What will the Advanced Wavefront Guided CustomVue procedure do to my night vision? I’ve heard that past lasers had potential to cause night vision problems.
Most patients having the Advanced Wavefront Guided CustomVue procedure have excellent night vision afterwards. In clinical trials, more patients were extremely satisfied with their night vision after surgery, compared to their night vision before surgery with glasses or contact lenses.
When can I resume wearing makeup afterwards?
As a measure to decrease risk of infection during recovery from LASIK or PRK, makeup should not be worn for two weeks following.
What can I see immediately after having the procedure?
Most people notice an improvement in vision without glasses immediately following the procedure, but vision is still quite blurry or foggy. Vision is good enough for mobility, and sunglasses are worn to help protect the eyes during LASIK and PRK recovery.
How long does the LASIK or PRK procedure take?
Although patients will be at the clinic for approximately one and a half hours, the procedure itself usually takes less than five minutes per eye, and the laser treatment time is usually less than 60 seconds.
Are both eyes treated on the same day?
In most cases, both eyes are treated on the same day with LASIK and PRK. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedures are generally done approximately one week apart.
Am I awake when the surgery is done?
Yes, you will be awake for the procedure. Anaesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes to numb them and a mild sedative will be given to you to help you relax
What about the restriction on my drivers license that says I need corrective lenses? Does this need to be removed after surgery?
In BC, this can be removed by visiting your local ICBC office and informing them that you have had laser vision correction and no longer need glasses to see driving levels of vision. Your sight will be assessed by looking into a vision testing instrument and the restriction will be removed if your vision meets the acceptable requirement.
How long before I can drive again following surgery?
LASIK patients can generally pass vision requirements for driving the day after surgery. PRK patients usually see well enough by the fifth day post-operatively, but may take less or more time due to variations in healing response. Your optometrist can tell you when you pass vision requirements for driving at your post-operative appointments.
When can I return to work after having PRK?
Patients usually experience some blurred vision, light sensitivity, and discomfort during the first 2-3 days duriing PRK recovery. Vision and comfort are usually recovered enough to be able to work on the fourth, or morecommonly the fifth day following the procedure.
When can I return to work after having LASIK?
Although some individuals return to work the day after having LASIK, it is recommended that 2-3 days be allowed before returning to work so that the eyes can be rested.
Who is a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be the most suitable procedure to reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses for people who are over the age of 55-60, have early cataracts, or farsighted prescriptions. This will be assessed at your complementary consultation and will be discussed in detail if it is appropriate for your eyes.
Who is a candidate for laser vision correction?
Most healthy individuals over the age of 18 who wear glasses or contact lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are candidates for laser vision correction. A prescription should be stable for at least 1 year prior to surgery. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should wait to have the procedure done until hormone levels return to normal as they can affect prescription amounts. People with some general health conditions such as auto-immune disorders, degenerative diseases, and patients taking some medications with ocular side effects may not be candidates. A detailed medical history and eye exam will be completed at the pre-operative consultation to further assess candidacy.
What is an excimer laser?
Excimer lasers produce cool concentrated beams of ultraviolet light that safely and painlessly separate the molecular bonds and remove microscopic layers of corneal tissue leaving the underlying tissue virtually untouched.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK (Lasik vs PRK)?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis): A thin flap is created that consists of the first layer (epithelium) and a small amount of the second layer (stroma). The flap is gently folded back by the surgeon to expose the majority of the stromal layer, which is then reshaped with the laser to change a person’s prescription. During laser treatment, which usually takes 10 to 60 seconds, any fine eye movements are tracked with a sophisticated tracking system, and there is no sensation of pain or discomfort. The flap is then laid back into place. Because most of the surface layer of cornea is replaced in its original position, very little surface area needs to “fill in” and recovery is rapid. Most people see well the day after surgery.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy or Advanced Surface Ablation): The second layer of the cornea (stroma) is exposed for laser treatment by removing the first layer (epithelium) over the area to be treated. Laser pulses are then applied to the surface of the stromal layer to reshape the cornea. Sophisticated alignment and tracking systems guide the laser during treatment, which usually take between 10 and 60 seconds. A thin soft bandage contact lens covers the cornea for approximately four days as the epithelium regenerates. After the contact lens is removed, patients notice a day by day improvement in vision, usually reaching driving levels of vision within a few more days. Although PRK patients need more time to heal, the end result is identical to the LASIK procedure. PRK provides less risk due to its simplicity and the fact that it does not require a flap to be made.
How long does the procedure take?
The laser treatment to reshape your cornea usually takes less than one minute. Do expect to be at the clinic for 1-1.5 hours on surgery day for set up, resting time afterwards etc.
How many people have this surgery done?
In North America, approximately 2,000 people have laser eye surgery performed every day. BC may be the busiest area for laser eye surgery in North America.
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Laser Eye Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
