Initial Consultation and Discussion:
During the initial consultation you will be asked about your eye health history and have full eye examination. This thorough examination process will take approximately 1 hour. Although examination times can vary.
If you wear contact lenses you may be asked to leave them out for a period of time prior to your assessment. Please check with Dr Colin Chan or the friendly staff at your Vision Laser clinic for details when booking your appointment.
Some questions you may need to answer during the initial consultation are about your eye health history.
Including some of the following questions:
•Have you ever worn glasses?
•Do you wear contact lenses?
•Have you had ocular or systemic disease and medications?
•Have you had previous ocular problems?
•Have you any previous eye injury?
You will also be required to answer some questions about you work and lifestyle needs, this is to help us formulate the most appropriate eye correction strategy for you.
You will receive a comprehensive eye examination.
Dilating eye drops may be used as part of the Comprehensive examination. If they are used, the drops will make you light-sensitive outdoors, therefore, you should not drive a motor vehicle for at least two hours after receiving the drops. The drops can also make it difficult to read things up close for an hour or two after the examination, but your vision will settle to normal after a few hours.
The examination will combine computerised vision testing and sophisticated corneal mapping technology to determine the current status of your eyes and suitability for laser eye surgery.
Generally the following assessments/tests are performed:
•Measure any uncorrected vision you may have, and your vision as corrected by prescription lenses.
•Measure the size of visual error in each of your eyes in order to determine the amount of correction required, and to develop the appropriate surgical strategy.
•Make a map of the curvature of your cornea. The information will be used to link the shape of your cornea with refractive errors. The procedure will also detect any irregularities, abnormalities, or diseases you may have.
•Measure the thickness of your cornea. The result may affect the required amount of LASIK correction.
•Measure the size of your pupil in dim and room light. Night vision will be discussed with you.
•Measure the ability of your muscles to align your eyes.
•Examine your eyelids and associated membranes to see if they interfere with your cornea, and whether or not they properly regulate tear flow.
•Examine the lenses in your eyes to check for clouding (cataracts), and other abnormalities.
•Measure the pressure within your eye in order to detect glaucoma and related conditions.
•Examine the back of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels, in order to check for any eye or systemic disorders.
Follow-Up:
Dr Colin Chan will discussed and review your results with you. You may be asked to attend another testing session depending on the outcome of this examination.
After discussing and assessing your particular needs, Dr Chan will explain the different laser eye surgery options available, as well as the benefits, alternatives, and possible consequences of Laser Eye Correction Surgery with you.
The Day of Surgery:
If you are suitable and decide to go ahead with laser eye surgery, the procedure will take place in the laser suite.
Please allow approximately 90 minutes in total at the clinic, including:
•30 minutes for the necessary eye drops to take effect. These include local anaesthetic eye drops which prevent pain during the procedure, although some mild discomfort may be noticeable.
•30 minutes undergoing surgery. First, the IntraLase laser is used to create the corneal flap, followed by the Excimer laser to re-shape the cornea.
•20 minutes wait after the surgery. A transparent protective shield is placed over each operated eye. This will remain in place until the next day. Before you leave the clinic you will be given instructions for the period before you return for your first post-operative check-up (depends on the procedure).
Going Home:
After surgery, you must not drive home yourself. If you are not accompanied by a friend or family member, we can call a taxi for you.
Your eyes may water and feel gritty throughout the day and night following surgery – this is a normal response. Pain is rare following LASIK surgery, but you will be given pain tablets to use if you require them.
During this initial recovery period, we suggest you engage in activities with which your vision feels comfortable, such as listening to music, meditating, or sleeping.
The Day After Surgery:
Please follow the advice of Dr Colin Chan. You may remove your eye shields on the morning following surgery, but you must not rub or wash your eyes. Depending on the procedure, you may need to attend a post-op appointment, in which:
•Your eyes will be checked.
•Your vision and ocular status will be assessed.
•You will receive anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops to use as instructed.
•Your next post-operative appointment will be arranged.
Recovery and Aftercare:
As your eye heals your vision may fluctuate during the first three weeks after surgery.
It’s not unusual to notice:
•Occasional blurring of vision.
•Greater sensitivity to light.
•A gritty, irritated feeling.
•Some difference in sensation or vision between eyes.
However, the vision should always be at a reasonable level during this healing phase.
Please keep in mind these simple guidelines while your eyes are recovering:
•Do not use eye drops other than those prescribed by us.
•Do not rub your eye vigorously for one month following surgery.
•No body-contact sport for 4 weeks following surgery.
•No swimming for at least one week (ocean or pool).
•No eye make-up for one week.
•Take extra care, for one week, when bathing or washing your hair to avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eyes.
•Do not drive until your vision is adequate for both day and night.
You will need to have periodic after care visits. These generally take place at 1-2 weeks, one month, three months, and six months after surgery but may vary slightly. These visits are included in the surgical fee and will be discussed with you at your first post-op visit.
