[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1191},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Flaser-eye-surgery":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":1190},{"contentPage":11},{"anchors":12,"entryTitle":13,"pageTitle":14,"seoMetaData":15,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":25,"mainSectionCollection":37},null,"CA - Eye health - Eye conditions - Laser eye surgery - Content page","Laser eye surgery",{"metaDescription":16,"indexed":17,"follow":17,"metaKeywords":12,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":17},"Laser eye surgery is a very common procedure that can permanently improve your vision.",true,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"button":12,"title":14,"subtitle":22,"theme":23,"heroHeightVersion":24},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"6pNcZ3XbxsPs7TNTuSovfI","Are you thinking of getting laser eye surgery? Here's what you need to know about how it works, who it's suited to and the pros and cons.","Block Colour","Condensed",{"__typename":26,"sys":27,"title":29,"body":30,"buttonsCollection":31},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":28},"7LzvzVPDnTZN8aogc8BZ3k","Let’s get your vision sorted","Noticed a change in your vision? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.",{"items":32},[33],{"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Book an eye exam","\u002Fstores",false,{"items":38},[39,74,128,173,215,263,273,371,388,613,630,694,812,843,951,1080,1085,1120,1162],{"__typename":40,"sys":41,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":44},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":42},"2V6OL40YrkXVrW9t0TpGy0","Mono White",{"json":45,"links":71},{"nodeType":46,"data":47,"content":48},"document",{},[49],{"nodeType":50,"data":51,"content":52},"paragraph",{},[53,58,67],{"nodeType":54,"value":55,"marks":56,"data":57},"text","Laser eye surgery is a very common procedure that can permanently improve your vision. In Canada, around ",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":60,"content":62},"hyperlink",{"uri":61},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbc.ca\u002Fnews\u002Fcanada\u002Fone-third-of-laser-eye-patients-experience-night-vision-problems-study-1.327967",[63],{"nodeType":54,"value":64,"marks":65,"data":66},"100,000",[],{},{"nodeType":54,"value":68,"marks":69,"data":70}," people have it each year. While Specsavers doesn't offer laser eye surgery, we can provide an initial eye exam and refer you to specialists. Learn more in this guide.",[],{},{"entries":72},{"block":73},[],{"__typename":75,"sys":76,"title":78,"subtitle":79,"hotspotConfigurator":80,"hotspotImageReference":126},"MediaHotspotCarousel",{"id":77},"2N0W53LfBOmKn8RN3HTLbj","LASIK eye surgery overview","LASIK surgery is the most common type of laser eye surgery. Here's how it works.",{"assetId":81,"hotspots":82},"1ujc556PCOQq38Lnftg2pa",[83,96,106,116],{"id":84,"theme":85,"label":86,"bodyCopy":87,"x":88,"y":89,"appImageWidth":90,"appImageHeight":91,"naturalX":92,"naturalY":93,"percentageX":94,"percentageY":95,"isValid":17},"_JZDMKQOLxu9-5p8U8Xar","Light","Cornea","Slight variations in the shape of the cornea cause vision problems.",142.876953125,249.85113525390625,879,660,250.31912151592718,437.6180490204782,16.25448841012514,37.85623261422822,{"id":97,"theme":85,"label":98,"bodyCopy":99,"x":100,"y":101,"appImageWidth":90,"appImageHeight":91,"naturalX":102,"naturalY":103,"percentageX":104,"percentageY":105,"isValid":17},"GtRiTb4WphtNRg_pd8a_x","Cornea flap","Using a laser or a blade, LASIK eye surgery cuts a small flap on the outer cornea which is lifted out of the way.",131.7574462890625,291.42999267578125,230.8378467407921,510.44404777758047,14.9894705675839,44.15605949633049,{"id":107,"theme":85,"label":108,"bodyCopy":109,"x":110,"y":111,"appImageWidth":90,"appImageHeight":91,"naturalX":112,"naturalY":113,"percentageX":114,"percentageY":115,"isValid":17},"LsGjaxhQu7zIypNBeTEIa","Laser ablation","Laser beams are sent towards the eye, and this removes tiny amounts of tissue. This changes the shape of the cornea.",227.27996826171875,305.4619445800781,398.1924358623969,535.0212241432884,25.856651679376423,46.28211281516335,{"id":117,"theme":85,"label":118,"bodyCopy":119,"x":120,"y":121,"appImageWidth":90,"appImageHeight":91,"naturalX":122,"naturalY":123,"percentageX":124,"percentageY":125,"isValid":17},"4SSqa60jRi6qg9wl5u4E-","Flap back in place","At the end of the surgery, the corneal flap is put back in place and reattaches on its own.",135.43939208984375,332.84527587890625,237.2885822734464,582.9835438121448,15.408349498275738,50.431102405894876,{"url":127},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002F9iidzgmcsjdo\u002F1ujc556PCOQq38Lnftg2pa\u002Fb9cb6e0ae71330aff2aea1e06607e415\u002Fcontentful-eye-anatomy-img-caption-1540x1156.jpg",{"__typename":40,"sys":129,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":132},{"id":130},"QufeeW4FY2Ngw50DefEu8","Cool Blue",{"json":133,"links":170},{"data":134,"content":135,"nodeType":46},{},[136,144,151],{"data":137,"content":138,"nodeType":143},{},[139],{"data":140,"marks":141,"value":142,"nodeType":54},{},[],"What is laser eye surgery?","heading-2",{"data":145,"content":146,"nodeType":50},{},[147],{"data":148,"marks":149,"value":150,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Laser eye surgery is a highly effective way of treating certain kinds of vision problems known as 'refractive errors'. It's mainly used to treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism (issues caused by eye shape). ",{"data":152,"content":153,"nodeType":50},{},[154,158,166],{"data":155,"marks":156,"value":157,"nodeType":54},{},[],"It was first developed in the 1980s and has gone on to help millions of people around the world experience better vision. It’s an alternative to glasses and contact lenses for treating refractive errors. This kind of eye surgery is not typically covered by public health care plans (except in rare situations), which means you will have to pay for it yourself. Laser surgery will not correct presbyopia, so you will still need near vision correction with glasses or contact lenses from around 40-45 years old.