LASIK/PRK
WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?
At False Creek Eye Care, we offer pre- and post-operative care for patients considering LASIK or PRK eye surgery in Vancouver.
We offer a thorough consultation, including corneal pachymetry, keratometry and ocular surface assessment. For patients with dry eyes and/or for long time contact lens wearers, we will use Lipiscan to assess the meibomian gland structure.
We work closely with Pacific Laser Eye Centre and LASIKMD.
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a common procedure performed by ophthalmologists to correct vision problems such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), or astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea using laser ablation.
PRK is a type of refractive surgery that uses a special laser to remove the central portion of the outermost layer of the cornea. This reshapes the cornea, allowing light rays to focus correctly on the retina at the back of the eye.
PRK is a safe and effective way to treat myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. It has minimal side effects and complications. Initially, your vision will be blurry for 3-5 days after the surgery. As the cornea heals, your vision will gradually improve. Most patients take 7 days before resuming work. Keep in mind it may take 1-2 months to achieve the end point of your clearest vision.
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LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries to correct refractive errors, such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), or astigmatism. The surgery reshapes the cornea by creating a thin flap the access the underlying tissue (stroma).
The surgery works to reshape the cornea, and it begins by creating a thin flap to access the underlying cornea (stroma). The corneal flap is then lifted, and the excimer laser is used to re-shape the stroma to produce the desired correction. The flap is then re-positioned on the corneal surface over the treated area.
The recovery time with LASIK is quick, and for most patients the discomfort lasts a few hours post surgery. The most common symptoms are light sensitivity and a foreign body sensation for the rest of the day. Most patients take 1-2 days before resuming work.
PRE-OP / LASER EYE SURGERY CONSULTATION
Our optometrists will perform a thorough examination of your vision and eye health. We will review your history to determine if your prescription has stabilized for surgery. We will assess your corneal health to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. We will initiate a dry eye treatment for those with clinical symptoms to reduce post-surgery complications. For patients with presbyopia, we will discuss visual outcomes and consider options to mitigate the need for reading glasses after laser eye surgery.
We will gather keratometry, pachymetry and post-cycloplegic refraction and forward all the results to your laser refractive surgeon for a comprehensive work-up.
POST-OP CARE
Once your surgery is scheduled, we will schedule follow-up appointments for you in our office.
For PRK co-managed with Pacific Laser, you will be seen 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery. After 1 year, a full exam is recommended to determine the long-term results of the procedure.
For LASIK co-managed with LASIKMD, you will be seen 1 month after surgery. After 1 year, a full exam is recommended to determine the long-term results of the procedure.