Laser eye surgery Brisbane
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF LASER EYE SURGERY
Laser eye surgery is a true wonder of modern medicine. It has transformed millions of people’s lives. Laser eye surgery has undergone dramatic technological advancements over the years which makes it extremely effective and safe.
LASIK, PRK and SMILE are laser procedures performed to reduce our need for glasses or contact lenses. These procedures treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) to ensure excellent clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Laser eye surgery is most commonly used to treat people under the age of 50. If you are older than 50, refractive lens exchange may be more suitable for you.
If you have a very high prescription, implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) may be more suitable for you.
LASIK, PRK and SMILE are highly refined and precise treatments which procedure excellent outcomes. Dr McLintock will perform a thorough assessment prior to surgery to determine which procedure is most suitable for you.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER EYE SURGERY?
Sharper Vision: One of the primary benefits of laser eye surgery is clearer vision. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or even better after the procedure.
Reduction in Optical Aids: Whether it's glasses or contact lenses, many people find a significant reduction in their dependence on these aids post-surgery.
Quick Recovery: Most laser eye surgery procedures, especially LASIK, offer rapid recovery times. This means you can return to your daily activities sooner.
What are the different types of laser eye surgery?
There are several types of laser eye surgery, each with their particular advantages.
- LASIK
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), also known as Surface LASIK
- SMILE
LASIK
LASIK is the most well known and most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. As with all types of laser eye surgery, LASIK changes the shape of the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye). LASIK requires 2 different lasers to perform, a femtosecond laser and an ecxcimer laser.
During LASIK, a flap is first created in the cornea with the femtosecond laser (see diagram). This flap is then lifted and the excimer laser is applied to the deeper layers of the cornea. The excimer laser changes the shape of the cornea and alters the way it focuses light, resulting in much clearer vision. The flap is then placed back in its original position.
LASIK was previously performed with a type of blade called a “microkeratome” to create the flap. The use of the blades to cut flaps were associated with certain complications. The development of the femtosecond laser has dramatically increased the safety of LASIK and significantly improved the outcomes for patients. LASIK with use of the femtosecond laser really has become the “gold standard” of LASIK technology.
PRK (PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY)
In PRK (sometimes referred to as “surface LASIK”) the excimer laser is applied to the surface of the cornea rather than the deeper layers. No flap is created in PRK. As such, only the excimer laser is required with PRK.
Vision after PRK surgery can take a couple of weeks to provide beautiful clear vision. However, compared to LASIK, it is less likely to cause dry eyes afterwards.
PRK can be preferable to LASIK in certain situation such as when a person has dry eyes or if they engage in contact sports or work in the military. It can also be a better choice in people who have slightly thin corneas.
Whether you choose LASIK or PRK, both procedures have been show to have equally excellent long term outcomes in terms of vision and safety.
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Am I eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?
Prior to any laser eye surgery, a thorough assessment is performed to determine if you are a suitable candidate. You will be advised on the day of your assessment whether you are a candidate for laser eye surgery and which option would be most suitable.
For most people there is a treatment option available as an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. There are, however, some instances in which laser eye surgery may not be the best option for you.
If you have other significant eye conditions, LASIK, PRK or SMILE may be associated with greater risk. In such cases, laser eye surgery is best avoided.
Conditions which may be associated with increased risk include
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Glaucoma
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Keratoconus.
- Significant corneal scarring.
Dr Cameron McLintock will only recommend surgery if possible surgery would have an extremely high level of success.
Are there other options apart from laser to replace glasses and contact lenses?
Dr Cameron McLintock offers all types of vision correction. Apart from LASIK, PRK and SMILE, other options include refractive lens exchange andimplantable collamer lenses.
Refractive lenses exchange is a procedure in which the lens that sits inside the eye is replaced with a customised lens implant that improves how the eye can focus. It is a procedure commonly performed by our surgeons at Vision for Life Institute. During a refractive lens exchange, multi-focal or extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses are implanted. Refractive lens exchange is more commonly performed in those over the age of 50.
Implantable collamer lenses can be an excellent option for those who have very high prescriptions (particularly very high myopia or “short-sightedness”) and may not be suitable for LASIK or PRK. In such cases a lens implant (similar to a contact lens) is permanently implanted inside the eye to ensure the eye focuses vision correctly.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
Please know that the process of laser eye surgery is very simple. On the day or surgery, you will need to come to the laser centre with a carer to drive you to and from your surgery. If you would like to be relaxed, we offer a sedative tablet to help with any anxiety you may be experiencing. Your eyes are then numbed with numbing drops to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the surgery.
The surgery then starts. During the procedure you will feel movement around your eye and possibly some pressure but no pain. You will be asked to look towards certain lights during the procedure but please don’t worry if you look away. Our eye-tracking technology ensures that the laser is able to follow eye movements as they occur.
Within a matter of minutes the procedure will be finished and you are ready to start your new life with wonderful vision without glasses or contact lenses..
What can I expect after surgery?
After your surgery, you will need to use drops in your eyes for a few months to ensure your eyes heal nicely and that you have excellent long-term vision.
