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An evidence-based response to the documentary Broken Eyes (2024) Dr Mark Deist, Ophthalmic Surgeon | October 2026 Broken Eyes tells the real stories of people who have been harmed after laser vision correction, and those patients deserve to be heard. But the film presents the worst outcomes as if they were typical, quotes complication rates that large prospective studies do not support, and leaves out the FDA’s own data, the FDA’s rejection of the central petition it features

Discover how modern PRK offers an established, flap-free approach to laser vision correction — and why it may be a suitable alternative to LASIK for certain patients. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to see your surroundings without immediately reaching for your glasses. Or enjoying outdoor activities, travelling and exercising with less dependence on contact lenses. For many people, laser vision correction offers the possibility of greater visual freedom. Whil

How a New Generation of Cataract Lenses Is Changing the Picture By Dr Mark Deist, Sandhurst Eye Centre, Johannesburg If you are facing cataract surgery and hoping to be less dependent on glasses afterwards, you have more lens choices today than ever before — and probably more questions. Alongside the promise of “premium” lenses comes a concern many patients raise in the consulting room: what about night-time halos, glare and starbursts around lights? These visual effects — k

CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction) is a modern, minimally invasive laser vision-correction procedure that can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses for suitable patients with short-sightedness and astigmatism. Dr Mark Deist performs CLEAR at Sandhurst Eye Centre in Sandton using the advanced Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser platform. What Is CLEAR Eye Surgery? CLEAR is a form of lenticule extraction. Rather than

Femto-LASIK is an advanced, all-laser form of LASIK that can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Dr Mark Deist performs Z-LASIK with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 at Sandhurst Eye Centre in Sandhurst, Sandton, using highly precise femtosecond laser technology to create a customised corneal flap before reshaping your vision. If you are searching for Femto-LASIK in Sandton, laser eye surgery in Johannesburg, or a LASIK surgeon in Sandhurst, this guide explai

Imagine a cataract operation where the surgeon controls a robotic system capable of making extremely precise movements inside the eye. That may sound like science fiction, but in 2026, it became a reality. In April 2026, ForSight Robotics announced the world’s first fully robot-assisted cataract surgery performed in a human patient, using its JASPER™ Robotic Surgical Platform. The procedure was completed from start to finish with robotic assistance, marking a significant mile

EVO Viva and refractive lens exchange (RLE) can both reduce or even remove the need for glasses in short‑sighted adults who are also struggling with reading vision, but they work in very different ways and suit different patients. Who this article is for If you are short‑sighted (myopic) and noticing that reading up close is becoming harder, you may have heard of surgical options to correct both problems at once. As we age, the eye’s natural lens loses focusing power — a norm

If you're considering LASIK surgery in Johannesburg, understanding how the procedure works is an important first step. The animation below demonstrates the Z-LASIK procedure from start to finish, showing how modern laser technology can safely reshape the cornea to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses. At Dr Mark Deist's practice in Sandton, we use advanced laser technology and comprehensive pre-operative assessments to determine whether bladeless LASIK is the right

What You Need to Know About Halos, Glare and Starbursts with Modern Premium Intraocular Lenses Cataract surgery has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Today, it's no longer just about removing a cloudy lens—it's an opportunity to improve your overall quality of vision and reduce your dependence on glasses. With the introduction of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), many patients can enjoy excellent distance, intermediate and functional near vision. However, one of the

For many people, LASIK is the first procedure that comes to mind when they think about reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. But LASIK is not suitable for everyone. That does not mean you are out of options. There are several other vision correction procedures that may be considered depending on your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, dry eye status, age, and overall eye health. Why LASIK May Not Be Suitable A patient may not be a good LASIK candidate for

Understanding the New Johnson & Johnson TECNIS PureSee™ Intraocular Lens Insights from leading cataract surgeons and clinical investigators Cataract surgery has entered a remarkable new era. What was once viewed simply as a procedure to “restore sight” is now increasingly about optimising vision quality, reducing dependence on glasses, and improving everyday lifestyle function. In a recent discussion on The Doctor Podcast Show, leading cataract surgeons and clinical investiga

The way we work has changed dramatically over the last few years. For many people, the daily commute has been replaced by a short walk to a home office, dining room table, or even a laptop on the couch. While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, it has also led to a significant increase in the amount of time we spend staring at screens. From video meetings and emails to smartphones and streaming services, our eyes are working harder than ever before. As a res

Intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation, when performed using the latest Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser, represents one of the most precise and patient‑friendly options for managing irregular corneas such as keratoconus and post‑refractive ectasia. Below is a detailed, clinic‑ready blog you can adapt for your ophthalmology practice website. What are intracorneal ring segments (ICRS)? Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS), also known as corneal ring segments or “INTAC

My honest opinion on Galaxy (as a surgeon) The following piece has been obtained through the user's Reddit post, follow the link below for more details. "Hello everyone, I have seen quite a few posts about the Rayner Galaxy intraocular lens (IOL) and wanted to share my honest review based on personal experience. For context, I am a fellowship-trained Corneal, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon from Latin America with a PhD in Vision Sciences. Working in Latin America allows u

Sandhurst Eye Centre is proud to share an exciting milestone in our ongoing commitment to world‑class eye care. On the 22nd of January 2026, Dr Mark Deist successfully performed a full cohort of bladeless, robotic femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgeries on selected premium lens patients, with excellent clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This achievement marks the introduction of one of the most advanced cataract technologies available today, offering patients a

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder in which the cornea, normally round and dome-shaped, thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This causes distorted vision and increased sensitivity to light. Usually starting in adolescence or early adulthood, keratoconus can significantly impair vision if left untreated. Dr. Mark Deist, an ophthalmologist in Sandton, Johannesburg, uses the most modern and scientifically validated treatment options to manage this condition,

Cataract surgery has entered a new era — one where technology, precision, and personalization come together to deliver vision that’s clearer, sharper, and more reliable than ever before. Today, cataract surgery is not just about removing a cloudy lens. It’s about restoring and enhancing vision — often to levels better than before the cataract developed. And for patients choosing premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) , precision and predictability are everything. That’s where t

Cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE) have been transformative in restoring clear vision, but for many patients, the goal goes beyond simply seeing better—it’s about regaining freedom from glasses and achieving a natural, seamless visual experience across all distances. The Rayner Galaxy intraocular lens (IOL) is a groundbreaking advancement in this pursuit. Combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centered design, the Galaxy IOL offers a revolutionary so

The TECNIS PureSee™ IOL is a next-generation , presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens from Johnson & Johnson that’s designed to give patients high-quality distance vision with an extended range into intermediate and functional near vision. It uses a purely refractive, extended depth-of-focus (EDoF) optical design intended to improve spectacle independence while minimizing common visual disturbances (e.g., halos and glare) associated with older multifocal designs. What it is

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting people worldwide, especially as they age. They are also a leading cause of...