At VSON, we don’t think you should have to worry about the technology used to perform laser eye surgery.

This is because, we believe it’s the responsibility of the provider (i.e. us) to ensure that only the most advanced laser technology is used to achieve optimum results.

That said, we’re pretty fond of our laser treatments here at VSON. Not only because of the life-changing impact they have on our patients’ lives but because they are the only ultra-gentle, all-laser, touch-free lasers in Brisbane.

And although we don’t necessarily think you need to know the in’s and out’s of the laser technology, a general understanding can be both interesting and reassuring for patients. Particularly those doing their laser eye surgery research to find out whether they might be a good fit.

Laser technology has come a long way. Find out below how it has evolved and why our laser technology at VSON will give you a smooth and comfortable experience.

For the best vision correction surgery in Brisbane, book an appointment at VSON today.

A little LASIK history

After LASIK eye surgery was invented in 1990, it soon outpaced PRK laser eye surgery as the procedure of choice to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery, and because of this, thousands of studies have been carried out analysing its safety and effectiveness to correct refractive errors including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.

LASIK, compared with PRK, offers faster visual recovery and a virtually pain-free recovery process. People can often return to work the next day, compared to PRK which can sometimes keep people out of work for a week.

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for laser vision correction that remains popular. It uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea, helping to correct visual impairments.

In fact, most of the LASIK performed in Brisbane today is microkeratome LASIK. However, some people are put off by a mechanical blade’s thought – no matter how precisely controlled – creating a flap in the corneal tissue.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is another minimally invasive laser eye surgery correction most suitable for patients with myopia (short-sightedness), with or without astigmatism, dry eyes, thin corneas and were previously not suitable for laser eye surgery.
The SMILE procedure provides LASIK-like outcomes in a less invasive surgery. So, you can gain wonderful, unaided vision faster and easier than ever before.

Want a touch-free procedure? We offer the only all-laser LASIK in all of Brisbane

To overcome these drawbacks, laser scientists found a way to use a femtosecond (ultra-fast) laser to make the flap, instead of a computer-controlled mechanical instrument.

SCHWIND calls this laser the Intralase Femto LASIK. It is minimally invasive, precise and gentle – and we use it here at VSON!

The key benefits of this method include:

• Maximum safety through intelligent eye-tracking
• High-precision
• Shorter healing process
• More corneal flap thickness
• Decreased risk of corneal abrasions during the procedure
• Decreased risk of astigmatism after refractive surgery
• Fantastic clinical results from the day after surgery

Unsuitable for LASIK? PRK could be the treatment for you

Before there was LASIK, there was PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy). PRK was first performed in the United States in 1987. It is the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. Sometimes referred to as a “surface procedure”, it belongs to the family of early procedures used to reshape the cornea’s surface, such as LASEK and Epi-LASEK.

Traditionally, the laser eye surgeon removes the cornea’s thin outer layer (epithelium) through a process called alcohol debridement. The alcohol delaminates the corneal epithelium to leave a smooth surface after the surgeon slides it off with an instrument. Then, they use a laser to reshape the smooth corneal bed.

Most laser eye surgeons in Brisbane performing PRK use this traditional method. In contrast with LASIK – which is the most popular approach today – PRK has a longer recovery period. It can result in some discomfort for the patient during the healing process. With that said, the visual results after both PRK and LASIK are near identical.

Want a touch-free option? We offer the only all-laser PRK in all of Brisbane

At VSON, we use the TransPRK touch-free laser eye correction method. Unlike conventional methods like LASEK, Epi-LASIK and PRK, with TransPRK, the eye is not touched with any instrument. This touch-free procedure is non-invasive, safe, and gentle to the eye.

The key benefits of this method include:

• Touchless: no suction, no flap, no incision
• Safe: high corneal stability
• Fast: treatment in one step
• Short healing process
• Fantastic and long term clinical results

Want to see what you’ve been missing with laser eye surgery?

VSON is Brisbane’s newest laser eye surgery clinic located in Fortitude Valley on Ann Street.

Patients choose VSON because they have done their research and know all of their options. They can sit back and relax knowing that they are receiving the very best treatment for their refractive error with the most advanced technology available anywhere in Australia, let alone in Queensland.

To learn more about our procedures and how they can give you the freedom to do things you previously couldn’t, get a free laser assessment with one of our experts. It’s easy, just give us a call on 07 3188 6629 or book an appointment online.

Right now, you may not have enough information to know if laser eye surgery or another vision correction procedure is right for your eye condition. A great way to assess your suitability for vision correction is to take our online suitability test.