CLEAR Laser Eye Surgery Brisbane
A minimally invasive option for laser vision correction
If you’re looking to reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses, CLEAR laser eye surgery may offer a precise, minimally invasive approach to improving your vision. As a form of new laser eye surgery, CLEAR uses advanced keyhole laser technology to correct vision while minimising disruption to the corneal surface.
At Dr Geoffrey Ryan’s Brisbane practice, CLEAR laser eye surgery is carefully assessed and planned around your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term visual needs. Using advanced laser technology and a patient-first approach, Dr Ryan will determine whether this form of laser eye surgery is the right fit for you.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan is a FRANZCO ophthalmologist performing CLEAR in Brisbane using the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 — the same low-energy femtosecond laser platform used for LASIK flap creation at his practice, here applied to its full potential as a single-device, all-femtosecond lenticule extraction system.
What is CLEAR laser eye surgery?
CLEAR is a minimally invasive form of laser vision correction that uses keyhole lenticule extraction technology to reshape the cornea and improve vision.
The procedure belongs to a category of treatments known as KLEx (Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction). During treatment, a femtosecond laser creates a tiny disc of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision to change the shape of the cornea and improve how light focuses on the retina.
Some patients may have heard of a similar procedure called SMILE laser surgery. CLEAR follows the same underlying lenticule extraction principle, but uses a different laser platform and technology system.
Unlike LASIK surgery, CLEAR does not require the creation of a corneal flap. This minimally invasive approach may appeal to patients with active lifestyles, dry eye concerns, or those who participate in contact sports.
How CLEAR laser eye surgery works
During CLEAR laser eye surgery, a femtosecond laser creates a precise lenticule within the cornea. The surgeon then removes this lenticule through a small keyhole incision.
This reshapes the cornea so light can focus more accurately on the retina, helping reduce blurry vision and dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike some other laser eye surgery procedures, CLEAR does not use an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. Instead, it works within the deeper corneal tissue while preserving more of the corneal surface structure.
This gives surgeons precise control while maintaining a minimally invasive treatment approach.
As a form of new laser eye surgery, CLEAR is designed to combine precision vision correction with a flap-free surgical technique.
Is CLEAR surgery right for you?
CLEAR may be suitable for patients seeking a flapless form of laser vision correction with minimal disruption to the corneal surface.
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Are aged approximately 20–45 and have had a stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Have short-sightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism
- Have adequate corneal thickness for safe lenticule creation
- Want to reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses
- Prefer a flap-free laser procedure
- Participate in contact sports or have occupational requirements where avoiding a corneal flap may be beneficial
- Have mild dry eye symptoms or concerns about post-operative dry eye
CLEAR may offer particular advantages for patients with active lifestyles, as no corneal flap is created. The small incision used during treatment preserves more of the cornea's natural structure and may result in lower rates of post-operative dry eye compared with LASIK.
CLEAR is not suitable for everyone. Patients with significant long-sightedness (hyperopia), very thin corneas, certain corneal conditions such as keratoconus, or prescriptions outside the recommended treatment range may be better suited to LASIK, PRK, implantable contact lenses (ICL), or refractive lens exchange.
During your consultation, Dr Geoffrey Ryan will assess your prescription, corneal thickness, corneal topography, tear film health and visual goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment option.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
What conditions can CLEAR eye surgery treat?
CLEAR laser eye surgery is most commonly used to treat:
- Short-sightedness (myopia)
- Astigmatism
Suitability for treatment depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
The goal of CLEAR surgery is to improve focus, reduce blurry vision, and help patients rely less on glasses or contact lenses in everyday life.
The CLEAR procedure – what actually happens?
CLEAR laser eye surgery is performed as a day procedure and usually takes around 20–30 minutes in theatre.
During treatment:
- Detailed images are taken to guide the surgical plan
- A gentle suction ring is used to stabilise the eye during laser treatment
- The Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 creates a precise lenticule within the corneal tissue
- A small arc incision is made, usually around 2–4 mm
- Dr Ryan gently separates and removes the lenticule through the small incision
- The cornea reshapes naturally to correct vision
- No corneal flap is created and no stitches are required
Because CLEAR is a flapless procedure, it avoids flap-related complications by design. Patients return home the same day and will need someone to drive them.
What does CLEAR eye surgery feel like?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during CLEAR laser eye surgery.
You may feel:
- Light pressure during treatment
- Mild irritation or discomfort afterwards
- Temporary blurry vision during the early recovery period
Numbing drops are used during surgery, and prescribed eye drops may be recommended afterwards to support healing and comfort.
Recovery after CLEAR laser eye surgery
Recovery after CLEAR is usually faster than PRK, but slightly slower than LASIK.
In the first 24–48 hours, vision may be hazy or mildly blurred. Some patients notice clearer vision within hours, while others find clarity improves over the next few days.
Most patients achieve functional vision within 2–5 days. Vision then continues to stabilise over the following weeks, with final visual outcomes usually assessed around 3 months after surgery.
During recovery, you may be advised to use antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and lubricating eye drops, wear protective eye shields while sleeping for the first few nights, avoid rubbing your eyes, avoid swimming for several weeks and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Dr Ryan will provide personalised aftercare instructions based on your procedure and recovery.
