Frequently Asked Questions

Refractive errors, or the inability to see crisply and sharply at all distances, are usually the result of a misshapen cornea or a too long or steep cornea. When light enters the eye, if it doesn’t bend (refract) properly onto the retina, vision will be blurry. The way in which the eye is misshapen will determine the type of refractive error—for example, when the eye is too long, myopia is the result.

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure where your ophthalmologist uses a laser to precisely reshape the cornea. Your ophthalmologist may use this laser to flatten the central cornea (to correct myopia and/or astigmatism), steepen the cornea (to correct hyperopia). The goal of laser eye surgery is to provide you with clearer, more crisp vision without the need for corrective eyewear.

There are also surgeries available that replace your eye’s natural lens to help restore clear vision.

LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap on your corneal surface to access the underlying tissue. After creating this flap, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to reshape the cornea before returning the flap to its original position to heal.

PRK involves the removal of the outer layer of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist then reshapes the front surface of the cornea. As the corneal layer regenerates, you wear a special contact lens to protect your eye.

SMILE involves using a laser to create a thin lenticule shaped like a contact lens in the tissue of the cornea. Your ophthalmologist removes this lenticule through the small incision. Healing occurs inside the corneal tissue, allowing for a generally fast recovery process.

Almost everyone requires reading glasses by their mid-40s due to presbyopia, affecting their ability to focus on close-up work. You can still develop this condition after receiving refractive surgery. However, a treatment known as PRESBYOND can help correct presbyopia.

Health Canada has approved the laser eye surgeries we perform as safe and effective. However, not everyone is eligible for these procedures. Request a consultation to learn if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery.

You will receive anesthetic eye drops at the beginning of your procedure to numb the front surface of your eye. A feeling of pressure around your eye is common during surgery, and your ophthalmologist will let you know if you should expect any discomfort.

You may feel a gritty sensation in your eyes after surgery for a couple of hours and general discomfort for a few days after receiving PRK. Our team can prescribe pain medication after surgery to help with your comfort. In general, many patients feel little to no pain.

It is normal to be nervous about any medical procedure. Our staff in the procedure room are here to help you stay calm. Your ophthalmologist will speak with you throughout the surgery, so there are no surprises.

You can expect blurry vision immediately after surgery, similar to looking through a fog. Many SMILE and LASIK patients can see well the next day after surgery. It is important to note that these recovery rates vary.

Some people may require up to 2 months for their vision to fully stabilize. Your vision may fluctuate and not be crisp and clear immediately. There is nothing to worry about—this is normal. If you have concerns, please contact us.

Most people who receive SMILE or LASIK can return to work within a few days of surgery. PRK patients may require more recovery and typically need approximately one week off work. However, it depends on your work environment.

You may be able to wear eye makeup a few days after your surgery, depending on the procedure you receive. We advise that you throw away your current mascara and replace it to prevent a potential infection.

It is possible to develop side effects after receiving refractive surgery. Some patients experience dry eyes that resolve with time, or starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night.

Some patients may have more severe reactions to their procedure. Our team will work to minimize these side effects as best as possible. We will discuss the possibility of any side effects during your pre-surgery assessment.

While laser eye surgery is a safe procedure, there is always the potential for complications to arise, no matter how unlikely. Many patients have no trouble with their surgery experience.

Some of the potential risks related to laser eye surgery include:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Dry eyes
• Glare
• Halos
• Double vision
• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection
• Astigmatism
• Irregular flaps
• Vision regression
• Visual changes

Our Horizon Laser Vision Center staff will book your first couple of follow-up appointments and let you know about these dates on the day of your surgery. You will see your surgeon or a Horizon Laser Vision Center optometrist one day after your procedure.

For the best results, we recommend visiting your optometrist for regular follow-up appointments up to 6 months after your surgery. Afterwards, yearly visits can help with the management of your ongoing eye health.

Horizon Laser Vision Center works directly with Medicard and Credit Medical to provide financing options.

To receive PRK, you must meet the following requirements:

• 18 years or older
• No vision changes in the past year
• Your refractive error must be treatable
• Your corneas must be healthy
• You must have good eye health