Lasik Eye Surgery in Toronto

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

To determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery in Toronto, you will need to arrange for a complimentary assessment at the Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre.

At your assessment, several tests will be provided to determine if your eyes are healthy enough for LASIK. Ideal candidates:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Are not pregnant or nursing
• Are in good general physical and mental health
• Do not have any eye diseases
• Have a stable prescription for one year prior to surgery

If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, you may be eligible for another laser vision correction procedure such as PRK.

LASIK Treatment Benefits

lTopography-guided LASIK, often referred to as Contoura Vision or TCAT (Topography-guided Custom Ablation Treatment), offers several benefits:

1. Personalized treatment: TCAT uses detailed corneal topography to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the unique shape of the patient’s cornea.
2. Enhanced accuracy: By mapping the irregularities of the cornea with advanced technology, TCAT allows for more precise and customized laser ablation, potentially leading to better visual outcomes.
3. Reduced higher-order aberrations: TCAT aims to reduce higher-order aberrations, which are responsible for symptoms like glare, halos, and poor night vision, improving overall visual quality.
4. Better outcomes for complex cases: TCAT can be particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneas, previous refractive surgery complications, or those seeking enhancements after previous surgeries.
5. Potential for better visual acuity: With its precise customization, TCAT may offer the potential for sharper and clearer vision compared to traditional LASIK procedures.
6. Faster recovery: Many patients experience quicker visual recovery with TCAT due to its tailored approach and reduced risk of induced aberrations.
7. Long-term stability: Studies suggest that TCAT may lead to more stable outcomes over time, with reduced risk of regression or the need for retreatment.

Overall, TCAT represents a significant advancement in LASIK technology, offering improved outcomes and satisfaction for many patients seeking laser vision correction. However, it’s essential to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if TCAT is the right option for your specific needs and eye condition.

Latest Most Advanced Technology

The most important sense in life is your sight. At Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre we use the most advanced state of the art Lasik technology to treat:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
• Astigmatism (Blurred Vision Due To Irregular Shaped Cornea)

Using the most advanced bladeless technology allows for more precise results and superior safety which allows your Lasik surgeon to provide you with the best visual outcome possible.

Benefits of Lasik Surgery At Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre

• Consultation Performed By Your Acting Physician And Surgeon. Very Unique Service In This Field!
• Latest Most Advanced Technology
• Lasik Is The Safest Elective Procedure In The World!
• Wake Up With Clear Vision

LASIK Financing & Costs

If you are concerned about the cost of LASIK surgery, we can work with you to come up with a plan that fits your budget. If necessary, we will discuss financing options with you, such as patient financing available through Medicard.

The staff at Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre looks forward to speaking with you about your options. For more information on pricing and financing options, please call Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre at (416) 590-0445.

The Procedure

Before beginning the LASIK procedure, Dr. Skouras administers numbing eye drops. Next, he uses the IntraLase femtosecond laser to create a precise flap in the epithelium, or outer surface, of the cornea. The laser’s computer-guided pulses move across the cornea, creating tiny bubbles at a pre-specified depth at the perimeter of the area designated for the flap. These bubbles cause the tissue to perforate.

After gently peeling back the corneal flap to access the underlying corneal tissue, Dr. Skouras uses the excimer laser to alter the shape of the underlying tissue, correcting the patient’s refractive error. The thickness of the tissue removed by the laser’s cool beam is less than that of a hair.

LASIK takes just a few minutes, and most patients do not experience discomfort. Many patients enjoy immediate results, with vision continuing to improve over the next several days.

Recovery

Following the procedure you will need to rest briefly. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. When you get home, it is important that you rest for a few hours, with your eyes closed, and avoid computer use and reading for prolonged periods of time for a couple of days following surgery.

Recovery from LASIK surgery varies slightly by patient. Some people are able to return to work the next day. However, if possible we recommend that you rest for a couple days before returning to work and your everyday activities. Do not rub your eyes during this time, and avoid participating in vigorous exercise for a few days.

