What to Expect from Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase

Considering laser eye surgery to correct your vision can be a life-changing decision. As leading ophthalmologists in Perth, we’re here to help you make the best-informed decision for your eyes with our trusted visual corrective procedures and expertise. With over 30 years of experience, we proudly perform the most affordable PRK laser eye surgery in Western Australia. In this article, we’ll guide you through the PRK procedure and provide insights on what to expect with laser eye surgery at Optilase.

First up on your journey to clear vision is your complimentary suitability consultation. You’ll meet our highly-experienced ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Bill Ward, and our ophthalmic technician, Kimberly, in our clinic rooms at the Mandurah Eye Centre at the Peel Health Campus.

Kimberly will start by getting to know you and your vision goals. She will discuss your health history, lifestyle, and other factors to determine your eligibility for PRK laser eye surgery before you see Dr Ward.

Dr Ward will then perform a thorough eye examination. This will allow him to make the final decision about your laser eye surgery based on your eyes’ health, refraction and measurements.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need throughout your consultation. Both Dr Ward and Kimberly are very passionate about delivering the best in laser eye surgery in a comfortable, inviting, and warm environment.

If you’re deemed to be suitable for PRK surgery, your surgery will be booked at our laser suite at Antony Healthcare in Palmyra.

Step One – Arrive at Optilase

When you arrive for your PRK eye surgery procedure, you’ll be greeted by Kimberly.

Kimberly will talk you through your surgery, all your post-op expectations and your medications, ensuring you feel comfortable and at ease. With her great sense of humour, paired with our relaxing atmosphere, we’re here to help you feel confident and ready for your procedure.

Step Two – Preparation

To prepare for your surgery, you will be offered a tablet to help you relax.

Step Three – Procedure

During PRK laser eye surgery, the excimer laser reshapes the surface of the cornea with extraordinary accuracy. In cases of myopia or short-sightedness, the excimer laser flattens the curvature, whereas, in hyperopia or long-sightedness, it steepens the curvature. We then place a transparent bandage contact lens on the eye to protect the cornea as the surface cells regenerate.

After your surgery, we will provide you with two separate eye drops. One anti-inflammatory eye drop and one antibiotic eye drop.

You will need someone to drive you home from your appointment and ensure you rest for the remainder of the day. You may experience discomfort and blurred vision for up to one-week post-procedure, for which your prescribed eye drops will be helpful.

As your eyes will be highly light-sensitive after your surgery, we ask that you bring your darkest sunglasses with you on the day of your operation. We request that you use these sunglasses while in the car on your way home, ensuring you have reliable transport on the day of your appointment.

You must wear these dark glasses in all well-lit environments, including your house. We strongly advise you to spend at lease three days at home after your procedure, ensuring you protect your eyes in all well-lit environments, including indoors.

Pain Management

After your PRK laser treatment, it is expected that you may experience some discomfort, light sensitivity, watery eyes, or red eyes. When it comes to managing the pain, our team will provide you with anti-inflammatory drops and pain medication to help your healing process.

Laser Eye Surgery Aftercare

Your eye surgery recovery and aftercare should be completely finished within 5-10 days, with most of our patients resuming their normal activities in a week. This minimal downtime is useful for patients with jobs and family responsibilities. 

As part of our commitment to your positive experience at Optilase, Kimberly will provide you with fantastic aftercare suggestions that best suit your personality and lifestyle. Some of her handy suggestions include:

• Ensure you organise for someone to be with you and take you home after your surgery
• Download your favourite podcasts and audiobooks to keep you occupied
• Book at least one week off work (Optilase will provide a medical certificate)
• Prepare your meals in advance so you don’t have to worry about cooking

Five days following your operation, you’ll have a follow-up visit at the Mandurah Eye Centre, where Dr Ward will remove the bandage contact lens and evaluate your eyes. After the contact lenses are removed from your eyes, your eyesight will continue to improve for several weeks. 

Find out if you’re a suitable laser eye surgery candidate

If you’re considering PRK eye surgery, the first step is to assess if you’re a suitable candidate. At Optilase, we offer complimentary suitability consultations where we thoroughly examine your eyes and discuss the best vision-corrective solution with you.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re eligible, we encourage you to learn more about our laser eye surgery suitability. Or, book your consultation appointment with us today and take the first step towards better vision with Optilase.