Laser Vision Correction Melbourne

LASIK and PRK refractive surgery to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses — performing laser eye surgery since 2010.

What Is the Difference Between LASIK, PRK and SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK creates a thin corneal flap before reshaping the underlying tissue with an excimer laser, offering rapid visual recovery. PRK removes the surface epithelium instead and suits patients with thinner corneas or contact sports lifestyles. SMILE is a newer flapless technique using a femtosecond laser to extract a small disc of corneal tissue through a tiny incision.

LASIK is the world's most popular form of laser vision correction. When performed by an experienced specialist, it can dramatically reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. Dr Ross MacIntyre MD FRANZCO has been performing LASIK and PRK/ASLA procedures since 2010, consulting at Northern Eye Consultants in Bundoora.

Both LASIK and PRK use a precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. By altering the curvature of the cornea, the way light focuses onto the retina is changed, correcting short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

As a corneal subspecialist with fellowship training at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Dr MacIntyre brings a depth of corneal expertise that is particularly relevant to laser refractive surgery, ensuring the most thorough pre-operative assessment, optimal surgical planning, and the best possible outcomes.

Book a LASIK Assessment

Bundoora

Northern Eye Consultants

(03) 9466 8822

Wonthaggi

Bass Coast Eye Centre

(03) 5672 4300

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Should I Choose LASIK or PRK for Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK is preferred for most patients because of its faster recovery, with most people driving within a week. PRK is recommended for patients with thinner corneas, those in contact sports, or patients whose corneal measurements make a LASIK flap less suitable. Both procedures achieve similar long-term visual outcomes.

LASIK

A thin corneal flap is created, then repositioned after laser treatment
Visual recovery typically within 24 hours
Minimal discomfort after surgery
Requires adequate corneal thickness for flap creation

PRK / ASLA

Surface cells removed; laser applied directly (no flap)
Recovery takes 3–5 days longer than LASIK
No flap — preferred for certain corneal shapes or active lifestyles
Long-term visual outcomes equivalent to LASIK

Same correction, different technique. Both procedures use the same excimer laser to achieve the same correction. Dr MacIntyre will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your corneal thickness, shape, prescription, and lifestyle at your pre-operative assessment.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Before proceeding with LASIK or PRK, Dr MacIntyre performs a comprehensive pre-operative assessment to confirm your suitability. This includes detailed corneal mapping (topography and tomography), measurement of corneal thickness, assessment of tear function, and evaluation of your prescription stability.

Typical LASIK candidates

Aged 21 or older
Stable glasses prescription for at least 12 months
Adequate corneal thickness
Regular corneal topography
No significant dry eye disease

What to expect

The majority of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
Procedure takes approximately 10–15 minutes per eye
Most patients drive within 24 hours of LASIK
Same-day day surgery — home the same day

Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as clear lens exchange (CLE), custom lens replacement, or presbyopia lens surgery, is an option for patients over 45 whose prescription falls outside the range suitable for laser eye surgery. For a detailed explanation of this alternative, see the refractive surgery guide at corneaeyedoctor.com.

Frequently Asked Questions — Laser Eye Surgery

Am I a candidate for LASIK?

Ideal candidates are 21 or older with a stable prescription (unchanged for at least 12 months), adequate corneal thickness, regular corneal shape, and no significant dry eye. The only way to know for certain is a comprehensive pre-operative assessment with corneal mapping. Dr MacIntyre will advise whether LASIK or PRK is more appropriate for your eyes.

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Both use the same excimer laser. LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, applying the laser beneath it, then repositioning the flap — recovery is typically 24 hours. PRK removes the surface cells and applies the laser directly, with recovery of 3–5 days. Long-term results are equivalent. PRK may be preferred for thinner corneas, irregular corneal shape, or active lifestyles (e.g. contact sports).

Is laser eye surgery permanent?

The laser reshaping of the cornea is permanent. However, ageing changes (presbyopia — difficulty reading as you age, and eventual cataract formation) are natural processes that occur regardless of laser surgery. A small percentage of patients may benefit from an enhancement procedure years later as the eye continues to age.

Does laser eye surgery hurt?

The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops before the procedure. You should not feel pain during LASIK — most patients describe mild pressure or a brief blurring of vision. After surgery, LASIK patients typically experience mild grittiness and light sensitivity for several hours. PRK recovery involves more surface discomfort for the first few days while the corneal surface heals.

Book a Laser Vision Assessment

Consulting in Bundoora and Wonthaggi. A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates on your consultation.

Book Online (03) 9466 8822