Which procedure is right for you?
Laser corneal surgery reshapes the curvature of the cornea, located on the surface of the eye, using a fast and precise excimer laser. During the procedure, the eye is numbed with drops for maximum comfort. The procedure is brief, and both eyes can be treated on the same day.
Laser corneal surgery can correct distance vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Two laser vision correction techniques are offered at the IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic: LASIK surgery and surface ablation (PRK). The ophthalmologist will determine which procedure is the safest for you. Both methods have demonstrated a high level of effectiveness and stability.
ULTRALASIK
LASIK surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the most common procedure and offers the shortest recovery time. It allows most people to resume their daily activities as early as the next day. At the IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic, the term UltraLASIK refers to the optimization of all technologies used at every stage of the procedure. This 100% laser correction is customized to provide you with the best possible quality of vision and to reduce aberrations that may cause unwanted symptoms, such as seeing halos around lights at night.
Surface ablation
The ophthalmologist may recommend laser surface ablation surgery (photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK) if your cornea does not have the characteristics required to safely create a LASIK flap. This may be the case, for example, if the cornea is too thin or irregular, or when your activities (work or sports) involve a higher risk of dislodging the flap. After a stabilization period of a few months, the visual outcomes are comparable between UltraLASIK surgery and surface ablation.
UltraLASIK surgery
The procedure begins by creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea using the IntraLase iFS® femtosecond laser. The flap is then gently lifted by the ophthalmologist to expose the deeper layers of the cornea.
Next, the Schwind Amaris® 750S excimer laser removes ultra-thin layers of tissue to reshape the cornea and adjust its curvature according to the planned correction. Thanks to the laser’s remarkable speed, vision can be corrected in just a few seconds. The flap is then repositioned to heal naturally. Your vision and comfort will improve within a few hours.
Surface ablation
During surface ablation, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to expose the underlying layers. The Schwind Amaris® 750S excimer laser is then used for personalized vision correction. A temporary bandage contact lens is placed on the surface of the eye until the epithelium naturally regenerates during healing. The contact lens is removed approximately 4 to 5 days after surgery. Vision and comfort improve gradually over the first few weeks. It is recommended to allow for a recovery period of 10 to 14 days before resuming regular activities such as driving or returning to work.
Phakic lens
If you are not eligible for laser corneal surgery, the ophthalmologist may recommend vision correction through the implantation of a phakic intraocular lens. This procedure involves inserting an artificial lens inside the eye, behind the iris, while preserving the natural lens.
This alternative can correct high degrees of myopia and astigmatism, and in certain cases, hyperopia.
The procedure adds optical power to the eye without removing tissue. A phakic lens also offers the advantage of being partially reversible, since it can be removed in the future if needed.
The evaluation
The thorough preoperative evaluation performed by our team of qualified optometrists will determine whether you are a candidate for vision correction surgery.
Laser vision correction
Watch this short informational video to understand how laser treatment can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the curvature of the cornea.
After age 40, the ophthalmologist may suggest monovision correction to help reduce the symptoms of presbyopia.
What to expect during the procedure
To help you prepare, watch this short explanatory video to better understand the steps involved in UltraLASIK surgery and surface ablation, as well as the technologies available at the IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic to optimize the precision and safety of your procedure.
The surgery generally takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes.
Information guide
Délais pour la reprise des activités
Read the laser surgery preparation guide. It contains all the information you need about the preoperative visit, preparation, and the steps involved in UltraLASIK surgery and surface ablation, as well as recommendations for the postoperative healing period.
The document outlining recommended timelines for resuming activities after laser surgery will help you choose the best time to schedule your procedure based on the safe recovery period for returning to your favourite activities.
FAQ
Eligibility
At what age can I have ULTRALASIK surgery?
It is recommended to be at least 18 years old before undergoing this type of procedure, since vision may still change before that age.
Am I a good candidate for ULTRALASIK surgery?
To be a good candidate, you must be at least 18 years old and have had stable vision for at least two years. Our no-obligation preoperative evaluation will determine whether you are a good candidate. This evaluation, performed by an optometrist, lasts about 2 hours and allows us to thoroughly assess the health of your eyes. It is essential to ensure that your eyes are in excellent condition so that the surgical results are optimal. We will then be able to determine which technique is best suited to you.
I am pregnant. Can I have ULTRALASIK surgery?
No. Hormones produced during pregnancy and breastfeeding can make vision unstable and cause dry eyes. It is therefore recommended to wait three months after pregnancy or breastfeeding before undergoing surgery.
Do you have questions about surgery?
Our patient coordination team will be happy to answer your questions. Contact us at 1-877-656-4747.