Safety, risks and outcomes
CLEAR is designed to provide stable vision correction while preserving more of the cornea's surface structure than flap-based LASIK.
Because no corneal flap is created, CLEAR avoids flap-related complications by design and may offer a lower post-operative dry eye risk than LASIK for suitable patients.
Potential risks and considerations include dry eye, infection, inflammation, under or overcorrection, temporary glare, halos or blurry vision, suction loss during lenticule creation, difficulty separating or removing the lenticule, incomplete extraction and, rarely, corneal ectasia in patients with predisposing anatomy.
Most patients can expect reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses, although outcomes vary depending on prescription, corneal anatomy, eye health and healing response.
Dr Ryan will discuss your individual risks, expected outcomes and alternative treatment options during your consultation.
CLEAR vs SMILE – what’s the difference?
CLEAR and SMILE laser surgery are both forms of KLEx (Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction) surgery and use a similar minimally invasive keyhole technique to correct vision.
Both procedures:
- Use a femtosecond laser
- Create a small lenticule within the cornea
- Remove tissue through a small incision
- Avoid creating a corneal flap
The main difference is the laser platform and technology system used during treatment.
Patients often search for SMILE laser surgery because it is the more widely recognised term internationally. Dr Geoffrey Ryan performs the CLEAR procedure using advanced KLEx technology.
CLEAR, LASIK and PRK – How they compare
| CLEAR | LASIK | PRK / TransPRK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap created | No | Yes | No |
| Technique | Lenticule extraction | Flap + excimer | Surface excimer |
| Recovery to functional vision | 2–5 days | 1–2 days | 5–7 days |
| Dry eye risk | Lower | Moderate | Lower |
| Contact sport safety | High | Moderate | Highest |
| Thin cornea suitability | Limited | Limited | Good |
| Treatment of hyperopia | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Long-term outcome | Equivalent | Equivalent | Equivalent |
| Technology at Dr Ryan's practice | Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 | Ziemer LDV Z8 + WaveLight EX500 | WaveLight EX500 |
All three procedures achieve equivalent long-term visual outcomes in appropriately selected patients. The best procedure is the one matched to your individual corneal anatomy, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Why choose Dr Geoffrey Ryan?
Choosing the right surgeon is an important part of achieving a safe and effective outcome from laser vision correction.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan is a FRANZCO ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in refractive and corneal surgery. He completed advanced training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, one of the world's leading ophthalmic institutions, and performs CLEAR using the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser.
Patients benefit from:
- Advanced training in refractive and corneal surgery
- CLEAR performed using the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser
- Comprehensive pre-operative assessment and suitability testing
- Access to a full range of vision correction procedures, including CLEAR, LASIK, PRK, ICL and refractive lens exchange
- Surgery performed at South Brisbane Day Theatre
- Personalised treatment recommendations based on your eye anatomy, lifestyle and visual goals
Because Dr Ryan offers multiple vision correction procedures, you'll receive recommendations based on the procedure best suited to your eyes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
What happens at your consultation?
Your consultation is designed to determine whether CLEAR laser eye surgery is suitable for your eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.
This includes:
A comprehensive eye examination
Corneal mapping and thickness measurements
Assessment of your refractive error and prescription
Review of your work, hobbies, and activity needs
You’ll receive clear advice on whether you are a suitable candidate, what results may be realistic, and what recovery may involve.
Cost of CLEAR laser eye surgery in Australia
The cost of CLEAR laser eye surgery depends on your eyes, prescription, treatment plan, and the technology used.
As a general guide, laser eye surgery typically starts from around $4,000 per eye, however this is indicative only.
An exact cost can only be provided after your consultation and assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Give us a call, we're happy to help.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
Is CLEAR laser eye surgery safe?
CLEAR is considered a safe and effective form of laser vision correction for suitable candidates. As with all eye surgery, risks are possible and will be discussed during your consultation.
Is CLEAR surgery painful?
The procedure is generally not painful. Numbing drops are used, and most patients report only mild pressure or temporary discomfort.
How long is the recovery after CLEAR laser eye surgery?
Many patients notice improved vision within a few days, although vision may continue to stabilise over several weeks.
Is CLEAR better than LASIK?
Not necessarily. CLEAR, LASIK, and PRK each have different benefits and considerations. The right option depends on your prescription, cornea, lifestyle, and eye health.
Is CLEAR the same as SMILE laser surgery?
CLEAR and SMILE laser surgery use the same keyhole lenticule extraction concept and are both forms of KLEx surgery. The main difference is the laser platform and technology system used during treatment.
Can I wear contact lenses before my consultation?
You may need to stop wearing contact lenses before certain measurements are taken, as they can temporarily affect corneal shape. Dr Ryan’s team will provide instructions before your appointment.
Take the next step towards clearer vision
If you’re considering laser eye surgery and want to explore whether CLEAR is suitable for your eyes, the first step is a comprehensive assessment.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan will determine whether CLEAR laser eye surgery or another form of eye surgery is the safest and most effective option for your needs.