Refractive errors are vision problems caused by the shape and structure of the eyes

We can fix these eye conditions with vision correction surgery

Refractive errors are vision problems caused by the shape and structure of the eyes

We can fix these eye conditions with vision correction surgery

Fix your refractive error and enjoy a life without glasses or contacts

Quickly discover more about this condition and how we treat it

Refractive errors incidence / prevalence

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem that affects your vision and makes it difficult to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye affects the ability for light to focus properly on the retina (the photographic film of the eye).

There are 4 main refractive errors that can affect your eye:

  • Myopia (short-sightedness).
  • Hypermetropia (long-sightedness).
  • Astigmatism (difficulty focusing at most distances).
  • Presbyopia (loss of accommodation making reading up close difficult without glasses).

A refractive error can happen as a result of one, or a few, of the following:

  • A change in the eye’s shape.
  • A naturally steeper or flatter surface of the eye.
  • A thicker or thinner lens than normal.
  • The eye is too short or too long.

Often refractive errors are genetic in origin but can be affected by lifestyle, in particular, the amount of near work during the development of the eye in your younger years.

  • During your visit to IVISION LASER we will perform a comprehensive examination of your eye. This includes refraction tests performed by our optometrist to detect the exact nature of your refractive error.
  • Other diagnostic tests such as the Pentacam HR and MS39 give us an accurate assessment of the curvature and astigmatism in the cornea and help assess your suitability for laser eye surgery.

What is the common treatment for refractive error?

Glasses and contact lenses are used primarily to assist patients with refractive error.

Laser vision correction is an excellent way to treating refractive errors permanently such that you can have natural clear vision.

Can I still have laser eye surgery if I have astigmatism?

If you’ve avoided pursuing surgical options to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses simply because you’ve been told you have astigmatism, LASIK or SMILE Pro for astigmatism may be the answer.

For patients who are unsuitable for the LASIK or SMILE Pro for any reason, there are additional options for surgical correction of astigmatism, including PRK and lens surgery procedures.

Does a high prescription make me unsuitable for vision correction?

We can use laser eye surgery to treat:

  • Short-sightedness – also known as myopia (from -0.5 units to -10 units)
  • Long-sightedness – also known as hyperopia (from +0.5 units to +4 units)
  • Astigmatism (up to 6 units)

For patients who have higher prescriptions lens surgery can be used to correct prescriptions of higher levels.

The best way to find out is to complete our online suitability test and book in for a free assessment at IVISION LASER.

Can I train my short-sightedness away by not wearing glasses?

No you cannot train your short sighteness away. Short-sightedness occurs when the length of the eyeball is too long for the refractive power of the eye. This can only be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or more permanently with laser vision correction.

Is it covered by health funds or Medicare?

There are some health funds that cover laser vision correction. Since this is constantly changing it is best to check with your health if they cover laser vision correction or not. There is no rebate from Medicare.

Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses

The best way to find out if laser eye treatment is right for you is to have a free assessment. We’ll examine your eyes and you’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and laser vision correction options.

Find the laser eye surgery procedure that’s right for your age, lifestyle and eyes

Laser eye treatment addresses many different challenges

Tired of your glasses and contacts getting in the way?

Vision correction can help clear your vision and improve your quality of life.1Theodore A. Pasquali MD et al. Long-term follow-up after laser vision correction in physicians: Quality of life and patient satisfaction.

What if there was a way to do everything you wanted without having to rely on corrective lenses? At IVISION LASER centre, everyone has the opportunity to see if they can say goodbye to glasses and contacts.

Learn if you have the chance to live life with glasses-free vision.

Do your reading glasses make you feel older than your years?

Vision correction can help remove your need for reading glasses as you age. We help improve your vision so you can see without the aid of glasses or contacts.

Imagine being able to read without having to fumble with your reading glasses. After vision correction, you may enjoy doing all the things you love – like reading, texting, and golfing – without reaching for glasses.2Gilles Berdeaux et al. Measuring benefits and patients’ satisfaction when glasses are not needed after cataract and presbyopia surgery.

Find out more about our vision correction services for those between 40 and 50.

Are you over 50 and notice some hazy or cloudy vision?

You don’t have to give up on what’s important to you – and vision correction can help make that possible.

Lens replacement can relieve your need for reading glasses. And, you won’t need cataract surgery as you age. We offer a comprehensive variety of lenses aimed at meeting the needs of those 50 and over. Maintain your independence and quality of life, so you can enjoy all that life has to offer.3Jorge L. Alio MD, PhD, FEBO. Refractive lens exchange.

Learn more about your vision correction options today.

Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for laser eye treatment. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz:

Three easy steps to gain freedom from glasses and contacts

Start your journey today to see if you’re suitable
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Get in touch

Laser eye surgery isn’t right for everyone. Your first step is to discover if you’re suitable. You can take the self-test or call us on: 08 7082 2066 to book a free assessment.

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We’ll meet

We examine your eyes and answer your questions at your free assessment appointment. We then give you a clear recommendation based on your needs and lifestyle. You’ll then know the best treatment option for your unique eyes.

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Enjoy your freedom

Patients tell us how surprised they are by how fast their lives change.4Kerry D Solomon et al. LASIK world literature review: quality of life and patient satisfaction Often, they wish they had done it years earlier and wonder why they waited as long as they did! When you consider vision correction, you’re one step closer to experiencing the freedom that laser surgery can bring you.

Affiliations and memberships

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Learn more about refractive errors through these online resources

Expand your knowledge about refractive errors. (These links will take you off our website.)

A refractive error is the most common eye problem. When the shape of the eye is abnormal, the eye doesn’t bend (or refract) light properly, and so vision is blurred.

The most common types of refractive errors are:

  • Long-sightedness (hypermetropia), causing blurred close and distance vision.
  • Short-sightedness (myopia) causing blurred long distance vision.
  • Astigmatism, which causes an uneven focus of light and blurred vision.
  • Presbyopia, When the eye lens loses flexibility, making close work difficult. This is most common with people over 40 years of age.

Click here for more information.

This seminal paper covers the prevalence, associations, and characteristics of severe uncorrected refractive error in the Australian National Eye Health Survey. These astounding results encompass increasing public awareness around the importance of regular optometric examinations in groups at high risk of severe uncorrected refractive error. Click here for more information.

Refractive error causes half of all vision problems in Australia. Between 200,000 and 300,000 Australians are not seeing as clearly as they should be because of under-corrected refractive error. For example, wearing glasses with an out of date prescription.

Refractive errors are caused by:

  • too much or too little growth in the length of the eyeball
  • problems with the shape of the cornea, or
  • ageing of the lens.
  • Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to refractive error.

Click here for more information.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon