Dr. Chaim Goldberg - Toronto LASIK Specialist
Dr. Chaim Goldberg is a gifted Toronto LASIK surgeon who has corrected the vision of many patients through excimer laser eye surgery. Below he answers many of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LASIK and other laser eye surgery procedures.
Q. Am I going to have 20/20 vision?
A. At Goldberg Centre for Vision
Correction, our goal is to reduce our patients' dependency on
glasses or contacts. More than 95 percent of patients achieve
clearer vision after surgery while others may require the need
to wear glasses for night driving or reading.
Q. Does the procedure hurt?
A. No. Before the procedure, numbing
anesthetic drops are placed in the eyes, rendering the surgery
itself virtually painless. Patients remark that the only
sensation is a slight pressure on the eye.
Q. What are the risks involved in
PRK/LASIK/LASEK?
A. Laser vision correction is extremely
safe. Less than two percent of cases report minor complications,
including over- or undercorrection, infection and inflammation.
These are treatable in our offices.
Q. How long will the results last?
A.The physical results are permanent and
statistics show that most patients remain stable after 10 years.
However, the eyes can still change with time, and laser
corrective surgery does not affect a number of visual conditions
associated with age.
Q. What can I expect on the day of surgery?
A. Laser PRK, LASIK and LASEK are all
outpatient procedures, which means you'll spend around an hour
at the surgeon's office and walk out afterwards. Someone else
should drive you home, since your vision might be a little
blurry right after surgery. The procedure itself is brief and
painless. Dr. Goldberg will place anesthetic drops in your eye
to eliminate any discomfort. LASIK and LASEK patients typically
report little or no discomfort following their treatment. With
PRK there will be some discomfort. Medication is supplied to
relieve any post-operative irritation.
Q. When can I return to work or sports?
A. Typically, most LASIK patients see
fairly well the next morning, often in the 20/20 to 20/40 range.
With LASIK, most patients return to work within two to three
days; with PRK and LASEK, within four to five days. Avoid
swimming for one week and contact sports that could result in
eye injury for one month.
Q. How many visits will I require after surgery?
A. PRK patients are asked to attend
follow up appointments two to three times during the first week
after the procedure and then at one, two, three, six and twelve
months. LASIK patients are seen the day following the procedure
and then on a similar follow-up schedule.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. LASEK, Photorefractive Keratectomy
(PRK) and Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) ranges in price
from about $2,000 to $2,500 per eye. The price is stated ‘per
eye' as some people only require vision correction for one eye.
Make some calculations and you will be surprised by the total
cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses over a period of years.
Q. Can both eyes be treated at once?
A. Yes. Statistically, most patients
choose to have both eyes treated during the same surgery. This
is especially convenient for patients visiting from out-of-town.
Q. Does Laser Eye Care Clinics offer payment
options?
A. Yes, we can discuss payment options
for the procedure that will have you seeing clearer, faster.
Q. Is vision correction covered under OHIP?
A. At the time this information was
printed, OHIP was not covering vision correction.
Q. Is vision correction covered under my benefits
plan?
A. Many companies have benefits programs
that do cover vision correction. Visit your human resources
department to find out if you are covered.
