Are you thinking about undergoing LASIK eye surgery? Here’s what to expect from our laser eye surgery consultation process and how our Calgary eye doctors can help determine whether or not this is a safe treatment choice for you.
One of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in North America, LASIK eye surgery is an effective and safe procedure designed to correct a number of vision issues including astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia.
A typical candidate for laser eye surgery must:
- Not suffer from any autoimmune diseases
- Be over 18 years of age
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have healthy eyes with no history of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or chronic eye disease
At our eye clinic in Market Mall, our eye doctors offer laser eye surgery consultations, during which we can conduct a comprehensive eye exam and discuss your eye health history, goals, and overall health, to determine whether or not this is the right procedure for you.
Comprehensive Eye Exams and Laser Eye Surgery Consultations in Calgary
Our team of friendly and professional eye doctors can conduct comprehensive eye exams and pre-surgery consultations, to help determine whether LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective way to meet all your vision correction goals.
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LASER EYE SURGERY CONSULTATION IN CALGARY
What Happens During a Consultation for Laser Eye Surgery?
Before you go ahead with LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to have an initial consultation with your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. During this appointment, your eye doctor will:
- Perform an eye exam
- Discuss the risks and benefits associated with the surgery
- Provide you with information on what to expect before, during, and after the surgery
- Discuss what your responsibilities will be before, during, and after the surgery
You must take this opportunity to ask your eye doctor any questions you may have regarding LASIK eye surgery. You should also tell your optometrist about:
- Any past and present medical and eye conditions
- What medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications
- Any medical allergies you may have
Following the consultation, give yourself plenty of time to think about the risks and benefits of this procedure, review any information provided to you by your optometrist, and ask any pending questions before making a decision.
What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery?
The main goal of LASIK eye surgery is to change the shape of the cornea so that it can better focus images onto the retina, allowing you to see more clearly. On the day of the treatment, here’s what to expect:
- Your eyes will be checked to ensure your eye history is correct and up to date
- You will be given a sedative and numbing eye drops will be placed in your eyes
- Your surgeon will create a thin flap in your cornea. This will allow him/her to access the stroma
- A laser will be used to remove small amounts of tissue from your cornea to reshape it
- Once this is completed, the flap will be laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed
- Your cornea will then be given time to heal naturally
Recovering From Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Keep in Mind
Immediately after your procedure, you may experience symptoms such as itchy or burning eyes, discomfort, or blurred vision. In some cases, patients experience light sensitivity, halos around lights, and eye redness. However, these symptoms are temporary and should improve considerably a few days after the surgery.
While you are recovering, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Do not rub your eyes. Doing so could dislodge the flap, requiring further treatment.
- You may be prescribed artificial tears or eye drops to speed up the healing process, fight off infection, and combat dry eye syndrome.
- You should visit your eye doctor within the first 48 hours after your surgery and at regular intervals after that for at least the first six months.
- Do not resume wearing a contact lens in the operated eye, even if your vision is blurry.
- You should wait for a few days after your surgery before beginning any non-contact sports. Always speak to your eye doctor first before resuming strenuous activities.
- To help prevent infection, you may need to wait up to two weeks after your surgery (or until your doctor advises you otherwise) before using makeup, lotion, or cream around the eyes.
When to Contact Your Eye Doctor
If you develop any new, unusual, or worsening symptoms at any point after your surgery, you must contact your eye doctor immediately. Quick treatment will help protect your vision and maintain your eye health.
Contact Us
To find out more about our LASIK eye surgery consultation services, and how our eye doctors can help determine whether or not this is a safe treatment option for you, contact our Calgary eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form.
