Correct Vision With Laser Eye Surgery - Get an Eye Exam First Then Get a Referral From Tamarind Optical!
Hundreds of Nova Scotians get laser eye surgery each year to correct their
vision and eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. Laser eye surgery provides benefits, but
does pose some risks. Talk to your optometrist at Tamarind Optical in Cape Breton about a referral to an eye surgeon. First things first - schedule your eye exam and then talk about solutions for any eye issues you may have.
Laser eye surgery is the most commonly practiced procedure to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors, including myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism (distorted vision when looking at objects at any distance). All of these conditions are caused by problems with the way the eye focuses an image on the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. A large part of the eye's ability to focus depends on the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
The eye doctors at Tamarind Optical in Cape Breton now use what they call advanced diagnostics, which have all but replaced many of the older eye testing methods. The dedicated optometrists at Tamarind Optical take pride in making sure each and every patient has access to the best eye care in Cape Breton. They will make sure you eyes see their absolute best every day!
Laser Eye Procedure / Operation
During the laser eye surgery, an eye doctor or surgeon uses a laser device to make permanent changes to the shape of the cornea. The laser used most often is the Excimer laser, which produces a beam of ultraviolet light to vaporize tissue. Surgically altering the shape of the cornea can correct mild to moderate refractive errors in most people.
The two types of Excimer laser surgery performed commonly in Canada are PRK (Photo-Refractive Keractectomy), first introduced in the early nineties, and LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), introduced in the mid-nineties. There are also more recent procedures called LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) and Epi-LASIK.
PRK Laser Surgery
The surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) with a surgical blade or blunt instrument. The laser beam, guided by a computer, is then used to vaporize tiny amounts of tissue under the surface of the cornea. The procedure removes just enough tissue to reshape the cornea in a way that corrects vision. The initial healing process is complete in about a week.
LASIK Laser Surgery
This surgery is more complicated. The surgeon first cuts a flap in the cornea with a very sharp blade or laser, and then lifts it and uses a computer-guided laser to remove calculated amounts of tissue from the inside layers of the cornea. Afterwards, the flap is put back and the eye heals more quickly than with PRK.
A recent advance in LASIK surgery is the use of Wavefront technology, which creates a detailed map of the eye. This helps the surgeon make even more precise correction to vision. Your eye surgeon can advise whether this is an option for you.
LASEK Laser Surgery
This is a variation of PRK and LASIK. The surgeon cuts the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) with a fine blade, and uses alcohol to loosen and lift it in a single layer. The laser beam is then directed at tissue under the epithelium, as with PRK. When the laser procedure is finished, the epithelium is put back in place. LASEK is best suited to vision problems that require minor correction. The healing process takes about two weeks.
Epi-LASIK Laser Surgery
This is a modified LASEK in which the outer layer of the cornea is removed with a mechanical device using a blunt, rather than a sharp blade.
Benefits and Risks of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is performed by highly trained eye doctors or eye specialists, and in most cases, the results are satisfactory. Some patients feel their lives are vastly improved when their dependence on prescription glasses or contact lenses is reduced or eliminated. However, laser eye surgery also poses certain risks.
With PRK, the risks include pain, ranging from moderate to severe, for the first few days, hazy vision during the healing process, which usually clears up within the first week after surgery; and regression, which in some cases can cause the eye to regress to its previous refractive error within about six months.
With LASIK, there is less post-operative pain. However, since this procedure involves cutting into the cornea, there is a greater risk of complications, including the following: dry eyes, which can range from mild to significant and can affect vision; poor quality of night vision due to halos and glare, which could affect your ability to drive at night; and a serious condition called corneal ectasia, which is a weakening and bulging of the cornea.
Schedule an Eye Exam To Discuss Laser Surgery Options
The risks of laser eye surgery go up significantly for people with
certain conditions or lifestyles.
When weighing the risks, you should
have a detailed talk with the surgeon about such things as your medical condition (including family history) - especially regarding
such conditions as lupus, diabetes and keloid formation, as well as any
eye diseases (e.g., herpes simplex, glaucoma, dry eyes, eyelid
infections or previous eye surgery).
Other things to discuss with your eye doctor or surgeon would be whether or not you play sports where you are likely to be hit in the face, and your career plans. Some occupations (e.g., police officer, pilot) have specific vision requirements that can be achieved with laser eye surgery.
Tamarind Optical Services in Sydney and Glace Bay, offer a wide range of eye-related services including Eye Exams, Eye Screenings, Eye Treatment, Contact Lens Service, Prescription Glasses, and Prescription Sunglasses for men, women, youth, and seniors.
Call our office to schedule an eye exam today. Don't forget to see if laser surgery is covered by most health insurance plans. This may be a factor in your decision to get laser eye surgery - Sydney 902-564-5332, Glace Bay 902-842-3333