Lasik Eye Surgery
Today’s Most Innovative Laser Vision Correction Procedure
George St Eye Centre uses the latest, cutting-edge technology to ensure the most precise, safe and efficient treatment possible. We are committed to personalised care and aim to achieve the best visual outcomes for you and your visual needs.
George St Eye Centre uses the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS. This is the fastest laser available and we were one of the first practices in Sydney to have it! Our laser takes only 1.3 seconds to treat 1 dioptre of myopia, meaning it takes approximately one third of the time to treat your refraction compared with other lasers. It is extremely reliable and gentler on the eye, providing you with a more comfortable experience.
Our laser also uses world-first eye tracking in 7 dimensions to offer the most precise and safe treatment possible. Even with complete concentration, the eyes make small involuntary movements, so exact centring and constant positioning of the eye is extremely important. The SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS records all movements that the eye can make and actively compensates for them at 1050 times per second. It can even anticipate and compensate for eye movements before they actually occur, making its accuracy and reliability unmatched among other lasers. AMARIS has earned many national and international awards because of this, so our patients can be rest assured that they are being treated with the highest level of precision and accuracy.
Technical Excellence At Every Step Of The LASIK Procedure
Not only does the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS treat your eye in a reliable and efficient way, it also preserves corneal tissue and achieves an exceptionally smooth surface. The laser is gentle on your corneal tissue as it uses an intelligent thermal control system. This prevents damage to the surrounding corneal tissue and allows a more reliable healing process after the surgery.
Our laser is fully integrated with 3D scanning technology (Peramis) which is used to map your personalised refractive signature. The first scan, the aberrometer, captures 45000 measured points at a maximum pupil size of 9mm with a spatial resolution of 41um. This resolution is 3 to 6 times higher than is usual on the market and uses a combination of corneal and ocular wavefront data to exactly locate abberations, providing the laser with all the information required to give you the best possible visual outcome. It is also extremely quick, acquiring and processing 30 measurements in only 33 ms. The second scan, the topographer measures 5632 points from 22 rings that are projected onto your cornea (placido rings). Combining this corneal topography and wavefront data allows us to fully customise your laser treatment to you. Your refractive signature is like a fingerprint and is unique to each of your eyes, so these scans ensure your laser treatment is specifically personalised to provide you with the best visual outcome for your specific visual needs.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a procedure which uses small, rapid pulses of light to reshape your cornea in order to correct your vision. Nothing sharp, such as a blade or needle, is used during surgery, so no stitches are required. The laser used at George St Eye Centre fires 1050 laser pulses per second, making it the fastest and most precise laser on the market right now.
What is involved in LASIK surgery?
The LASIK procedure is performed by a qualified ophthalmologist and combines two advanced lasers with 3D mapping technology in one integrated procedure. The first femtosecond laser, called the IntraLase, creates a very thin, precisely measured flap of corneal tissue. This flap is folded back, and your personalised LASIK procedure is performed with the second laser. The flap is then carefully repositioned into its original position, where it adheres securely and grows back together with the rest of the cornea.
Flap is prepared > Tissue is removed > Flap is placed back in its original position and adheres on its own
What is involved in TransPRK surgery?
The TransPRK procedure is performed by a qualified ophthalmologist using only one femtosecond laser. Instead of making a flap, the very thin surface layer of the cornea is precisely ablated with the same laser that is used to treat your refraction. No instruments touch the eye in TransPRK and it is all performed in a single step. This substantially reduces total treatment time, but the recovery time is a little longer compared with LASIK to allow for the cornea to heal. Our laser at George St Eye Centre utilises the SmartSurfACE technology, which uses an innovated 3D model of your cornea to optimise pulse distribution of the laser. This creates create a smoother corneal surface which assists with faster healing.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Laser Eye Surgery
A thorough eye examination is needed to determine suitability but here is a great starting point
Who Is Suitable For LASIK/TransPRK ?
