Kelowna Laser Eye Surgery

Wavefront technology is a diagnostic tool used by our Kelowna laser eye surgeons to get better results for patients. It involves a ray of light being transmitted safely into the patient’s eye, then reflected back off the retina and out through the pupil. The reflected light wave is arranged into a unique pattern and displays visual irregularities as a three-dimensional image called a Wavefront map. The Wavefront analysis identifies optical irregularities in addition to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism which are called higher order aberrations.  The treatment laser then uses information to create an accuracy of focus not available with glasses or contact lenses. This allows for a treatment that is personalized, making sure each person gets the best results.  Wavefront also treats a wider diameter to prevent night driving glare and halos.

Wavefront has become the standard care of focus at Kelowna Laser Vision, with upwards of 90% of qualified patients benefiting from Wavefront analysis and treatment.

Laser Eye Surgery in Kelowna

The success of Intralase SBK which uses a Femtosecond laser lies in the fact that it removes an extremely thin layer of epithelium, Bowman’s membrane, and superficial stroma. The procedure is done with a cool-beam laser, which allows the surgeon to maintain the corneal integrity, resulting in a safe procedure with a quick visual recovery.

The ultra-thin nature of the membrane and maintenance of corneal integrity means that Intralase SBK is a safe procedure compared to Lasik with a microkeratome. It is “a quick and painless surgery that combines the safety of PRK* with the quick recovery time of LASIK surgery,” reports LasikSurgeon.com.

After SBK surgery, patients report fewer cases of dry eyes compared to LASIK. Eyes were less sensitive to light and the chances for serious complications were considerably diminished.

PRK which was the original laser vision correction procedure involves the removal of the most superficial corneal layer (epithelium) and then reshaping the underlying cornea to correct the refractive error. The epithelium will then grow back over the corneal surface in 3 to 4 days.  PRK is considered the safest procedure particularly in the short term.

A Standard PRK or Standard SBK procedure can be the best option for those who do not qualify for a Wavefront procedure. Your available options will be discussed during your initial consultation.

RLE is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the clear natural crystalline lens to correct vision issues such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. It is performed in the same way as a cataract operation, during which the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced by a new plastic lens. The eye’s refractive error is corrected.

Everest SurgiCentre, affiliated with Focus Eye Centre and located adjacent to Focus in Suite 112, 1565 Carling Ave., is pleased to offer RLE to patients who qualify.

Monovision is a procedure that corrects one eye for distance and the other eye for near vision. It is an option that candidates may choose when having SBK, PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange. A patient’s dominant eye is treated to see in the distance. The other, non-dominant eye is treated to have a closer focal distance, better for reading, but not as good for distance vision. The patient can then see both distance and near with both eyes open.