Laser Eye Surgery Co-Management

Laser Eye Surgery Support

If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may have considered laser eye surgery. It’s a big decision, but not one you need to make alone.

Laser eye surgery can impact your quality of life, visual abilities, and eye health. There are many types of laser eye surgery, and not all options are a good fit for your unique eyes. Your eye care team can support you before and after eye surgery, from recommending corrective options to guiding you through recovery.

If you have questions about corrective surgery, ask your optometrist about laser eye surgery co-management.

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More than LASIK

LASIK has become synonymous with laser eye surgery, but it’s only one type of corrective surgery. The most common types of laser eye surgery in Canada are LASIK and PRK. More recently introduced procedures LASEK and Epi-LASIK are variations of LASIK and PRK.

Both LASIK and PRK are relatively quick procedures and take less than 30 minutes.

Diagnosing your eye condition is a crucial first step before laser eye surgery. Your optometrist will assess your eye health and other factors to determine if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery. The assessment can also help decide which type of surgery is best for your eye health.

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an eye surgery for correcting refractive errors. It’s the more popular choice and generally offers a faster healing time.

An ophthalmologist cuts a flap in the cornea (transparent front layer of the eye for bending or refracting light). Then, a computer-guided laser reshapes the inner layers of the cornea. Finally, the flap is put back.

Although vision can fluctuate for a few months after surgery, the initial healing typically takes less than a few days. After recovery, 90% of patients achieve vision between 20/20 and 20/40.

PRK

Photo-refractive keratotomy (PRK) was developed before LASIK. It remains a reliable choice, particularly for patients with corneas too thin for LASIK.

During the procedure, an ophthalmologist carefully removes an outer cell layer (epithelium) from the cornea. A laser is then guided to reshape the cornea, removing a minimal amount of tissue.

Initial healing time for PRK is typically longer than LASIK. Patients typically heal within a week, then vision stabilizes over a few months.

PRK has a high success rate, with 95% of patients experiencing improved vision.

Refractive Errors

Laser eye surgery like LASIK and PRK correct refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

Myopia

Myopia is a common refractive error that’s also known as nearsightedness. A myopic eye is too long in proportion to the cornea’s curvature, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly onto the retina. The misplaced focus can make distant objects appear blurry.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia is a refractive error that’s also known as farsightedness. A hyperopic eye is too short in proportion to the curvature of the cornea. As a result, light focuses behind the retina, causing close-up objects to appear blurry.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes vision to appear blurry to some degree, regardless of distance. The cornea on an astigmatic eye is uneven, which prevents light from focusing at a single point on the retina.

A Plan for Postoperative Care

You’re changing your eyes with laser eye surgery, so your eye health deserves extra attention. You might also have questions or concerns. With an optometrist on your team, you can be assured you have support through the entire process.

Seeing your optometrist after the initial recovery period (24–48 hours) is crucial for detecting complications. Eye surgery can be scary, so it’s okay to ask us questions, even about the little things. We’re co-managing your vision and eye care together.

Even if you achieve 20/20 vision, we’ll still be here for your eye care needs. Did you know the most common post-LASIK symptom is dry eyes? If you experience symptoms, vision fluctuation, or other eye conditions, your eye care team can help you manage your eye health, months and even years after surgery.

Seeing a reliable optometrist and making a plan for the unexpected can benefit your eye health and your peace of mind.

Support After Surgery

Whether you’re eager to sign up today or just want to ask a few questions, we would love to talk to you about laser eye surgery. When you’re ready, we can guide you through every step of the way.

Consult with your optometrist about your options for laser eye surgery. Book an appointment with Dr. Bishop & Associates today.

Our Locations

You deserve the highest standard of eye care. Our 4 locations make it easy for you to receive quality eye care, no matter where you live.

Willow Park Village

Phone: 403-974-3937
Fax: 403-509-4859
Email: [email protected]

575 – 10816 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB T2J 5N8

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Contact Location

Legacy Township

Phone: 403-974-3937
Fax: 587-392-7365
Email: [email protected]

230 – 200 Hartell Way SE
Calgary, AB T2X 4S9

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Contact Location

Beacon Hill

Phone: 403-974-3937
Fax: 403-509-4854
Email: [email protected]

615 – 11877 Sarcee Trail NW
Calgary, AB T3R 1W5

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Contact Location

Northgate Village

Phone: 403-974-3937
Fax: 403-509-4866
Email: [email protected]

103 – 495 36 St NE
Calgary, AB T2A 6K3

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Contact Location

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News & Resources

Reasons Why You Wake Up With Dry Eyes

Dry Eye

Waking up refreshed is an incredible way to start the day. But waking up with a burning, gritty, and dry sensation in your eyes can easily dampen your day. Dry eyes are a common problem, and millions of people deal with it every morning. So, what are the reasons you wake up with dry eyes, […]

November 6, 2024

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What Is the First Sign of Cataracts?

Eye Conditions, Eye health

Over the years, your eyes go through significant changes. One of these changes might be a condition called a cataract, which is a common part of the aging process. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, but the eye disease is fortunately treatable. But what’s the first sign of cataracts? Cataracts develop […]

November 6, 2024

Donald Bishop

Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes

Dry Eye

Dry eyes are more than just an occasional annoyance. For those who suffer consistently from this condition, it can be a daily struggle affecting their quality of life. Fortunately, various vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve dry eye symptoms. When combined with home […]

August 8, 2024

Donald Bishop

Reasons Why You Wake Up With Dry Eyes

A close-up image of a young woman rubbing her eyes to relieve dry eye discomfort.

Waking up refreshed is an incredible way to start the day. But waking up with a burning, gritty, and dry sensation in your eyes can easily dampen your day. Dry eyes are a common problem, and millions of people deal with it every morning. So, what are the reasons you wake up with dry eyes, […]

What Is the First Sign of Cataracts?

A close-up image of a female's left eye with a cataract.

Over the years, your eyes go through significant changes. One of these changes might be a condition called a cataract, which is a common part of the aging process. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, but the eye disease is fortunately treatable. But what’s the first sign of cataracts? Cataracts develop […]

Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes

A closeup of several vitamins and supplements spilling out of a container

Dry eyes are more than just an occasional annoyance. For those who suffer consistently from this condition, it can be a daily struggle affecting their quality of life. Fortunately, various vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve dry eye symptoms. When combined with home […]