People who:
- Are 18 years of age and over.
- Have a stable prescription.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have adequate corneal thickness and a reasonably regular corneal shape.
- Have eyes that are otherwise healthy.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes for both eyes. You do usually spend 2 to 3 hours in the clinic on the day of surgery.
Does It Hurt?
LASIK/TransPRK surgery is pain free. In preparation for your procedure, your eyes will be anaesthetised with local anaesthetic eye drops. You may feel some light pressure on the eye but your ophthalmologist will ensure you stay comfortable by repeating the anaesthetic eye drops throughout the procedure.
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Is LASIK surgery good for eyes?
LASIK eye surgery is generally considered safe and effective, offering a significant improvement in vision for the majority of individuals. The procedure itself is quick, with most surgeries completed within 15 minutes for both eyes.
The benefits of LASIK extend beyond just removing the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK reduces the risks associated with long-term eyewear use, such as eye infections from contact lenses.
However, like any surgical procedure, LASIK comes with certain risks, including dry eyes and glare. These are typically temporary and can be effectively managed with post-operative care.
How often should I have eye exams after LASIK?
Regular eye exams are crucial after LASIK eye surgery in Sydney. Initially, follow-up appointments monitor healing, and subsequently, annual exams are recommended to maintain eye health.
Can LASIK fix astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism. Astigmatism happens due to an irregular curvature of the cornea that leads to blurred or distorted vision. During LASIK, the cornea is reshaped to correct this irregularity, leading to improved vision.
The procedure is highly precise, allowing for the correction of the unique patterns of astigmatism in each individual. Also, the improvement in astigmatism through LASIK can significantly enhance overall vision quality, making everyday activities like driving and reading more comfortable.
How much does LASIK eye surgery cost in Sydney?
The LASIK eye surgery cost in Sydney varies based on individual needs and procedure complexity. Known for our expertise in LASIK eye surgery in Sydney, George Street Eye Centre offers transparent pricing and detailed cost information during your consultation. This approach makes LASIK a feasible and accessible option for many.
Will I be asleep?
No, no general anaesthetic is required for LASIK/TransPRK surgery. You will be awake but will be lying down, and we will give you mediation to help you remain calm and relaxed. The procedure is quick and painless, and our friendly, caring staff will look after you and keep you at ease.
How long does LASIK/TransPRK surgery last for?
Depending on your age and the refractive error for which you are treated, the results may last a lifetime. It does not prevent you from presbyopia, the age-related long-sightedness or the loss of the ability to focus on objects which are nearby.
Is it safe?
Yes, laser eye surgery has been thoroughly tested and is considered to be a safe treatment. Laser vision corrections have been performed since 1987 and the technology and techniques have improved and been refined steadily since then. While no medical procedure is entirely without risk, our experienced ophthalmologists combined with the advanced SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS technology minimises it. A study of more than 1000 eyes treated with LASIK found that over 96% of the treated eyes had 20/20 vision or better after treatment.
Does LASIK eye surgery offer a permanent solution?
LASIK eye surgery is renowned for its ability to provide a long-lasting correction of vision. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK offers most patients a significant and enduring improvement in sight.
However, it’s crucial to note some natural changes in vision due to ageing, such as presbyopia or the development of cataracts, might still occur. These changes are a normal part of the ageing process and can happen regardless of LASIK eye surgery.
While LASIK offers a permanent change to the cornea, maintaining regular eye check-ups post-surgery is crucial to monitor and manage any future changes in vision.
Does LASIK fix short-sighted or far-sighted vision?
LASIK eye surgery corrects near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). The procedure involves using a laser to precisely reshape the cornea. This reshaping allows light to be focused more accurately on the retina, thus, correcting vision.
For near-sighted people, LASIK flattens the too-steep cornea. And for those who are far-sighted, LASIK aims to create a steeper cornea. Each procedure is tailored to the individual’s unique eye shape and vision needs, ensuring a customised approach to vision correction.