\n \n",{"data":159,"content":161,"nodeType":59},{"uri":160},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fmyopia",[162],{"data":163,"marks":164,"value":165,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Learn more about short-sightedness",{"data":167,"marks":168,"value":169,"nodeType":54},{},[]," \n",{"entries":171},{"block":172},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":174,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":176},{"id":175},"52nDxB4dbv3O3hG6DzLBpq",{"json":177,"links":212},{"nodeType":46,"data":178,"content":179},{},[180,187,194],{"nodeType":143,"data":181,"content":182},{},[183],{"nodeType":54,"value":184,"marks":185,"data":186},"How does laser eye surgery work?",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":188,"content":189},{},[190],{"nodeType":54,"value":191,"marks":192,"data":193},"Laser eye surgery uses laser (a highly concentrated beam of light) to reshape the cornea. The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye that covers the iris and lens. During the operation, the laser burns off small amounts of corneal tissue to change its shape. There are several kinds of laser eye surgery available in Canada — we'll explore them in more detail below. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":195,"content":196},{},[197,201,209],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":199,"data":200},"",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":202,"content":204},{"uri":203},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fhyperopia",[205],{"nodeType":54,"value":206,"marks":207,"data":208},"Learn more about long-sightedness",[],{"chevron-link":17},{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":210,"data":211},[],{},{"entries":213},{"block":214},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":216,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":218},{"id":217},"7qSbxvbizBuy12VxJofDdp",{"json":219,"links":260},{"nodeType":46,"data":220,"content":221},{},[222,229,236,243],{"nodeType":143,"data":223,"content":224},{},[225],{"nodeType":54,"value":226,"marks":227,"data":228},"Why change the shape of the cornea?",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":230,"content":231},{},[232],{"nodeType":54,"value":233,"marks":234,"data":235},"To be able to see an object, light must reflect off it and travel through your cornea. It then reaches the retina at the back of your eye, which converts the light into electrical signals. These signals are sent to your brain, which turns them into the images you see.",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":237,"content":238},{},[239],{"nodeType":54,"value":240,"marks":241,"data":242},"For people who have perfect vision, the cornea focuses light straight onto their retinas. However, if the cornea is too flat, too pointed or has an irregular shape, it changes how light reaches the retina. This can lead to issues like short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct these problems. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":244,"content":245},{},[246,249,257],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":247,"data":248},[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":250,"content":252},{"uri":251},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fastigmatism",[253],{"nodeType":54,"value":254,"marks":255,"data":256},"Learn more about astigmatism",[],{"chevron-link":17},{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":258,"data":259},[],{},{"entries":261},{"block":262},[],{"__typename":264,"sys":265,"title":267,"body":268,"theme":269,"buttonCollection":270},"FullWidthBannerSimple",{"id":266},"1NAoooQGyvingpFcgPo9ET","Getting sight problems checked","Independent optometrists at Specsavers can diagnose all kinds of sight problems. We can give you impartial advice on whether or not laser eye surgery would help you.","Ellipse",{"items":271},[272],{"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},{"__typename":40,"sys":274,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":276},{"id":275},"2jjTOzrDGSnF2UtTyFM23c",{"json":277,"links":366},{"nodeType":46,"data":278,"content":279},{},[280,287,294,302,309,316,323,330,337,344,351,360],{"nodeType":143,"data":281,"content":282},{},[283],{"nodeType":54,"value":284,"marks":285,"data":286},"Types of laser eye surgery in Canada",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":288,"content":289},{},[290],{"nodeType":54,"value":291,"marks":292,"data":293},"You can get all kinds of laser eye surgery in Canada. Each type uses lasers, but they reshape the cornea in slightly different ways. Different surgeons will have experience or training in specific eye laser technologies.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":296,"content":297},"heading-3",{},[298],{"nodeType":54,"value":299,"marks":300,"data":301},"LASIK eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":303,"content":304},{},[305],{"nodeType":54,"value":306,"marks":307,"data":308},"This is the type most people get. The surgeon uses a laser (or sometimes a blade) to make a flap on the surface of your cornea, which is lifted up. A second laser reshapes the tissue below. The flap is then smoothed down.