Clear vision without glasses or contact lenses feels life-changing. LASIK eye surgery offers a safe and proven way to correct common vision problems. With thousands of successful cases in Perth, LASIK continues to free people from daily dependence on corrective eyewear.
Perth LASIK eye surgery patients place their trust in Murdoch Eye Centre because of our experience and technology. Dr Philip McGeorge pioneered LASIK in Western Australia and has performed thousands of successful procedures.
To help you feel comfortable, here is a guide through the journey before and after LASIK eye surgery, with every step explained.
Before LASIK: Preparing for Your Procedure
Preparing for LASIK starts with understanding the steps that ensure your eyes are ready for safe, effective treatment:
The Initial Consultation
Your first step is a comprehensive consultation at Murdoch Eye Centre, where we examine your eyes, measure corneal thickness and pupil size to confirm suitability, and review your prescription to ensure it has remained stable over time.
Not everyone is eligible. Factors such as thin corneas, unstable vision, or certain medical conditions can mean LASIK may not be the best option. In those cases, your surgeon will suggest suitable alternatives.
Learn more: The Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist: Which Do You Need?
Preparing for the Day
Preparation plays an important role in your LASIK journey. Stop wearing contact lenses before surgery so your corneas return to their natural shape. Plan a short break from work and arrange transport home, as you cannot drive immediately afterwards.
Ask every question during your consultation. Most patients feel confident and reassured once they clearly understand what to expect at each stage of treatment.
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery
Knowing what happens during LASIK eye surgery helps ease nerves. The procedure itself is quick and precise, taking around 15 minutes per eye.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- You arrive at the clinic and settle in.
- We apply numbing eye drops to ensure comfort.
- We place an eyelid holder to keep the eye steady.
- A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea.
- An excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea to correct vision.
- The surgeon repositions the flap, and it begins to heal naturally.
You may feel slight pressure at times, but the drops ensure the procedure is pain-free. Many patients find the procedure quick and straightforward.
After LASIK: Recovery and Results
Your eyes need time to adjust. In the hours after surgery, it is normal to experience:
- Blurry or hazy vision.
- Mild itching, watering, or a gritty sensation.
- Light sensitivity.
These early symptoms fade quickly. Recent data on vision correction shows satisfaction rates between 95 and 99 per cent, reflecting the life-changing impact these results have for most patients.
The Recovery Timeline
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours. Over the following weeks, your sight continues to sharpen and stabilise.
Follow-up appointments are important to track healing. These usually take place the next day, after one week, and then at one month.
Recovery Tips
Your surgeon recommends specific steps to protect your eyes and support healing. Use prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and infection, avoid rubbing your eyes, and wear protective shields while sleeping for the first few nights.
Stay away from swimming pools, eye makeup, and strenuous activities until your eyes recover. When patients follow this guidance, most return to work and daily routines within a couple of days.
Risks and Potential Side Effects
Like any procedure, LASIK carries potential side effects. Most are temporary and manageable. These include:
| Issue | Evidence and Rates |
| Dry eyes during the first weeks | Dry eye occurs in up to 85% of patients but drops within a month after LASIK, fully resolving within months. |
| Glare, halos, or starbursts at night | Visual phenomena such as halos and glare are common in the early postoperative period but decline as the cornea heals. |
| Fluctuating vision as the eyes stabilise | Fluctuating or hazy vision typically resolves as the cornea remodels; most patients achieve stable vision within weeks to a few months. |
Advances in laser technology and careful consideration of patient needs make serious complications rare. At Murdoch Eye Centre, the safety of every patient is the highest priority.
Why Choose Murdoch Eye Centre for LASIK
We use advanced laser systems, including the WaveLight Refractive Suite, which provides accuracy tailored to each patient’s eyes. This technology reduces treatment time and enhances results.
We centre our approach on personalised care. We conduct every consultation thoroughly and address your every question. Our patients often describe feeling confident from the first meeting through to the final follow-up.
You Asked, We Answer
I want freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Can refractive surgery help?
Refractive surgery can reduce or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses if you have a suitable prescription. Our specialists confirm your eligibility during a consultation.
I notice blurred vision at different distances. What does this mean?
Blurred vision at near or far distances often points to a refractive error such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. An eye test confirms this.
My vision looks uneven or distorted. Could it be astigmatism?
Astigmatism blurs or distorts vision at all distances. If your eyes feel strained or you notice uneven clarity, astigmatism is a likely cause.
I find it harder to read fine print after turning 40. What’s happening?
This change usually signals presbyopia, a natural age-related condition where the eyes lose the ability to focus on close objects. Give us a call and let’s investigate.
A Clear Path Forward
Vision correction changes daily life. From driving with confidence to enjoying sports or simply reading without glasses, the benefits are wide-reaching. With expert care and modern technology, before and after LASIK eye surgery becomes a smooth journey.
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery in Perth, Murdoch Eye Centre provides a trusted and experienced option. For more information or to schedule an appointment at our Murdoch or Subiaco consulting rooms, give us a call at (08) 7111 1671.
