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.
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
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]
- 412 – 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
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
Beacon Hill
- Phone: 403-974-3937
- Fax: 403-509-4854
- Email: [email protected]
- 610 – 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
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
Our Google Reviews
Willow Park
Legacy Township
Northgate Village
Beacon Hill
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Willow Park Village
- 412 - 10816 Macleod Trail SE
- Calgary, AB T2J 5N8
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P: 403-974-3937
[email protected]
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Legacy Township
- 230 - 200 Hartell Way SE
- Calgary, AB T2X 4S9
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P: 403-974-3937
[email protected]
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Shoppes at Beacon Hill
- 610 - 11877 Sarcee Trail NW
- Calgary, AB T3R 1W5
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P: 403-974-3937
[email protected]
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Northgate Village
- 103 - 495 36 St NE
- Calgary, AB T2A 6K3
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P: 403-974-3937
[email protected]
