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3.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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3.1 How does LASIK work?
The LASIK method (also called Flap and Zap) is a
major leap forward in refractive surgery. LASIK
combines conventional surgery with laser surgery.
The procedure began in 1989 and has since evolved
into a safe and effective method to correct several
eye conditions. To perform LASIK, the surgeon uses
a special micro-keratome to create a flap on the
front surface of the eye (cornea) that is then lifted
back and preserved.
The Excimer laser rapidly reshapes the curve of
the exposed corneal tissue, and then the flap is
returned to cover the reshaped / remoulded tissue.
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This flap acts as an 'own body band-aid' which re-adheres
fully within a few minutes, without stitches. The eye
is protected, the risk of infection is minimised and the
natural healing process is accelerated by minimal intervention
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3.2 What is the Benefits of Lasik?
Individuals consider the option of refractive surgery
and LASIK for a variety of very personal reasons.
While LASIK does not promise perfect vision, it
does hold the promise of reducing one's dependence
on contact lenses or glasses, which will allow many
people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports
activities or career options.
Sports Enthusiasts - from weekend warrior to professional
athlete, many wish to be reducing their need for
contacts or glasses for safety or performance reasons.
Mothers of Young Children - many women express concern
about the safety of their children if they should
lose their glasses or contact lenses -- while playing
in the surf or trying to escape a burning building,
for example. LASIK may even reduce the anxiety produced
by simple tasks, like finding one's way through
the house at night.
Frequent Travellers - for those who spend a considerable
amount of time on the road, being less dependent
on glasses or contacts promises numerous advantages,
from safety (ability to read evacuation signs) to
convenience (less to pack). |
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3.3 Am I suitable for Lasik?
Not everyone who wears corrective lenses would be
suitable. In-fact one out of three is not candidates.
To determine suitability you will need a thorough
eye examination. At the Marsden Eye Laser Clinic
we invite you to take advantage of our complimentary
consultation where we will perform all relevant
tests and discuss all the risks and benefits of
the procedure. If at this stage you fulfil the criteria
required, you will have the options of meeting with
Dr Fitzsimons or Dr Liew where a full general eye
check up including the examination of the back of
the eye (retina) to make sure that there are no
contraindications. The consultation with the surgeons
will costs $132 and a Medicare rebate >50% will
apply if you have a referral from your GP or Optometrist.
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3.4 How much does Lasik Cost?
The Marsden Eye Laser Clinic offers an all-inclusive
fee of $2600 per eye. This one off fee will cover
your Laser facility fee, Surgeon fee, Day Surgery
fee, Nursing staff fee, Consumables, Initial eye
drops and medications, 12 months of post operative
care and consultations, any enhancements or
touch-ups if required within 12 months of initial
treatment. At the moment LASIK is not refundable
from Medicare and most Private Health Funds.
You may be able to claim against your net medical
expenses when completing your annual tax return.
Refer to the Australian Taxation Office web site
http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/19181.htm&pc |
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3.5 Why are there so many price differences
between centres?
The differences in prices are dependant on the technology
and resources used. All major centres in Sydney
would have the latest technology and are continually
upgraded and serviced every 6 weeks. What differs
is the amount of inclusive fee that the centre offers
and whether there is any add on costs e.g. enhancements
or high overhead costs such as advertising/marketing.
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3.6 How long does the procedure take?
You may be required to spend about 1.5 hours at
the Marsden Eye Laser Clinic. A relaxant tablet
will be given prior to the procedure. Pre-operative
administration and preparation takes about 20 minutes.
The Laser treatment will be for approximately 10
minutes. After your Lasik procedure, you will be
offered tea or coffee and rested for about 10-15
minutes. Your eyes will be checked under the microscope
by the surgeon prior to discharge from day surgery.
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3.7 Am I awake during the procedure?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic in
the form of an eye drop. With you being awake for
the procedure is more controlled because your focus
on the laser beam helps the centre and align your
vision for better tracking. |
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3.8 Is the surgery painful?
The eyes are completely numbed with local anaesthetic
eye drops and will not experience any pain. However,
you will still pressure sensation and touch especially
the tension caused by the lid holder that keeps
the eye open and prevent you from blinking. During
the laser treatment (takes about 1-2 minutes) you
will hear the laser impulses and the smell of the
plume but there will be no pain.
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3.9 What
happens if I move during the procedure?
For the most parts of the treatment, slight
eye movements are fine. Our Bausch & Lomb Technolas z100
personalised iris recognition laser has an inbuilt high-speed infra-red
eye tracker system that tracks every pulse
for the duration of the treatment. If you
happen to move outside the range for the eye
tracker the laser automatically shuts down.
If this should happen we reposition you and
recommence the surgery.
When
will I see again?
Visual recovery is very quick, most people
can see close to their best vision within
24 hours after surgery. Straight after surgery
you will |
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experience blurry vision (like somebody has smeared
Vaseline on your glasses) but you should be able
to see through the blur. |
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3.10 How much time will I need off work?
Recovery time is approximately 24 hours. Usually
we recommend you take the day of your procedure
and the following day off work and resume to normal
by the 3rd day. |
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3.11 What are the side effects/ risks
of the procedure?
During the first consultation we will go through
the full list of complications/risks and the benefits
of surgery. If you have been selected as a suitable
candidate for LASIK, the chances of success are
usually 99% without any complications. (Please select
one of the following links for more detailed information)
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3.12 Is the treatment permanent?
All reports suggest this treatment is permanent.
We cannot however, predict whether your eye would
have naturally become more short/long sighted with
time. The surgery will not halt the natural progression
of the eye. We do assume that if you are over 21
years of age and have had a stable prescription
for 12 months, that your eyes will not change and
the treatment will therefore be permanent. |
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3.13 Are there any restrictions after
surgery?
You can resume normal activities however, we do
ask you to take care for the first 2 weeks and refrain
from swimming, contact sports or rubbing the eyes.
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3.14 What's the next step?
The decision to have LASIK is an important decision
and we at the Marsden Eye Laser Clinic believe it
should be a fully informed one. For a full assessment
and discussion about the procedure please contact
our clinic on |
02 9635 6964 |
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© 2007 Marsden Eye Specialists - all rights reserved.
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