FAQ’s About Laser Surgery
We do not view these surgeries in terms of whether one is better
than another, but rather which procedure is most suitable for
each person’s individual circumstances. These most commonly
include factors such as amount of correction, curvature of the cornea,
thickness of the cornea, health of the eyes and age. Both
LASIK and
PRK produce very favorable results once healing is complete and healing
patterns tend to become similar at about 6 months after surgery.
No. The LASIK flap is created in one of two ways.
Traditionally, the flap is created with a gear-driven oscillating
surgical blade called a microkeratome. Flap quality is directly related
to how well this instrument is maintained and the quality of the blade used.
All of Dr. Demong’s LASIK procedures are performed using the latest technology
without gears or blades. A specialized laser called the
IntraLASE creates the flap
with laser precision, creating a smoother flap and surface upon which to
begin the reshaping treatment. This new technology minimizes the risks usually
associated with LASIK, resulting in a smoother recovery and more predictable outcomes.
Until January 2004, there were no standards established for laser
surgeons or Centres in Alberta but the College of Physicians and Surgeons
recognized the gap and developed standards which are now regulated by the College.
Dr. Demong contributed to the development of those basic standards in a
consultative capacity but he continues to exceed the recommendations at his
own Centre. All Centres must be accredited, a process subject to inspection
of the physical suite(s), staff credentials, procedures, records, and information
conveyed to patients. Audits may be conducted on an intermittent basis between inspections.
Most people who undergo Laser Eye Surgery are between the ages of 18 and
55 but our primary concern is the condition of your eyes, not your age.
Because Laser Eye Surgery is permanent, a detailed examination is required to
determine if you are a candidate. Before scheduling an assessment, please
be aware that vision must be stable for at least one year. As well, vision
must not be affected by disease or a disorder more suitably treated in another manner.
Laser Surgery is used to treat a wide range of vision disturbances
including
nearsightedness,
farsightedness,
astigmatism and
higher order
aberrations. In addition:
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Vision should be stable for at least one year
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Disturbances in vision should not be related to a
health disorder more suitably treated in another manner
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Expectations should be realistic, matching what the surgery
is capable of delivering with variability in individual healing patterns
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You must be committed to optimal results by complying with treatment and follow up examinations
Those with unstable vision are not candidates but there are
other factors as well. The best way to determine candidacy is
to undergo a preoperative consultation but, in general, those who
have the following should not undergo laser surgery:
-
Certain forms of corneal disease, such as keratoconus
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Certain forms of dry eye syndromes, such as Sjogren’s
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Chronic iritis
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Cataracts
-
Retinal pathology
-
Connective tissue disorders
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Immunosuppressive disorders
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Any systemic disorder or use of medication that inhibits tissue regrowth
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Mental instability or recent emotional trauma
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Pregnancy or lactation
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Those who require only reading glasses
Only you can decide if you’re ready to take the next step but if you’re
concerned about safety and reliability, the technology exists now to provide
safe, consistent and accurate results.
Wavefront technology delivers the finest
precision that surgical vision technology can offer and is the most significant
development since excimer laser surgery was introduced to North America in 1987.
Now, with
IntraLASIK, the blade-free all laser LASIK option, your treatment is
performed with a degree of precision 2 – 3 times more accurate than conventional
flap creation.
Yes. Most laser treatments involve both eyes the same day.
No. You will be awake during the procedure. You’ll be given a mild sedative before,
and freezing drops during, to help you relax and make you comfortable.
There is some discomfort during immediate recovery but not at the time of surgery.
Freezing drops numb the surface of the eye during the procedure so there is no sensation
of discomfort. You will feel a slight pressure-like sensation, however. After the
freezing drops wear off, there is some discomfort, often described as a gritty, irritated
sensation easily managed with Advil or Tylenol and artificial tears. This sensation diminishes
rapidly, usually within the first evening after
LASIK and within a day or two after
PRK.
The laser would suspend treatment until you can realign yourself.
You will not be able to blink during surgery because your eyelids will be
gently parted with a surgical clamp. As well the tracking system in the laser
is aligned with landmarks in your eye and is “locked on” to follow every minute
movement of the eye throughout treatment. Even people with certain eye conditions
that cause chronic fine movements of the eye may be able to undergo surgery with
our laser system. The
Allegretto Eye Q is a fully integrated system that adjusts the treatment
beam within 1 millisecond of movement, to ensure that your treatment is delivered
to precisely the correct points.
Actual treatment for each eye takes about 20 seconds for the IntraLase
and 15 seconds for the Allegretto but you will be at the Surgery Centre
for about 1 ½ to 2 hours to allow sufficient time for preparation and
recovery before you return to the comfort of your own home.
One of the normal functions of the bottom layer of the cornea is to
remove fluids and wastes from the outer and middle layers above it.
This same function helps to “seat” the flap in place and secure it until
the edges of the flap can heal, creating a firm bond. Although the seal
is secure, it can be disturbed if you rub your eyes so we caution you against
activities that could result in a dislodged flap. The most critical period is
7 – 10 days after surgery so restrictions usually apply for that time.
No. Eye drops used at the time of surgery can create a mild haziness
for several hours afterward, however, most people remark how well they
can see immediately upon sitting up from the laser bed. They are typically
able to function well within 24 hours. Vision may take 1 to 3 days to
become clear enough to drive after surgery. Fine improvements continue
throughout recovery. We remind those who are considering Laser Eye Surgery that
the perception of “perfect” vision varies between individuals, just as healing patterns vary.
