How do I know if I am a candidate for corrective laser eye surgery?
If you are looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery could be the solution for you.
Eligibility criteria
You may be a suitable candidate if you are over 20 years of age and have had no change in the strength of spectacle prescription for a year.
Free laser eye assessment
The best way to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you is by booking one of our free, no obligation laser eye assessments. This 30 minute assessment with one of our experienced technicians includes:
• Specialised computer technology to evaluate and analyse the shape and thickness of your cornea (front surface) of your eyes
• Measuring your vision
• An explanation of your eye condition and the treatment options available to you
Our complimentary laser eye surgery screening assessments are available at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch and at our satellite clinics in Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown and Nelson. During the suitability assessment, we will explain how your eyes work, discuss your vision issues, and present options for vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Screening and suitability
The most common factor in being unable to have laser eye surgery is an irregularly shaped cornea, such as in keratoconus. Our screening includes a detailed scan of the front of the eye (corneal topography scan) to ensure your eyes are suitable for treatment.
If you are deemed a good candidate for a laser eye surgery procedure, you’ll be referred to the ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) Dr. David Kent or Dr. Zea Munro at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch for a thorough eye examination. The ophthalmic eye specialists will assess whether LASIK, SMILEpro, or PRK is right for you, or if other surgical options are needed.
Age considerations
While there is no strict age limit for laser eye surgery there are additional factors that need to be considered in mid to later life. It is best to attend one of our complimentary screening assessment clinics so we can learn more about your specific focusing issues. If we find that you are not a suitable candidate for corrective laser eye surgery it may be that lens replacement surgery; Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), may be a more suitable option for you. At the free screening assessment our experienced technical staff will advise you of the available options and discuss what will best suit your needs.
What to expect at the free screening assessment
Please note that the free screening assessment is not a full eye examination and does not include a prescriptions for glasses. It is solely for assessing your suitability for laser eye surgery and is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
During your screening, we will perform a non-invasive corneal mapping using computer technology to analyse the shape and thickness of your cornea, as well as check your eye’s focusing ability. Based on these results, we will advise you on the best treatment option for you.
Preparing for your assessment
Please bring any prescription glasses that you have.
If you wear contact lenses, please bring your contact lens container to store them during the assessment as we will need to take measurements of your eyes with the contact lenses removed.