What to Expect if I Decide to have Laser Vision Correction?
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Before Surgery
The first step is to schedule an appointment for a consultation and pre-operative examination with your SNEC ophthalmologist. An important objective of the consultation is to educate you regarding all aspects of laser vision correction to help you make an informed decision. The initial educational process includes watching a video and reading the provided information to help you understand what the procedure involves and its possible side effects.
 A pre-operative assessment to determine your suitability usually includes a comprehensive eye examination, measurement of your refractive error to determine your degree of refractive error and a computerized mapping of the shape of your cornea. Contact lenses have been known to cause warping of the cornea and may interfere with some of these measurements. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to leave them out for at least 1 week for soft lenses, and 2 weeks for hard or gas permeable lenses prior to the pre-operative examination to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape. To obtain an accurate measurement of your refractive error, eyedrops will be instilled to dilate your pupils. This may make your vision blurry for up to 48 hours. You are advised not to drive until your vision clears up. Finally, your doctor will address any other concerns that you may have regarding laser vision correction. You can then schedule a convenient date for your surgery.
Day of Surgery
On your arrival at the Refractive Surgery Centre at the SNEC, every effort will be made to make you feel comfortable, relaxed and to familiarise you with the procedure. PRK or LASIK surgery is done as an outpatient procedure with no need for admission afterwards. You will be ushered to the preparation room in the laser suite. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The nurse will clean your eye and instill anaesthetic eyedrops to prepare you for the procedure. All the information required to correct your refractive error is programmed into the computer controlling the excimer laser by the surgeon. You will be positioned on a bed under the operating microscope where the procedure will take place. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon will be constantly talking to you, explaining every step so that you will know what to expect. Some discomfort and pressure may be felt by the eye but there will be no pain. Both PRK and LASIK procedures are usually completed within 10 to 15 minutes.
After Surgery
After treatment is completed, eyedrops will be applied and the eye covered with a protective shield or goggle. In the case of LASIK, you will need to rest in the clinic for approximately 30 minutes. Your doctor will check your eye afterwards to ensure that the corneal flap is properly positioned before you go home. It is normal for the eye to have slight discomfort or tearing but that usually diminishes within the first day. Your doctor will want to examine your eye the day after your procedure. You may then be able to return to work.
It is important to keep all scheduled appointments and to use the eyedrops as indicated to reduce the chance of any postoperative complications occuring.
The refractive power of the treated eye and your vision may vary for the first few weeks as part of the normal healing process. Your vision should gradually improve as your eye heals and stable vision is usually attained within 1 to 3 months. Once your vision is stable, the treatment is permanent. You now have less dependence on or maybe even complete freedom from spectacles and contact lenses.
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