Preparation for Laser Surgery

Dr. Briggs Email Dr. Pitre

First off, there are several different procedures for reducing myopia and astigmatism, but the most common is PRK.

Here is an explanation of different types of refractive surgery.

The first step in getting rid of your nearsightedness and astigmatism is to have a full eye exam at your Optometrist's office. Not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure and you must have realistic expectations for the outcome.

Before considering Laser surgery you must:

be at least 18 years of age or older
have stable vision for a year prior to the procedure
be free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina
be in good general health

Not everyone who has this done will get 20/20 uncorrected vision after the procedure, but we can guarantee that your uncorrected vision will be very much better than pre-surgery. There is also a minute chance that your best corrected vision may not be quite as good afterwards, although this is becoming much less common. It is true that anyone who has had this done will tell you how great it is not to have to rely on glasses or contacts anymore. If you would like to hear first hand experience - see my account of my own experience with PRK.

Human hair etched by excimer laser

The excimer laser is an incredibly precise tool. The picture above shows a human hair sculpted by excimer. Each pulse of the ultra-violet beam can remove 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second! Guided by computer, the laser vaporizes corneal tissue, and within 30 seconds has reshaped the front surface of your eye.

Once you have had a full eye exam, I will set up an appointment for you at the surgery center to map your corneal topography (the shape of the front of the eye). This makes it possible for the computer that controls the laser to know how much to reshape your eyes. You can then set up a convenient time to have the actual procedure done. Usually this would be the same day, and both eyes are done at the same time.

After that, follow up care will be provided by your Optometrist. We see you at 1,2,3 days, 10 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-operatively (more if necessary) to advise about medication dosages, monitor for infection, and manage any problems should they arise. OHIP does not cover these visits, and our charge is $800.00 for this service. Progress reports will be sent to the surgeon and we do have direct access should the need for consultation arise. The fee for the surgery depends on the type of refractive surgery and location, and is paid by you directly to the surgery center (this is typically $2000-$2400 per eye). All of your post-op medications should be included in this fee.

(519) 376-EYES (3937)
1701 3rd Ave. E., Owen Sound
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