Freedom from glasses starts here.
Refractive surgery or vision correction surgery refers to any surgical procedure used to fix refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) or astigmatism. Refractive surgery helps you see better and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Most types of vision correction surgery reshape your cornea, which is the clear front window of your eye (LASIK and PRK). Other procedures involve implanting a lens in your eye (ICL) or replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens (RLE). All of these procedures do one thing in common; they alter the focusing power of your eye so that light entering the eye focuses sharply on the back of the eye, giving you clear vision.
Treatment Options
The options for refractive surgery include:
In LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), a corneal flap is first created using a femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted and folded back on its hinge and a different laser (excimer laser) is used to reshape the cornea, correcting for your prescription. The flap is then placed back in its original position at the end of the procedure. Vision recovery is very quick with most patients seeing very well by the next day.
In PRK, the excimer laser reshapes the cornea after the epithelium (surface layer of the cornea) has been debrided by the surgeon. Trans-PRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) is an advancement on PRK, whereby the excimer laser removes the epithelium and reshapes the cornea in a single step. This allows for faster healing than traditional PRK.
Implantable contact lens (ICL) is a soft, foldable lens that is placed in the eye, in front of the natural lens and behind the iris. The ICL is inserted in the eye through a very small incision which is self-sealing and does not require stitches. ICLs are very effective for treating high levels of myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism that are beyond the range of laser, or for those who are not eligible for laser vision correction. Vision recovers rapidly within a day or two.
Refractive lens exchange is a procedure much like cataract surgery whereby the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. The power of the lens implant and the lens design is chosen to give you the desired refraction and visual outcome. For example, multifocal lenses will give you clear distance and near vision, reducing the need for glasses. A discussion with your refractive surgeon will determine the best lens choice for you.
The procedure that is best suited to you depends on various factors such as your age, glasses prescription and health of your eye. Anyone over the age of 18 who has not had a significant glasses or contact lens prescription change for at least 12 months are eligible for a refractive surgery assessment. A consultation with your refractive surgeon will determine your suitability for refractive surgery and the procedure that will give you the best outcome.
A good result means vision that is useful, stable, and comfortable for your daily life, with reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
A good outcome generally includes:
Some people still need glasses for specific tasks. Presbyopia is the most common reason, because near vision changes continue with age even if distance vision is corrected well. Lens choice and treatment planning influence how often glasses may still be helpful.
Eyes can change over time. Ageing changes, possible prescription drift, and future cataract development can influence long-term vision. This is why ongoing monitoring matters, and why some patients may discuss enhancement or different treatment pathways later in life.
ICL is only recommended when measurements and eye health checks support a safe outcome. Screening includes anatomical safety checks, pressure risk assessment, and a close look at the retina when myopia is higher.
Having access to both laser and lens-based options supports better decision-making because the recommendation can be based on what suits your eyes, not what fits one procedure category.
Book a Refractive Surgery Consultation in Melbourne
There is no single best procedure. The safest choice depends on corneal thickness and shape, dryness profile, prescription range, lifestyle, and how you feel about the recovery differences. Your assessment is where this is decided.
For suitable candidates, refractive surgery has a strong safety profile. Like any procedure, it carries risks, which is why detailed screening and follow-up care are important.
Recovery varies by procedure. LASIK often improves quickly early on, while PRK can take longer to stabilise. Lens-based procedures have different healing priorities, including pressure checks and internal healing.
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