FAQs
Have some questions about the Clearview Institute or eye procedures in general?
You have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of FAQs - along with their
answers - to help clear things up.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an effective treatment for a variety of vision problems. It is a procedure
that improves vision by changing the shape of the cornea using a laser. During the
LASIK procedure, a flap is created and lifted up before the remodeling takes place.
This flap is then repositioned and the eye is left to heal, with a rapid recovery
time.
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Why do people have LASIK?
Research has shown that there are many reasons why people choose LASIK. The most
notable, are the independence and freedom you experience from not having to wear
glasses or contacts; the ease at which you are able to play sports; the enjoyment
you get from being able to see 24/7 when it counts, whether you are out on the town
or out with the family; and that you can avoid all the complications associated
with eye glass and contact wear.
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Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK can be used to treat a broad range of vision problems including nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and an astigmatism. A consultation with one of our doctors will
determine what custom vision correction is right for you.
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Can I get LASIK if I have a thin cornea?
Quite possibly. We will do several pretests to determine the thickness of your cornea
and its suitability for a laser procedure. If it is determined that it is not safe
to do LASIK, we will suggest an option like PRK or an intraocular contact lens,
which can also be performed with excellent results.
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Why should I choose Clearview Institute for my LASIK procedure?
Not all LASIK eye surgery is of the same quality as that performed at the Clearview
Institute. We use the latest generation of equipment, unlike many other facilities.
For instance, we are the only eye institute in Canada that uses a computer-guided
femtosecond laser - the most precise, bladeless flap cutter on the market. And Clearview
Institute has the best doctors you will find anywhere. Each is at the forefront
of research advances in ophthalmology, actively publishing abstracts and papers
in well-known periodicals and frequently lecturing at prestigious academic institutions
around the globe.
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What is the difference between "Custom Wavefront" and conventional laser surgery?
Wavefront Technology accurately maps out unique imperfections in the eye. These
results allow us to customize our procedure, taking into account any aberrations
that may have an impact on your quality of vision. While most of our procedures
are wavefront optimized, in some cases we also need to take into account the detailed
surface shape. That is because wavefront guidance alone will lead to an overcorrection
in some patients. In those cases, our procedure may need to be topographically guided.
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Is the LASIK procedure painful?
We can assure you that we will do everything we can to minimize any discomfort you
may experience. For instance, we will use anesthetic drops to numb your eye before
the surgery and you may be given a mild sedative to help relax you. While most patients
find the experience comfortable, you may experience mild burning, or have a foreign
body sensation for a few hours after the surgery.
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Can laser surgery make me go blind?
Rest assured, no one has ever gone blind from laser surgery. But there are risks
with any type of surgery and these will be discussed in greater detail with you
prior to the event.
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What are the risks associated with LASIK surgery?
Proper pre-operative screening and diligent post-operative care help to minimize
any potential risks. However, in rare cases, complications that might occur include
conditions such as dryness, night glare or halos around lights, under or over correction,
and loss of best corrected vision. The risks will be fully discussed prior to the
surgery.
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What happens if you move during the procedure?
This is one of the most common questions asked. The laser machine has a special
tracking device on it. If you move your eye, the device will move with you. If your
eye moves too much, the laser will automatically shut down. Then the surgeon will
reposition and resume the procedure.
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Do you treat both eyes the same day?
Yes. And it is very safe, quick and predictable.
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How is the flap made?
In the early days, the flap was made with a blade called a keratome. Advanced technology
now enables us to make the flap using a special laser. This is more precise and
lowers the risk of complications. It is a virtual "no-touch" technique. And the
newest laser has only a mild effect on the pressure in the eye and allows you to
maintain your vision during the procedure.
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What is the difference between the Intralase and the Visumax Femtosecond System?
The Clearview Institute's Visumax system is the latest in technology and the first
of its kind in Canada. With this system, your vision is not blacked out and the
pressure remains below 60. Plus, its femtosecond laser creates the flap with a series
of bubbles. With the Intralase used at most eye clinics, a patient's vision is temporarily
blacked out for about 30 or more seconds. The eye pressure is also increased to
around 160, which could cause a potential stroke of the eye or damage to the optic
nerve. Finally, the Visumax system is superior in another way - it uses far less
energy than the Intralase, resulting in minimal inflammation and less reliance on
post-op medication.
