Laser Eye Surgery Assessments
Our Services
Considering laser eye surgery?
If you are considering laser eye surgery to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, an assessment is an important first step. At Wanganui Eyecare, our optometrists work collaboratively with ophthalmologists and laser eye surgeons throughout New Zealand. We can assess your eyes, discuss your visual needs and help you understand whether laser vision correction may be an option for you.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to alter how light is focused. It can be used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. The aim is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, although glasses may still be required for some tasks.
What does laser eye surgery involve?
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LASIK LASIK is a widely performed form of laser vision correction. A thin flap is created in the cornea before a laser reshapes the underlying tissue. The flap is then repositioned. Recovery is generally relatively quick, although vision can fluctuate while the eyes heal and stabilise.
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PRK and LASEK PRK and LASEK are surface laser procedures that reshape the cornea without creating a conventional LASIK flap. They may be considered when LASIK is not the most suitable option, and recovery is generally longer.
Other procedures, such as SMILE, may also be available depending on your prescription, eye health and the options offered by your ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist will determine which procedure, if any, is most suitable for your eyes.
Can laser eye surgery correct reading vision?
Sometimes — but it requires careful consideration.
As we get older, the natural lens inside the eye gradually becomes less able to focus on close objects. This is called presbyopia and is a normal part of ageing.
For some people, blended vision may be considered, where one eye is corrected primarily for distance and the other is left slightly more short-sighted to assist with near vision. Because not everyone adapts comfortably to this balance, a surgeon may recommend trying it first with contact lenses. We can arrange a contact lens trial to help determine whether this approach may suit you.
Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery may be suitable for many healthy adults, but suitability depends on several factors including your prescription and its stability, corneal shape and thickness, eye health, age, general health and medications. Certain conditions or circumstances, such as significant dry eye, some corneal or eye conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or prescriptions outside the suitable treatment range, may affect whether surgery is recommended.
Your ophthalmologist will make the final decision about whether laser surgery is suitable and safe for your eyes.
What if laser surgery isn't suitable?
Other forms of vision correction may be considered if laser surgery is not the best option. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) may suit some people who are not suitable for laser treatment, while Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens and may be considered in some cases, particularly where age-related changes in reading vision are also a factor.
Your Laser Surgery Assessment
Deciding whether to have laser eye surgery is a personal choice. A thorough assessment gives you the opportunity to understand your eyes, your vision and the options available before making that decision. At Wanganui Eyecare, we assess your vision and eye health, review your prescription and its stability, and consider the factors that may affect your suitability for refractive surgery.
We will discuss your visual needs, expectations and the options that may be available to you. If laser eye surgery appears suitable, we can work alongside your ophthalmologist and provide pre- and post-operative care where required. Our aim is to give you clear advice and help you feel informed before deciding on the next step.
Find out whether laser vision correction could be right for you.
Considering Laser Eye Surgery? Take the First Step.
Book a Laser Surgery Assessment at Wanganui Eyecare and learn more about your eyes, suitability and available options.
Have questions? We're here to help
Explore answers to common questions about laser eye surgery and your assessment
Possibly. Laser surgery is designed to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but it does not guarantee that you will never need them again. Some people require glasses for particular activities, and reading glasses commonly become necessary as presbyopia develops with age.
Most people experience little discomfort during LASIK itself. Temporary irritation, watering, light sensitivity or a gritty sensation can occur afterwards. Surface procedures such as PRK generally have a more uncomfortable early recovery.
Recovery depends on the procedure. LASIK generally has a faster initial recovery, while PRK and LASEK require more time for the surface of the cornea to heal. Vision may fluctuate during recovery and can continue to stabilise over the following months.
Laser eye surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea, but your eyes can continue to change naturally over time. Changes in your prescription, the development of presbyopia or age-related changes within the eye may mean that glasses are needed again in the future.