Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding iLASIK
What is laser vision correction?
- Laser vision correction is a procedure that improves vision by permanently changing the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) with a laser.
- Often referred to as iLASIK (an acronym for the medical term ‘Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis’), it is the most commonly performed type of laser procedure and an effective treatment for common vision problems like astigmatism, shortsightedness (myopia) and longsightedness (hyperopia).
Why is iLASIK known as a customised procedure?
iLASIK is is known as a customised procedure or wavefront-guided LASIK. It is very precise, and the results are better compared to traditional/standard laser vision correction.
Wavefront-guided LASIK uses much higher technology and is more expensive but it also produces better visual quality – especially when it comes to vision at night or in a dark environment, as studies have shown.
Why do people opt for iLASIK surgery?
Research has shown that most people choose to have iLASIK because they are fed-up of wearing cumbersome glasses or contacts and want to be free of this dependency, and they want to play sports and engage in outdoor activities without worrying if their glasses will break. Overall, they want to have good vision for all occasions.
Who is suitable for iLASIK?
Engineers, doctors, homemakers, sailors, nurses, students, models and basically anyone who currently wears glasses or contact lenses. If you’ve always believed you would experience more in life without shortsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, iLASIK is the treatment for you. Once you’ve done it, you’d wonder why you didn’t get it done earlier!
Do I qualify?
How do I know if I'm suitable for iLASIK?
Most people who have shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism are suitable candidates for iLASIK. To be really sure, come for a free pre-assessment.
- You must have healthy eyes – no glaucoma, infection, cataracts, severe dry eye, or any other condition that would affect postoperative healing.
- You are 21 years old or older.
- Your vision must be stable for at least a year before surgery.
- If you’re pregnant or nursing, your hormonal levels can affect the shape of your eye. You’ll need to wait until hormones are back to normal levels.
- You cannot have a degenerative or autoimmune disease, since this would affect healing.
How long will the iLASIK procedure take?
The whole iLASIK laser vision correction procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes in the operating room.
Does the iLASIK procedure hurt?
There is no pain involved during iLASIK. You are awake during the iLASIK procedure, but you are given medication to relax and anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before procedure begins.
How does the iLASIK procedure work?
- The iLASIK procedure is a two-step process. First the surgeon creates a thin corneal flap in each eye. There are 2 ways to make this flap: using a handheld blade or using laser. The older method uses a blade (called microkeratome) to cut this flap while the more advanced method uses laser (which we call IntraLase™ Femtosecond laser).
According to research, when given a choice, 81% of patients choose to go with blade-free technology. In our iLASIK procedure, it takes 20 seconds to create the corneal flap by using laser, hence it’s called blade-free or blade-less technology. A suction ring will be placed on your eye. Next tiny pulses of laser light pass harmlessly through the outer portion of your cornea and form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye. These dimensions are computer-controlled for maximum precision, something not possible with a handheld blade in microkeratome technology.
When it is time for your iLASIK treatment, your doctor easily separates the tissue where these bubbles occur and folds it back, creating a corneal flap. Once the flap is created, the surgeon will lift the flap so that a second laser (powered by VISX Customvue) can be used to reshape your cornea based on your unique eye characteristics. This enables the surgeon to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision. Reshaping your cornea based on your unique eye characteristics is another key feature of iLASIK.
- As this laser is driven by the computer, it is safe and fast. You are awake, but mildly sedated. Your eye is numbed with eye drops and no needles are involved. A retainer will be set around your eyes to keep them open. All you need to do is lie back, relax and stare at a small light for 1 or 2 minutes. You will hear the sound of the laser machine when the treatment is in progress. Keep your eye focused on the blinking red light. The laser is able to track the movement of your eye so don’t worry about slight involuntary eye movements that you might make.
The actual laser time for reshaping your cornea is only less than 1 minute, depending on your prescription. Once the laser has reshaped your cornea, the surgeon will close the flap by replacing it to its position, cleaning and smoothing it. He’ll then do the same on your other eye.
Standard test
What's involved in the full eye examination?
We’ll carry out a series of standard tests when you come in for the full eye examination to determine your suitability. This full battery of tests take 3 hours and include:
- Visual Acuity Test – your vision with and without glasses will be checked.
- Automated Refraction & Keratometry – your power of the eyes will be checked with a computerised autorefractor.
