Laser Vision Surgery:     

LASIK or PRK transforms vision by permanently reshaping of the outer surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Critical factors to be measured before recommending this procedure include corneal thickness and steepness of the curvature relative to the amount of correction you require. The amount of correction must be balanced with these factors, to ensure that good quality vision and corneal integrity are maintained. Because this is surgery of the cornea, we believe it is best performed by a corneal specialist with a subspecialty in Refractive Surgery. Dr. Demong, a fellowship trained corneal specialist, has over 20 years of experience with Laser Vision Surgery in Calgary and has personally performed well over 12,000 laser procedures, in all ranges of correction. At the leading edge of changes in techniques and technology, he remains one of Canada's most respected laser surgeons.

Laser Vision Surgery is a two-step process involving  removal of, or easing aside, the outermost surface of the cornea followed by laser treatment that reshapes a deeper level of the cornea. Dr. Demong will recommend the treatment that is best for your eyes considering the health of your eyes, the amount and type of correction required, and the procedure that will best match your expectations.

Both eyes are typically treated the same day. All laser procedures are performed after anesthetic drops have been instilled to numb sensation.

The two procedures performed at Demong Associate Eyecentre are IntraLASIK  or PRK combined with Wavefront Optimized treatment.

The difference between IntraLASIK or PRK lies in the technique to manage the outermost layer of the cornea. This layer is known as the epithelium, or skin, of the cornea and is the only part of the cornea that regenerates when it has been altered. If Laser Vision Correction reshaped this layer, it would regenerate and the treatment would be only temporary. This is why the epithelium must be removed or eased aside in some manner before permanent reshaping occurs in the deeper layers.

Your Laser Vision Surgery Experience (Overview)

Your treatment will be performed at our private Surgical Suite, located adjacent to our clinic in Calgary. A mild sedative and series of eye drops will be administered in preparation for surgery. At the same time, our nurses will review the anticipated process with you, answering your questions as they arise.

Anesthetic drops will be used to numb your eyes throughout treatment. IntraLASIK or PRK Surface and reshaping treatments will be performed in the same room.  Dr. Demong and his team will support you throughout and keep you informed of progress.  You will not be able to blink as your eyelids will be gently parted with a spring-like brace. You will not feel this, nor will you experience any discomfort throughout your treatment.

Dr. Demong will ask you to look up at a bright light so the tracking system can locate unique landmarks within your eyes and lock into place. After that, the tracking system will follow every minute movement of your eye throughout the few seconds of the procedure. When you arise after surgery, you will notice an immediate improvement in vision, but your vision will continue to improve, most remarkably over the first 24 to 48 hours. 

You'll remain at our Calgary Centre for a brief period of recovery during which our nurses will review instructions for your  first evening. They will also provide written materials for your reference. Then Dr. Demong will examine you once again before you leave. Our registered nurse on call will contact you after you've returned home to check on your condition, review instructions for medications and answer any questions you may have.