In this surgery, 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.  The flap is then closed.  As the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) is not removed, the procedure is largely painless, and any post-operative pain is minimal or negligible.  

In a very small number of cases, one can get flap complications.  The tissue is cut deeper than other procedures, and therefore there is a 0.05% risk of ectasia (thinning with change in corneal shape) after this procedure. 

Patients between the ages of 18 and 99 should qualify for corneal refractive surgery because there are only a few contraindications for this type of procedure. 

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 the risks involved for you as an individual. 

Yes, LASIK eye surgery can correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error that can cause blurred vision. During LASIK surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, to correct the refractive error and improve vision. The laser can be programmed to address both the nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as other vision issues such as presbyopia. 

However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, so it's important to consult with an eye doctor to determine if it's the right option for you.

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.

HPCSA Ethical Guidelines prohibit us from placing the LASIK Surgery cost on our website. Please contact our practice via the WhatsApp Link below, or on our landline number, for information pertaining to the cost of this procedure.

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

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.

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.

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 in 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 by 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

We 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 regard to make-up, there are no limitations after surgery. 

NOTE: all make-up should be thoroughly removed before the procedure. Make-up on the eyelid at the time of surgery is not a good idea.