Did you know that you can enjoy better vision without having to wear spectacles? Refractive eye surgery is a procedure done to improve the refractive state of your eye. It decreases and in some cases, it eliminates the need for, or dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The refractive surgeon at Kloof Eye are capable of performing procedures such as Lasik, PRK, or Phakic lens implants using Artiflex or IPCL intraocular lenses.
If a patient has a refractive error, it means that the light rays are not bending the way they should when passing through the lens of their eye. Our ophthalmologists specialise in vision correction procedures that adjust the focusing ability of our patients’ eyes.
These procedures are performed to permanently change the shape of the cornea. Refractive eye surgery improves your vision so that you will not need to rely on glasses or contact lenses.
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Refractive Eye Surgery FAQ
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Will I ever need glasses again after refractive surgery?
While distance vision correction is usually permanent, most patients will still require reading glasses after age 40 due to presbyopia. Laser surgery corrects your current prescription, but it does not stop the natural aging of the eye’s internal lens; however, we can discuss “Monovision” options if you wish to reduce your dependence on readers later in life.
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Is refractive eye surgery safe, and what are the risks?
Modern refractive surgery is exceptionally safe, with complication rates typically sitting well below 1% for experienced surgeons. While temporary side effects like night-time “halos,” glare, or dry eyes are common during the first few weeks, serious long-term risks are rare when patients are screened correctly at a specialist facility like Kloof Eye Medical.
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Does medical aid pay for LASIK or Phakic lens implants?
Most South African medical aids view refractive surgery as an elective “lifestyle” procedure and do not cover the full cost. However, some plans allow you to use your Medical Savings Account (MSA) for the theatre fees or pre-operative scans; we recommend checking with your provider (e.g., Discovery or Momentum) before your consultation.
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How much does refractive eye surgery cost in South Africa?
The total cost for both eyes generally ranges from R18,000 for basic laser to R55,000 for advanced Phakic ICL procedures. At Kloof Eye, our pricing reflects the latest Schwind or Zeiss laser technology and the cost of premium imported implants, ensuring you receive world-class care right here in Pretoria.
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What should I avoid after my refractive procedure?
You must strictly avoid rubbing your eyes and keep tap water, swimming pool water, and sweat out of your eyes for at least two weeks. Proper aftercare is vital to prevent infection; we provide specific protective shields and medicated drops at our Erasmuskloof rooms to ensure your eyes heal without complication.
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When can I exercise again after refractive surgery?
Light exercise like jogging is usually safe within 3 days, but contact sports must be avoided for up to 6 months after LASIK. Because a LASIK flap remains delicate, patients in the Constantia Park and Waterkloof areas are advised to choose PRK if they participate in high-impact sports like rugby or martial arts.
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When can I drive after refractive eye surgery in Pretoria?
Most LASIK and Phakic IOL patients meet the South African legal driving standard within 24 to 48 hours post-op. For PRK patients, the healing of the surface layer can cause temporary blurring, so we advise waiting until your follow-up appointment at Kloof Eye before getting back behind the wheel.
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How long does recovery take after LASIK, PRK, or Phakic surgery?
LASIK and Phakic lens patients often return to work within 48 hours, while PRK recovery typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. While the initial “functional” vision returns quickly for most patients at our Pretoria East practice, the final visual stability—especially with PRK—can continue to improve over several months.
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What is the difference between LASIK, PRK, and Phakic Lens surgery?
LASIK and PRK use lasers to permanently reshape the cornea, whereas Phakic surgery involves placing a removable lens inside the eye. LASIK is known for rapid recovery, PRK for its flapless safety on thin corneas, and Phakic ICLs for treating very high prescriptions that lasers cannot safely reach.
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Can dry eyes stop me from having laser eye surgery?
Chronic dry eye can make LASIK unsuitable, but surface-based PRK or Phakic ICLs are often successful alternatives. Since LASIK involves creating a corneal flap that can temporarily worsen dryness, our specialists in Erasmuskloof often recommend Phakic IOLs for patients with pre-existing dry eye, as this procedure leaves the corneal nerves largely untouched.
