Before Your Operation: The First Consultation
Your first consultation begins before you arrive at the clinic, with a little preparation by you. We ask you to:
Please bring all your previous spectacles and/or contact lens prescriptions. This will help us in providing the most accurate assessment possible.
If you wear soft/disposable contact lenses, please remove them 4 days before your first consultation. This allows any corneal warping to recover and true readings of your eye prescription to be recorded.
If you wear hard contact lenses, please remove them at least 4 weeks prior to your first consultation at the Northern Laser Vision Centre. This allows any corneal warping to recover and true readings of your eye prescription to be recorded.
Once you arrive at the clinic, you will be introduced to our team and then a series of tests will be preformed to determine the extent of surgery required for your individual situation. We will:
Check your prescription. On this occasion we will not use eye drops so your vision will not be affected for the return journey home.
Map your corneas with an Orbscan. This maps the curvature patterns of your cornea, along with size, shape and, most importantly, the thickness of your cornea. Some people who have thin corneas are not suitable for Excimer Laser.
Use Wavefront Analysis to generate high precision data records of aberration (irregularities) specific to your eye. This is done by analysing light waves as they exit the eye with an array of microscopic lenses. This information is captured and later used in surgery by the Eximer Laser (Mel-80) for individual, customised Wavefront treatment.
Use the TMS Corneal Topographic Modeling System to collect information about corneal shape and refractive characteristics of your eye, such as shortsightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism. The TMS works by projecting illuminated concentric rings onto your cornea then capturing the reflected image in digital form. It then analyses the location of 256 circumferential points on each ring. This determines your eye's power, curvature and height of the cornea at each point, giving thousands of data points.
Test your contrast sensitivity levels with a CSV 1000. This is a measure of how faded or washed out an image can be before you cannot distinguish it from a uniform field. It differs from typical visual acuity testing (chart with letters) in that it simulates "real-world" circumstances.
Conduct a tear film assessment and Schirmer Tear Test to determine what we call 'dry eye status'. This test will determine the need for ocular lubricants (drops & gels) post operatively.
Conduct a Goldmann Applanation test to determine your eye pressure
Please allow around 1 hour for the entire consultation. None of the tests are painful or have any lasting side effects. You will be free to drive your car home at the end of the appointment.
If you are a suitable candidate you will then need a Second Consultation.
Your Second Consultation
Your second consultation will be just prior to surgery.
At this appointment you will meet your surgeon, Dr Frumar, who will have been fully briefed by the NLVC team. Dr Frumar will explain his assessment of the measurements from your first consultation then give you the opportunity to ask any questions.
Drops will be administered to dilate your pupils. This allows examination of your retina (the back layer of the eye) for any abnormality which may need attention prior to any Excimer Laser treatment. The general health of your eye is also examined. Your pupils generally take about an hour to return to normal size. We recommend sunglasses and ask that you do not drive home for an hour after this examination.
After your test results have been analysed, Dr Frumar will recommend the best refractive treatment option for you and what result to expect from the eye surgery. You will always be given an honest and realistic explanation of what should be your individual expectations for the laser treatment and the risks specific to you. You will be told whether you can expect to be free from spectacles or whether you may still need them for certain circumstances, such reading.
Finally, before you make your decision to proceed with Laser Vision Corrective Surgery, you will be asked to consider:
"Do I find spectacles/contact lenses a hindrance to my lifestyle?"
"Am I prepared to consider and understand all the risks associated with this procedure?"
"Have all my questions been answered regarding this procedure?"
If you answer yes to ALL these questions then we will consider you ready to go ahead with the treatment.
Booking Your Surgery
Once your surgery is booked you will be asked to:
Complete a short questionnaire to ensure you understand the surgery you are to have, the expectations after surgery and any possible side effects.
Sign a consent form, detailing the surgery to be performed.
Supplied with an eyelid cleaning product called Lidcare to ensure your eyelids are hygienic prior to surgery.
Ensure you remove soft contact lenses at least 4 days prior to surgery and hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Finally, you will be phoned 3 days prior to the surgery day and advised of time required in clinic.
