Dr Kumar

Laser eye surgery has transformed the way we correct vision, helping millions of people reduce or reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Despite its widespread success, many people still feel uncertain about the procedure because of persistent laser eye surgery myths and outdated information.

At Vision Clinic Sydney, we regularly speak with patients who are unsure whether laser eye surgery is safe, painful, or worth considering. Understanding what’s fact and what’s fiction can help you make a more confident, informed decision about whether laser eye surgery may be suitable for you.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a group of procedures designed to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. By improving how light enters the eye, these treatments can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The most common types include:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK involves creating a thin, precise flap on the surface of the cornea, which is gently lifted to allow the underlying tissue to be reshaped using a laser. Once the correction is made, the flap is carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches. This is one of the most popular options due to its quick recovery time.

PRK / ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation)

PRK, also known as ASLA, reshapes the surface of the cornea without the need to create a flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed, allowing the underlying tissue to be precisely reshaped with a laser. This outer layer then naturally regenerates as part of the healing process. This technique is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or those with certain lifestyle or occupational considerations, such as contact sports.

Lenticule Extraction (LALEX)

LALEX is a minimally invasive laser procedure that involves creating and removing a small disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) through a tiny incision. As no flap is created, more of the cornea’s natural structure is preserved, which may reduce the risk of dry eye and support faster recovery for suitable candidates. This is otherwise known as SmartSight Nova or SMILE, depending on which laser is used.

Each procedure has its own benefits and suitability criteria, which is why a comprehensive consultation with Dr Kumar is essential.

Laser Eye Surgery Myths | How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last | Is Laser Eye Surgery Painful
Common concerns we hear about laser eye surgery include whether it’s painful, whether it’s safe and how long it lasts.

Why So Many Myths Exist About Laser Eye Surgery

Many misconceptions about laser eye surgery stem from earlier generations of technology, when procedures were less refined than they are today. Modern advancements have significantly improved safety, precision and recovery times, but outdated perceptions still linger.

Online misinformation and anecdotal experiences can also contribute to confusion, especially when they lack clinical evidence. Common concerns we hear include:

  • “Does laser eye surgery hurt?”
  • “Is laser eye surgery safe?”
  • “How long does laser eye surgery last?”
  • “Is it permanent?”
  • “What if something goes wrong?”

Laser Eye Surgery Myths vs Facts

Myth #1: Laser Eye Surgery Is Painful

Fact: Laser eye surgery is designed to be as comfortable as possible, not painful. Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you do not feel pain during treatment. Most patients report only a mild sensation of pressure or slight pressure while the laser is working, which typically lasts just a few seconds per eye.

After the procedure, it is normal to experience some temporary dryness, light sensitivity or a gritty feeling in the eyes. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days with prescribed eye drops. For many patients, the experience is surprisingly quick and far more comfortable than they initially expected, especially compared to what they may have heard beforehand.

Myth #2: Laser Eye Surgery Is Dangerous

Fact: Laser eye surgery is one of the most researched elective procedures in modern medicine. When performed by an experienced surgeon using advanced technology, it is considered very safe with a strong track record of successful outcomes.

Clinical studies consistently report high success rates, with a significant proportion of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Serious complications are rare, particularly due to advancements such as femtosecond lasers, wavefront-guided technology and detailed corneal mapping.

In addition, comprehensive pre-operative screening plays a critical role in safety. By carefully assessing each patient’s eye health, prescription stability and corneal structure, surgeons can determine suitability and minimise risk before proceeding with treatment.

Myth #3: Results Don’t Last Long

Fact: Laser eye surgery delivers long-lasting results because it permanently reshapes the cornea to correct how light enters the eye. For most patients, this means stable vision for many years without needing further correction.

It is, however, important to understand that the procedure does not prevent natural, age-related changes in the eye. Conditions such as presbyopia can still develop regardless of whether you’ve had laser eye surgery.

