{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66433f635f684e0012e0915c/69412285443ad98913796940?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Laser Eye Surgery - what you need to know with Ben LaHood","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66433f635f684e0012e0915c/1765876340540-3f054076-d6d3-46ae-b566-d3a0615496ce.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>Guest:</strong> Dr Ben La Hood, specialist refractive surgeon and global education leader</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Summary</strong></p><p>Laser vision correction is one of those topics people are fascinated by, but also a bit scared to take the next step on. In this season finale, Lien and Dr Ben La Hood break it down in plain language: what laser eye surgery actually means, how it reshapes the cornea, how modern procedures differ from older techniques, what the day feels like, who is and isn’t a good candidate, and what the real risks look like (including dry eye and rare complications like corneal ectasia). The goal is simple: help you feel clearer, calmer, and better informed if you’re considering the leap away from glasses or contact lenses.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>PRK, LASIK and SMILE all have pros/cons, and the “best” option depends on your eyes and lifestyle.</li><li>The laser change is designed to be permanent, but your eyes still age (especially reading vision).</li><li>Good screening matters: the safest outcomes come from the right candidates and conservative decision-making.</li><li>Dry eye is real and should be discussed properly, but severe long-term dry eye is uncommon in appropriately selected patients.</li><li>Your optometrist can help you choose a trustworthy referral pathway and interpret the pros/cons.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Next steps for listeners</strong></p><ol><li>Book a proper suitability assessment (including corneal mapping/topography and dry eye evaluation).</li><li>If you have dry eye symptoms, consider treating the surface first, then reassess suitability.</li><li>Bring your questions to your optometrist first — they see the long-term outcomes and can guide you to reputable refractive care.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>Acknowledgements</strong></p><p>Produced with support from Humdinger Studio (Melbourne), Gulwa Recording Studio (Darwin), the University of Melbourne, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, Optometry Australia, and <em>Mivision</em>.</p><p>Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @talkingeyespodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.</p>","author_name":"Lien Trinh"}