LASER EYE SURGERY CONSULTATION
Is Laser Eye Surgery Right For You? We Can Help You Find Out
Laser eye surgery is a great corrective option for refractive errors. The freedom from glasses and contact lenses could open brand new avenues for you.
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But how do you know if laser eye surgery is right for you? Are all laser eye surgeries the same?
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It’s perfectly natural and healthy for you to ask questions before pursuing laser eye surgery. At Shaughnessy Optometry, we provide a warm and welcoming space for you to ask your questions, bring up your concerns, and get the answers you need to make an informed choice. Book an appointment today and we can discuss your options for laser eye surgery.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery?
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There are a number of laser eye surgeries available; each with distinct advantages and methods. The 3 most commonly performed surgeries are PRK, LASIK, and LASEK.
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Even though PRK was the first laser eye surgery ever performed, it’s still one of the most popular.
Your ophthalmologist will use a laser to reshape your cornea, eliminating or reducing your refractive error. This process takes roughly 10-15 minutes per eye. It may take a few days for your vision to clear up and up to a few weeks for it to stabilise completely. You should avoid any strenuous activity for a few weeks so your body has a chance to properly heal.
LASIK is currently the most popular laser eye surgery in the world. You ophthalmologist will cut a small flap in the cornea, folding it back to reveal the middle corneal layers. They’ll then use a laser to reshape the cornea from the inside, leaving the outer layer of the cornea intact. Once they’ve completed this process, they’ll replace the flaps. This allows your eyes to heal faster and reduces the possibility of infection.
Your vision will probably be clear within 24 hours, but it’s still a good idea to take a day off work to let your body recuperate. Your vision should stabilise within a week or so. In the meantime, avoid any strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks, as they could cause flap complications. You’ll also need to avoid rubbing your eyes.
LASEK works very similarly to LASIK, however, it’s designed for patients with very thin corneas. The ophthalmologist will apply a solution of alcohol to your eye, causing the very thin outer layer of the cornea to float away. They’ll then get to work reshaping the middle layers of the cornea with a laser, replacing the thin outer layer of the cornea when they’ve finished.
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Your vision will clarify within a few days and should stabilise within a few weeks. You’ll be given special contact lenses to protect your corneas while they heal; similar to a bandage. To help the healing process go smoothly, you should avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks and avoid rubbing your eyes.
See us for a Consultation Soon
It All Starts With a Consultation
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The first step towards laser eye surgery is a comprehensive eye exam and eye health evaluation. We’ll confirm the level of correction you need, ensure your eyes are healthy, and check to see if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
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This is also your chance to get any and all of the information you want about laser eye surgery. We’ll make sure we spend extra time going over your questions and addressing your concerns. Whatever you choose, we want you to feel confident in your choice.
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Once you’ve decided on surgery, we’ll refer you to a skilled and experienced ophthalmologist to perform the procedure.
Caring For You After Laser Eye Surgery
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We’ll check in with you a few times after your surgery to make sure you’re feeling alright and everything is healing as it should. We’ll also have you come in for a follow-up appointment. Here we’ll test your vision, and make sure your healing is coming along nicely.