EXPERT ADVICE OPTOMETRIST
S ince many contact-lens wearers, they’re likely well- aware of the possibility of refractive surgery (“laser eye surgery”). But even Islanders who consider refractive surgery Family Vision Centre patients are glasses- and intriguing may not have had a chance to research its availability to PEI residents. To the best of our knowledge, no surgeons or clinics here on the Island offer LASIK (“laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”), PRK (“photorefractive keratectomy”), or RLE (“refractive lens exchange”), three common types of refractive surgery. However, these surgeries can be arranged through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick-based providers accessible within hours by car. While refractive surgery does require at least one trip off-Island, not every appointment needs to take place in the same location as the surgery itself. PEI-based optometrists like those at Charlottetown’s Family Vision Centre are accustomed to guiding local patients considering, scheduling, and healing from refractive surgery. (Indeed, Family Vision Centre has provided Islanders with these services for over two decades.) Islanders who exclusively consult friends, family, or online sources while planning for refractive surgery may not
be confident that they fully understand the distinction between LASIK, PRK, and RLE. Fortunately, they aren’t expected to choose singlehandedly. Optometrists and surgeons will recommend a type of refractive surgery, factoring in the eye’s age; the condition of specific sections of the eye; the patient’s vision issues, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness; and other specifics. (Some vision concerns cannot be addressed or prevented through refractive surgery.) PEI-based optometrists like those at Family Vision Centre are accustomed to guiding patients considering, scheduling, and healing from refractive surgery. Refractive surgeries are brief (the three types covered in this article generally don’t take longer than half an hour; LASIK and PRK are especially rapid) and typically don’t cause excessive pain, nor require general anaesthesia. Preparing for LASIK, PRK, or RLE may require a patient to tweak their personal habits or routines. For instance, patients are generally instructed to avoid contact lenses well before the actual date of their refractive surgery, which patients may wish to keep in mind if they strongly prefer to wear contacts to a specific upcoming occasion or event. (That said, the social-distancing policies remaining
in place during 2021 may mean fewer social events of this kind.)
Patients are generally instructed not to drive following their refractive surgery; therefore, for Islanders booking LASIK, PRK or RLE in another province, reliable transportation back to PEI (or to temporary out-of-province accommodation) is crucial. Following refractive surgery, patients may need to alter their daily routines to accommodate the healing process, and may need to change some habits or avoid some activities for a specific length of time. (For instance, locals who like to take advantage of PEI’s lakes and beaches should bear in mind that patients recovering from refractive surgery typically need to avoid swimming. Driving in dark environments can also be problematic.) Side effects such as dryness and visual haloes sometimes occur as patients recover from refractive surgery; Family Vision Centre can provide information on post-surgery specifics, such as side effects and the anticipated recovery time following a procedure.
Dr. Jayne Toombs Family Vision Centre 111 Pownal St, Charlottetown 902.566.4418 www.familyvisioncentre.com
SUMMER 2021 www.pei-living.ca
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