{
  "@type": "MedicalWebPage",
  "procedure": "LASIK / refractive eye surgery",
  "procedure_slug": "lasik",
  "url": "https://cliniccompare.co.nz/risks/lasik/",
  "procedure_url": "https://cliniccompare.co.nz/lasik/",
  "scope_statement": "Covers LASIK, SMILE and PRK refractive procedures performed by FRACS/RANZCO-qualified ophthalmologists in New Zealand.",
  "who_performs": "Performed only by ophthalmologists registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand in a vocational scope of ophthalmology — most are RANZCO Fellows.",
  "risks": [
    {
      "name": "Dry eyes",
      "frequency": "common",
      "detail": "Most patients experience some dry-eye symptoms for weeks-to-months post-procedure. A small subset experience chronic dry eye.",
      "reduce_by": "Pre-op tear-film assessment; surgeon should screen for and discuss baseline dry eye."
    },
    {
      "name": "Glare, halos, starbursts (especially at night)",
      "frequency": "common",
      "detail": "Visual disturbances are most pronounced in the first 3-6 months. Some patients have persistent night-vision symptoms.",
      "reduce_by": "Surgeon screens for large pupils and recommends technique accordingly."
    },
    {
      "name": "Under-correction or over-correction",
      "frequency": "uncommon",
      "detail": "May require an enhancement procedure. Most clinics include one enhancement in the quoted price within a set window.",
      "reduce_by": "Confirm enhancement policy in writing pre-procedure."
    },
    {
      "name": "Flap complications (LASIK only)",
      "frequency": "uncommon",
      "detail": "Including flap dislocation, epithelial in-growth or buttonhole. Lower risk with SMILE (no flap).",
      "reduce_by": "Discuss flap-less options (SMILE / PRK) with your surgeon."
    },
    {
      "name": "Infection (microbial keratitis)",
      "frequency": "rare",
      "detail": "Serious but uncommon. Requires immediate ophthalmology review if you have severe eye pain, redness or rapidly decreasing vision post-op.",
      "reduce_by": "Strict adherence to post-op antibiotic drops and follow-up schedule."
    },
    {
      "name": "Ectasia (corneal weakening)",
      "frequency": "rare",
      "detail": "Progressive corneal thinning, may require cross-linking. Lower with adequate pre-op screening of corneal thickness.",
      "reduce_by": "Pre-op corneal topography + pachymetry; surgeon screens out high-risk patients."
    },
    {
      "name": "Permanent vision loss",
      "frequency": "very-rare",
      "detail": "Documented in international literature but rare with NZ-standard pre-op screening.",
      "reduce_by": "Choose a RANZCO Fellow with high procedure volume."
    }
  ],
  "risk_counts": {
    "common": 2,
    "uncommon": 2,
    "rare": 2,
    "very_rare": 1,
    "total": 7
  },
  "pre_procedure_checklist": [
    "Confirm the surgeon is MCNZ-registered in ophthalmology scope and (ideally) a RANZCO Fellow.",
    "Have a full pre-op assessment including corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) and topography.",
    "Disclose dry-eye symptoms, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding and any medications.",
    "Request the clinic's outcome statistics — visual-acuity results and enhancement rate over the last 12 months.",
    "Get a written quote that lists what is and isn't included (e.g. enhancements, follow-up visits)."
  ],
  "red_flags": [
    "A clinic claiming \"100% success\" or \"perfect vision guaranteed\" — both are ASA Therapeutic Code violations.",
    "No written informed-consent process or no in-person consultation before surgery.",
    "Pricing significantly below typical NZ range without a clear reason."
  ],
  "post_procedure_warning_signs": [
    "Pain that gets worse rather than better after day 2",
    "Sudden drop in vision (different from the expected gradual improvement)",
    "Eye redness with thick discharge",
    "Light sensitivity that is severe or worsening"
  ],
  "when_to_call_111": "Severe eye pain with sudden vision loss in the first 72 hours post-op — call your surgeon's emergency line or go to Eye Casualty.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "name": "RANZCO",
      "url": "https://ranzco.edu/"
    },
    {
      "name": "Medical Council NZ",
      "url": "https://www.mcnz.org.nz/"
    }
  ],
  "related_endpoints": {
    "summary_md": "https://cliniccompare.co.nz/api/risks/lasik/summary.md",
    "procedure_facts_json": "https://cliniccompare.co.nz/api/procedure/lasik/facts.json",
    "mcp_server": "https://cliniccompare.co.nz/mcp"
  },
  "last_reviewed": "2026-05-27",
  "disclaimer": "ClinicCompare.co.nz is an information platform only. Risk data is general guidance from NZ + Australasian surgical college sources. For your specific situation, see a registered NZ practitioner. HPCA Act 2003 / ASA Therapeutic Code."
}