Am I a good candidate for Laser?
Please see Am I a Candidate
Should you feel like you are a suitable candidate for laser, please book your consultation and assessment test with our facility, to confirm.
When was the first Lasik procedure performed?
The first Lasik procedure was performed around 1985, and since then has been widely used internationally.
Does Medical Aid cover the cost of the procedure?
Medical Aids differ, with each patient getting assessed individually. A letter of motivation can be given to the patient, in certain cases, from Durban Eye & Laser Clinic, which can be sent directly to the Medical Aid to receive authorization.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure isn’t painful, but some do find it slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds, and sense a feeling of ‘pressure’. Due to the speed of the procedure, it’s over quite quickly and the fear of what’s happening is actually worse than the procedure itself.
How long is the procedure?
The actual laser takes a few seconds, whilst preparing the eye takes a few minutes. The whole procedure will be done in just under 10 minutes for both eyes.
Do I need to remove my contact lenses before the procedure?
Yes, depending on the type of lenses you wear, you will need to leave them out for a period of time prior to your consultation. The reason for this is that the lens may distort the cornea and lead to inaccurate measurements for the actual laser. If you are wearing soft contact lenses, you need to remove your lenses for a minimum of three days prior to the procedure.
Can I close my eyes or blink during the operation?
We use a small instrument called a speculum to keep your eyelids open, which prevents that eye from blinking. You can occasionally blink your other eye – which is not being lasered. We request that you limit eye movement and try to remain as still as possible. However, the Schwind Amaris 750S has an active 6D eye tracker, which actively detects small eye movements, thus redirecting the laser beam, if necessary – making it slightly easier and more comfortable for you.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients will be able to see well the day after the procedure and usually can resume with daily activities thereafter. Patients with high prescriptions may recover more slowly than others.
Can I do both eyes at the same time?
It is possible to treat both eyes at the same time, however, some do prefer to do each individually – the decision is up to the patient. We normally suggest that you have both eyes done at the same time.
Are there any risks?
Yes there are – we could get under-corrections, over-corrections or infections, but the risk is minimal. In addition, dryness or the eyes and night glare could persist for a period of up to 1-3 months. All the risk factors are discussed with the patient at the initial consult. With that being said, millions of people, across the world have undergone Lasik surgery and have had excellent results.
Will I still need glasses?
No, the aim is to get rid of your glasses and contact lenses. Almost all patients don’t need to use glasses thereafter; however, reading glasses may be needed with age.
Do I need to take time away from work?
Yes – you will usually need 1 day off work for the procedure and recovery. By the next day you should be able to return to work. Some patients take 2 days off to ensure full recovery before returning to work.