We aim to provide you with the best information to make an informed decision about your vision from your suitability to the treatment options available.
Resources
Answers to common Questions
Find clear answers to frequently asked questions about eye surgery and treatments at Laser Vision SA. This resource is designed to help you feel informed and confident about your care.
Am I too young or old for laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction can be performed where appropriate on patients from age 18 to 80.
Can correction help me use reading glasses less?
Yes, with monovision when one eye is in focus far away and the other in focus for close work. It sounds strange, but for most people, after a few weeks practice, the brain blends both together together well. An alternative is clear lens extraction, similar to cataract surgery, with trifocal lens implants.
Can I drive home after a procedure?
No you can not drive home after your surgery, as initially your vision will be hazy and may still feel the effects of you pre surgery Valium. We suggest you arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up. Alternatively, a Taxi or an Uber.
Can I end up with worse vision without glasses than before?
It is almost impossible for your vision without glasses or contacts to be worse after laser vision correction.
Can I go blind after laser vision correction?
No one has gone blind with modern laser vision correction. So instead we talk about the risk of being only able to see 2 lines higher on the letter chart even with optical aids. The risk of this is said to be one in one thousand.
Can laser vision correction fix astigmitism?
Yes. Astigmatism may be corrected by all methods of vision correction including laser vision correction or lens implants.
Have any of your staff had laser vision correction?
While none of our reception staff have had laser vision correction, Dr Fraenkel and the practice manager have both had Vision Correction.
How does laser vision correction work?
Laser Vision Correction refocuses your eye for clear vision by altering the shape of the clear front of your eye, the cornea. The laser does this by removing a very fine layer from the centre or periphery of your cornea.
How long will I be in the laser suite?
Patients spend approximately 10 minutes in the laser suite, most of that time is getting patients comfortable on the laser bed.
How much does the procedure cost?
Costing varies depending on the type of procedure that is recommended. You can expect to pay between $2,500 per eye - $3,400 per eye.
How quickly will I return to normal duties after the procedure?
The vast majority of patients can return to normal daily duties the following day. If you have had Lasik or SMILE, legally you can drive 24 hours after their procedure has been performed. If you have had PRK, just waiting a couple days longer till you can drive.
How soon can I get the procedure done?
Depending on availability and after a consultation with Dr Fraenkel, patients can usually have the procedure done within 1-3 weeks after their consult.
What after care is required following laser vision correction?
Patients are required to follow some post op after care. These include a series of eye drops. Patients are provided all eye drops and instructions when they come out of the laser suite. One of our staff members will also go through these instructions with them. You will also find the sheet is colour coded for ease.
What are the different types of procedures?
At Laser Vision SA we offer all three generations of vision correction. 1st generation PRK/ also known as surface laser, 2nd generation Lasik and 3rd generation SMILE: the most advanced in Laser vision technology.
When can I go back to screen work
For SMILE and LASIK you can usually go back to screen work the next day. However for many people it can take 5 days or so for their brain to adjust to their new distance vision.
During those 5-7 days it can be more challenging to read your computer and phone. Then your brain gets with the program for reading
Will I have access to my surgeon after treatment?
Yes Dr Fraenkel will almost always see you at your first day 1 consultation less than 24 hours after your laser vision correction. He may then delegate some of your aftercare to another clinically qualified member of LVSA staff, but will always be next door if there are any concerns. In addition Dr Fraenkel is available during office hours through Laser Vision SA, and after hours via an emergency after hours care number you will be provided with in your post laser instructions.
Will I need glasses after laser vision correction?
For patients under 45 years of age this is very rare. If there are any unusual features of your examination making this more possible, you would be fully informed.
For patients over 45 years of age, due to presbyopia (loss of near vision without glasses), whilst most far and close tasks are done without glasses, extremely far or close vision might occasionally need glasses, like driving at night in the rain or threading a needle.
Will laser vision correction hurt?
No. Drops numb your eye. They work better than you can imagine. You may feel a little water or gentle pressure around your eye but pain is rare. Most patients say laser vision correction was more weird but more quick and comfortable than they imagined.
Will laser vision correction wear off?
The 10 year studies following 1000s of patients show that for the vast majority modern laser vision correction does NOT wear off. This idea relates to the very early days of laser vision correction more than 20 years ago.