- Pentacam® Non-contact Corneal Tomography & Pachymetry – We’ll scan your cornea to make a 3D image to determine cornea thickness and shape.
- Subjective Refraction – The power of your eyes will be measured with the phoropter trial lens set.
- Wavescan Aberrometry – This will identify and measure the imperfections of your vision, producing a detailed map called the WavePrint Map. Like fingerprints, no two eyes are exactly alike. The digital information from this Wavescan will be used to guide the laser during the iLASIK surgery.
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy – This involves a microscopic examination of the anterior segment of the eye.
- Cycloplegic Refraction & Retinal Examination – Eyedrops will be used to dilate your pupil and relax the muscle inside the eye. This test confirms the refractive power of your eye.
- Tonometry – The pressure of your eyes will be screened by a non-contact tonometer.
- A consultation session with our eye specialist
Is your price all inclusive?
Yes, our price is a single, all inclusive fee and it includes all post-operation medication and post-surgery follow up examinations for first 3 times. There are no hidden charges or extras you need to pay for.
How can iLASIK help me get my vision back?
Most vision problems like shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism happen when light coming into the eye is not properly refracted/bended and images are not correctly focused on the retina. The iLASIK procedure helps to correct these vision problems by reshaping the cornea so that light focuses accurately on the retina, giving you 20/20 vision.
What type of laser is used in iLASIK?
The iLASIK procedure uses an ultraviolet laser light (cold laser) to precisely reshape the inner layers of the cornea.
What are the advantages of using blade-free technology?
In the older and usually cheaper microkeratome technology, a blade is used to create your corneal flap. Our procedure is totally blade-free where we only use laser to create your corneal flaps. Our IntraLase technology which creates the flap using full laser does cost more but surgeons who use laser-made flaps cite studies that show patients have fewer flap complications, need fewer retreatments and have a greater likelihood of achieving 20/20 visual acuity or better.
Why do people opt for iLASIK surgery?
Research has shown that people choose to have iLASIK because they are fed-up of wearing cumbersome glasses or contacts and want to be free of this dependency, and they want to play sports and engage in outdoor activities without worrying if their glasses will break. Overall, they want to have good vision for all occasions.
What are the processes like if I am interested in iLASIK surgery?
If you interested, here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the iLASIK procedure (this evaluation is free).
- Once you are confirmed suitable, you are asked to come in for a full eye examination.
- Get comfortable with the procedure by talking to the team at Adventist Vision Centre.
- Determine the best way to pay for the procedure (ask us about easy financing options).
- Schedule your iLASIK procedure.
What is the recovery process like?
Most iLASIK patients see well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities. Most patients notice excellent visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
What if I blink my eyes during surgery?
You will not have the urge to blink during surgery because of the anesthetic drops on the eyes. Even if you tried, an eyelid retainer prevents you from doing so. During the procedure, you will be asked to look straight ahead at the light. Even if you look away or look around for just a split second, our laser system uses tracking devices that will follow your eye and still properly place the laser pulse.
Will you allow me to observe an iLASIK surgery?
Absolutely! We want you to be truly comfortable with the procedure. Let us know in advance and you are most welcome to observe when the iLASIK surgery is in action.
What is the difference between using microkeratome (handheld blade) and laser technologies when creating the corneal flap?
Some patients present a higher than average risk of flap complications when using microkeratome (blade). These situations include patients with very flat or very steeply curved corneas, patients with high astigmatism, and patients with thin corneas. Dry eye risk (after operation) is reduced if the patient uses laser, a risk otherwise associated with microkeratome. Visual outcomes are also improved when using laser to make the corneal flap.
What exactly does "20/20 vision" mean?
20/20 vision is commonly accepted as the standard of normal distance vision for a person. Basically it means “good visual acuity at 20 feet.” So if your vision is 20/20, you can read certain sizes of letters on a Snellen chart or eye chart clearly at 20 feet or closer. But if your friend has 20/15 vision, his visual acuity is better than yours: you would have to stand 15 feet away from the chart to read the smaller letters that he can read while standing 20 feet away. Conversely, someone with 20/30 vision has worse distance vision than you.
What should I do before I come for the full eye examination?
