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LASIK vs LASIK vs LASIK

Woman with glasses sitting at a desk, looking thoughtful. She’s surrounded by cartoon thought bubbles with questions like ‘LASIK?’, ‘Custom LASIK?’, ‘Femto-LASIK?’, ‘Flapless LASIK?’, and ‘PRK/ASLA?’, highlighting confusion about different laser eye surgery options.

LASIK Melbourne: Understanding the Different Types of LASIK Eye Surgery


Vista Eyes offers several advanced options for people seeking vision correction. If you are considering laser eye surgery in Melbourne, you might feel overwhelmed by terms like “Custom LASIK,” “bladeless LASIK,” or “standard LASIK.” Here’s a clear guide to help you understand your choices.

How Did LASIK Surgery Begin?

The first LASIK eye surgery was performed more than 30 years ago. Since then, the procedure has helped many patients in Melbourne enjoy quicker recovery compared to traditional PRK. While PRK is still suitable in some cases, LASIK is often preferred when appropriate.

Flap Creation: Blade or Bladeless LASIK?

Every LASIK procedure in Melbourne involves creating a thin corneal flap. The original method used a blade (Microkeratome LASIK). Today, most clinics offer bladeless LASIK, which uses a femtosecond laser for greater precision. Be cautious of terms like “Flapless LASIK”, these usually refer to PRK, not LASIK.

Custom vs Standard LASIK

Standard LASIK corrects your vision prescription. Custom LASIK, also known as topography-guided or wavefront-guided LASIK, addresses both prescription and unique corneal irregularities for a more tailored outcome. Read more about Custom LASIK.

Types of Custom LASIK

  • Topography-Guided LASIK: Focuses on individual corneal features.
  • Wavefront-Guided LASIK: Targets subtle optical imperfections.
  • Custom Q LASIK: Addresses specific vision issues, like spherical aberrations.

What About Standard LASIK?

Standard or wavefront-optimised LASIK does not address every corneal detail. Most clinics in Melbourne offer this as a routine option, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Considering SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?

SMILE is another laser vision correction procedure offered in some clinics. However, it does not provide the same level of customisation as LASIK. For more information, see our SMILE laser surgery evidence summary.

Types of LASIK in Melbourne, including Custom LASIK and bladeless options

Diagram: LASIK Melbourne – comparing custom, bladeless, and standard options

Making a Choice

Choosing the right LASIK procedure in Melbourne starts by understanding your options. If you want to explore which type of LASIK may suit you best, talk to your ophthalmologist and ask for a detailed assessment. You can also review our Custom LASIK guide and visit RANZCO for more resources on eye health.

*This information is general in nature. All medical and surgical procedures have potential risks and benefits. Please consult your ophthalmologist for personalised advice.