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Fact or Fiction: Discussing LASIK Myths

Posted on by Maria Afonso in iLASIK, Vision

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Laser Vision Correction procedures have been around for 20 years now, constantly making progressive changes in technology, treatment plans, and financing options. As with any other surgical procedure, your first instinct is to gather as much information as possible in order to help with your decision to move forward.

For as long as laser vision correction procedures have been around, there has been a sharing of information and, more often than not unfortunately, misinformation! Unless you are a LASIK expert, it can be hard to sort through and determine what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to laser vision correction procedures. There is so much information available regarding these procedures, you may not even know where to start!

Luckily, here at Bense Vision, we are experts in all things LASIK, and want to help give you the correct information you are looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the most common LASIK myths, and distinguish once and for all what is fact, and what is pure fiction.

LASIK surgery is painful!

This myth is complete fiction! While LASIK is a surgical procedure, pain is kept under control with the use of eye drops that numb your eyes during the duration of the procedure, which only lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish. Typically, patients will feel pressure during a portion of the procedure, but the actual laser reshaping is completely pain-free. Additionally, you may be provided a mild sedative prior to LASIK if you are experiencing anxiety.

LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.

This myth is absolutely true! Many think that LASIK is only meant to or able to treat nearsightedness, but that thinking is incorrect. Advances in laser vision technology mean that many common refractive errors can be treated with LASIK. If you happen to have a more serious refractive error, there are other surgical options available to treat your vision as well.

LASIK surgery can make your vision worse.

This is one of the biggest fears potential laser vision correction patients have prior to undergoing their surgery. Some people are under the belief that laser vision correction can damage your eyesight, and even make you go blind! This couldn’t be further from the truth. No one has ever gone blind from a LASIK procedure, and since the surgery only affects the front surface of your eye, complications are very rare.

You will never have to wear corrective lenses again after LASIK.

This is a trickier LASIK myth, and it is understandable why so much misinformation exists. LASIK will correct your current vision issues, meaning if your vision stays the same for the rest of your life after LASIK, you will be fine! However, since no laser vision correction procedures can stop the natural aging process, it is common for LASIK patients to wear glasses for reading, or for activities such as night driving, when they get older.

Long-term side effects of LASIK are unknown.

This is another myth that can be counted as pure fiction. As mentioned before, laser vision correction procedures have been around for more than 20 years! Given this, the sample size of LASIK patients is more than large enough to state that long-term complications or side effects are not only known, but are virtually non-existent.

Discussing LASIK Myths at Bense Vision

We are committed to providing our patients with the most knowledgeable, professional, reliable, and state-of-the-art eye care solutions available. At Bense Vision, your vision is important to us. We have performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures, and are proud to offer the highest-quality treatment and technology available. Part of the Bense Advantage is being able to enjoy the benefits of our premier laser vision correction facility, including the expertise of Dr. Bense himself, and the support of his highly skilled staff.

If you are having vision problems, and are looking into ways to finally be free of those contacts or glasses, we want to help put you on the right track towards better vision. During your free consultation at Bense Vision, we will be happy to discuss any LASIK myths, frequently asked questions, and any other concerns you may have regarding your laser vision correction procedure.

The information on laser vision correction procedures can be entirely overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. We pride ourselves on being able to clear up the most common LASIK myths out there to help make your laser vision correction journey a smooth one. If you’ve heard or read any information about LASIK that you don’t see addressed here, please feel free to contact us and we will happy to set the record straight!


Life after LASIK

Posted on by Maria Afonso in Bense, Bense Vision, Eyes, iLASIK

You can begin enjoying the advantages of LASIK immediately after the procedure! The recovery process is so quick that, if your workplace has a low risk of eye injury, you can return to work one day after getting LASIK. Before you can enjoy your new eyes, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and be aware of what you can and cannot do.

