Laser eye surgery Brisbane
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF LASER EYE SURGERY
Dr. Cameron McLintock, a premier Brisbane-based ophthalmologist, offers a revolutionary leap in vision correction: Laser treatment for eyes, also known as LASIK. Whether you're tired of the constant struggle with glasses or annoyed by the daily hassles of contact lenses, laser vision correction can be a life-changing experience.
LASIK eye surgery has become the go-to solution for many individuals suffering from refractive vision errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It offers an effective, precise, and quick solution to correct vision without the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses. With LASIK Brisbane, you'll experience not only a notable improvement in your vision, but also a marked enhancement in your overall quality of life.
Refractive eye surgery can transform how you experience the world. By correcting common vision problems, this advanced procedure ensures that you see things more clearly, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Read MoreUnderstanding Refractive Eye Surgery
Refractive surgery is designed to correct vision imperfections caused by the shape of the cornea. These imperfections, or refractive errors, include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea using laser technology, refractive eye surgery offers an effective solution for those looking to improve their vision quality.
Types of Refractive Surgery Procedures
There are various procedures under the umbrella of refractive surgery. The most common among them is laser refractive eye surgery. The specifics of each procedure can vary, but the goal remains the same: to provide you with better vision.
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): Among the most popular types of refractive surgery, LASIK involves creating a flap on the cornea's surface and reshaping the underlying tissue using a laser.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): PRK does not involve creating a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed and reshaped using a laser. This method might be suitable for individuals with thinner corneas.
Benefits of Opting for Refractive Surgery
Sharper Vision: One of the primary benefits of refractive 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 refractive surgery procedures, especially LASIK, offer rapid recovery times. This means you can return to your daily activities sooner.
Refractive Surgery in Brisbane: What to Expect
If you're considering refractive surgery, Brisbane offers state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professionals. 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.
Surgery: The actual procedure typically takes just a few minutes for each eye. Thanks to advanced laser technology, it's both quick and precise.
Recovery: After the surgery, you might experience some discomfort. However, this is temporary, and you can expect significant vision improvement within a few days.
Complementary Eye Care Services
While refractive eye surgery can be a life-changing decision, it's essential to stay informed about other potential eye conditions and treatments:
Keratoconus Treatment: A progressive eye condition that can distort vision. Understanding the keratoconus treatment options available can make a significant difference.
Ophthalmologist in Hervey Bay: Whether it's for routine eye exams or specific conditions, consulting with a reputed ophthalmologist in Hervey Bay ensures comprehensive care.
Macular Degeneration: A prevalent eye condition that affects central vision. Staying updated with the latest treatment for macular degeneration can aid in proactive care.
Ensuring Long-Term Eye Health
Post-refractive surgery, maintaining eye health is crucial. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses, can play a significant role in preserving your vision for years to come.
Opting for refractive eye surgery can be a pivotal decision in your journey towards clearer vision. With the advancements in technology and the expertise available,a clearer vision is not just a dream but a reality within reach.
Making the Right Choice for Your Vision
Your 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 clarity.
Read LessLaser 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.
TYPES OF VISION ISSUES LASER EYE SURGERY CAN ADDRESS:
- myopia (short-sightedness)
- hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Corneal scarring
- Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome
Types of Laser eye Surgery:
Brisbane ophthalmologist Dr. Cameron McLintock offers several laser eye surgery options to treat the above conditions, such as:
- LASIK eye surgery
- Surface LASIK (also known as photorefractive keratectomy, PRK)
- PTK (Phototherapeutic keratectomy)
LASIK (LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS )
LASIK is a popular laser eye surgery technique used to address refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.
Acting as a permanent solution akin to glasses or contact lenses, LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye). After lifting the flap, the laser is applied to the deeper corneal layers, altering the cornea's shape and the way it focuses light for significantly improved vision.
SURFACE LASIK (PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY - PRK)
Surface LASIK eye surgery, similar to traditional LASIK, is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea. However, in Surface LASIK, the laser is applied to the cornea's surface rather than its deeper layers. Both LASIK and Surface LASIK have demonstrated excellent long-term vision outcomes.
PHOTOTHERAPEUTIC KERATECTOMY (PTK)
PTK is a laser eye surgery primarily used for removing corneal opacities, such as scars. It can also help create a more regular corneal surface, as in cases of Keratoconus.
