Laser Surgery

When you want better vision but don’t want to deal with cleaning and storing contacts, scratching or losing pairs of glasses, it may be time to consider refractive laser surgery. This method of eye care often gives patients better sight than they have experienced in their lives.

How it Works

Refractive laser surgery can be used on patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The two most common forms of laser surgery are LASIK and PRK.  LASIK is performed by using a laser to create a circular “flap” in the cornea. The ophthalmologist peels back this flap and reshapes the corneal layers underneath the surface layer. PRK is performed by reshaping the surface layer of the cornea.  In this procedure, no flap is created. The result of these procedures is improved vision because light can be accurately focused on the retina. For those with nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened. For those with farsightedness, the cornea is given a steeper shape. For astigmatism, the laser smooths out an irregular cornea.

Before the Procedure

Your optometrist will perform a thorough eye exam to ensure you qualify for laser surgery, as well as analyze the shape of your eyes in order to determine what needs to be done. Patients should stop wearing contact lenses around two weeks prior to the procedure.

What to Expect

Numbing drops are applied to your eye to reduce discomfort. A small amount of pressure may be felt during the procedure but is relatively painless. Each eye has a separate procedure, each lasting only about five minutes long.

After the Procedure

There may be an initial burning or itching feeling. There is a post-surgery eye exam and then someone will be able to drive you home. The first day there may be some blurriness, but should regulate the day after the surgery. Take a few days to rest your eye and refrain from any exercise to ensure the eye heals properly.

If you are considering laser surgery, talk with an optometrist at Vision Care Centre to see if this is an option for you. Get the best in eye care from the eye doctors at Vision Care Centre.