There are a couple of check-up appointments after your surgery which are important to ensure that everything is progressing as expected after your surgery.
Laser Eye Surgery in Brisbane: the process.
If you're considering laser eye surgery, Dr McLintock is able to provide Brisbane state-of-the-art facilities in Brisbane. When you opt for laser refractive eye surgery, here's a brief overview of the process:
Consultation: A detailed eye exam ensures you're a suitable candidate for the procedure and that surgery is highly likely to give you an excellent result.
Surgery: The actual procedure typically takes just a few minutes for each eye. Thanks to advanced laser technology, it's both quick and precise.
Making the Right Choice for Your Vision
Yourr eyes are your windows to the world. Choosing to undergo refractive eye surgery is a step towards a brighter, clearer future. By understanding the procedure, benefits, and available resources, you empower yourself to make an informed decision. With the right care and guidance, especially in places like Brisbane that offer top-tier medical expertise, the journey to improved vision becomes a smooth and rewarding experience. Trust in the advancements of medical science and take the leap towards a life with enhanced clari
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
Some of the reasons our patients love their laser surgery
- Being able to see clearly when swimming.
- Being able to play sport without glasses or contact lenses.
- Being able to use safety glasses without prescription glasses fogging up underneath.
- Being able to apply make-up without glasses or contact lenses.
- Not having to reach for glasses first thing in the morning.
See below for the total costs of common laser eye pricing including hospital, surgeon, and procedure fees (inclusive of GST):
- LASIK and SMILE: $3,350 per eye
- PRK (Surface LASIK): $2,750 per eye
- PTK: $2750 per eye.
Are other types of laser used to treat eyes?
Apart from the excimer laser and femtosecond laser used in LASIK, PRK and SMILE, there are several others that Ophthalmologists used to treat eyes.
Such lasers include
- YAG laser: this laser is commonly used in people who have previously had cataract surgery to treat a condition known as “posterior capsular opacification.”
- SLT laser: this laser is commonly used in people with glaucoma. SLT laser is used to lower pressure within the eye so that people don’t need to use glaucoma drops.
- Argon laser: this laser is commonly used to treat conditions of the retina such as diabetic retinopathy.
Laser and Refractive Eye Surgery in Brisbane
Dr. Cameron McLintock specialises in laser eye surgery, an effective solution for correcting refractive vision errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, significantly reduces dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Are you a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery? Take our online self-test here.
Refractive eye surgery, a common and safe procedure, addresses focusing issues in the eye caused by refractive errors. These errors occur when the eye improperly focuses light, resulting in blurred vision for those with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Laser Eye Surgery in Brisbane - Offering a permanent, minimally invasive solution to refractive errors, laser eye surgery is performed while patients are awake and in a reclined position.
For a lasting improvement to your vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, consider laser eye surgery in Brisbane, expertly performed by Dr. Cameron McLintock.
A VISION FOR LIFE: BEYOND LASER EYE SURGERY
Beyond the immediate vision correction offered by laser eye surgery, it’s essential to recognise the long-term benefits of this procedure. Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses can lead to significant savings over the years. Furthermore, the reduced dependence you’ll have on glasses or contact lenses will allow you to live an active lifestyle without the constant need for corrective eyewear. This can bring immense improvements in self-confidence and overall well-being.
LASER EYE SURGERY IN BRISBANE
Seeking vision correction services in Brisbane? Dr. McLintock provides expert treatment at three convenient locations across Brisbane and one in Hervey Bay. Visit our contact page to schedule an assessment at our Mt Gravatt or Hervey Bay clinics, depending on which location suits you best.
MEET DR. CAMERON MCLINTOCK - LASER EYE SURGEON
Dr. McLintock is a Brisbane-based Ophthalmologist specialising in cataract surgery, refractive, and laser eye surgery. Alongside his private practice at clinics in Brisbane and Hervey Bay, he serves as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, sharing his passion for teaching.
A highly respected eye surgeon in Australia and internationally, Dr. McLintock has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in international Ophthalmology journals. To submit an inquiry, please use the contact form on our website.
Explore Our Specialist Services
Brisbane residents and beyond can access a comprehensive suite of specialist services tailored to meet a wide range of eye health needs. As a dedicated ophthalmologist in Brisbane, Dr. McLintock combines advanced medical expertise with personalised care, ensuring each patient receives the best possible outcomes.
- Pterygium Surgery:Combat the unique challenges of eye conditions such as pterygium with our specialised surgical treatments, designed to restore vision and eye comfort with precision and care.
- Lens Replacement Surgery: Experience the clarity of vision with our advanced lens replacement surgery options. Whether you're facing the onset of cataracts or seeking an alternative to laser eye surgery, our solutions are customised to your eyes' unique needs.
- Cataract Surgeons Brisbane:Our highly skilled cataract surgeons in Brisbane use state-of-the-art techniques to remove cataracts, enhancing your vision with the utmost precision and safety.
Our commitment to employing the latest advancements in eye care technology ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care available. Whether you're exploring laser eyes surgery or require specialised treatment, our Brisbane laser eye surgery centre and LASIK expertise are here to guide you towards clearer vision and improved eye health.