Yes, LASIK surgery can correct astigmatism. Astigmatism only influences surgery in a tiny percentage of patients, and we usually still have an option.

The highest amount of astigmatism corrected successfully in this practice was 13D, the highest myopia was -27D, and the highest hyperopic lens implanted was a +60D.

And then there are various combinations of the above. These values, which are very rare in the general population, show that most patients will have an option.

It is important to consult a Refractive Surgeon to determine the right option for you.

There are only a few contraindications for refractive surgery. As such, most patients between the ages of 18 and 99 should qualify.

NOTE: Although most patients will qualify for corneal refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK surgery), it may not necessarily be the most appropriate or suitable procedure of choice for every candidate.

If you are considering refractive surgery, you should consult a Refractive Surgeon. Only a Refractive Surgeon can decide whether refractive surgery is possible or not and determine which surgical and/or treatment option/s are best suited for you as an individual. 

If you do not qualify for LASIK, then we will consider other options such as surface ablations (e.g. TransPRK or PRK), intra-ocular lens implants (ICL/IPCL Surgery), or other lens surgeries.

A thin corneal flap is cut with a motorized blade or another laser (Femto-LASIK / FLASIK).  The flap is lifted, and the laser ablation is done on the exposed deeper corneal tissue. This reshapes the cornea’s curvature and changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly. The flap is then closed and heals on its own within a few days (no need for stitches). 

Because the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) is not removed, the procedure is largely painless, and any post-operative pain is minimal or negligible. 

The LASIK procedure takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. 

NOTE: Even though the procedure itself is usually quite short, the process surrounding the procedure can take some time. Preparation is also slightly different for each patient, therefore waiting times can vary. Please be patient during this process. We do the best we can to make the time in our practice as short and comfortable as possible.

Most patients report feeling little to no pain during LASIK eye surgery. Before the procedure, numbing eye drops are applied to the eye to prevent any discomfort during the surgery. During the surgery, patients may feel a slight pressure or discomfort, but it is usually not painful. 

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and typically resolves within a few days. 

It is important to discuss any concerns about pain or discomfort with your doctor prior to undergoing LASIK surgery.

With an overall major complication risk factor of 0.1%, LASIK surgery is considered to be exceedingly safe. In fact, it is one of the safest surgeries in medicine. But please note, as with all surgeries, those are just statistics. It is still surgery.

The most serious and visually threatening group of potential complications would be flap-related complications. Most of these can, however, be managed.  

Another feared complication is ectasia (thinning with change in corneal shape). With today's technology, we have very advanced methods to screen for and prevent this complication. 

This practice has not had a single ectasia case to date. In any at-risk cornea or if there is any concern then the PRK / Trans-PRK procedure would be preferred.

Medical aids in South Africa see this procedure as aesthetic.  Therefore, it is not covered by them. 

HPCSA Ethical Guidelines prohibit us from placing procedure costs on our website. Please contact our practice for information pertaining to the cost of this procedure.

• REMOVE ALL MAKEUP. Please do not wear any mascara, eye makeup, or base on the day of surgery. Be sure to clean all makeup off thoroughly. 

• Arrange transportation. Whether your procedure will involve one or both eyes, it will be necessary to arrange transportation for after surgery. 

• Avoid bringing excessive accessories and dress comfortably. The theatre gown provided will be worn over your own clothes.

The procedure is done under topical anaesthesia (drops are used to numb the eye/s). This means that you can eat and drink as normal before your procedure.

Yes, you can continue taking your chronic medication. No change in your medication routine is required.

It is fine to wear your contact lenses right up until the procedure. We will review if there are any issues and discuss at the time of consult. Usually, there are no issues.

Generally, patients do not have any pain. Pain medications are not routinely prescribed to our patients.

NOTE: this answer is for a standard LASIK procedure. Other procedures are different and will be discussed during your consult.

Fully healed is a relative term, or healing has a few variables.

• In terms of targeted vision, it is the next day usually. 

• In terms of final full quality in vision, sometimes there are minor fluctuations the first week or so. 

• In terms of full back to baseline tear film, it can take longer. Some patients have zero dryness. Some patients have minor dryness symptoms for a month. While others feel they need lubricating drops for even six months afterwards. This is very variable. But most, if not all, return to baseline ocular surface in the end.

• Healing in terms of focus point manipulation and adapting to the new focus point is also variable. Simple binocular ablations usually adapt within an hour. Some presbyopic corrections take 6-12 weeks to fully neuro-adapt.

• Anatomically, the corneal stroma is in position within 5 minutes, while the epithelium has healed within a couple of hours.

Generally speaking, vision is on point within 1 day; sensation is more than comfortable in most before the end of day 7; and dryness symptoms usually resolve in a month or 3.

LASIK resets your eyes to the standard population focus points. All people need readers in their mid-to -late forties - this includes LASIK patients. 

For Presbyopic LASIK patients, it will last until you develop cataracts. This is usually in one's sixties

Yes, you can continue as normal. 

Just be sure to AVOID:

• Eye rubbing or pressure, and  

• Tap water going directly into the eye/s for the first week. 

One can usually go out on the evening of the surgery. Some blur is to be expected that evening though.

We usually operate on Thursday afternoons. Full duties can be resumed by Monday.

With surface ablations, we advocate little sun exposure for about 6 months. In LASIK patients, the sun will not harm the eye/s but you can expect some discomfort in bright lighting conditions.

Wear sunglasses if you are not comfortable without them.

Drive the next day. Fly the next day.

With surface ablations (e.g. TransPRK or PRK) we wait for the epithelium to heal. With LASIK surgery, sea swimming within a couple of days. But avoid dirty freshwater pools, rivers, dams, or lakes for at least 2 weeks. Chlorinated pools are usually safe within a week. 

In terms of other cardiovascular exercise and weight training, you can bungy jump the next day (i.e. there are no limitations).

With regard to makeup, there are no limitations after surgery. 

NOTE: ALL makeup should be thoroughly removed before the procedure.