Candidate FAQs
- How long after my LASIK procedure will I be able to see?
- Most LASIK patients see quite well the day following their procedure and may resume most of their normal daily activities within a few days. Some patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. The speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns and most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
- Does the procedure hurt?
- Our staff and surgeons make every effort to keep you comfortable before, during and after your procedure.
Most patients report little or no discomfort during their LASIK procedure. On the day of surgery, it is normal to feel nervous or anxious. You will be given an oral anti-anxiety tablet to reduce your stress. Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before surgery begins so you will not feel any discomfort. It is recommended that you go home and rest following your LASIK procedure to avoid feeling any irritation. - Can LASIK eliminate the need for reading glasses?
- Yes and no. The need for reading glasses usually begins between ages 40 to 45, and is caused by a hardening of the natural lens of the eye. This condition is called presbyopia.
If you are 40 or older and would like to eliminate glasses for both distance and near there is a technique called monovision. During monovision LASIK, one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye is corrected for near vision. Many people do very well with monovision but it is very important to discuss with your eye doctor and your surgeon to determine if it is right for you. - If my prescription has changed in the past year am I still a good candidate?
- It is important to ensure that your vision is stable prior to proceeding with laser vision correction. Your eye doctor will keep us informed on the stability of your eyes.
- Can I go blind from the laser?
- No one has ever been blinded from laser vision correction. The excimer laser is a cool beam laser and the treatment is applied on the surface of the eye. As with any surgery there are risks however with today's laser technology and our surgeon’s experience the risks are minimal. Every effort will be made to ensure you are a great candidate to minimize these risks.
- What are the risks or side effects?
- The risks of a complication with laser eye surgery are very low - less than 1 percent. However, there are some risks, side effects and even though most are temporary, our doctors will discuss these with you in advance of your procedure. You will also have opportunity to ask any questions you may have prior to proceeding.
- How long do I have to leave my contacts out before having LASIK surgery?
- Soft contacts need to be left out for 14 days priors to your consultation and surgery. Hard lenses or gas permeable need to be left out a minimum of 4- 6 weeks.
- How long does the LASIK procedure take?
- The LASIK procedure takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. On the day of surgery expect to be at the Burlington Laser Eye Centre for about 60-90 minutes.
- What does the cost include?
- The cost includes a comprehensive consultation and custom/bladeless LASIK or PRK procedure. Also, the pre and postoperative visits are covered for one year with your own eye doctor.
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