Laser eye surgery, commonly known as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a refractive surgical procedure used to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea using a precise laser to improve the eye’s focusing power.
» LASIK and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) RELEX are both laser eye surgery procedures to correct vision, but they differ in the way the cornea is accessed. LASIK involves creating a flap on the cornea, while SMILE RELEX involves creating a small incision without a flap. Your surgeon will determine which procedure is suitable based on your individual needs.
» Phaco-refractive eye surgery combines phacoemulsification, a technique used in cataract surgery to remove the lens, with refractive surgery to correct vision problems simultaneously.
Ideal candidates for laser eye surgery are adults over 18 years old with stable vision prescriptions, good overall eye health, and no significant eye diseases or conditions. A thorough evaluation by an eye surgeon is necessary to determine candidacy.
» Preparation for laser eye surgery may involve stopping the use of contact lenses, avoiding certain medications, and following pre-operative instructions provided by the eye surgeon.
» Alternatives to laser eye surgery include glasses and contact lenses for vision correction. For some individuals, other refractive procedures like implantable lenses may be suitable.
Laser eye surgery is typically performed using topical anesthesia in the form of eye drops, numbing the surface of the eye without the need for injections or general anesthesia.
The benefits of laser eye surgery include reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses, improved vision clarity, and enhanced quality of life due to freedom from vision correction devices.
» Laser eye surgery risks may include dry eyes, glare, halos, overcorrection or undercorrection, infection, and flap complications (in LASIK). However, serious complications are rare, and most patients achieve improved vision with minimal side effects.
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK and SMILE, aims to correct vision problems by altering the shape of the cornea. On the other hand, cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision affected by cataracts.
During cataract surgery, an advanced femtosecond laser is commonly used to make precise incisions in the cornea and to soften the cataract lens for easier removal.
Yes, in some cases, laser eye surgery can be combined with cataract surgery to address both refractive errors and cataracts simultaneously. This option can be discussed with your eye surgeon to determine suitability.
Laser eye surgery corrects vision problems by reshaping the cornea, while blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses on improving the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat.
The patient evaluation for laser eye surgery involves a comprehensive eye examination, including corneal measurements, refractive error assessment, and general eye health evaluation. This evaluation helps determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Important questions to ask your surgeon before laser eye surgery include:
What type of laser procedure is recommended for me?
On the day of the procedure, you will be prepped for surgery, and anesthetic eye drops will be administered. The surgeon will then use the laser to reshape the cornea according to the chosen procedure, correcting your vision.
After laser eye surgery, you may experience some mild discomfort, dryness, and temporary vision fluctuations. These typically improve as your eyes heal.
Recovery after laser eye surgery is relatively quick. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, and visual acuity improves significantly within the first week.
The cost of laser eye surgery in Montreal can vary depending on the type of procedure and the specific clinic. It is best to consult with an eye surgeon to receive an accurate cost estimate.
Yes, our center is proud to have experienced eye surgeons who specialize in laser eye surgery procedures. We have a track record of successful outcomes and satisfied patients.
Institut de Polychirurgie de Montréal (IPM) is an established private surgery center in Montreal offering five private operating room rentals for plastic, cosmetic, dental, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, ENT & maxillofacial surgery. We have been in business since 1997.