The team at Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre will provide you with comprehensive postoperative instructions. It is crucial that you follow these instructions closely and take the medications we give you as needed. Contact our office immediately if you have any concerns.

Surgeon Experience

Dr. Skouras has been practising ophthalmology and Lasik in Toronto for 20 years. He completed his medical and ophthalmology training at the University of Toronto. For over a decade, Dr. Skouras has made refractive surgery a focus of his general ophthalmology practice and has worked with many of the lasers widely used today. Dr. Skouras emphasizes on providing only the best patient care and believes in using only the latest most advanced technology available to optimize his patients’ results. He is a dedicated surgeon who truly cares about his patients’ outcomes and takes a very cautious and thorough approach when screening candidates for Laser Eye Surgery.

He is committed to learning the latest techniques in the industry and thus is a member of numerous professional organizations including:

• The Canadian And American Society Of Cataract And Refractive Surgery
• The Canadian Ophthalmological Society
• The Royal College Of Physicians And Surgeons Of Canada
• The American Academy Of Ophthalmology
• International Society Of Refractive Surgery
• American, Canadian And European Society Of Cataract And Refractive Surgery
• Diplomat Of The American Board Of Ophthalmology
• Lecturer At The University Of Toronto, Department Of Ophthalmology Vision Sciences

Specializing in vision correction surgery, Dr. Skouras has a passion for helping people restore their sight.

LASIK VS PRK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both popular surgical procedures to correct vision, but they have some differences in terms of benefits:

LASIK:

1. Faster Recovery: LASIK typically offers a quicker recovery time compared to PRK. Many patients experience improved vision within hours or a day after the procedure.
2. Less Discomfort: LASIK is generally less uncomfortable during the recovery phase. PRK can be associated with more discomfort and a longer healing process.
3. Minimal Disruption to Daily Life: LASIK patients can often return to most normal activities, including work, within a day or two.
4. Predictable Outcomes: LASIK tends to have more predictable outcomes in terms of vision correction. It’s known for its high success rate.
5. Flap Creation: LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, which can heal relatively quickly and provides stability to the eye.

PRK:

1. No Flap Creation: PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, making it a potentially better option for individuals with thin corneas or those involved in activities where a corneal flap might be a concern (e.g., contact sports).
2. Less Risk of Complications: PRK carries a lower risk of certain complications associated with flap creation, like flap dislocation.
3. No Risk of Flap-Related Complications: Since there’s no flap in PRK, there’s no risk of flap-related complications like flap wrinkles, inflammation under the flap, or epithelial ingrowth.
4. Suitable for Certain Eye Conditions: PRK is sometimes a better option for people with certain corneal irregularities or eye conditions, as it doesn’t rely on the creation of a flap.
5. Long-Term Stability: PRK may have a slight advantage in long-term stability, especially for individuals with higher prescriptions.

The choice between LASIK and PRK depends on individual factors such as corneal thickness, eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine which procedure is best suited for your specific needs and circumstances. They can provide personalized recommendations based on a thorough eye examination.

Topography Guided Custom Ablation Treatment

Topography-guided LASIK, often referred to as Contoura Vision or TCAT (Topography-guided Custom Ablation Treatment), offers several benefits:

1. Personalized treatment: TCAT uses detailed corneal topography to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the unique shape of the patient’s cornea.
2. Enhanced accuracy: By mapping the irregularities of the cornea with advanced technology, TCAT allows for more precise and customized laser ablation, potentially leading to better visual outcomes.
3. Reduced higher-order aberrations: TCAT aims to reduce higher-order aberrations, which are responsible for symptoms like glare, halos, and poor night vision, improving overall visual quality.
4. Better outcomes for complex cases: TCAT can be particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneas, previous refractive surgery complications, or those seeking enhancements after previous surgeries.
5. Potential for better visual acuity: With its precise customization, TCAT may offer the potential for sharper and clearer vision compared to traditional LASIK procedures.
6. Faster recovery: Many patients experience quicker visual recovery with TCAT due to its tailored approach and reduced risk of induced aberrations.
7. Long-term stability: Studies suggest that TCAT may lead to more stable outcomes over time, with reduced risk of regression or the need for retreatment.

