Laser Surgery Co-Management

Considering laser eye surgery? At Coquitlam Centre Eye Care, we're here to help you make informed decisions about your vision. Our experienced optometrists provide professional assessments, guidance, and coordinated care for patients considering laser vision correction.

From evaluating your eye health and discussing your options to coordinating with surgical specialists and supporting your recovery, our team is committed to helping you navigate each stage of your vision correction journey.

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What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser vision correction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.

By changing how light enters and focuses within the eye, these procedures can correct certain refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Laser vision correction has helped many patients achieve clearer vision without relying as heavily on traditional corrective eyewear. However, surgery is not suitable for everyone, and results can vary depending on factors such as prescription, corneal health, age, and overall eye health.

Before considering surgery, it's important to understand your options and determine whether your eyes may be suitable for the procedure.

At Coquitlam Centre Eye Care, our optometrists can help evaluate your vision and eye health, discuss your goals, and guide you toward an appropriate surgical consultation when indicated.

understanding your options

Common Laser Vision Correction Procedures

Several types of laser vision correction procedures are available, each with different techniques, recovery considerations, and suitability requirements.

The appropriate procedure depends on your prescription, corneal characteristics, lifestyle, and the recommendations of your surgical specialist.

LASIK

LASIK is a commonly performed laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina.

During the procedure, a thin corneal flap is created and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using a laser. The flap is then repositioned.

Many patients experience relatively rapid visual recovery, although healing time and results vary.

PRK

PRK is another laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the surface of the cornea without creating a corneal flap.

Instead, the outermost layer of the cornea is removed before laser treatment. This layer naturally regenerates during the healing process.

PRK may be recommended for certain patients based on their corneal characteristics or other clinical considerations. Recovery generally takes longer than with LASIK.

SMILE

SMILE is a laser vision correction technique in which a small piece of corneal tissue is created using a laser and removed through a small incision.

This changes the shape of the cornea to correct certain refractive errors, particularly nearsightedness and some forms of astigmatism.

Suitability depends on the patient's prescription, corneal health, and the technology available through the surgical provider.

Coordinated Care Throughout Your Vision Correction Journey

Laser vision correction involves more than the surgical procedure itself. Proper assessment, patient education, and follow-up care all play important roles in achieving a successful outcome.

At Coquitlam Centre Eye Care, we work with patients considering laser eye surgery to help them understand their options and coordinate appropriate care with ophthalmic surgical specialists.

Our goal is to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible, ensuring that patients have access to professional guidance and continuity of care.

Step 1: Pre-Surgical Eye Assessment

Before pursuing laser vision correction, our optometrists can perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your prescription, visual needs, and overall eye health.

This initial evaluation can help identify potential concerns and determine whether further assessment by a laser surgery specialist may be appropriate.

We also take the time to discuss your vision goals and answer questions about the available treatment pathways.

Step 2: Referral & Surgical Coordination

If laser vision correction appears to be a suitable option, our team can help coordinate a referral to an ophthalmic surgical specialist for a detailed consultation.

The surgeon will conduct the necessary pre-operative testing, determine your eligibility, explain the available procedures, and discuss potential benefits and risks.

Your surgery, if you choose to proceed, will be performed by the surgical provider rather than at Coquitlam Centre Eye Care.

Step 3: Post-Surgical Follow-Up Care

Following laser vision correction, ongoing assessments help monitor healing, evaluate vision changes, and identify potential complications.

When arranged with your surgical provider, our optometrists may assist with post-operative follow-up examinations as part of your coordinated care plan.

Follow-up schedules and treatment instructions are determined by your surgical team and tailored to your individual recovery.