What is laser eye surgery?

LASIK, commonly referred to as Laser Eye Surgery combines the submicron precision of the excimer laser with lamellar corneal surgery (a procedure that has been performed since the 1960's).

During laser eye surgery, a very thin flap of corneal tissue is first raised with an automated device called a microkeratome. The Excimer laser then smooths and reshapes the underlying bed of cornea to correct the patients refractive error. Each pulse of the laser removes 39 millionths of an inch in 12 billionths of a second. The excimer laser produces 'cool' ultra-violet light that does not cut or burn tissue.

The thin flap of corneal tissue is precisely replaced to cover the newly curved central cornea. It seals within minutes due to the corneas efficient bonding ability without the need for sutures. This flap minimises the risk of infection (more common with the PRK/ASL procedure) and accelerates the healing process following laser eye surgery. Patients can see immediately after the laser eye surgery operation.

The LASIK method using the microkeratome and the Excimer laser has been used in treating over 50 million eyes, providing exceptional accuracy with a fast healing time and minimal discomfort.

In short-sighted patients, the laser removes a little more tissue from the centre of the cornea than the periphery, which flattens the cornea (The amount taken is often less than the thickness of a human hair). In long-sighted patients, the laser takes more tissue from the peripheral part of the cornea in order to steepen the cornea.

In astigmatic patients the curvature of the cornea is not completely spherical - it is more elongated on several planes. The laser removes tissue from different axes to provide a more spherical cornea that can accurately focus light.

The Australian Institute of Eye Surgery is a purpose built Laser Eye Surgery and Implant Surgery facility incorporating the most advanced laser technology. We are patient focused and aim to achieve the finest possible results by the safest and most predictable means.

The Australian Institute of Eye Surgery offers affordable laser eye surgery (LASIK) and cataract surgery making the laser eye surgery cost accessible for all. For vision correction surgery or laser eye surgery Sydney and Newcastle, contact us for an assessment today.