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Can I choose which Clearview Institute doctor I want to do my procedure?
When you call Clearview Institute to book your initial consultation, we will let
you know which doctors are available. You can then choose the one you want to do
your procedure.
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What is the difference between the Visx Custom Vue and the Zeiss Mel 80?
The Clearview Institute is committed to using the treatment that is right for you.
While the Visx Custom Vue will successfully perform a wavefront guided treatment
in every patient, it is customized to the patient for only that given moment in
time.
In fact, research shows that only 10% of all patients do best with a wavefront guided
treatment. Rather, 80% of all patients do best with a wavefront optimized treatment,
and 10% with a topographically guided treatment. That's why Clearview Institute
deploys both the Zeiss Mel 80 and the Wavelight Allegretto - the only wavefront
optimized lasers licensed in Canada and the only ones capable of all three treatment
options. This allows us to deliver true customized care that is tailored to a given
patient's needs.
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How will LASIK affect my night vision?
With the first generation of laser surgery, night vision problems were not uncommon.
LASIK's wavefront technology allows for more accurate measurements and enables our
doctors to treat eye imperfections and larger optical zones. As a result, night
vision problems have been considerably reduced.
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What is the difference between a Refractive Laser correction and a Refractive Lens
Exchange?
Refractive procedures are either cornea based or lens based. PRK and LASIK are corneal
based refractive procedures that most patients are candidates for - and they produce
excellent results. Lens based refractive procedures are options for patients whose
corneas are too thin for LASIK, have pupils that are too big, have a very high degree
of myopia or are presbyopic.
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What is a Refractive Lens Exchange?
A Refractive Lens Exchange is quite similar to a Cataract Extraction. Let's illustrate
how.
With a Cataract Extraction, the eye's cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an
intraocular lens implant. With a Refractive Lens Exchange the eye's normal lens
(which has not yet become cloudy) is replaced with an intraocular lens implant.
Intraocular implants have improved greatly over the last few years and can correct
both near, intermediate and far vision. And after the procedure, there is an excellent
chance you will be able to enjoy a glasses-free life.
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Can you get correction for both distance and reading?
Yes, depending on your age and whether or not one of the following treatment options
is chosen: Laser mono vision, Refractive lens exchange or CK.
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Will I have perfect vision for life?
Your perfect vision will remain basically the same for life. That said, statistics
do show there can be a 1-2% regression. If this occurs, an enhancement treatment
is possible. What's more, your eye will continue to age normally and you can still
develop presbyopia (which usually happens in your 40's when you require reading
glasses) or cataracts. Both can be treated either by laser or surgery.
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Do you charge for an enhancement?
Your vision correction procedure comes with a lifetime guarantee. So should you
require an enhancement, you can rest assured that it will provided free of charge.
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How much do you charge for vision correction?
Refractive eye surgery is extremely cost effective when you consider the average
amount a patient will pay for glasses, contacts and sunglasses over a 20 year period.
The cost will depend on the procedure chosen. Please contact the Clearview Institute
for more information.
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What type of financing do you make available to your patients?
You can pay for your procedure by credit card. Many private insurance companies
will co-pay and flexible spending accounts may also be used. Please note that the
cost you are paying for the procedure may be used as a tax deduction.
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Do you offer any other procedures beyond vision correction?
Yes. The Clearview Institute also performs cosmetic enhancements that include Botox
and filler treatments as well as eye lid surgery. We also perform retinal and glaucoma
diagnostics using the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For more information,
visit the cosmetic enhancement and retinal and glaucoma diagnostics sections of
this website.
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Why should I come to Clearview Institute for my retinal and glaucoma diagnostics?
The Clearview Institute has some of the leading retina and glaucoma specialists,
combined with the latest technology. So there is no better place to have your procedure
done.
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HD Sight Enhancement may cost less than you think...
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