LASIK - Change Your Life
Goodbye, Glasses!
Glasses and contact lenses are only able to provide temporary vision correction. Some find them inconvenient when playing sports, travelling, or during daily activities.
On the other hand, LASIK is able to grant 24/7 visual freedom, allowing you to see clearly from the moment you wake up.
Is LASIK Suitable for Me?
LASIK is able to correct a wide range of refractive errors:
– Are over 18 years of age
– Have a stable eye prescription
Thinking of getting LASIK? Book a Pre-LASIK Assessment.
Is LASIK Safe?
LASIK is an FDA-Approved procedure that has been shown to be predictable, accurate, and safe – with many years of clinical studies.
At ISEC SG, we use the iLASIK technology. iLASIK is the “new and improved” version of LASIK. It is currently the only treatment safe and accurate enough for use on NASA Astronauts and US Navy SEAL personnel. iLASIK ‘measures and treats individualized imperfections that are never treated with standard or optimized treatment‘, making it a ‘potentially superior vision correction alternative‘.
As with any surgery, LASIK has risks. Common side effects of LASIK include dry eyes, haloes and glares. In most cases, these minor side effects lessen over time. More serious complications include corneal infections, retinal detachment and glaucoma. However, the chance of serious complications occurring is very low. Side effects and complications will be discussed with you in more detail during your pre-LASIK assessment.
Your LASIK Journey at Asia Pacific Eye Centre
Step #1: Pre-LASIK Assessment
The Pre-LASIK Assessment can be done any day from Monday to Saturday.
For contact lens wearers, please lay off your lenses for 5 days (soft lenses) to 14 days (hard lenses) before the assessment. This is to ensure accuracy of your eye test results and surgery. During the pre-LASIK assessment, you will undergo a series of eye tests to determine your suitability for the procedure. The doctor will discuss the different treatment options with you based on your eye condition and your preferences.
Step #2: LASIK Surgery
If you are found to be suitable for LASIK, the next step is to arrange a date for the surgery. Surgery slots are available every Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon.
When you first arrive on the day of surgery, you will be prepped – a nurse will clean your eyes, apply numbing eye drops, and you will change into a surgical gown. Next, it’s time for the big moment. Not to worry, a LASIK surgery only takes 15-20 minutes, you’ll be done in no time!
After LASIK, you will brought to the recovery room to rest for 20-30 minutes. Once you are rested, it’s time to head home. It is best to have someone to accompany you. For the first 6 hours after LASIK, your eyes may have a “sandy” feeling and your vision will be blurry – this is perfectly normal. As more time passes, your vision will gradually get clearer. In most cases, you’ll be able to resume daily activities on the very next day!
Step #3: Post-Operative Follow-Ups
You are strongly advised to come for 1-day, 1-week and 1-month follow-up visits. This is so that the doctor can monitor your recovery process and ensure that everything goes smoothly. Once you have been given the “clear” by your surgeon, you’re good to go. Enjoy your newfound clear vision, be free to do the things that you love!
Pre-LASIK Eye Screening - from $5.35
Standard LASIK - from $2,980.35
iLASIK Wavefront Customized - from $3,724.67
(Both eyes, inclusive of GST)
IMPORTANT: Please remember to lay off your contact lenses for 5 days (soft lenses) to 7 days and 14 days for (hard lenses) before the pre-LASIK assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anaesthetic eye drops are instilled before, during, and after the procedure. There will be some sensation of touch and minor discomfort during LASIK. However, it is a relatively quick procedure (15-20 minutes) that should not cause significant discomfort.
Both flap and flapless LASIK methods have their respective advantages and disadvantages. It is incorrect to say that one is “better” than the other. A LASIK surgeon will be able to make a tailored recommendation after examining your eyes.
Asia Pacific Eye Centre has both flap (Standard LASIK, iLASIK, Wavefront Customized) and flapless (Epi-LASIK) treatment methods.
There is no “best” method. It depends on your individual eye condition. For example, a patient with normal corneal thickness will most likely undergo standard LASIK – a safe, proven treatment for the majority of people. However, a patient with thin corneas may be recommended to do Epi-LASIK instead. Epi-LASIK is more painful and has longer recovery times, but is a good treatment option for people with thin corneas.
Rather than choosing a LASIK treatment method, choose a LASIK surgeon whom you feel comfortable with. Selecting an experienced surgeon will help to maximize the possibility of good surgical outcomes and minimize the risk of complications. It is best to choose a LASIK centre with multiple LASIK treatment methods available.
Vision will be blurry for the first 6 hours following LASIK surgery, after which it will gradually improve. Most patients can see clearly the next day, and return to work or school in 1-3 days’ time.
Aftercare is crucial in for smooth recovery and preventing infections. Follow your prescribed eye drop regime rigourously. Avoid exercising for 1 week. Avoid swimming and water activities for 1 month. Avoid going to smokey or dusty areas (eg. construction sites) for 2-3 weeks.
LASIK can be done as long as a patient’s degree is stable. In most people, refractive errors stablize after they have reached 18 years of age.
There is no age limit for LASIK. However, if you are over 50, you have a high chance of getting cataracts. In patients with cataracts, having LASIK done will not improve vision as the cataract will still cause blurred vision. In such cases, it is recommended that you do a cataract surgery instead – this removes the cataract and corrects myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia at the same time.
Monovision LASIK is able to help one overcome presbyopia. Read more about it here.
The majority of people are able to enjoy clear vision after LASIK. In the odd chance that regression occurs, it is possible to do a LASIK enhancement if there is sufficient residual cornea thickness.
An MC of 1-3 days will be given for patients to rest after LASIK surgery. A 1-day MC can also be given during the pre-LASIK assessment and during post-operative check ups. Please inform our staff if you require an MC.
In most cases, LASIK is considered as a cosmetic procedure. That being said, most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. We have, however, come across a few patients who were covered for LASIK. If you are unsure, check with your insurance agent regarding your policy coverage.
In most cases, no. LASIK is considered as a cosmetic surgery.
However, if the difference in degree between your eyes is more than 3.00, you may be able to use your Medisave. In such cases, please inform our staff so we can make the necessary arrangements. Please note that claimability is subject to MOH and Medisave approval.
If you are above 50 years old, you may want to consider cataract surgery instead of LASIK. Cataract surgery can correct myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. It is considered to be a medical surgery. As such, it is Medisave (up to $2,450 per eye) and insurance (subject to policy coverage) claimable.