Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of your eyes to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. These conditions make it hard for light to reach the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye — and can interfere with your vision.

LASIK, the most common type of laser eye surgery, involves a flap that is cut into your cornea. After that, your surgeon uses a laser to reshape the exposed portion of your cornea, which then refracts or bends the light correctly.

It’s a painless procedure that lasts less than 10 minutes per eye.

The first step is to create a thin flap on your cornea using the excimer laser. This flap is peeled back and the doctor reshapes your cornea using the excimer laser, changing its shape so that light rays focus on the retina instead of in front of it or behind it.

Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is folded back and your surgeon places an eye shield over it to protect your eye. No stitches are needed to secure the flap, which allows your cornea to naturally hold it in place as it heals.

After your Laser eye procedure in Canada, you should see a doctor for a follow-up appointment within one to two days. This is to make sure your vision is healing properly and to check for any complications or problems.

You should also plan for other follow-up appointments during the first six months after surgery as your doctor recommends. It is a good idea to avoid contact sports or any activities that require vigorous hand-eye coordination, such as swimming or hot tubs, until your eye doctor tells you it’s safe to return to those activities.

Some patients experience a small amount of blurry or distorted vision in the first few weeks after surgery. This is normal and should improve over time. Some people also experience glare or halos from bright lights or double vision after their surgery. This can make it difficult to do daily activities like reading or watching TV at night, but it should settle down over the course of a few weeks.

Your eye doctor can help you decide what type of eye laser surgery is right for you. They will explain the different types of procedures and give you information about their safety, side effects and risks.

Phakic Intraocular Lenses

For some people with extreme nearsightedness, PIOL is a great alternative to LASIK. During PIOL, a clear, implantable lens is placed in your eye behind the iris and in front of your natural lens.

These lenses help your eyes focus on objects in the distance, improving your vision. They reduce or eliminate your need for thick glasses or contact lenses.

The results of this surgery are often more dramatic than those from LASIK, but you may still need to wear glasses for some activities. It’s best to discuss this option with your surgeon before you schedule your operation.