Has laser eye surgery improved​?

Laser eye surgery has helped many people reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. But if you’ve been thinking about it for a while, you might wonder, has laser eye surgery improved since it first began?

The answer is yes. Over the past few decades, technology, safety, and comfort have come a long way¹https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11380141/ . Today’s procedures are more precise, faster, and better tailored to each person’s eyes.

Let’s take a closer look at how laser eye surgery has changed, what that means for patients, and how to find out if you might be suitable.

A quick look back at laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery has been around for more than 30 years. In the early days, treatments were effective, but the technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today.

Older methods were less precise, recovery times were longer, and not everyone was a good candidate.

Over time, eye doctors and researchers have improved how lasers reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, to help you see clearly without glasses or contacts.

Now, modern laser systems can adjust the treatment based on your eye’s unique shape, thickness, and health. That means better results, faster healing, and greater comfort during recovery²https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/lasik-technology-advancements-dr-stephen-welxer-expertise-innovations-shaping-vision-correction/ .

How technology has improved

Here are some of the biggest ways laser eye surgery has improved over the years³https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/latest-evolution-of-lasik-technology-shows-results :

• More accurate lasers– Modern lasers can track tiny eye movements during surgery and adjust automatically, helping ensure precision.
• Personalised treatments– Scans can now map your cornea in detail, allowing treatment to be designed for your exact eye shape.
• Shorter recovery times– Many people can return to normal activities within a day or two.
• Gentler techniques– Newer laser types use less pressure and energy, helping reduce discomfort during and after surgery.
• Better screening– Eye clinics can now identify who is not suitable for surgery more accurately, which helps keep outcomes safe and consistent.

These improvements mean that laser eye surgery is not only more comfortable but also better suited to a wider range of eyes, as long as your corneas and prescription are within safe limits.

Different types of laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery isn’t just one procedure, there are a few main types, and each one has been refined over time.

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):
  This is one of the most well-known types. A thin layer is created on the cornea, then a laser reshapes the underlying tissue. Improvements in technology mean this process is now faster and more precise.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
  One of the first laser eye surgery methods, PRK has been updated with modern lasers that allow for smoother healing and clearer vision over time.
• KLEX (Kerato-Refractive Lenticule Extraction):
  A newer method that uses a small keyhole-like incision instead of a larger flap. This can mean less dryness and faster comfort for some patients.

At Blink Vision Clinic, we use advanced laser technology and careful screening to determine which method suits your eyes best.

What about safety?

Safety has always been a top priority in laser eye surgery. As technology has improved, so has safety and accuracy.

Modern procedures include:

• Eye tracking systems– that follow even the smallest eye movements.
• Cooling and hydration control– to protect the surface of your eye during treatment.
• Built-in checks– that stop the laser automatically if your eye moves too much.

These features help your eye care team perform the procedure with even greater control and precision.

Of course, every surgery comes with some level of risk, and not everyone is suitable. That’s why the first step is always a detailed eye assessment.

Better comfort and recovery

Older laser systems could leave eyes feeling dry or irritated for a while after surgery. But newer technology has made the experience much more comfortable.

Now, recovery is often quicker and easier thanks to:

• Improved laser precision, which reduces inflammation
• Gentler treatment methods, meaning less disruption to corneal tissue
• Better eye drop care plans, designed to keep your eyes moist and protected as they heal

Most people can return to light activities within a day or two, but your recovery plan will always depend on your personal situation.

Are the results better now?

Results today tend to be more stable and consistent, thanks to better screening and more precise lasers.

However, it’s important to know that no surgery can guarantee perfect vision for everyone. Some people may still need light glasses for certain tasks, like night driving or reading fine print.

The main improvement is predictability, meaning eye doctors can now better estimate what kind of outcome you might achieve based on your eye health and prescription.

Who can get laser eye surgery today?

Laser eye surgery isn’t right for everyone. But improvements in technology mean more people are now eligible than before.

You might be suitable if you:

• Are over 18 years old
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least 12 months
• Have healthy corneas and eyes free of disease
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

Some eye conditions, such as very dry eyes or thin corneas, may still make you unsuitable. Your eye doctor will always check carefully before recommending surgery.

The Blink Vision Clinic approach

At Blink Vision Clinic in Canberra, we use the latest laser technology and diagnostic tools to assess your eyes.

Our team takes the time to understand your vision needs, lifestyle, and goals before recommending any treatment. We focus on safety, clear information, and helping you make an informed decision. Your comfort, understanding, and eye health always come first.

Take the first step: try our suitability self-test

Wondering if laser eye surgery might be right for you? Take our quick suitability self-test to learn more.

It only takes a few minutes and can help you understand whether your eyes might be suitable for further assessment.