Are you tired of dealing with the hassle of glasses and contact lenses? Do you want clear, reliable vision that enhances all of your favorite activities? You may be a good candidate for LASIK, a laser vision correction procedure performed by expert ophthalmologist Dr. John Hogden at The Eye Health Centre.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a vision correction procedure that uses specialized lasers to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These refractive errors can occur due to a misshapen cornea or an eye that is too long or too short, changing the way light hits the retina.
LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to direct light to the optimal spot on the retina for crisp, clear vision. Most patients enjoy complete freedom from glasses and contacts after the procedure and stunningly clear vision for decades.
Benefits of LASIK
LASIK offers a wide range of benefits, including:
Optimized Daily Routine
The daily hassles of glasses and contacts can significantly slow down your daily routine, from fumbling for your frames on your bedside table in the morning to performing a complex contact lens cleaning routine in the evening.
After LASIK, you can look forward to getting up every morning with clear vision and tackling your day without annoyances like pushing up your glasses during work meetings, contacts drying out after a long day of wear, or lenses fogging up when you’re cooking dinner. Instead, you’ll enjoy complete clarity 24/7, allowing you to live in the moment and maximize your time.
Enhances Active Lifestyles
If you wear glasses or contacts and like to travel, play sports, or go on spontaneous adventures, you’ve probably dealt with your fair share of challenges. Glasses can restrict your full field of vision out on the court, contacts can make it unsafe to take a spontaneous dip in the lake or ocean, and both visual aids require additional luggage space when traveling for backups and cleaning supplies.
LASIK allows you to embrace your active lifestyle in a whole new way, giving you the sharp eyesight needed to make split-second decisions during a game, the freedom to explore without anxieties about visual aids, and the ability to optimize both the logistical and visual aspects of travel.
Long-Term Savings
While LASIK may seem like a significant upfront cost, most patients actually save money in the long run. Think about how much you spend on yearly prescription check-ups, new glasses, repairs, contact lenses, and lens cleaning solutions. On average, most patients spend around $700 annually.
LASIK provides permanent vision improvements that last for decades, with most paying off their procedure and then some with the money they save. There are also many financing programs available to help patients pay off LASIK over time with easy monthly payments. Your eye doctor will discuss these options with you at your initial LASIK consultation.
Determining Your LASIK Candidacy
The Eye Health Centre is dedicated to providing the best possible outcome for all of our patients, which is why we conduct incredibly thorough candidacy consultations before proceeding with LASIK. Some of the advanced diagnostic technologies our optometrists and ophthalmic specialists use to determine your candidacy and take accurate measurements before the procedure include the Oculus Pentacam HR, NIDEK OPD Scan III, and Cyclorefraction.
These technologies provide us with crucial information about your individual corneal topography, corneal thickness, refractive errors, higher-order aberrations, and pupil size, helping ensure LASIK is right for you and that you achieve the best visual results. Good candidates for LASIK typically include those who:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have refractive errors within the range that LASIK can treat
- Have had a stable prescription for at least one year
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Do not have thin corneas
- Do not have eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye
- Do not have autoimmune conditions that could compromise the LASIK healing process, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that impair the healing process
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of LASIK
Your eye doctor will also review your complete medical history and discuss your lifestyle and vision in depth during this appointment. If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, they may recommend alternatives such as SMILE or PRK.
What to Expect During LASIK
Dr. Hogden will begin the LASIK procedure by applying anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. This ensures you’ll be completely comfortable throughout the surgery.
Then, he will use a femtosecond laser to create a small flap in the surface of the cornea. After gently folding back this flap, Dr. Hogden will use an excimer laser to reshape the tissue underneath, correcting your refractive errors. The flap will be placed back in its original position to complete the procedure, where it will act as a natural bandage while your eye heals.
LASIK typically takes about 15-20 minutes, and you can return home the same day. You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from this appointment, as well as to your follow-up appointment the next day.
What is LASIK Recovery Like?
LASIK recovery is often quick and easy, with most patients noticing vision improvements within the first 24 hours after surgery. You’ll likely be able to return to activities like driving, working, and light exercise the day after the procedure, with your eye doctor’s approval.
Dr. Hogden will provide you with detailed postoperative care instructions to ensure your healing process goes as smoothly as possible, including:
- Wearing a protective eye shield while sleeping
- Applying prescription eye drops regularly to reduce inflammation and prevent infection
- Avoiding getting water in your eyes or swimming
- Refraining from strenuous physical activity
- Wearing UV protective sunglasses when outside
- Not rubbing or touching your eyes
At your follow-up appointments, Dr. Hogden will assess your healing and provide personalized recommendations on when it’s safe for you to resume normal activities.
Are you ready to find out whether LASIK could be your key to visual freedom? Schedule a comprehensive LASIK consultation at The Eye Health Centre today!