LASER EYE SURGERY COST
Laser eye surgery is a valuable investment in your life. Although it may have a significant upfront cost, it provides the freedom to enjoy an active lifestyle without the hassle and recurring expense of glasses or contact lenses. See below for the costs of common laser eye pricing, including hospital, surgeon, and procedure fees (inclusive of GST):
- LASIK and PTK: $3,350 per eye
- PRK (Surface LASIK): $2,750 per eye
Is Laser Eye Surgery Covered By Medicare or Private Health?
Laser eye surgery is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, some private health providers may offer a partial rebate for the procedure. Contact your fund to check eligibility.
WHICH IS BETTER - LASIK OR SURFACE LASIK (PRK)?
A recent large review of international literature by the Cochrane Library compared PRK and LASIK laser eye surgery treatments. The study found no significant difference in final vision and accuracy between the two procedures.
LASIK TREATMENT: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- Less pain immediately following surgery
- Rapid vision improvement
Disadvantages:
- Structural weakness in the eye due to corneal flap creation
- Flap can dislodge from future eye trauma
- Small risk of corneal shape becoming irregular over time (post-LASIK ectasia), causing vision deterioration
Surface LASIK (PRK) TREATMENT - Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Stronger corneal structure as no flap is created
- No flap dislodgement risk from future eye trauma
- Virtually no risk of future corneal irregularity
Disadvantages:
- Pain after surgery (manageable with painkillers)
- Vision takes several weeks to reach optimal clarity
What to expect during laser eye surgery
Laser vision correction is painless. Numbing drops are applied to your eyes, and you may request a mild sedative to calm your nerves before treatment. The procedure lasts only a minute or two, with your eye held open to prevent blinking during the operation.
Who is Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?
Not everyone is a candidate for laser eye surgery. Dr. McLintock highly competent team will assess your visual needs and eligibility factors before recommending the most reliable and safe treatment options.
Laser eye surgery can significantly improve your vision. To determine your eligibility or learn more about this treatment, contact Dr. Cameron McLintock today to schedule a consultation.
Non-Laser Surgery Options
Two non-laser eye surgery options are discussed below:
- Refractive Lens Exchange
- Implantable Collamer Lens
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE
Refractive Lens Exchange is a procedure in which the eye's natural lens is replaced with a permanently implanted artificial lens to correct focusing errors. This surgery is often performed to address presbyopia, a condition where the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on nearby objects as it ages. Presbyopia typically begins in the mid-40s and affects everyone, initially manifesting as the need to hold close objects further away to see them clearly.
COST OF REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE
The out-of-pocket cost for Refractive Lens Exchange is $3,500 per eye.
Presbyopia, which typically develops in individuals around their mid-40s, gradually impairs the ability to focus on nearby objects, eventually making reading difficult without glasses or laser eye surgery. Refractive Lens Exchange offers three options to reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
OPTION 1: MULTIFOCAL ARTIFICIAL LENS IMPLANTS IN BOTH EYES
Multifocal intraocular lenses provide excellent vision at all distances, from near to far, increasing the likelihood of achieving spectacle independence. However, some individuals may experience halo effects around lights, which can be problematic in rare cases.
OPTION 2: EXTENDED DEPTH OF FOCUS (EDOF) LENS IMPLANTS
EDOF lenses deliver exceptional distance and intermediate vision without glasses, while also offering some near vision capabilities. Glasses may still be needed for reading small print in low light conditions, but halo effects are rarely observed with these lenses.
Option 3: Blended vision or monovision.
Blended vision involves inserting artificial lens implants that focus one eye for distance and the other for near, significantly reducing the need for glasses after surgery. Some adaptation time may be required for the brain to adjust to this new visual setup.
IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS (ICL)
ICL is a custom-made artificial lens implant placed in front of the natural lens, acting like a permanent contact lens. ICLs are most commonly used in patient's with high refractive errors that might be difficult to treat with laser eye surgery and are increasingly used for lower refractive errors as an alternative to PRK and LASIK.
Benefits of ICL
ICL offers several advantages, including reversibility, preservation of the corneal shape, and easier future cataract surgery. Unlike PRK and LASIK, ICL does not involve reshaping the cornea or creating a corneal flap, reducing the risk of complications such as dislocation, dry eye, or post-LASIK ectasia.
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.