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Immediately After LASIK Surgery

After your surgery, it is important to do whatever you can to protect your eyes. Your doctor will provide you with sunglasses or eye shields, which you will have to wear while sleeping. You will also be given eye drops to prevent inflammation, infections and to keep your eyes moist during the healing process.
It is crucial that you have transportation arranged for after your surgery, as you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure has been completed. Once you’re home, you may feel like scratching and rubbing your eyes, but it is very important that you do not touch your eyes during recovery time at all. After your procedure, your corneal flap is healing, and rubbing your eyes can halt the healing process by displacing the flap. You may also experience red, watery eyes during healing, but these are all normal, temporary symptoms and nothing to be worried about!

The Next Few Days After LASIK

Your doctor will likely want to do a check-up within the first 24 hours of your procedure to make sure your eyes are recovering well. This is when you will be advised as to when you can drive, and if it’s safe to return to work. After 3 days, you may be able to resume regular outdoor activities, if you are wearing protective eye gear and are being very careful.
You can also resume applying make-up at this time, as long as you stay away from your eyes. This means no mascara or eyeliner just yet, ladies! Additionally, when washing your face make-up off, don’t forget to stay away from the eyes, which can be done by using make up wipes instead of a full-face wash. This alternative will help prevent you from being tempted to rub your eyes during make up removal.

One Month After LASIK

In the weeks following your procedure, you may feel as though there is something in your eye at times, but this is just a normal side effect of LASIK. As long as you are not touching or picking your eyes, this symptom should go away in due time. At this time, you can now resume wearing make-up, and play your favourite sports without eyewear protection!

A Few Months After LASIK

You’re free! A few months after your procedure, you can finally enjoy your new eyes without any restrictions at all. Of course, we always recommend wearing sunglasses and eye protection for high trauma activities, such as outdoor sports, or exposure to the sun. Now go ahead, and savor a life without glasses and contacts!

Did you know that Bense Vision is the only laser clinic in Newfoundland to offer iLASIK™, the most advanced form of LASIK. Book a free consultation to see if you are eligible for laser vision correction today!


Bense Vision offering KAMRA™ Corneal Inserts in St. John’s

Posted on by Wanda in Bense

images1The most significant advance in presbyopia surgery in the past 100 years has been the development of the KAMRA™ Corneal Insert. We are proud to be one of the first centres in Canada to offer this incredible surgery with the AcuFocus™ presbyopia system. This system utilizes the small-aperture technology used in the KAMRA™ inlay. This is a very simple yet elegant approach to improve ones near vision whilst not affecting the distance vision in a significant way.

Using the AcuTarget Diagnostic Unit (ADU) to precisely measure the position and direction of the pupil centre and the corneal vertex (coaxial viewed light reflex) which is needed to accurately centre the corneal implant enhances the precision of the system. It automates many of the steps that were previously performed manually with a direct ophthalmoscope or the use of non-coaxial excimers. The precision of the laser allows for enhanced safety and excellent visual outcomes.

The AcuFocus KAMRA Corneal Insert® has a number of unique advantages over traditional presbyopia Surgery:

  1. No intraocularinvolvement
  2. Avoiding many of the traditional side-effects seen with LASIK and PRK
  3. Lower risk of infection
  4. Adjustable (centration) and removable
  5. Can be combined with other refractive surgeries or procedures
  6. Potential for clearer vision early postoperatively with very little adverse effect on ones distance vision
  7. No further adjustments needed with further aging

The AcuFocus KAMRA Insert is a revolutionary presbyopia treatment that is safe and precise. The advent of this technology has made it possible for more patients to seek treatment and obtain simultaneous clear near and far vision, including patients with astigmatism.

This technology can be applied to people who:

  • Have had previous cataract surgery and now need reading glasses
  • Have had previous LASIK/PRK surgery and now need reading glasses
  • Simply need reading glasses at age 40 years or beyond

To learn more about the KAMRA Insert surgery in St. John’s, contact Mike Bense, EyeMD at Bense Vision to schedule a complimentary comprehensive consultation.