Refractive errors can cause vision problems that require you to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to see consistently. If you have been diagnosed with a refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, and would like to explore options other than eyewear, laser surgery can be an excellent option.
Laser eye surgery is becoming a popular option for regular glasses or contact lens wearers interested in permanently improving their vision.
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There are many different types of laser eye surgery that can improve your vision with minimal downtime. However, LASIK and PRK are the most popular and most commonly performed, depending on the patient and their goals.
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most commonly performed refractive surgery. The procedure is brief and minimally invasive with little downtime, making it a popular choice for most patients.
LASIK can be performed on most eyes with mild to intermediate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and only requires a few days of downtime to let your eyes heal and adjust.
The procedure involves making a small flap with an excimer laser in the epithelium, or outermost layer of the cornea. The flap is then pushed back to reveal the corneal tissue underneath. The underlying tissue is then reshaped with the excimer laser to correct your refractive error. The flap is then replaced to act as a natural bandage, which should heal over a few days.
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is another commonly performed surgery for individuals with thinner corneas. The procedure is slightly more invasive than LASIK and will require a week of downtime to heal properly.
PRK can be performed on most eyes with refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Because of the nature of the procedure, it is also a better choice for individuals with thin corneas.
The procedure involves removing the outer layer of the cornea with an excimer laser or precise blade. The corneal tissue underneath is reshaped using the laser to adjust vision based on the refractive error. A bandage contact lens is then be placed on your eye to protect it while it heals.
If you’re interested in laser eye surgery, please book an appointment with us to assess your eyes’ health and what surgery may be best. You are welcome to ask us any questions about the procedure so you can feel prepared.
We will then refer you to an ophthalmologist to perform the surgery. After the procedure, we will invite you back for follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing normally.
Book AppointmentFind us just off Southport Road SW on the west side of Macleod Trail.
There is 2 hour free parking directly outside the professional building.
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A note: if this post looks familiar to you and you’re a newsletter subscriber, that’s because this post was initially released as a newsletter to our patients. If you’d like to sign up for our newsletter, please sign up here. Do you suffer from dry eyes? Have you tried multiple drops and found only temporary […]
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