How is Laser Vision Surgery Performed?

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Video Transcript

How is laser vision surgery performed?
Hi, I’m Dr Rylan Hayes, ophthalmologist and specialist refractive surgeon here on the Sunshine Coast. Both LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea — the clear dome at the front of the eye. By changing the cornea’s curvature, we change how light focuses on the retina, and that’s what corrects your vision. With LASIK, we first create a thin protective flap in the corneal surface using a femtosecond laser. We lift that flap, apply the excimer laser treatment to the underlying tissue, and then gently reposition the flap — where it seals without stitches. With PRK, there’s no flap. Instead, we remove the outer epithelial layer of the cornea and apply the laser treatment directly to the corneal surface. The epithelium then regenerates naturally over the following days. The laser treatment itself takes only seconds to minutes, depending on the prescription. The whole procedure is typically complete in under 15 minutes per eye. Both procedures are performed in our dedicated laser suite on the Sunshine Coast, and you go home the same day. Come to our free eligibility screening, and we’ll work out which procedure is right for you.

How is Laser Vision Surgery Performed?

Laser vision correction works by using an excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea — the clear dome at the front of the eye. By modifying the corneal curvature, the way incoming light refracts and focuses on the retina is changed, correcting myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.

There are two main procedures: LASIK and PRK. Both use the same excimer laser for the refractive treatment, but they differ in how the corneal surface is prepared.

LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis)

Step 1: Flap creation

A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin, circular flap within the corneal tissue. This is precise and takes seconds. The flap is lifted and gently folded back, exposing the stromal tissue underneath.

Step 2: Excimer laser treatment

The excimer laser — guided by your pre-operative corneal map and prescription — delivers a series of ultraviolet pulses to reshape the exposed stromal tissue. The treatment takes seconds depending on the degree of correction required. You may notice a brief odour — this is normal and caused by the laser’s interaction with tissue.

Step 3: Flap repositioning

The flap is gently repositioned over the treated area, where it adheres naturally without sutures. Medicated salt solution (BSS with steroid) is used to wash the surface and ensure proper alignment. The flap begins bonding within minutes.

Duration:

Typically 10–15 minutes per eye including preparation. Each laser treatment itself takes under a minute depending on the prescription.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Step 1: Epithelial removal

Instead of creating a flap, the outer epithelial layer of the cornea is removed — either with a gentle brush, dilute alcohol solution, or a laser (no-touch PRK).

Step 2: Excimer laser treatment

The excimer laser reshapes the exposed corneal stroma in exactly the same way as LASIK.

Step 3: Bandage contact lens application

A soft bandage contact lens is placed over the treated eye to protect the surface while the epithelium regenerates — typically over 5 days.

Recovery difference:

Because PRK requires epithelial regeneration, visual recovery is slower (1–3 weeks to functional vision, with continued improvement over months) compared to LASIK (often functional within 24–48 hours). The final visual outcomes of both procedures are equivalent.

Where is the procedure performed?

Both LASIK and PRK are performed in our dedicated laser suite on the Sunshine Coast, as a day procedure. No hospitalisation is required.

Key Takeaways

• Both LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea with an excimer laser to correct vision
• LASIK creates a corneal flap; PRK treats the surface directly without a flap
• The laser treatment itself takes seconds to minutes; the full procedure is typically under 15 minutes per eye
• LASIK has faster visual recovery; PRK is preferred in certain clinical situations — eligibility screening determines which is right for you

Find out which laser procedure is right for you.

Book your free eligibility screening with Dr Rylan Hayes at The Vision Surgeon, Maroochydore.

References

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery — Preferred Practice Pattern. aao.org
• Alió JL, et al. LASIK: a 25-year update of results and safety. Surv Ophthalmol. 2021.