Laser Vision Correction Procedures

Laser Vision Correction - Explained

Laser vision correction is a laser surgery performed by an expert and specially trained ophthalmologist using a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye in order to correct some vision problems including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser is a concentrated beam of cool ultraviolet light and it is precise enough to cut notches in a single strand of hair without breaking it, each pulse of the laser removes 39 millionths of an inch of corneal tissue in 12 billionths of a second. Candidates for laser vision correction must be at least 18 years of age, with good health and no eye diseases such as cataracts or optic nerve diseases.

At Kelowna Laser Vision our patients receives anesthetise on the eye to have surgery performed and also may receive a mild oral sedative. Our patients lie down on a comfortable bed with one eye positioned directly under the laser device. During the course of the eye surgery, the eyelids are held open and the eye is pressurized to allow the doctor to more easily perform the required incisions. It is not an uncomfortable procedure due to the anaesthetic drops used on the eyes.

In most cases we only perform eye correction surgery on one eye at a time; however, both eyes may be done on the same day, if required by our patient. The first incision creates a tiny flap out of the surface of the cornea which is done using a precision instrument called a microkeratome or with a laser. This circular flap is then gently folded out of the way and the doctor uses a laser to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue in a process known as ablation.

After the corrections have been made, the flap is put back into place, covering the area where tissue was removed. After the cornea is reshaped, it will be able to focus light directly onto the retina without distortion.

Laser vision correction usually only takes about five minutes. We advice our patients to bring someone to drive them home afterward, as the eye needs a few days of rest to heal. Many of our patients notice improved vision immediately, however some cases might experience days or weeks to notice results.

In a few cases, it is possible that laser vision correction will not give the patient perfectly clear vision. In these cases, any problems are usually very mild, but a few experience significant side effects. There are risks involved with laser vision correction, as with any other surgery, and a thorough consultation with an eye care professional is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.

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