Cataract Surgery

Surgery and recovery guidelines

Surgery

Both LASIK and PRK procedures are performed under the use of anaesthetic eye drops.

  • There is no use of injections and no pain should be experienced during either surgical procedure.
  • An eye speculum is used to prevent blinking and a flashing light in the laser acts as a target for you to fix on.

  • LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap of cornea using a microkeratome.
  • A suction ring is used to steady the eye during the flap creation and consequently, a light pressure sensation during the surgical procedure is experienced.
  • Laser correction is applied to the bed of the cornea exposed by the flap and takes about 20-40 seconds.
  • The laser will track any eye movements and adjust the position of each spot to compensate.
  • The flap is then repositioned and re-adheres by the natural suction of the eye within 2 minutes and without the use of stitches.

  • PRK does not require the creation of the flap of cornea but instead, the surgeon gently removes the surface epithelium and the laser is applied directly to the cornea. A temporary contact lens (3 – 4 days) protects the regenerating epithelium.
  • The procedure is performed in Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre's day surgery facility by surgeons who have specific training in excimer laser surgery.
  • Your visit may take up to 2 hours to allow for the application of pre-operative drops and sedatives, the procedure and post-operative checks by the surgeon.
  • It is important not to wear eye make-up, to wear comfortable clothes and to arrange a lift home on the day of surgery. You are not permitted to drive immediately following the procedure.

Generally surgery may be performed on both eyes on the same day. This can be discussed further with our clinical staff.

Recovery guidelines for LASIK

  • The rate of visual recovery varies for each individual. Initially vision may be blurred for a few days with steady improvement over a few weeks to months.
  • You should be able to return to most activities within 2 to 5 days with stable vision being restored between 1 to 3 months.
  • Results can vary according to the severity of the refractive error corrected. They are best explained together with the alternatives and possible complications during the pre-operative assessment.
  • Patients 40 years or over may still require reading glasses as would normally be the case at that age (see presbyopia).
  • It is necessary to return to the Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre the day following surgery for a post-operative consultation and then again between 1 and 6 weeks after the initial surgery as directed by the surgeon. These consultations are important, and failure to attend may jeopardise results.

Possible Complications and Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with the LASIK procedure. Fortunately, as technology has improved along with surgical skills and techniques, the possible complications associated with laser vision correction have been greatly reduced.

  • Flap cutting errors requiring derral of the procedure (rare)..
  • Flap slippage requiring repositioning (uncommon).
  • Ingrowth of surface epithelial cells under the flap requiring removal (rare), (this risk increases to 1:80 for enhancement surgery).
  • Infection (extremely rare).
  • Bothersome dry eyes for over six months (uncommon).
  • Corneal instability (rare).

The most important thing to remember is to attend all of your post-operative consultations so that we are able to monitor your recovery closely and also to strictly adhere to all post-operative guidelines, minimising the possibility of post-operative complications.

Of paramount importance is a comprehensive pre-operative assessment to determine your suitability to laser surgery and possible risks associated with your specific case so that you are well educated and can make a well-informed decision regarding laser vision correction for your eyes.

Our clinical staff would be happy to discuss any further questions you may have or to arrange a pre-operative assessment for you to see the clinical optometrist and surgeon.