Treatment for refractive errors in Sydney

Whether you are short-sighted, long-sighted, have astigmatism, or are experiencing age-related reading vision changes, our specialists can help you understand your options for clearer, more comfortable vision

Treatment for refractive errors in Sydney

Whether you are short-sighted, long-sighted, have astigmatism, or are experiencing age-related reading vision changes, our specialists can help you understand your options for clearer, more comfortable vision

Understanding refractive errors and your vision correction options

Learn what causes refractive errors, how they affect vision, and the treatments available to help you see more clearly.

What are refractive errors?

  • Refractive errors occur when the eye does not focus light correctly onto the retina, causing blurred vision.
  • The most common refractive errors are myopia (short-sightedness), where distant objects appear blurry; hyperopia (long-sightedness), where close-up tasks may be difficult; astigmatism, which causes distorted or blurred vision at all distances due to an irregular corneal shape; and presbyopia, an age-related condition that affects near vision, typically from the age of 40 onwards.
  • Refractive errors are among the most common vision conditions worldwide and can affect daily activities such as reading, driving, working, and using digital devices.

  • Refractive surgery works by changing how light enters the eye so that it focuses more accurately on the retina.
  • For myopia, the cornea is reshaped to reduce its focusing power.
  • For hyperopia, the cornea is reshaped to increase focusing power.
  • Astigmatism is treated by smoothing and regularising the corneal shape to improve clarity.
  • Presbyopia may be treated using techniques that improve the eye’s ability to focus across multiple distances.
  • Depending on age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle, treatment options may include laser vision correction,implantable contact lenses (ICL), lens replacement surgery, or blended vision techniques.

  • Refractive errors are usually caused by the shape of the eye.
  • Myopia often occurs when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
  • Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina.
  • Astigmatism develops when the cornea or lens has an irregular curve.
  • Presbyopia is a natural ageing change that occurs when the eye’s lens gradually loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects.
  • Genetics plays a significant role, although environmental factors such as prolonged near work may also influence certain refractive errors.

What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery refers to a range of procedures designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism, and age-related reading vision changes. Treatment options may include LASIK, PRK, SMILE Pro, implantable contact lenses (ICL), or lens replacement surgery.

Am I suitable for refractive surgery?

Suitability depends on several factors, including your age, prescription, eye health, corneal measurements, and lifestyle needs. A comprehensive assessment is required to determine whether refractive surgery is appropriate and which treatment option may be most suitable for your eyes.

Does refractive surgery hurt?

Most refractive procedures are performed using anaesthetic eye drops, making treatment generally comfortable. Some patients experience mild discomfort, irritation, or watery eyes during the early recovery period, depending on the procedure performed.

What are the risks of refractive surgery?

All medical procedures carry risks. Potential risks may include dry eye symptoms, glare, halos, infection, inflammation, or the need for additional treatment. A thorough assessment helps identify potential risk factors and determine whether surgery is suitable for you.

Which refractive surgery option is best for me?

There is no single treatment that is best for everyone. The most appropriate option depends on your prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals. Following a detailed assessment, your surgeon will discuss the available options and recommend a personalised treatment plan.

Find out if vision correction could suit your eyes

Book an appointment to learn whether refractive surgery may be an option for you

COULD LASER VISION CORRECTION BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Could Laser Vision Correction Be Right for You?

Whether you’re considering SMILE Laser Vision Correction, LASIK, PRK, an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) or Refractive Lens Exchange, the first step is understanding your eyes.

Every patient is different. During your consultation, we perform a comprehensive assessment of your prescription, corneal measurements, tear film, eye health, lifestyle and visual goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment. We’ll explain the potential benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

If you’re not quite ready for a consultation, our 2-minute Vision Correction Suitability Assessment is a simple way to explore which treatment options may be appropriate for your eyes.

Understand your vision correction options in 3 EASY STEPS.

A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether refractive surgery may be appropriate and which options deserve consideration. We will explain the findings, expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

STEP 1: GET IN TOUCH

Every eye is different. The first step is to find out which treatment could help you see more clearly and protect your long-term vision. Call our caring team or use our online calendar to book an appointment.

STEP 2: WE’LL MEET

During your appointment, we’ll examine your eyes and explain which treatment options may suit your condition and lifestyle. You’ll receive expert advice and a clear, personalised plan.

STEP 3: ENJOY FREEDOM

After treatment, many people feel relief knowing their eyes are healthier and their sight is clearer. With proper care, you can look forward to years of confident, comfortable vision.

Could Laser Eye Surgery Be Right for You?

Take our quick 2-minute assessment to discover which laser eye surgery options may be appropriate for your eyes, lifestyle and visual goals.

Find out if laser eye surgery could suit your eyes

Take our quick 2-minute test to learn which vision correction options may fit your eyes, lifestyle, and goals

Academic resources on laser eye surgery

Learn more from authoritative clinical publications. These links will take you off our website

This article explains how laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct vision issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. It covers who’s suitable, what the procedure involves, how recovery works, and possible risks.

Read more

This article outlines how laser eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. It covers suitability, risks, recovery and long-term outlook.

Read more

Laser eye surgery offers a range of procedures to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. From LASIK to SMILE, these treatments address conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Read more

Dr Shanel Sharma ophthalmologist in Sydney providing wet macular degeneration and anti-VEGF injection care

Hi, I’m Dr Shanel Sharma

I’m an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in paediatric eye conditions, strabismus, medical retina and general ophthalmology from leading hospitals in Sydney and London, including Moorfields Eye Hospital. I hold a Fellowship with RANZCO and have published widely in peer-reviewed journals. My focus is providing careful, individualised care using evidence-based treatments. I’m accredited to treat a range of conditions and perform procedures including intravitreal injections, strabismus surgery and botulinum toxin treatments. I always aim to make the process clear, calm and supportive.

Hi, I’m Dr Daya Sharma

I’m a cataract, corneal and refractive surgeon with subspecialty training from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and Sydney Eye Hospital. I perform laser vision correction procedures, refractive lens surgery, and advanced cataract surgery using the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. My work is focused on helping people reduce their dependence on glasses and improve their quality of vision at all distances. I’m actively involved in research, publication and surgical education, and I take pride in offering honest, thorough guidance to every patient. My approach is personal, careful and always tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.