Laser Eye Surgery: A Clear Look at Your Options

Some people don’t like the hassle of wearing and maintaining glasses. Others find contacts too much upkeep to be the right corrective option. If you fit into one of these categories, laser vision correction might be for you!

The team at Tutt Street Optometry will be active partners in your laser eye surgery journey. From the initial consultation to managing your care post-surgery, our experienced optometrists have the knowledge and skills to put your mind at ease. Please book an appointment for a laser eye surgery consultation today.

Book Appointment

Different Eyes, Different Procedures

Several different types of refractive surgeries are commonly referred to as “laser eye surgery,” so it’s easy to see why people assume there’s only one procedure. But the reality is, every eye is different, so there are various surgery types to accommodate those unique differences.

LASIK

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed corrective surgery. Instead of removing tissue directly from the surface of your eye, the surgeon creates a hinged flap in the cornea, folds it back, and reshapes the underlying tissue with a laser. The flap is then replaced, where it naturally heals on its own.

PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was one of the first laser corrective operations available. Using lasers, ophthalmologists remove tissue from the surface of the eye and change the shape of the underlying cornea. After the procedure, the surface of the eye naturally heals over time, with most patients experiencing a full recovery in a few weeks.

Phakic Lenses

For those with thin corneas or high nearsightedness prescriptions who don’t qualify for LASIK or PRK, phakic lenses may be a viable option.

Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implanted permanently in your eye. Unlike refractive lens exchange (RLE), your natural lens remains in place, preserving the eye’s natural function.

RLE/CLE

Refractive lens exchange (RLE), also known as clear lens exchange (CLE), replaces the eye’s natural lens with a manufactured lens implant. This procedure is commonly used for cataracts and is often considered the best surgical vision correction option for people over 50 years.

Several RLE lens options are available, depending on your needs and your budget:

Correct distance vision, but need reading glasses for close-up tasks
Correct near vision, but still need glasses for distance
Correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision
Correct both distance and near vision with multifocal lens implants

Who Is a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is typically suitable for a candidate that has had a stable, unchanging eyeglass and contact lens prescription for the past 2-3 years, and stable vision for the past year. It is also recommended that potential candidates be in good overall health with no significant eye problems or dry eye, as well as not pregnant or nursing.

Making an Informed Decision

Although laser eye correction is very common and performed by experienced surgeons, it is still a surgery. And just like any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications. We’ll help manage your expectations going into the surgery and let you know what surgical outcomes are possible.

Laser eye surgery could offer you a great increase in freedom and enjoyment. If you’re interested in exploring laser correcting, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

Please book your consultation today.

Book Appointment