My vision needs and goals are central to my overall health and well-being. As someone who wears glasses, I understand the importance of maintaining good eye health and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary. In recent years, I have noticed some changes in my vision, such as difficulty reading small print and occasional headaches after prolonged periods of screen time.I also have a family history of eye conditions, including glaucoma and macular degeneration, which have been a cause for concern. These factors, combined with my own medical history of diabetes, heighten the importance of regular eye exams and proactive treatment to prevent any potential issues that may arise.Given my specific vision needs and potential risk factors, I am seeking guidance from a qualified ophthalmologist to assess my current eye health and recommend appropriate treatment options. I am open to exploring various solutions, such as prescription lenses, contact lenses, or even surgical interventions, depending on the severity of my vision issues and the doctor’s recommendations.Overall, my goal is to maintain optimal eye health and vision clarity to enhance my daily functioning and quality of life. By addressing any underlying medical problems or risk factors that may impact my treatment options, I am taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term health and well-being of my eyes.
In this blog post we will provide information on how much is laser eye surgery toronto and is laser eye surgery covered by ohip
WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?
When people hear ‘laser’ they may picture some sci-fi space adventure. In fact, laser eye surgery has been around for decades—though not in a galaxy far far away. We’ve come a long way from the earliest types of refractive surgery, but the concept remains the same.
Refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, occur when the cornea at the front of the eye doesn’t properly focus light onto the retina, the layer of photoreactive cells that helps us see clearly. Laser eye surgery carefully and accurately reshapes the cornea.
The entire procedure usually takes around 30 minutes and starts with numbing eye drops. You’ll typically stay awake during the surgery, but with the drops, you should only experience some slight discomfort or pressure on your eye.
We understand that the process can be intimidating. A laser shining in your eye is an uncommon experience, to say the least. Most ophthalmologists that perform laser eye surgery prefer to use numbing eye drops instead of general anesthesia because it minimizes unnecessary risks associated with this type of surgery.
We’ll do everything we can to help you feel comfortable, which is why part of every consultation is helping you feel prepared for the procedure.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
In Canada, 2 of the most popular laser eye surgeries are:
- LASIK: For many, the household name of laser eye surgery, LASIK is a quick and popular procedure. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea with a specialized laser. A computer then precisely guides the laser in removing corneal tissue to improve clarity. The flap is then repositioned and allowed to heal. One of the main benefits of LASIK specifically is the fast recovery time, usually only taking a day or 2, and how some patients notice immediate improvement
- PRK: While PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the older procedure, it’s still popular and, for some patients, it may be a more appropriate laser eye surgery option. Unlike LASIK, it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the laser gently removes the cornea’s outer layer to expose the underlying tissue and reshape it. You’ll have to wear a contact-like bandage, but the outer layer naturally regenerates over time.
PRK takes longer to heal than LASIK, but many consider it safer in the longer term since it doesn’t leave a flap behind. However, the speed at which you can return to your daily activities with LASIK can be enticing, and it’s still considered a safe surgery with high satisfaction from people just like you. In the end, the choice comes down to what suits your needs and lifestyle, and we can help you determine that with the help of a professional.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT LASER EYE SURGERY COST
The price for laser eye surgery can vary, even in a single province. It can depend on factors outside your control, but every dollar is an investment in your vision. A low cost might not give you all you need, just as an expensive price tag doesn’t necessarily mean that option is always better.
Some factors that may affect the cost of laser eye surgery include:
- The type of laser eye surgery
- Additional technology used to measure the cornea
- How much correction is required
- Pre- and post-care options
- Comprehensive services
- Clinic location
- The surgeon’s experience
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASER EYE SURGERY?
One of the most important parts of any laser eye surgery is the consultation. Unfortunately, not everyone’s eyes are a good candidate, or they may require additional care to make surgery feasible.
And this meeting isn’t just about measuring your eyes—though that does come later. Instead, we’ll talk with you about your expectations and review your overall eye health. Together, we can make a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs.
There is a wide range of laser eye surgery cost in Canada. From a starting point of about $500 up to thousands of dollars per eye, but the average price falls around $2,000 per eye. Costs of refractive lens exchange tend to run higher than those of laser eye surgery.
How Much Is Laser Eye Surgery Toronto
When it comes to vision correction procedures, there are several options available to patients depending on their individual needs. Some of the most common procedures include ZEISS ReLEx SMILE, PRK, LASIK, Presbyond, Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL), and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). The cost of these procedures can vary depending on the type of procedure and the specific intraocular lens (IOL) used.
Intraocular Procedures
It is important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine the best vision correction procedure for their individual needs. The cost of these procedures may vary depending on the specific requirements of each patient, so it is recommended to get a personalized quote from a qualified eye care provider.
| Procedure | Cost per Eye |
| ZEISS ReLEx SMILE | $2,700 |
| PRK | $2,700 |
| LASIK | $2,700 |
| Presbyond | $2,700 |
| ICL | $3,050 |
| RLE | $3,050 |
Is Laser Eye Surgery Covered By Ohip
LASIK surgery is a popular procedure for individuals looking to correct their vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover the cost of this surgery, leaving patients to foot the bill on their own. The price tag for LASIK surgery can be hefty, but there are options available to help ease the financial burden.One option for financing LASIK surgery is through payment plans offered by many eye clinics and surgeons. These plans allow patients to spread the cost of the surgery over a period of time, making it more manageable to pay off. Some clinics even offer interest-free financing, making it an affordable option for those who may not have the funds available upfront.Another option for financing LASIK surgery is through medical financing companies. These companies specialize in providing loans specifically for medical procedures, including LASIK surgery. They offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making it easier for patients to afford the surgery without breaking the bank.It’s important for individuals considering LASIK surgery to explore all their financing options and choose the one that best fits their needs and budget. While the cost of LASIK surgery may seem daunting, with the right financing plan in place, it can be a more attainable and affordable option for improving vision and quality of life.