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":310,"content":311},{},[312],{"nodeType":54,"value":313,"marks":314,"data":315},"Surface laser treatments (PRK and TransPRK)",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":317,"content":318},{},[319],{"nodeType":54,"value":320,"marks":321,"data":322},"These methods use a single laser to directly reshape the top layer of the cornea. They're just as effective as LASIK, but can make the outer surface of the eye feel sore during recovery.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":324,"content":325},{},[326],{"nodeType":54,"value":327,"marks":328,"data":329},"Lenticule extraction (SMILE, CLEAR, SmartSight, SILK)",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":331,"content":332},{},[333],{"nodeType":54,"value":334,"marks":335,"data":336},"This is the newest kind of laser eye surgery. Lasers are used to slice into the side of the cornea, then a disk-shaped piece of cornea called a lenticule is removed to correct your vision.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":338,"content":339},{},[340],{"nodeType":54,"value":341,"marks":342,"data":343},"LASEK eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":345,"content":346},{},[347],{"nodeType":54,"value":348,"marks":349,"data":350},"Alcohol is used to remove the outermost layer of the cornea, then a laser reshapes the cornea below. The outer layer ('epithelium') then needs to grow back after.",[],{},{"nodeType":352,"data":353,"content":359},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":354},{"sys":355},{"id":356,"type":357,"linkType":358},"4dM1VuCF4NvKTKcjRHtxOX","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":50,"data":361,"content":362},{},[363],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":364,"data":365},[],{},{"entries":367},{"block":368},[369],{"__typename":357,"sys":370,"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},{"id":356},{"__typename":40,"sys":372,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":374},{"id":373},"3JQlucEBeqYQsuDUhPQNlr",{"json":375,"links":385},{"nodeType":46,"data":376,"content":377},{},[378],{"nodeType":50,"data":379,"content":380},{},[381],{"nodeType":54,"value":382,"marks":383,"data":384},"IOL surgery is another kind of eye surgery that can significantly improve sight. It's different to laser eye surgery, because it doesn't use laser. Instead, a small incision is made into your eye and the lens is removed. The surgeon implants an artificial lens that helps you see better. IOL is the main treatment for cataracts. It's also a good option for people who can't have laser eye surgery.",[],{},{"entries":386},{"block":387},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":389,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":391},{"id":390},"8jSNnARnAyapgcjInUMfl",{"json":392,"links":608},{"nodeType":46,"data":393,"content":394},{},[395,402,433,440,447,455,462,469,476,493,500,507,524,531,538,545,552,559,566,583,590,597,602],{"nodeType":143,"data":396,"content":397},{},[398],{"nodeType":54,"value":399,"marks":400,"data":401},"Who should and shouldn't get laser eye surgery?",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":403,"content":404},{},[405,409,417,421,429],{"nodeType":54,"value":406,"marks":407,"data":408},"If you have sight problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, laser eye surgery could be a good option for you. But it's not suitable for everyone with these issues, and it also can't treat other vision problems. If laser eye surgery isn't suitable for you or it costs too much, there are other ways of treating refractive errors. These include ",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":410,"content":412},{"uri":411},"\u002Fcontact-lenses",[413],{"nodeType":54,"value":414,"marks":415,"data":416},"contact lenses",[],{},{"nodeType":54,"value":418,"marks":419,"data":420}," and ",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":422,"content":424},{"uri":423},"\u002Fglasses\u002Fall-glasses",[425],{"nodeType":54,"value":426,"marks":427,"data":428},"glasses",[],{},{"nodeType":54,"value":430,"marks":431,"data":432},".",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":434,"content":435},{},[436],{"nodeType":54,"value":437,"marks":438,"data":439},"Who is laser eye surgery suitable for?",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":441,"content":442},{},[443],{"nodeType":54,"value":444,"marks":445,"data":446},"Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have benefited from laser eye surgery over the last 30 years. It could be a good option for you if:",[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":449,"content":450},"heading-4",{},[451],{"nodeType":54,"value":452,"marks":453,"data":454},"You're 18 or older",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":456,"content":457},{},[458],{"nodeType":54,"value":459,"marks":460,"data":461},"In Canada, you can only normally get laser eye surgery if you're aged 18 or above. Be aware that your eyes may keep changing up until 25, so you need to be sure your vision is stable before getting the surgery.",[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":463,"content":464},{},[465],{"nodeType":54,"value":466,"marks":467,"data":468},"You've had a stable prescription for at least two years",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":470,"content":471},{},[472],{"nodeType":54,"value":473,"marks":474,"data":475},"If your prescription changes often, it suggests your vision isn't stable. Laser eye surgery modifies your cornea. But if your cornea naturally changes shape again, this is likely to 'undo' the surgery. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":477,"content":478},{},[479,482,490],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":480,"data":481},[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":483,"content":485},{"uri":484},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Feye-anatomy",[486],{"nodeType":54,"value":487,"marks":488,"data":489},"Learn more about how the eye works",[],{"chevron-link":17},{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":491,"data":492},[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":494,"content":495},{},[496],{"nodeType":54,"value":497,"marks":498,"data":499},"Your eyes have a refractive error",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":501,"content":502},{},[503],{"nodeType":54,"value":504,"marks":505,"data":506},"You can only get laser eye surgery for long-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism. It won't treat other vision problems like presbyopia (reading prescription).",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":508,"content":509},{},[510,513,521],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":511,"data":512},[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":514,"content":516},{"uri":515},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fpresbyopia",[517],{"nodeType":54,"value":518,"marks":519,"data":520},"Learn more about presbyopia",[],{"chevron-link":17},{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":522,"data":523},[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":525,"content":526},{},[527],{"nodeType":54,"value":528,"marks":529,"data":530},"Who should not have laser eye surgery?",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":532,"content":533},{},[534],{"nodeType":54,"value":535,"marks":536,"data":537},"Laser eye surgery isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, speak to an optometrist at your local Specsavers store. They can offer independent advice based on your eye health. Laser eye surgery probably won't be right for you if:",[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":539,"content":540},{},[541],{"nodeType":54,"value":542,"marks":543,"data":544},"Your vision is not stable",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":546,"content":547},{},[548],{"nodeType":54,"value":549,"marks":550,"data":551},"Lots of things can change your vision, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause or simply getting older. Your vision needs to be stable for at least two years before having eye laser surgery.",[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":553,"content":554},{},[555],{"nodeType":54,"value":556,"marks":557,"data":558},"You have other eye health conditions",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":560,"content":561},{},[562],{"nodeType":54,"value":563,"marks":564,"data":565},"There are a number of eye conditions that might prevent you from having laser eye surgery. These include an inflamed cornea, uveitis, eye herpes, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus and thin corneas, among others. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":567,"content":568},{},[569,572,580],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":570,"data":571},[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":573,"content":575},{"uri":574},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fglaucoma",[576],{"nodeType":54,"value":577,"marks":578,"data":579},"Learn more about glaucoma",[],{"chevron-link":17},{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":581,"data":582},[],{},{"nodeType":448,"data":584,"content":585},{},[586],{"nodeType":54,"value":587,"marks":588,"data":589},"You live with certain health conditions or take certain medications",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":591,"content":592},{},[593],{"nodeType":54,"value":594,"marks":595,"data":596},"A number of health conditions might mean you can't have laser eye surgery, including immune disorders and HIV. Some medication (such as for acne) might also mean you can't get eye laser surgery.",[],{},{"nodeType":352,"data":598,"content":601},{"target":599},{"sys":600},{"id":356,"type":357,"linkType":358},[],{"nodeType":50,"data":603,"content":604},{},[605],{"nodeType":54,"value":198,"marks":606,"data":607},[],{},{"entries":609},{"block":610},[611],{"__typename":357,"sys":612,"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},{"id":356},{"__typename":40,"sys":614,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":616},{"id":615},"xMtITWYvoHBkcP6TZV4lX",{"json":617,"links":627},{"nodeType":46,"data":618,"content":619},{},[620],{"nodeType":50,"data":621,"content":622},{},[623],{"nodeType":54,"value":624,"marks":625,"data":626},"Laser eye surgery is an elective procedure and isn't covered by public healthcare. This means you'll have to pay for it yourself. Laser eye surgery costs in Canada are typically around $2,500 per eye. The exact cost of laser eye surgery will depend on the type of surgery you get, the surgeon's experience and added extras. You might have to pay for the initial consultation and aftercare.",[],{},{"entries":628},{"block":629},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":631,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":633},{"id":632},"1XVTtp5kRRqjJBHE3tQqFD",{"json":634,"links":691},{"nodeType":46,"data":635,"content":636},{},[637,644,651,658,665,672],{"nodeType":143,"data":638,"content":639},{},[640],{"nodeType":54,"value":641,"marks":642,"data":643},"Pros and cons of laser eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":645,"content":646},{},[647],{"nodeType":54,"value":648,"marks":649,"data":650},"As with any medical intervention, laser eye surgery comes with advantages and disadvantages.