds. Unfortunately there is no Medicare benefit for these procedures.
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7. HOW DOES THE LASER WORK?

The excimer laser used in Laser Vision Correction procedures is a high energy ultraviolet laser. It works by precisely removing very small amounts of corneal tissue with each pulse with the pattern of laser pulses creating the desired change in refraction. The position and number of the pulses is controlled by the algorithm within the lasers' computer. Depending on the correction and the laser used the treatment time may be only a few seconds right up to over a minute.
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8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I BLINK OR MOVE MY EYE?

Blinking is prevented by the speculum that keeps the eye open and therefore is not a problem. Eye movement on the other hand can significantly influence the outcome so it must in some way be compensated for during the procedure. Some older lasers rely on the patient to fixate on a blinking light but unfortunately this is not always possible, especially during LASIK. To overcome this difficulty, the most advanced lasers employ techniques to follow your eye movements during the procedure to compensate for the errors in placement of the pulses that would arise. These tracking systems ensure that the full benefits of the laser are provided improving predictability and rate of recovery thereby reducing the chance for remedial enhancement surgery and/or loss of best potential vision.
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9. WHEN CAN I RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

Apart from the restrictions listed below normal activities can begin immediately. Driving and using dangerous machinery should be avoided until the next day and then only if you are confident to do so. It is necessary to avoid any contact with the eye for three days and shampoo and make-up around the eyes must be avoided. Eye shields must be worn at night and sunglasses or clear protective glasses at all other times. Swimming and contact sports should be avoided for a week. Rubbing the eye is ill advised at any time but should be restricted for at least a week.
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10. CAN THE RESULT BE IMPROVED SHOULD IT BE LESS THAN PERFECT?

Enhancement surgery can be performed once the result of the initial surgery is stable. This is usually after three to four months. Enhancement surgery has a similar risk profile and recovery as the initial surgery but usually starts with a much smaller error. The likelihood of enhancement surgery is determined by the initial refractive error and will be discussed as part of the consent process. All enhancements are provided at no cost during the first five years.
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11. THE SURGERY SEEMS COSTLY. WHY IS THIS SO?

The lack of insurance rebates at this stage makes the surgery appear expensive but it is in many ways similarly priced to other equivalent eye operations such as cataract or glaucoma surgery. Unfortunately, at this point you must bear all the costs. The nature of the procedure is such that it requires state of the art equipment to gain the best results together with expensive consumables and maintenance costs. As there is no likelihood of health insurance rebates in the foreseeable future the current cost levels will remain or possibly even rise. Don't forget that the procedure fee includes all your care and medications from your initial detailed assessment through the operative phase to the twelve months of post-operative care and any enhancement surgery required within 5 years of the initial procedure.
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12. IS THE PROCEDURE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

No, if you only require reading glasses then almost certainly this procedure will be of limited or no benefit since this results from a lack of flexibility in the natural lens. This is termed presbyopia and whilst leaving one eye short-sighted to give some reading ability is possible, for most this is a less than ideal compromise.

Some people have contraindications either of an ocular nature or a medical nature making them unsuitable for Laser Vision Correction. Other procedures may provide an alternative surgical option. Remember, those people who are content with their glasses or contact lenses should ensure that the benefits of the procedure are fully considered.
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13. WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES THE CENTRE HAVE?

The surgical staff at Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre have been performing Laser Vision Surgery in Adelaide since February 1992. During this period over 7,000 laser vision procedures have been performed with the vast majority being LASIK. This experience extends beyond the surgical staff to everyone working within the centre to ensure that you receive the best care at all stages of your involvement with us.
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14. CAN I REALLY THROW AWAY MY GLASSES?

This is the goal of Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre in regards your distance vision. For the vast majority of cases we can achieve this goal although enhancement surgery may occasionally be required. But remember that this is a surgical procedure of living tissue not clear plastic and therefore is subject to some degree of variable response. Also, it is important to remember that Laser Vision Correction does not alter the normal ageing processes of the eye such as the loss of flexibility of the lens required for good near vision. It cannot overcome diseases of the eye that reduce the vision potential of the eye such as retinal disease. To claim to be able to guarantee that you can throw away your glasses is misleading and against the voluntary code of conduct under which the centre operates.
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15. WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY PROCEDURE DONE AT ADELAIDE EYE AND LASER CENTRE?

There are many benefits that Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre can offer should you decide to proceed with Laser Vision Correction. These include;

• Extensive experience since 1992 with more than 7,000 successful procedures.
• Fully accredited, theatre level facility dedicated to Laser Vision Correction.
• The most advanced equipment available to maximise predictability and safety.
• Unparalleled levels of customer service during all stages of the procedure.
• Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre gives its refractive patients a 5 year vision commitment.

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