FAQs About LASIK

Experience is always crucial when selecting a clinic or doctor for any surgery. Equipment, technique and dedication to patient safety are also important factors to consider. At London Eye Centre all surgeons have years of experience and use the same equipment, technique and experienced support staff to ensure our high standards are met. You should select a facility you are confident has the track record and reputation you require. It is your vision and it is an optional procedure.

Although the predictability of results is very high and incidence of complications low, the answer is no. Different eyes heal at different rates and in different ways. If you end up with less correction than you hope for, chances are, your eye can be re-treated simply and effectively to take it the rest of the way.

At London Eye Centre, treating both eyes the same day is routine. In fact, over 90% of our patients elect to be treated in this manner. There are however some considerations such as extremely high corrections or farsightedness where waiting between eyes is advised.

The surgical staff will place anesthetizing drops in the eye ahead of time ensuring no pain during the treatment. These drops take about one hour to wear off. Some discomfort may be experienced in the first 24-48 hours following surgery. Medications are provided to reduce or eliminate any discomfort.

Everybody heals at different rates and the amount of correction is also variable. On average, patients obtain legal driving vision or better in three to seven days.

'No Touch' PRK patients are advised to take at least 4-5 days off work and driving, and avoid strenuous activity after surgery. This period of time is critical to the healing and stability of the eye. Time off will vary with the individual and the nature of the eyes and occupation. Many patients will book a full week off for initial downtime.

All-Laser LASIK patients need significantly less time off from work and driving than 'No Touch' PRK patients.

Individual assessments are required to determine the time needed for recovery.

Quite simply, there is additional technology required so the costs to the facility are higher. All-Laser LASIK requires two lasers - one to create the flap (Femtosecond Laser) and one to correct your prescription (Excimer Laser). All-Laser LASIK also requires a number of additional disposable pre-sterilized supplies (patient interface kit) that are not required for 'No Touch' PRK

London Eye Centre is the first clinic in BC to employ a Reciprocal Patient Care Program for patients travelling from outside the lower mainland for vision correction. We have worked with many of the top optometrists across the province and Western Canada to co-manage laser patients. We will help you arrange your follow-up exams, and maintain frequent communication between our clinic and your out-of-town optometrist. Many facilities leave out-of-town patients to co-ordinate and pay separately for their follow-up visits.

While the likelihood is low, all patients undergoing laser vision correction must accept that a re-treatment may be required in the future. At London Eye Centre, re-treatments are included in your surgical fee. Patients choosing London Eye Centre value our track record as BC's longest serving vision correction provider. Over the years, many different laser vision correction companies have come and gone. Be sure to choose a facility that you are confident will be around to take care of you in the future if needed.