Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we are answering frequently asked questions posed to us by patients and visitors to our website. If there is anything we are not answering here, please let us know so that we can amend this section.

• What can I expect from Excimer Laser treatment?
  The Excimer Laser is able to eradicate all or the majority of a patient's myopia or other refractive error. With certain provisos, discussed below, we can virtually guarantee that you will be able to function for the majority of the day without the use of glasses or contact lenses. Patients become independent of these optical aids and have more self confidence doing their normal day to day and sporting activities. Patients enthuse about being able to wake in the middle of the night or in the morning and be able to see clearly, or to be able to swim with clear vision.
  
  It is important to realize that we all heal differently and it is unlikely that both eyes will have "zero" readings after treatment - in fact this situation occurs rarely in the normal population. The small refractive error that remains is usually insignificant and does not require the use of spectacles or contact lenses.
  
  However, for fine visual tasks only, some patients do require a thin pair of spectacle lenses - currently about 2% of our patients fall into this category. When we enter the 40+ age group we begin to need help for close vision because of presbyopia. This requirement to use reading glasses will happen regardless of whether you have Laser treatment, or continue to wear contact lenses or glasses.
  
  In a few patients not all of the refractive error is eradicated and the level of vision is inadequate. In these cases (about 5%) a repeat Excimer Laser treatment, or enhancement, can be performed. The need for an enhancement becomes manifest within the first few months. After this period the correction stabilises and is permanent.
• How long has LASER been used?
  The Excimer Laser was first used on a patient in 1986, and first became available clinically in 1990. Dr. John Hill has been performing refractive surgery since 1984 and Excimer Laser treatments since 1993. In 1994 he started using the lasik procedure, and now uses this method almost exclusively.
• Is the procedure safe?
  The Laser is constantly checked for accuracy and when used by an experienced surgeon the risk of a serious complication is extremely low.
• Is the procedure permanent?
  Yes, providing your refractive error was stable prior to treatment.
• How long does the procedure take?
  About 10 to 15 minutes per eye.
• Is the procedure painful?
  No. The anaesthetic drops numb all pain. Some sensation of pressure may be felt, rather like when you press gently on your eye when your eyelids are closed.
• Is there pain afterwards?
  Normally there is only a slight scratchy feeling for a day or two. The eyes may feel dry sometimes, for a week or so (especially in the mornings) and we give you artificial tears to alleviate these symptoms.
• Are both eyes done at the same time?
  Many patients request that both eyes are corrected at the same time. The decision is yours.
• Are my eyes covered after treatment?
  No, we do not cover your eyes. However, there is a small chance that you will rub your eyes when you are asleep, so we give you clear plastic shields to cover your eyes for the first night.
• Can I wear contact lenses after the treatment?
  Yes, but they are very rarely required.
• Is there any follow up needed?
  We normally see you within a day or two of your treatment and then again 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. This is done at no charge.
• Is there a fee for enhancements?
  During the first year, when enhancements could be needed, no fee is charged.
• Will my eyes be more light sensitive after treatment?
  Initially your eyes may be a little light sensitive and you may need to wear sunglasses outdoors. This usually settles with a few days. However, in a few patients this sensitivity persists for a month or more, for these patients we prescribe additional eyedrops.
• I understand that night vision is a problem after laser treatment.
  With the older lasers that only treated a small area of the cornea, night vision was a problem in some patients. What happens is that the pupil enlarges at night and becomes bigger than the treatment area. Light rays then enter the eye through the treated area and also around the edge, causing a "ghost" image and glare. These subside to a large extent over a period of 3 to 6 months. With the newer lasers the treatment area is much larger and these problems are now uncommon.
  
  However, if you require treatment for a large refractive error or if you have large pupils at night you may notice these effects especially in the initial period. We will measure your pupil size in the dark and will give you an indication on whether this could be a problem. In a recent survey we found that almost all patients found their vision to be better or unchanged at night, this is because contact lenses or glasses can also cause these symptoms and are, of course, not needed after laser treatment!
• How much does the treatment cost ?
  The all-inclusive fee for both eyes is R15,174 (approx. £1050, US$1530, €1100 as of 1 January 2010)

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