Overall, TCAT represents a significant advancement in LASIK technology, offering improved outcomes and satisfaction for many patients seeking laser vision correction. However, it’s essential to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if TCAT is the right option for your specific needs and eye condition.

Contact Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre

Contact Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre If you are interested in booking your complimentary assessment for LASIK, call (416) 590-0445 or email our office today to speak with a member of our team.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery Toronto

At Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre, Dr. Skouras offers a range of vision correction procedures, including the precursor to LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). For some individuals, PRK provides certain advantages over LASIK (laser vision correction) surgery and is a more appropriate treatment option.

What Is PRK?

PRK is a type of vision correction surgery used to correct the refractive error causing farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism. Similar to LASIK surgery, during PRK, Dr. Skouras uses an excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea to correct the patient’s vision problem. The difference between LASIK and PRK is the method used to gain access to the corneal tissue that requires reshaping. With LASIK, your laser eye surgeon creates a hinged flap in the surface of the cornea to access the underlying corneal tissue. With PRK, Dr. Skouras ablates, or surgically removes, most of the surface of the epithelium to gain access to the corneal tissue below.

Who Is a Candidate for PRK?

Due to the unique variations of each person’s eye anatomy, some individuals may be more appropriate candidates for PRK than they are for LASIK surgery. In particular, patients with corneas that are too thin to withstand the creation of a corneal flap might benefit from PRK. In addition, individuals with severe nearsightedness or topographic eye abnormalities might also be suitable PRK candidates.

What Happens Before, During and After the Procedure?

As with LASIK surgery, preoperative PRK patients must stop wearing contact lenses about one week before the procedure.

Prior to the surgery date, patients are scheduled for wavefront imaging to capture a unique map of the eye’s topography. On the day of surgery, Dr. Skouras uses this map to calibrate the excimer laser used to reshape the curvature of the cornea. He then administers topical anesthetic eye drops, so the patient remains comfortable throughout the duration of surgery. Once the patient’s eye is numb, Dr. Skouras positions an eyelid speculum over the eye to hold the eyelids open.

To start the procedure, Dr. Skouras removes the epithelium, or the cornea’s surface cells. Next, a cool light beam from the excimer laser is used to reshape the curvature of the cornea, with extreme precision.

Once Dr. Skouras is satisfied with the newly reshaped cornea, he inserts an extended-wear contact lens that acts as a bandage and an overlying protective shield. Patients are released into the care of an authorized individual, so they can recover in the comfort of their own home.

Recovering From PRK

Immediately after the procedure, patients must rest with their eyes closed for a few hours. They must also use the medicated eye drops they are given, as instructed. The recovery period generally takes three to four days, as this is how long it takes for the body to regenerate new epithelial cells to cover the surface of the cornea. During the initial phase of recovery, patients might experience sensitivity to light and mild discomfort. They should avoid rubbing their eyes, as this can cause damage and delay healing.

Results of PRK

The recovery period following PRK is longer than with LASIK surgery, again, due to the fact that the body must produce a new layer of surface cells. However, the vision correction results of PRK are the same as with LASIK, and most patients are able to completely eliminate their daily dependence on prescription eyewear.

Risks Associated With PRK

The risks associated with PRK are similar to those associated with LASIK. There is a low risk of clouded, or hazy, vision as the cornea heals; night vision effects such as seeing halos when looking at light sources; glare; a permanent increased sensitivity to light; under-correction or over-correction; and regression. Infection, ulcers (sores) on the cornea and increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma are extremely rare but serious potential complications.

To schedule a complimentary assessment to find out if you are an appropriate candidate for PRK, contact Skouras Eye & Cosmetic Centre today by calling (416) 590-0445 or sending us an email.

“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”
― John Lubbock