NZ-specific risk guide

Risks of LASIK / refractive eye surgery in New Zealand

Covers LASIK, SMILE and PRK refractive procedures performed by FRACS/RANZCO-qualified ophthalmologists in New Zealand.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-27 · how we source risk data

Who is qualified to perform this in NZ

Performed only by ophthalmologists registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand in a vocational scope of ophthalmology — most are RANZCO Fellows.

Risks

Risks are categorised by frequency reported in NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance. None of this is a substitute for an individual clinical assessment by a registered practitioner.

Dry eyes

Common

What: Most patients experience some dry-eye symptoms for weeks-to-months post-procedure. A small subset experience chronic dry eye.

How risk is reduced: Pre-op tear-film assessment; surgeon should screen for and discuss baseline dry eye.

Glare, halos, starbursts (especially at night)

Common

What: Visual disturbances are most pronounced in the first 3-6 months. Some patients have persistent night-vision symptoms.

How risk is reduced: Surgeon screens for large pupils and recommends technique accordingly.

Under-correction or over-correction

Uncommon

What: May require an enhancement procedure. Most clinics include one enhancement in the quoted price within a set window.

How risk is reduced: Confirm enhancement policy in writing pre-procedure.

Flap complications (LASIK only)

Uncommon

What: Including flap dislocation, epithelial in-growth or buttonhole. Lower risk with SMILE (no flap).

How risk is reduced: Discuss flap-less options (SMILE / PRK) with your surgeon.

Infection (microbial keratitis)

Rare

What: Serious but uncommon. Requires immediate ophthalmology review if you have severe eye pain, redness or rapidly decreasing vision post-op.

How risk is reduced: Strict adherence to post-op antibiotic drops and follow-up schedule.

Ectasia (corneal weakening)

Rare

What: Progressive corneal thinning, may require cross-linking. Lower with adequate pre-op screening of corneal thickness.

How risk is reduced: Pre-op corneal topography + pachymetry; surgeon screens out high-risk patients.

Permanent vision loss

Very rare

What: Documented in international literature but rare with NZ-standard pre-op screening.

How risk is reduced: Choose a RANZCO Fellow with high procedure volume.

Pre-procedure checklist

  1. Confirm the surgeon is MCNZ-registered in ophthalmology scope and (ideally) a RANZCO Fellow.
  2. Have a full pre-op assessment including corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) and topography.
  3. Disclose dry-eye symptoms, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding and any medications.
  4. Request the clinic's outcome statistics — visual-acuity results and enhancement rate over the last 12 months.
  5. Get a written quote that lists what is and isn't included (e.g. enhancements, follow-up visits).

Red flags — stop and get a second opinion if you see these

  • 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.

Call your clinic if you notice

  • · 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 / go to ED

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 we reference

This page draws on NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance and NZ regulator publications. Full list:

See all sources we cite across the site.

Next steps

Browse LASIK / refractive eye surgery clinics →

Filter by location, funding accepted and specialty.

 Browse common questions →

Plain-language answers to 200+ NZ medical questions.

This page is general guidance about the kinds of risks documented for LASIK / refractive eye surgery in New Zealand and Australia. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment. Risk profiles depend on the specific procedure, your individual health, the surgeon\'s experience and the facility. Always discuss your specific situation with a registered practitioner before consenting to any procedure.

Explore Procedures

LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser vision correction for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Breast Surgery

Augmentation, reduction, lift and reconstruction.

Cosmetic Surgery

Facelift, rhinoplasty, liposuction and body contouring.

Dental & Orthodontics

General dentistry, braces and aligners.

Dental Implants

Single, multiple and all-on-4 implant options.

Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric sleeve, bypass and band procedures.

View All Procedures