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":652,"content":653},{},[654],{"nodeType":54,"value":655,"marks":656,"data":657},"Pros of laser eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":659,"content":660},{},[661],{"nodeType":54,"value":662,"marks":663,"data":664},"If you don't like wearing glasses or find putting contact lenses in uncomfortable, laser eye surgery means you can see well without them. Laser eye surgery is also viewed as safe, predictable and effective. Most operations lead to significant improvements in vision, and many people end up with good 20\u002F20 vision without the need for glasses. Most clinics in Canada report success rates of 95% or above.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":666,"content":667},{},[668],{"nodeType":54,"value":669,"marks":670,"data":671},"Drawbacks of laser eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":673,"content":674},{},[675,679,687],{"nodeType":54,"value":676,"marks":677,"data":678},"The biggest obstacle to people getting laser eye surgery is the price. While a pair of glasses can give you good vision for ",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":680,"content":682},{"uri":681},"\u002Foffers\u002Fcomplete-glasses-from-69",[683],{"nodeType":54,"value":684,"marks":685,"data":686},"as little as $69",[],{},{"nodeType":54,"value":688,"marks":689,"data":690},", LASIK eye surgery costs in Canada are often over $5000. Your eyes are likely to feel sore afterwards, and recovery can take weeks. And while most people are very happy with the outcomes, success isn't guaranteed.\n",[],{},{"entries":692},{"block":693},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":695,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":697},{"id":696},"ieifclK7TLtqcOxJAfPOW",{"json":698,"links":809},{"data":699,"content":700,"nodeType":46},{},[701,708,715,722,729,736,743,750,757,764,771,778,785,792],{"data":702,"content":703,"nodeType":143},{},[704],{"data":705,"marks":706,"value":707,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Risks and potential side effects of laser eye surgery",{"data":709,"content":710,"nodeType":50},{},[711],{"data":712,"marks":713,"value":714,"nodeType":54},{},[],"All kinds of surgery come with a certain amount of risk. The surgeon at the laser eye clinic should go through all of these with you in detail. ",{"data":716,"content":717,"nodeType":50},{},[718],{"data":719,"marks":720,"value":721,"nodeType":54},{},[],"The risks we've listed below aren’t meant to put you off having eye laser surgery. After all, the vast majority of operations are successful, and patients are usually very pleased with the results. All the same, it’s still important to be fully informed before signing up.",{"data":723,"content":724,"nodeType":295},{},[725],{"data":726,"marks":727,"value":728,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Temporary visual problems",{"data":730,"content":731,"nodeType":50},{},[732],{"data":733,"marks":734,"value":735,"nodeType":54},{},[],"For a few weeks, or even months after laser eye surgery, you may experience blurred vision and light scattering (such as glare, halos, floaters and starbursts) until your eyes fully heal. ",{"data":737,"content":738,"nodeType":295},{},[739],{"data":740,"marks":741,"value":742,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Eye discomfort",{"data":744,"content":745,"nodeType":50},{},[746],{"data":747,"marks":748,"value":749,"nodeType":54},{},[],"You're likely to have sore and dry eyes for up to a few weeks after the surgery. Some people also get harmless red patches on the whites of their eyes for a few days, and you may dislike how this looks.",{"data":751,"content":752,"nodeType":295},{},[753],{"data":754,"marks":755,"value":756,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Over- or under-correction",{"data":758,"content":759,"nodeType":50},{},[760],{"data":761,"marks":762,"value":763,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Sometimes, the surgery over- or under-corrects people's vision, which will need further surgery to fix. You may also need to go for more than one operation to fine tune your sight.",{"data":765,"content":766,"nodeType":295},{},[767],{"data":768,"marks":769,"value":770,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Eyesight can regress",{"data":772,"content":773,"nodeType":50},{},[774],{"data":775,"marks":776,"value":777,"nodeType":54},{},[],"It's quite rare, but some people find that their previous refractive problems return within just a few years of having the surgery. This can be very frustrating after paying thousands of dollars for the operation.",{"data":779,"content":780,"nodeType":295},{},[781],{"data":782,"marks":783,"value":784,"nodeType":54},{},[],"Serious sight damage",{"data":786,"content":787,"nodeType":50},{},[788],{"data":789,"marks":790,"value":791,"nodeType":54},{},[],"It is extremely rare for laser eye surgery to cause sight loss or severe damage. Nonetheless, a very small number of people have experienced permanent loss of vision or medical emergencies such as retinal detachment.",{"data":793,"content":794,"nodeType":50},{},[795,798,806],{"data":796,"marks":797,"value":198,"nodeType":54},{},[],{"data":799,"content":801,"nodeType":59},{"uri":800},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fretinal-detachment",[802],{"data":803,"marks":804,"value":805,"nodeType":54},{"chevron-link":17},[],"Learn more about retinal detachment",{"data":807,"marks":808,"value":198,"nodeType":54},{},[],{"entries":810},{"block":811},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":813,"theme":43,"genericTextComponent":815},{"id":814},"4EWzSoJTseavwGJAgq9Qsc",{"json":816,"links":840},{"nodeType":46,"data":817,"content":818},{},[819,826,833],{"nodeType":143,"data":820,"content":821},{},[822],{"nodeType":54,"value":823,"marks":824,"data":825},"Finding a trustworthy laser eye clinic",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":827,"content":828},{},[829],{"nodeType":54,"value":830,"marks":831,"data":832},"Canada's laser eye surgery clinics are world-class and surgeons are highly regulated. However, there have been some rare cases of underqualified surgeons performing the procedure. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":834,"content":835},{},[836],{"nodeType":54,"value":837,"marks":838,"data":839},"Once you've found a clinic, check that the surgeon is registered with the medical regulatory authority in your province. Ask to see their laser eye surgery certificates, insurance documents and recent customer testimonials.",[],{},{"entries":841},{"block":842},[],{"__typename":40,"sys":844,"theme":131,"genericTextComponent":846},{"id":845},"1SCwHanZHeUQhQboihsArn",{"json":847,"links":948},{"nodeType":46,"data":848,"content":849},{},[850,857,864,871,878,885,892,899,906,913,920,927,934,941],{"nodeType":143,"data":851,"content":852},{},[853],{"nodeType":54,"value":854,"marks":855,"data":856},"Laser eye surgery: preparation, procedure and post-surgical care",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":858,"content":859},{},[860],{"nodeType":54,"value":861,"marks":862,"data":863},"Once you've decided to get laser eye surgery, you'll probably be feeling a mix of excitement about your improved vision, and nerves about the procedure itself. The surgeon should give you a clear explanation of everything that's going to happen and how to prepare. Here's what to expect before, during and after the surgery.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":865,"content":866},{},[867],{"nodeType":54,"value":868,"marks":869,"data":870},"Initial consultation",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":872,"content":873},{},[874],{"nodeType":54,"value":875,"marks":876,"data":877},"The surgeon should do a thorough evaluation of your eyes and ask about your medical history. They will measure the shape of the cornea and work out which parts of the eye need to be reshaped. They will use a kind of scanner that helps create a detailed 'map' of the surface of your eye. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":879,"content":880},{},[881],{"nodeType":54,"value":882,"marks":883,"data":884},"During this meeting, they should also tell you how to prepare and answer any questions you have. This is a good opportunity to ask any and all questions you want answered. At this stage, you should ask for a clear breakdown of all the costs and fees (including for aftercare).",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":886,"content":887},{},[888],{"nodeType":54,"value":889,"marks":890,"data":891},"Preparing for laser eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":893,"content":894},{},[895],{"nodeType":54,"value":896,"marks":897,"data":898},"There isn't much you need to do to prepare for your surgery itself. If you normally wear eye makeup, avoid using it for at least a couple of days before the operation. Try and get a good night's rest beforehand. You can usually eat and drink on the day of the operation and can take any medication you normally do (but inform the surgeon what you've taken).",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":900,"content":901},{},[902],{"nodeType":54,"value":903,"marks":904,"data":905},"During laser eye surgery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":907,"content":908},{},[909],{"nodeType":54,"value":910,"marks":911,"data":912},"In Canada, most people who elect for laser eye surgery get LASIK eye surgery — although other methods could also be used. Whichever kind you get, the process is quite similar. You’ll lie back in a reclining chair, and anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes. A clip will hold your eyelids open, and a suction ring may be used to stop your eye from moving. You’ll be asked to focus on a light above you. If you're uncomfortable or really need to blink, you can let the surgeon know. If you're feeling very anxious and stressed, they might give you something to help relax. ",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":914,"content":915},{},[916],{"nodeType":54,"value":917,"marks":918,"data":919},"The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. And the lasers are often used for as little as 60 seconds per eye. The surgeon will use a software-guided laser to remove and reshape parts of the cornea. Some people notice a smell like burning hair when the laser is reshaping their cornea.",[],{},{"nodeType":295,"data":921,"content":922},{},[923],{"nodeType":54,"value":924,"marks":925,"data":926},"Eye laser surgery recovery",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":928,"content":929},{},[930],{"nodeType":54,"value":931,"marks":932,"data":933},"Your eyes will be a bit blurry and will feel sore for a few days after the operation. This might be concerning, but it doesn't mean the surgery wasn't a success. Most people need some time before they notice the improvement in their vision, and it can take several weeks for your eyes to fully recover.",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":935,"content":936},{},[937],{"nodeType":54,"value":938,"marks":939,"data":940},"You will probably feel some soreness, grittiness and discomfort in your eyes — over the counter pain medication can help with this. You might also be given eye drops and antibiotics which you should use as instructed. It's not safe to drive the day of the surgery, so you should book a taxi or get someone to pick you up.",[],{},{"nodeType":50,"data":942,"content":943},{},[944],{"nodeType":54,"value":945,"marks":946,"data":947},"You will normally have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon a couple of days later, and may also need to go for further