To get the most accurate data during your full eye examination, you must remove your contact lenses for a minimum of 1 week (for soft contact lens) or 3 full weeks (for soft toric lens, semi hard or rigid gas permeable contact lenses)
How do I prepare for the surgery?
- Block out some time as you will be with us for 2 to 3 hours.
- Remove your contact lenses and ensure you have not worn them for at least 7 days (soft contact lenses) and 3 weeks (toric lens, semi hard or rigid gas permeable contact lenses)
- Eat a light meal but avoid caffeine as caffeine affects you during surgery and you may not be able to relax post-surgery.
- Drink water as this helps you relax and feel more comfortable during surgery.
- Wash your face before coming for the surgery.
- Wear comfortable and warm clothes as it can get cold in the surgery room.
- Don’t wear eye makeup.
- Don’t wear perfume, cologne, aftershave or hair gel.
- Get someone to drive you home after the surgery as your vision will be blurry for a few hours. If you can’t get a driver, we can get a taxi for you.
What happens immediately after the surgery?
You may notice some light sensitivity and glare. Be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection when you are outdoors. Don’t rub your eyes. When you reach home, put on the eye shields and take a 3-hour postoperative nap. If you cannot sleep, close your eyes and take a rest. Wear the eye shields for the first 3 nights when you sleep.
What can I expect after surgery?
Expect your vision to be a bit hazy for a few days. The stronger your prescription, the longer it may take for your vision to clear. But you should be able to see well enough to drive to work the next day. Attend all review check-ups as advised. You will be provided eyedrops too.
What precautions should I take after surgery?
Avoid dusty and smoky environments in the first week. Also avoid wearing eye makeup in the first week. For the first 2 weeks, do not swim or use hot tubs, sauna or spa. These will irritate your eyes. Do not get soap in your eyes although you can shower like normal.
Why are some laser vision surgeries cheaper compared to others?
Cheap surgery can only mean one thing: the latest innovation in eye correction surgery won’t be used. A cheap laser correction eye surgery will most likely use blade technology (and sometimes they won’t tell you this!). If you do find that some laser vision centres offer cheap laser eye correction surgery, ask them these questions:
- What does the advertised price cover?
- Does your procedure use the latest custom wavefront technology?
- Will my corneal flaps be created with a blade called microkeratome?
- Will I be charged for follow-up visits?
Why are there different prices for laser vision correction surgery?
As a rule, the lower the price, the older the technology used on your eyes. Sometimes you won’t know because they won’t tell you. The guideline is, if you want better, safer technology, it does cost more.
Safety is my concern. How do you address the fears of people who want to use iLASIK?
We are a JCI accredited hospital which means you can be sure of our international safety and quality healthcare standards. JCI (Joint Commission International) currently accredits nearly 80% of hospitals in the United States. As JCI sets safety standards for hospitals to the highest possible level, you and your eyes are in absolutely good hands with us.
How much does iLASIK cost?
Please get the latest price by contacting us or take a look at our current promotion. Think of it this way: iLASIK is very cost-effective when you compare it against buying spectacles or contact lenses in the long run. Plus we have an easy payment scheme to help you too.
Who is unsuitable for iLASIK?
Not everyone is suitable for iLASIK, believe it or not. If you have keratoconus which is a corneal disease, your cornea is weakened and gradually bulges outward. In this case, you are not suitable for iLASIK. Find out more about keratoconus here.
What is a FREE Pre-Assessment?
It is an optional first assessment for your convenience, and it’s free. It is a quick check-up of general suitability before a full assessment. We find that customers are grateful for this step, especially when they discover they do not match the general requirements for iLASIK. It saves them both time and money, since it is free and shorter to do than the full assessment. However, the pre-assessment DOES NOT give you full clearance for iLASIK. A full assessment is still necessary because it is an in-depth examination that includes a doctor’s exam apart from diagnostic machinery to detect if there might be underlying problems like scarring.
Understanding Keratoconus
I heard Adventist Vision Centre is now offering corneal implants for keratoconus patients. What is this treatment like?
Corneal implants (called Intacs) are inserted into your eyes using our IntraLase Femtosecond laser. The IntraLase implantation is more comfortable, much safer and more accurate compared to conventional mechanical method. These implants flatten the cornea and reduce visual distortion. Get more information about this new service of ours.
Where can I find more information about keratoconus?
You can read more at our Keratoconus page.