Individual
results vary but most people see well enough to drive and
return to work within 3 – 4 days of surgery. By far the majority of our
patients see well without glasses or contacts once recovery is complete.
Still, we stress that the goal of laser surgery is to reduce or eliminate
dependency upon corrective eye wear for clear functional vision, not perfection of vision,
which may or may not be experienced.
Eye drops are required to reduce surgical risks and moisturize the eyes.
Antibiotic drops are used for one week to control the risk of infection.
As well, a mild steroid is used to control swelling and encourage regulated healing.
Both are used briefly, but artificial tears are used for several months to
supplement natural tear production in your eyes. Tear production is disturbed
for a few months after surgery while sensory nerves regrow. During this period,
artificial tears will support good hydration, promoting comfort and clear vision.
Yes. Laser Eye Surgery results in a permanent reshaping of your cornea.
Once healing is complete, you may experience slight variation in day-to-day
vision, just as you currently do. You can still develop other eye conditions
inside the eye, including
presbyopia or even cataracts as you age, however, and
these conditions may produce changes in vision.
As we age, we can expect to require reading glasses as the lens inside the
eye loses flexibility, impairing the lens’ ability to adjust from distant to
near vision. This is a normal part of aging vision, called ,
presbyopia.
Laser Eye Surgery does not influence the rate of development. As well, most of us will
develop some degree of cataracts as we age. Excessive use of medicated drops
may accelerate the development of cataracts which is why it is important to
follow your surgeon’s instructions precisely. Cataract surgery can be performed
after Laser Eye Surgery.
An enhancement is a “touch-up” laser surgery to fine-tune vision if your healing
pattern results in a slight over-, or under-correction, once vision has stabilized
after surgery. Enhancements, when required, are normally performed about 6-9
months after the initial treatment, but some corrections take longer to stabilize.
The likelihood of
enhancement varies with the amount and type of correction performed
as well as your personal healing pattern. LASIK enhancements involve relifting
the existing flap with a specialized instrument, rather than creating another flap.
The goal of Laser Eye Surgery is to decrease or eliminate your dependency upon corrective
eye wear but there are no absolute guarantees. The vast majority of people see
well without correction after surgery but if your cornea cannot support the full
correction you require, Dr. Demong will give you the option of proceeding with surgery,
knowing that a milder corrective lens will be required afterward, or remaining in
current corrective eye wear. It is possible to wear contact lenses if required following
surgery. As well, you will likely need reading glasses once you reach middle adult years.
Most people return to work or school within 3 to 4 days of surgery.
Those with high corrections or who have undergone
PRK may take a little longer.
Goggles will be required if you work in a dusty or hazardous environment and everyone
will notice their eyes tire easily for the first week after returning to work.
Use artificial tears liberally and take frequent breaks until you become accustomed
to your new vision.
Most people resume driving within 3 - 4 days of surgery.
We check your visual acuity the first day after surgery and can tell you
if you are seeing well enough to drive at that time. Some people need a few
extra days and your optometrist will advise you when it is safe to drive again.
Careful selection of your
surgeon continues to be the single greatest factor
in optimal surgical outcome. It is important to feel comfortable with your surgeon
in addition to evaluating his expertise. Reputation is a good start but we also suggest
asking your optometrist for a recommendation. Use a
checklist of questions to
interview your surgeon at the time of the consultation and note how questions are
answered in addition to the information provided.
Because there are differing levels of surgical skill, technology and postoperative support.
Price is one factor for comparison but the more important factors are the ones that influence
your visual outcome. These include the surgeon’s skill, the precision of the technology
used in your treatment and the amount of postoperative support you will receive. No two
surgeons and no two technologies deliver the same surgical outcome, with the finest results
directly related to your surgeon’s expertise and use of precise, state-of the-art technology.
At our Centre, your surgery will be performed by Dr. Thad Demong, fellowship trained corneal
specialist, who has been performing Laser Eye Surgery since 1991. His skill is enhanced
with the latest IntraLase and Custom Cornea Wavefront technologies to deliver the level of
safety and effectiveness you should be looking for in your surgical treatment.
Absolutely not. Each surgeon or Centre selects a laser for the features most
likely to be used by that surgeon. We use only the latest technology because it
delivers the greatest precision that technology can offer. Our
IntraLase Femtosecond
laser produces a LASIK flap 2 – 3 x more smooth and accurate than a traditional microkeratome.
Yes. Wavefront technology was developed to treat fine irregularities in vision
that we previously couldn’t identify. By using a computerized template created
from the Wavefront scan, a specialized Wavefront treatment laser can provide a
more refined treatment for both the fine irregularities as well as your defocus
error. Our
Allegretto Eye Q has proven better visual outcomes than conventional laser
technology, with a greater number of people seeing 20/20 or better and reporting
greater quality of vision.
Yes. We offer a link to third party financing for those interested:
www.medicard.com Payment is forwarded directly to our
Surgery Centre and we need not have any knowledge of your personal financial arrangements.
Most appointments can be arranged within a few weeks of contact.
You can contact us by
email or by phone at 403-254-6007 or 1-800-976-3937.
When our administrative assistant contacts you to schedule the appointment,
she will describe any required physical preparations. In addition, we suggest
that you carefully review all parts of the website to better increase your
understanding of Laser Eye Surgery. As well, we suggest you contact your current
eye care specialist to inform him/her of your plans and request a copy of your
most recent examination findings to be forwarded to us by fax at 403-254-5887. Finally,
we invite you to print out and complete refractive registration
forms and questionnaires
to be brought with you at the time of your appointment.
This will shorten your waiting period upon arrival.
