What are the benefits of vision correction?
Vision correction offers a wide range of benefits, from improving how you look and feel to enhancing your daily comfort, safety, and long-term eye health. 1Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302. https://journals.lww.com/apjoo/FullText/2016/11000/Whether you wear glasses and contact lenses or are just starting to think about alternatives, it’s worth understanding how treatments like laser eye surgery or lens replacement can help you live more freely and confidently.2 https://pr.murrayjournal.com/article/New-Study-Explores-the-Connection-Between-LASIK-Surgery-and-Brain-Activity?storyId=67636893655cd50008f3703d
Many people don’t realise just how much vision affects their quality of life, until it improves. Clear sight can make you feel more natural, more in control, and in many cases, more like yourself. Studies show that people who choose laser vision correction often describe a noticeable lift in self-esteem and mental well-being once they no longer rely on glasses or contacts3 https://pr.murrayjournal.com/article/New-Study-Explores-the-Connection-Between-LASIK-Surgery-and-Brain-Activity?storyId=67636893655cd50008f3703d.
Let’s explore who benefits, how the options work, and why so many people choose vision correction procedures every year.
Why consider vision correction?
Living with blurred vision can make daily tasks more difficult – whether it’s reading in the morning or staying active at work or during social activities. Even if you’ve worn glasses or contact lenses for 30 years, you may be suitable for vision correction depending on your individual needs.
Modern vision correction procedures are personalised and use advanced technology. For some people, it can reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. This may improve convenience in daily life, such as when swimming, exercising, driving, or working, depending on the activity and clinical outcome.
Who benefits from vision correction?
At our clinic, we provide vision correction options tailored to individual needs – whether nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism or struggle with reading due to age-related changes. Options like laser blended vision or lens replacement surgery are designed to match the lifestyle, vision goals, and eye health of each person.
Here are just some of the groups who benefit:
- Students and learners: Clear vision may help when reading slides, books, and screens. For some people, this can reduce the strain associated with prolonged visual tasks. Those who are suitable for vision correction may find it more convenient than managing glasses or contact lenses in a classroom or exam setting.
- Professionals: Depending on your working environment, improving vision through correction may help support focus and comfort, particularly for tasks that require attention to detail or extended screen use. This can vary from person to person and depends on the nature of the work and individual needs.
- Drivers: Some people report improvements in clarity and comfort when driving after a vision correction procedure. Depending on the type of correction and individual visual needs, this may include improved confidence in certain conditions, such as night driving or wet weather. Results differ from person to person.
- Sports and hobby enthusiasts: For those involved in physical or hands-on activities, being less reliant on glasses or contact lenses may offer more freedom of movement. This could be beneficial during activities like painting, running, or hiking. Suitability for vision correction varies and should be assessed by a qualified clinician.4Sabau. et al. Efficacy, safety, and predictability of transepithelial… : Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, LWW.
- People with dry eyes or contact lens discomfort: Some individuals who experience contact lens discomfort or symptoms of dry eye, such as stinging or gritty sensations, may benefit from reducing or stopping contact lens use. Vision correction procedures might reduce the need for contact lenses, which could help alleviate these symptoms in some cases.
Types of vision correction procedures
There are several ways to correct your vision depending on your age, lifestyle, prescription, and eye health. At our clinic, we offer a full range of clinically proven options:
SMILE pro
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure. A femtosecond laser is used to create and remove a small disc of tissue inside the cornea (called a lenticule). This reshapes the cornea to improve focus. It involves no flap and may suit people who prefer a gentle, keyhole-based approach.
LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the eye, which is lifted so a laser can reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned. Recovery time varies, but some individuals notice improvement in the first few days after the procedure.
SmartSurfACE (TransPRK)
SmartSurfACE is a no-touch, surface-based laser procedure. It may suit individuals with thinner corneas or active lifestyles. The laser is applied directly to the surface of the eye, with no flap or incision. Recovery can take longer than LASIK, but it remains a well-established method with outcomes that vary depending on each person’s eye condition.
ICL surgery
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery involves placing a small lens inside the eye, behind the iris. This acts like a permanent contact lens. It may be suitable for people with high prescriptions, dry eye symptoms, or for those who are not eligible for laser procedures.
Lens replacement
Lens replacement (also known as refractive lens exchange) involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. This may be considered by people over 50 who want to reduce their reliance on glasses for both distance and near vision. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and is tailored to the patient’s prescription and lifestyle.
PresbyMAX
PresbyMAX is a laser-based option designed to address presbyopia—age-related changes in near vision that typically start after 40. The procedure reshapes the cornea to support focus at multiple distances. Your suitability will be assessed during consultation based on your vision needs and eye health.
Considering Benefits Over Time
Short-Term
Laser vision correction procedures aim to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses. For some individuals, this may make everyday tasks more convenient—such as reading, working, or driving.
Long-Term
For those who are suitable, the cost of laser eye procedures may be balanced over time when compared to the ongoing costs of glasses, lenses, eye drops, and regular optometry appointments. Many people consider vision correction as a long-term investment, but financial outcomes vary by individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser vision correction safe?
Laser eye procedures are widely used and have been available for over 30 years. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Your eye health, prescription, and overall suitability will be reviewed before any recommendation is made. Our clinic follows all relevant safety standards and protocols.
Does it hurt?
Most people do not report pain during the procedure itself. Some experience pressure or mild discomfort. Recovery experiences vary. You will receive detailed information on what to expect before and after your procedure.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Some options, like LASIK may offer faster visual recovery, while others, like SmartSurfACE (TransPRK) may take longer. Your care team will explain your expected timeline during your consultation.
Will I still need glasses?
Many individuals reduce their need for glasses after vision correction. Some may still use glasses for certain tasks or as their eyes change with age. Your outcome will depend on your eye health, prescription, and the type of correction selected.
Vision correction is a personal decision. If you’re curious about reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, the first step is a thorough assessment. We’ll review your prescription, eye health, and goals, and explain which options may be suitable for you.
No obligation. Just clear, tailored advice based on your eyes and your needs.
Book an assessment here to find out more.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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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
