Eighty (80%) of learning is visual. One in six children have visual performance problems. A child may have 20/20 vision but still have learning problems due to inefficient visual skills and/or perceptual problems, making it difficult for the child to read and learn.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommends all children have a complete vision examination between one and three years of age and again before entering school. It is recommended children to be seen yearly thereafter, even in the absence of symptoms.

Vision Correction

Refractive Surgery

Who Qualifies for Surgical Vision Correction?

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Vision has been relatively stable for the past 1-2 years.
  • Have healthy eyes, free of complicating injuries or disease.
  • Have a correctable vision problem
  • Must not be pregnant or nursing

Surgical Alternatives To Improve Your Vision:

Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and PRK)

Refractive Laser Surgery reshapes the front surface of the eye known as the cornea. An instrument, the Excimer Laser, uses sophisticated software to remove microscopic layers of the cornea to the desired shape. This procedure is performed under topical anaesthetic drops which numbs the surface of the eye.

LASIK

To perform LASIK, the surgeon first creates a flap of tissue. This can be done either with a blade (microkeratome) or using newer technology with a laser (Intralase). The flap is gently folded out of the way. The Excimer laser then reshapes the lower layer of the cornea. The flap is repositioned where it heals without any stitches.

Advantages of LASIK

  • Fast visual recovery
  • Minimal temporary side effects
  • Less post operative discomfort
PRK

To perform PRK, the surgeon first scrapes away the outer epithelial layer of the cornea. The Excimer laser than reshapes the lower layer of the cornea. A bandage contact lens is the placed over the treated cornea until the epithelium regenerates, usually within 3-4 days.

Advantages of PRK

  • No incision necessary
  • Non-complex corrective procedure
Refractive Lensectomy

Refractive lensectomy is the replacement of your natural clear lens inside your eye. Unlike refractive laser surgery which alters the shape of the cornea. This may be an alternative to for those who have:

  • Refractions outside the range capable of the Excimer laser.
  • Thin corneas
  • Flat corneal curvatures
  • Extra large pupils