LASIK Procedure

A special instrument (a microkeratome) is applied to the cornea (the outer clear layer of the eye), creating a thin flap of corneal tissue. The flap remains attached to the eye at one end. Next, the laser is used to reshape the cornea. The flap is then put back into position and the procedure is complete. LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using an eye drop anesthetic to numb the eye for painless surgery. It normally takes less than 30 minutes and the patient leaves shortly after the procedure. An eye patch may be placed on the eye for temporary protection and to keep you from rubbing your eye in your sleep. Medication drops are used for pain relief, to prevent infection and promote healing. After LASIK, patients usually return to their normal lifestyle quickly with very few restrictions during the short healing period. "Functional" vision is usually obtained within 1 to 3 days.


Am I a candidate for LASIK?

You are a good candidate if . . .

1. Your eyes are in good health.
2. Your vision is stable and you are at least 18 years old.
3. You are in good general health.
4. Corrective lenses (contact, eyeglasses) interfere with your occupation or the lifestyle you want to live
5. You feel that you look better without glasses.
6. You are contact lens intolerant.
7. Your occupation does not allow you to wear contact lenses.
8. You are tired of the frustrations associated with always having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.


What results can be expected?

Vision correction surgery has corrected or improved the vision of millions of people around the world. Studies show that over 95% of patients who have had this surgery are able to pass a standard driver's license eye exam (20/40 visual acuity or better) without corrective lenses. Although perfect vision after the surgery may be a likely result, not every patient will be able to achieve the ideal 20/20 vision. The results are also dependent on how bad one's initial prescription is; the worse it is to begin with, the more difficult it is to achieve optimal vision. An enhancement, or “touch-up” procedure, may also be necessary if less than optimal results are obtained after the initial treatment. The goal of vision correction surgery is to provide functional vision, and reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Since perfect vision is not always achievable, some patients may desire to wear corrective lenses after surgery for some activities. Refractive surgery is a choice you will make only after a complete medical eye examination and extensive counseling on the benefits and risks of the procedure.


Will I need glasses after the surgery if I'm over 40?

People who have presbyopia (patients who need a bifocal or reading glasses) will probably need glasses for reading.


The Vision Clinic

At the Vision Clinic we manage all aspects of the pre/post operative care of the LASIK procedure. We have all the newest equipment and training at our disposal to help ensure that your vision correction procedure runs smoothly. At the Vision Clinic we value our patients and only refer to laser centers that we trust and have proven track records. We work closely with two LASIK centers which can be found on the internet at the below addresses:

Gimbell Eye Center (in Calgary)

Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute (in Spokane)

We encourage you to visit these sites as they are well maintained and can answer many of your questions. Now if your ready to throw those glasses away give us a call at 755-2020