• Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK) FAQs

• What is LASIK eye surgery?

  LASIK eye surgery is a type of laser vision correction procedure used to treat common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—so that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina. This results in clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is typically performed by an experienced ophthalmologist using advanced laser technology. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and has a high success rate for eligible candidates.

• How is laser eye surgery performed?

  Laser eye surgery is performed using a specialised laser called an Excimer Laser, which is precisely programmed to reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. The goal is to correct how light is bent (refracted) as it enters the eye, improving the patient’s vision. Before the procedure, the ophthalmologist maps the patient’s eye in detail using advanced diagnostic equipment. During the surgery, numbing drops are used to ensure comfort, and the laser treatment itself usually takes less than a minute per eye. A skilled ophthalmologist ensures accuracy and safety throughout the process. Recovery is typically fast, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two.

• What does laser eye surgery do?

  Laser eye surgery improves vision by correcting the shape of the cornea, eliminating or reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. By adjusting how light is focused onto the retina, it allows people with refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to see more clearly. For many patients, laser surgery provides long-term vision correction and enhanced quality of life. However, even after successful surgery, some people—especially over the age of 50—may still require reading glasses due to age-related changes in the lens of the eye (presbyopia). A qualified ophthalmologist can help determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.

• How effective is laser eye surgery?

  Laser eye surgery has been done safely in South Africa for over 30 years and is known as one of the most effective ways to treat vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It has a success rate of over 95% for people with mild to moderate prescriptions, especially when performed by a specialist ophthalmologist registered with the HPCSA. Most patients walk away with 20/20 vision or even better. Newer tech like Wavefront-guided LASIK have made it even more precise and comfortable. While results can vary depending on your age and eye health, laser vision correction is still a safe and proven option if you’re a good candidate.

• Which medical aids pay for laser eye surgery?

  Unfortunately, medical aids do not pay for laser eye surgery.

• Who qualifies for laser eye surgery?

  There are alot of criteria which need to be met in order to be a safe candidate for surgery. My staff will perform a free “screening” test to assess your suitability. Please contact lasersurgery@drdaleharrison.co.za for more information.

• I accidentally got water in my eye after lasik surgery, what do I do?

  Depends on how soon after the surgery! It’s also very important that you do not rub the eye within the first week of surgery.

• How to cure cataracts?

  Cataracts can only be cured with surgery. Phacoemulsification is an ultrasound driven technique that breaks up the cataractous lens within the eye using a sutureless keyhole technique. To find out more, make sure you contact us.

• Where to get laser eye surgery

  Life Peninsula Eye Hospital is a state-of-the-art eye care facility purpose-built exclusively for eye surgery. Designed by ophthalmologists for ophthalmologists, it is the only dedicated eye hospital in Cape Town’s southern suburbs. The hospital features three modern theatres and the latest surgical technology, allowing 20 leading ophthalmologists to perform procedures in a space that prioritises precision, safety, and innovation. By focusing solely on ophthalmology, the facility maintains exceptional standards of care and regularly invests in cutting-edge equipment. The hospital’s permanently employed nursing and support staff are not only highly experienced in eye care but also passionate about patient wellbeing. Several team members have been recognised with Discovery Excellence Awards for Nurses, highlighting the commitment to outstanding service.

• Is laser(lasik) eye surgery safe?

  Yes, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is widely regarded as a safe and effective surgical procedure for correcting refractive vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Over the past 30 years, LASIK has been performed on millions of patients globally and has an extremely high success rate—with more than 95% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
  
  The safety of LASIK eye surgery depends heavily on two factors:
  
  Proper screening – Not everyone is a suitable candidate. An experienced ophthalmologist or eye doctor will evaluate your eye health, corneal thickness, and overall suitability before recommending the procedure.
  
  Technological precision – Modern LASIK procedures use advanced excimer lasers, which offer precise, computer-guided reshaping of the cornea with minimal risk.
  
  While rare, risks can include dry eyes, temporary visual disturbances (like halos or glare at night), or under- or over-correction. Choosing a reputable ophthalmologist and following all pre- and post-operative instructions significantly reduces these risks.
  
