1HERSA1 A032 Laser eye surgery Advertising Feature Creating vision for clearer, brighter future ‘I have had patients tell me they felt like a new person; felt so much better.’ Dr Michael Lawless Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism can be treated using laser eye surgery. Inset: Dr Michael Lawless. Laser eye surgery can significantly improve eyesight in suitable candidates and offers other life-changing benefits. As well as allowing patients to discard their glasses or contact lenses (or reduce dependence on them), the surgery has been shown to boost self-confidence and enhance performance in areas where compromised eyesight may be holding a person back. ‘‘I have had patients tell me they literally felt like a new person; felt so much better and even looked younger without glasses,’’ says Dr Michael Lawless, one of Australia’s most experienced refractive eye surgeons. ‘‘This in turn gave them greater self- esteem with all the positive impact that has on life in general. ‘‘Where poor eyesight can impact on a person’s ability to perform at optimal level – for example, in certain sports and in careers such as the defence forces – laser eye surgery opens a window to a new world.’’ Based at Vision Eye Institute in Chatswood, Dr Lawless has performed more than 30,000 surgical procedures and is a recognised expert on laser eye surgery. Short-sightedness, long- sightedness and astigmatism can be treated by reshaping the cornea – the clear window on the front of the eye. These three types of laser eye surgery, all performed by Dr Lawless, are known as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis); ASLA (advanced surface laser)/PRK (photorefractive keratectomy, the predecessor to LASIK), and SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction). LASIK, most commonly performed in Australia, uses a femtosecond laser to create a flap on the cornea, allowing a surgeon easy access to reshape the corneal bed. Recovery is typically fast and relatively comfortable, Dr Lawless says. SMILE, the newest form of laser eye surgery, is considered less invasive because a flap in not made in the cornea. Keyhole surgery is used. Recovery is slightly longer than with LASIK. Dr Lawless says the procedures are not painful as anaesthetic drops are used. He likens the sensation of the laser at work as being a bit of pressure on the eyelids, then on the eye itself. ‘‘A device holds the lids open and the laser can track the eye whether it moves up and down or back to front or rotates,’’ he says. ‘‘The majority of people will come out afterwards and say, ‘Was that it?’’’ However, laser eye surgery is not for everyone. ‘‘A surgeon experienced in recommending the most appropriate procedure for individual patients is critical, taking into account the patient’s refractive error, eye health, visual goals and lifestyle factors,’’ he says. ‘‘For some patients, this may mean recommending no surgery.’’ It’s also important for a surgeon to manage patients’ expectations and for patients to be realistic. ‘‘Depending on the individual, there are limits to what laser eye surgery can achieve,’’ Dr Lawless says. ‘‘For instance, it may not be possible for a patient to stop wearing glasses altogether. They may need to wear them for things like driving at night. ‘‘When laser eye surgery is not in a patient’s best interests, a reputable surgeon will always offer viable alternatives such as implantable contact lenses. ‘‘Vision Eye Institute invests heavily in the latest technology and has a dedicated research unit to ensure optimal visual outcomes, patient comfort and safety.’’ Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 32 THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019