checks.",[],{},{"entries":949},{"block":950},[],{"__typename":952,"sys":953,"title":955,"theme":956,"expandFirstRow":36,"accordionEntriesCollection":957},"Accordion",{"id":954},"4ySHdEus8cA7kHjQfMnwRu","Laser eye surgery questions, answered","White",{"items":958},[959,975,990,1005,1020,1035,1050,1065],{"__typename":960,"sys":961,"panel":963,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":974},"Faq",{"id":962},"7KSnJ10HtxXDbdVaU5PeFJ",{"json":964},{"nodeType":46,"data":965,"content":966},{},[967],{"nodeType":50,"data":968,"content":969},{},[970],{"nodeType":54,"value":971,"marks":972,"data":973},"In Canada, laser eye surgery typically costs around $5000 for both eyes. However, different clinics charge different fees depending on the surgeon's experience and the technology they use. The final bill might also be affected by things like insurance, added extras, consultations, aftercare and so on.",[],{},"How much is laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":960,"sys":976,"panel":978,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":989},{"id":977},"1XCySKhyypfJZTizuEDN9b",{"json":979},{"nodeType":46,"data":980,"content":981},{},[982],{"nodeType":50,"data":983,"content":984},{},[985],{"nodeType":54,"value":986,"marks":987,"data":988},"LASIK eye surgery is the most widely used type of laser eye surgery. It stands for 'laser in situ keratomileusis'. In the procedure, one laser creates a flap on the outer surface of your cornea, which is then lifted up. A second laser then reshapes the tissue in the cornea below. The top 'flap' is then smoothed back down and reattaches on its own. One of the big benefits of LASIK is that the outer layer of the cornea remains in place. This means you experience less irritation and soreness during recovery, compared to types of laser eye surgery that burn off the top layer of the cornea.",[],{},"What is LASIK eye surgery?",{"__typename":960,"sys":991,"panel":993,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1004},{"id":992},"4wPFo0GyTYU2lhbsWN5IMF",{"json":994},{"nodeType":46,"data":995,"content":996},{},[997],{"nodeType":50,"data":998,"content":999},{},[1000],{"nodeType":54,"value":1001,"marks":1002,"data":1003},"In Canada, the typical LASIK cost is around $5000 for both eyes.",[],{},"What does LASIK eye surgery cost in Canada?",{"__typename":960,"sys":1006,"panel":1008,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1019},{"id":1007},"7qS4VvLhy6vRzLrD1GVpyN",{"json":1009},{"nodeType":46,"data":1010,"content":1011},{},[1012],{"nodeType":50,"data":1013,"content":1014},{},[1015],{"nodeType":54,"value":1016,"marks":1017,"data":1018},"No, you shouldn't drive after laser eye surgery. Your vision is likely to be blurry immediately after the operation, and you may be affected by any medication you've been given. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic or book a taxi.",[],{},"Can you drive after laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":960,"sys":1021,"panel":1023,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1034},{"id":1022},"X0Rf3JxyiWbOXC3r6hi2L",{"json":1024},{"nodeType":46,"data":1025,"content":1026},{},[1027],{"nodeType":50,"data":1028,"content":1029},{},[1030],{"nodeType":54,"value":1031,"marks":1032,"data":1033},"Yes, people are almost always awake when they get laser eye surgery. You will be given anesthetic eye drops that numb the eye, so you won't feel any pain. Surgeons prefer to keep people awake for a few reasons. Laser eye surgery is usually very quick, so it's not really necessary to put people 'under' for a long time. If you were given general anesthetic, the clinic would also need to employ a full-time anesthetist, which would be very expensive. Being awake means the surgeon can talk to you and ask any questions if necessary. If you're worried about being conscious during the surgery, tell the surgeon. They might be able to give you medication to help you relax.",[],{},"Are you awake during laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":960,"sys":1036,"panel":1038,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1049},{"id":1037},"2HSlR7Rzqma73kIB6fd2VS",{"json":1039},{"nodeType":46,"data":1040,"content":1041},{},[1042],{"nodeType":50,"data":1043,"content":1044},{},[1045],{"nodeType":54,"value":1046,"marks":1047,"data":1048},"Most people who've had laser eye surgery say they're very happy with the results. If you've had vision problems for many years, this kind of surgery can really enhance your quality of life. Ultimately, deciding whether it's worth it is down to you. Some people will look at the costs (often $5000 or more), the slight chance of permanent eye damage, plus recovery time and decide it's not right for them. After all, glasses or contacts are far cheaper and come with no health risks at all. But other people find glasses or contact lenses really inconvenient. They don't like how they look, often break or lose them, or just find them annoying. Never having to think about them again can be very appealing.",[],{},"Is laser eye surgery worth it?",{"__typename":960,"sys":1051,"panel":1053,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1064},{"id":1052},"7iwwFJ9r8KwKjqTiJXfKjD",{"json":1054},{"nodeType":46,"data":1055,"content":1056},{},[1057],{"nodeType":50,"data":1058,"content":1059},{},[1060],{"nodeType":54,"value":1061,"marks":1062,"data":1063},"Yes, laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure. The laser physically changes the shape of your cornea and its effects are long-lasting. That being said, your eyes will continue to change as you get older, and so your sight could still change too. Later in life, you may need to start wearing glasses again.",[],{},"Is laser eye surgery