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Can I still have refractive surgery if I have thin corneas?
Yes, while thin corneas may disqualify you from LASIK, you may still be an excellent candidate for PRK or Phakic Lens Implants. Because PRK is a surface-level treatment and Phakic lenses are implanted behind the iris, they do not require a corneal flap, making them safer alternatives for patients in Gauteng with thinner corneal tissue.
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Who is a good candidate for refractive eye surgery in South Africa?
Ideal candidates are generally aged 20 to 45 with a stable prescription for at least 12 months and healthy corneas. At Kloof Eye in Pretoria, we perform a comprehensive screening to ensure your eye anatomy is suited for laser correction, as factors like pupil size and corneal mapping determine your safety profile.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. While distance vision correction is usually permanent, most patients will still require reading glasses after age 40 due to presbyopia. Laser surgery corrects your current prescription, but it does not stop the natural aging of the eye’s internal lens; however, we can discuss “Monovision” options if you wish to reduce your dependence on readers later in life. Modern refractive surgery is exceptionally safe, with complication rates typically sitting well below 1% for experienced surgeons. While temporary side effects like night-time “halos,” glare, or dry eyes are common during the first few weeks, serious long-term risks are rare when patients are screened correctly at a specialist facility like Kloof Eye Medical. Most South African medical aids view refractive surgery as an elective “lifestyle” procedure and do not cover the full cost. However, some plans allow you to use your Medical Savings Account (MSA) for the theatre fees or pre-operative scans; we recommend checking with your provider (e.g., Discovery or Momentum) before your consultation. The total cost for both eyes generally ranges from R18,000 for basic laser to R55,000 for advanced Phakic ICL procedures. At Kloof Eye, our pricing reflects the latest Schwind or Zeiss laser technology and the cost of premium imported implants, ensuring you receive world-class care right here in Pretoria. You must strictly avoid rubbing your eyes and keep tap water, swimming pool water, and sweat out of your eyes for at least two weeks. Proper aftercare is vital to prevent infection; we provide specific protective shields and medicated drops at our Erasmuskloof rooms to ensure your eyes heal without complication. Light exercise like jogging is usually safe within 3 days, but contact sports must be avoided for up to 6 months after LASIK. Because a LASIK flap remains delicate, patients in the Constantia Park and Waterkloof areas are advised to choose PRK if they participate in high-impact sports like rugby or martial arts. Most LASIK and Phakic IOL patients meet the South African legal driving standard within 24 to 48 hours post-op. For PRK patients, the healing of the surface layer can cause temporary blurring, so we advise waiting until your follow-up appointment at Kloof Eye before getting back behind the wheel. LASIK and Phakic lens patients often return to work within 48 hours, while PRK recovery typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. While the initial “functional” vision returns quickly for most patients at our Pretoria East practice, the final visual stability—especially with PRK—can continue to improve over several months. LASIK and PRK use lasers to permanently reshape the cornea, whereas Phakic surgery involves placing a removable lens inside the eye. LASIK is known for rapid recovery, PRK for its flapless safety on thin corneas, and Phakic ICLs for treating very high prescriptions that lasers cannot safely reach. Chronic dry eye can make LASIK unsuitable, but surface-based PRK or Phakic ICLs are often successful alternatives. Since LASIK involves creating a corneal flap that can temporarily worsen dryness, our specialists in Erasmuskloof often recommend Phakic IOLs for patients with pre-existing dry eye, as this procedure leaves the corneal nerves largely untouched. Yes, while thin corneas may disqualify you from LASIK, you may still be an excellent candidate for PRK or Phakic Lens Implants. Because PRK is a surface-level treatment and Phakic lenses are implanted behind the iris, they do not require a corneal flap, making them safer alternatives for patients in Gauteng with thinner corneal tissue. Ideal candidates are generally aged 20 to 45 with a stable prescription for at least 12 months and healthy corneas. At Kloof Eye in Pretoria, we perform a comprehensive screening to ensure your eye anatomy is suited for laser correction, as factors like pupil size and corneal mapping determine your safety profile.Refractive Eye Surgery FAQ