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LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery ('laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis') is the most widely performed laser eye surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).

There are many types of laser eye surgery, but the most common and well-known type of laser eye surgery is LASIK. The purpose of laser eye surgery is to correct refractive errors and reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. In common with all forms of laser refractive surgery, LASIK eye surgery changes the curvature of the cornea so that light entering the eye will be correctly focused on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a clear image.

The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye in total and is done under local anaesthetic. LASIK is absolutely painless.

During the procedure, the corneal tissue is carefully flapped open with a special oscillating blade. The cornea is then lasered, and the protecting tissue gets flapped back into place. Corneal tissue has excellent natural bonding qualities that allow effective healing without the use of stitches.

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LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

  • - is considered pain-free by most patients
  • - is performed as a day-case with the whole visit lasting 2 hours
  • - the treatment itself is completed within 10 minutes per eye
  • - gives excellent vision in 4 hours for most patients

Before your appointment we need you to please:

  • - Not wear your contact lenses at least 3 days before the appointment
  • - We will arrange a Pentacam and Oculyzer scan at the Cape Eye Hospital
  • - If you know your contact lens script, please bring it with you