permanent?",{"__typename":960,"sys":1066,"panel":1068,"link":12,"faqCategory":12,"header":1079},{"id":1067},"7qfi60OixJD8Ps80NRT4Ru",{"json":1069},{"data":1070,"content":1071,"nodeType":46},{},[1072],{"data":1073,"content":1074,"nodeType":50},{},[1075],{"data":1076,"marks":1077,"value":1078,"nodeType":54},{},[],"If your operation is successful (and the vast majority are), then you shouldn't need to wear glasses any more after laser eye surgery. However, it won't mean you never need them again. Your cornea could change in a few years, which will make glasses necessary again. Also, you will develop presbyopia as you get older, which is when the lens in your eye becomes less flexible (laser surgery changes the cornea, not the lens), meaning you'll need reading glasses.","Will I need glasses after laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":264,"sys":1081,"title":267,"body":268,"theme":269,"buttonCollection":1082},{"id":266},{"items":1083},[1084],{"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},{"__typename":1086,"sys":1087,"title":1089,"backgroundTheme":1090,"authorEntriesCollection":1091},"AuthorContainer",{"id":1088},"0qrLq6fH9mSjliLYaJ0gD","Written with care and checked for accuracy","Green",{"items":1092},[1093],{"authorBiography":1094,"authorName":1117,"authorQualification":12,"authorPhoto":1118},{"json":1095},{"nodeType":46,"data":1096,"content":1097},{},[1098],{"nodeType":50,"data":1099,"content":1100},{},[1101,1105,1113],{"nodeType":54,"value":1102,"marks":1103,"data":1104},"Dr Jared Decker is an optometrist in Calgary, Alberta at ",[],{},{"nodeType":59,"data":1106,"content":1108},{"uri":1107},"\u002Fstores\u002Fchinookcentre",[1109],{"nodeType":54,"value":1110,"marks":1111,"data":1112},"Chinook Centre",[],{},{"nodeType":54,"value":1114,"marks":1115,"data":1116},". He graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in Texas and spent some time working out of an eye hospital in Stockholm, Sweden before heading back to Canada. These contributed to special interests in glaucoma, diabetes, and myopia control.",[],{},"Dr. Jared Decker",{"url":1119},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002F9iidzgmcsjdo\u002F6DHiCo1jqrEosIzzbvyabX\u002Ffedd5625b50e8e38207e535c359bf0b4\u002FJaredDecker_600x400.jpg",{"__typename":1121,"sys":1122,"title":1124,"theme":956,"listType":1125,"expandAccordion":36,"accordionEntriesCollection":1126},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":1123},"5IexMfWhwv3xk7ikujGnPe","Sources we've used","Numbered",{"items":1127},[1128,1136,1142,1148,1155],{"__typename":1129,"sys":1130,"citationAuthor":1132,"citationYear":1133,"citationDescription":1134,"citationUrl":1135,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":12},"Citation",{"id":1131},"1ysmKZCTInYJuL1BY3sZtI","Bamashmus, M., et al. ",2015,"Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis for Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism","https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC4302464\u002F",{"__typename":1129,"sys":1137,"citationAuthor":1139,"citationYear":1140,"citationDescription":1141,"citationUrl":61,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":12},{"id":1138},"59DbvpdRsBn40P4nXsW3ky","CBC News",2002,"One-third of laser eye patients experience night vision problems: study",{"__typename":1129,"sys":1143,"citationAuthor":1145,"citationYear":1146,"citationDescription":299,"citationUrl":1147,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":12},{"id":1144},"4Tpk8J2kx0rombdtunlZoG","Mayo Clinic",2025,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mayoclinic.org\u002Ftests-procedures\u002Flasik-eye-surgery\u002Fabout\u002Fpac-20384774",{"__typename":1129,"sys":1149,"citationAuthor":1151,"citationYear":1152,"citationDescription":1153,"citationUrl":1154,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":12},{"id":1150},"urhs6sKloW1Dv7xroh7lU","Rai-Roche, S",2018,"Refractive surgery survey 2018","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.opticianonline.net\u002Fcontent\u002Ffeatures\u002Frefractive-surgery-survey-2018",{"__typename":1129,"sys":1156,"citationAuthor":1158,"citationYear":1159,"citationDescription":1160,"citationUrl":1161,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":12},{"id":1157},"59WqsJmMXeTcFijVdkI5jo","WebMD",2023,"A guide to refractive and laser eye surgery","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.webmd.com\u002Feye-health\u002Foverview-refractive-laser-eye-surgery",{"__typename":1163,"sys":1164,"title":1166,"subtitle":12,"displayLinkText":17,"cardType":1167,"backgroundTheme":956,"indexCardEntries":1168},"IndexCardContainer",{"id":1165},"4eBec7CF9C6HNHc2IIgDqT","Discover more about vision","Copy Only",{"items":1169},[1170,1178,1185],{"link":12,"content":1171},{"__typename":1172,"title":1173,"summary":1174,"link":1175},"HealthCondition","Do I need an eye exam","Eye exams play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.",{"linkText":1176,"linkUrl":1177,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Find out more","\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-exam\u002Fdo-i-need-an-eye-exam",{"link":12,"content":1179},{"__typename":1172,"title":1180,"summary":1181,"link":1182},"Your guide to eye exams","An eye exam isn’t just about getting glasses, it’s also an important health check for your eyes.",{"linkText":1183,"linkUrl":1184,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Learn about eye exams","\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-exam",{"link":12,"content":1186},{"__typename":1172,"title":34,"summary":1187,"link":1188},"An eye exam helps ensure your eyes are healthy and you see as clearly as possible.",{"linkText":1189,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Book an appointment",[12,12,12],1787317479043]