ReLEx SMILE

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.