  In summary, for properly selected candidates, LASIK is considered very safe and often life-changing.

• What doctor does laser(lasik) eye surgery?

  Laser eye surgery (LASIK) is performed by a medical specialist known as an ophthalmologist—a licensed medical doctor (MD) who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions of the eye, including performing surgery.
  More specifically, LASIK is often carried out by an ophthalmologist. These professionals have undergone additional training focused on the front structures of the eye, especially the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye that LASIK reshapes.
  
  To perform LASIK, an ophthalmologist must:
  
  Hold a medical degree (MBChB or MD) from a recognised South African university
  
  Be registered as a specialist in ophthalmology
  
  Have specific training and experience in refractive and corneal surgery
  
  Choosing an ophthalmologist who is registered as a specialist with the HPCSA ensures that your surgeon has the expertise, technology, and track record to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

• Can I see immediately after lasik surgery?

  Most patients experience noticeable vision improvement within hours of having LASIK surgery, but your vision will not be perfect immediately. Here's what to expect:
  
  Within 4 to 6 hours, you may start to notice clearer vision, but it might still appear slightly hazy or blurry, like looking through a foggy window.
  
  By the next day, many patients are seeing well enough to drive themselves to their follow-up appointment, although minor fluctuations in vision are normal for a few days.
  Full healing and visual stabilisation typically occur within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your eye’s healing response.
  Your ophthalmologist will give you post-op care instructions and eye drops to support healing and reduce the risk of infection or dry eye.
  
  In summary: Yes, you will start to see better almost immediately after LASIK, but full visual clarity and stability may take several days to settle in.

• Will laser eye surgery fix a lazy eye?

  Laser eye surgery does not directly fix a lazy eye (amblyopia). A lazy eye is a condition where the brain and one eye don’t work well together, often starting in childhood. While LASIK or other laser procedures can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness or astigmatism in the affected eye, it won’t retrain the brain to use the eye properly.

• Can laser eye surgery go wrong?

  Complications from laser eye surgery are rare but possible. Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries risks, especially if not performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Potential issues include dry eyes, glare, or halos at night, under- or over-correction, infection, or flap complications. Fortunately, most side effects are temporary and treatable with proper post-op care. Choosing a reputable surgeon and being properly screened for suitability reduces these risks significantly.

• When is laser eye surgery not suitable?

  Laser eye surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you:
  
  Have unstable vision (prescription changes regularly).
  
  Have thin or irregular corneas.
  
  Suffer from severe dry eyes or autoimmune conditions.
  
  Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  
  Have eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or advanced keratoconus.
  A qualified ophthalmologist will assess your eye health and medical history to determine if laser vision correction is right for you.

• Is cataract surgery safe?

  Yes, cataract surgery is widely considered a very safe and effective procedure for restoring clear vision. It’s one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate and minimal complication risk when done by an experienced ophthalmologist. The procedure involves removing the clouded natural lens of the eye (the cataract) and replacing it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It’s typically done under local anaesthetic, is painless, and takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye. Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within a few days. As with any surgery, there are risks, but serious complications are rare — especially with proper pre-operative screening and post-op care.

• Will cataract surgery get rid of floaters?

  Cataract surgery does not directly remove floaters, since they originate in the vitreous humour — the gel-like fluid in the back of the eye — not in the lens, which is what cataract surgery replaces. However, some patients report that floaters become less noticeable after cataract surgery due to clearer vision and improved light perception. In other cases, floaters may appear more visible after surgery because of the sharper contrast and increased clarity. If floaters are particularly dense or bothersome, your ophthalmologist can advise whether further treatment, such as a vitrectomy or laser vitreolysis, is appropriate.

• Will cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

  Yes, cataract surgery can correct astigmatism, but this depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used. If you have astigmatism and want it corrected during cataract surgery, your eye doctor may recommend a toric IOL — a specially shaped lens designed to correct both the cataract and the uneven curvature of the cornea. Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery can improve visual outcomes and reduce the need for glasses after surgery. Your ophthalmologist will perform detailed measurements before surgery to determine if you’re a good candidate for a toric lens or if additional surgical techniques are needed.