Generally, many patients experience long-lasting, clear vision and can reduce or avoid the need for glasses or contact lenses for many years before natural age-related changes begin to occur.

Myth #4: Recovery Takes a Long Time

Fact: Recovery from laser eye surgery is generally fast, particularly with modern techniques such as LASIK and LALEX . Many patients are surprised by how quickly their vision improves and how soon they can return to daily activities.

Here’s what a typical recovery timeline looks like:

  • First 24 hours: Vision begins to improve, and mild discomfort may be present
  • 24–48 hours: Most patients can return to work and normal routines
  • First week: Vision continues to stabilise, with clarity gradually improving
  • 1–3 months: Vision becomes clearer and more stable as the eyes fully heal

PRK involves a slightly longer recovery period as the outer layer of the cornea heals, but it remains a reliable and widely used option for vision correction. Although visual recovery is more gradual, most patients achieve clear, stable vision, and overall downtime is still relatively short compared to many other surgical procedures.

Myth #5: It’s Not Worth the Cost

Fact: While laser eye surgery involves an upfront investment, many patients find it to be cost-effective over the long term. When you consider the cumulative cost of glasses, contact lenses, cleaning solutions and regular eye care over many years, the total expense can often exceed the cost of the procedure itself.

Beyond financial considerations, the lifestyle benefits are often what patients value most:

  • Greater convenience in everyday activities
  • Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
  • Improved comfort during sports, travel and outdoor activities
  • Increased confidence and ease in daily life

For many people, these long-term advantages make laser eye surgery not just a medical decision, but a lifestyle upgrade that delivers ongoing value.

Laser Eye Surgery Myths | How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last | Is Laser Eye Surgery Dangerous
You may consider laser eye surgery if you have healthy eyes with no significant underlying conditions and have realistic expectations about outcomes.

Who Should Consider Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery may be a suitable option if you:

  • Are over 21 years old with a stable prescription
  • Have healthy eyes and no significant underlying conditions
  • Are looking to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses
  • Have realistic expectations about outcomes

A personalised consultation is the best way to determine whether laser eye surgery is right for you and which procedure would deliver the best results.

How To Book an Assessment

To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:

FAQs

Does laser eye surgery hurt?

Laser eye surgery is not considered painful. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable throughout, so most patients only feel slight pressure or a mild sensation for a few seconds. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience temporary dryness, irritation or light sensitivity, but these symptoms are usually mild and improve within a few days with prescribed eye drops.

How long does laser eye surgery last?

The results of laser eye surgery are long-lasting because the cornea is permanently reshaped to correct your vision. Most patients enjoy many years of clear vision without needing glasses or contact lenses for their original prescription. However, natural age-related changes, such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing on near objects), can still occur over time and may require reading glasses later in life.

Is laser eye surgery safe?

Laser eye surgery is widely regarded as safe when performed by experienced surgeons using modern technology. It is one of the most studied elective procedures, with high success rates and a low risk of complications. Comprehensive pre-operative screening is essential, as it ensures only suitable candidates proceed with treatment, further improving safety and outcomes.

Is laser eye surgery permanent?

The vision correction achieved through laser eye surgery is permanent, as the cornea is reshaped during the procedure. However, your eyes can still change naturally over time due to ageing or other factors. In some cases, a small number of patients may choose to have an enhancement procedure years later to maintain optimal vision.

Is laser eye surgery worth it?

Many patients consider laser eye surgery a worthwhile investment, particularly when weighing the long-term cost of glasses, contact lenses and ongoing eye care. Beyond financial considerations, the lifestyle benefits are significant and include greater convenience, improved comfort and freedom during everyday activities, sports and travel.

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar is a highly qualified ophthalmologist with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle, which he obtained in 1998. Following his graduation, he completed his ophthalmology specialty training at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.

His expertise in the field of ophthalmology includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His passion for the eye and its intricacies inspired him to pursue Ophthalmology as a specialty.

How to book an appointment

For your first appointment, you must have a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.

If you don't have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you won't be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.