Are You Interested in Laser Vision Correction?
If you’re interested in seeing what life would be like without glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be worth considering. Procedures such as LASIK, PRK, RLE, and SMILE have helped many patients reduce their need for corrective eyewear and enjoy clearer vision.
At Pinehouse Eyecare, we provide laser eye surgery consultations to help determine whether refractive surgery is a good option for your eyes and visual goals. We also provide pre- and postoperative care throughout your preparation and recovery period.
Contact our team to book your laser eye surgery consultation today.
Are You a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
To determine whether you qualify for vision correction surgery, you’ll need a thorough eye health assessment from an optometrist. Our eye doctors evaluate your eye anatomy, prescription stability, and personal health history.
Generally, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a stable vision prescription for at least one full year
- Possess healthy corneas with adequate thickness
- Be free from active infections or severe eye conditions
To learn if you meet the criteria for laser eye surgery, book a consultation with our team to receive advice tailored to your individual case.
What Happens During a Laser Eye Surgery Consultation
Before we decide what surgical option is right for your eyes, we must first know all about their health and vision. We do a thorough eye exam to better understand the shape and thickness of your corneas and discuss your visual needs.
After your eye exam, we discuss the actual surgical procedure. That way, you’ll know the risks, process, and healing time. We answer any questions you have about the short- and long-term implications of undergoing corrective eye surgery. Plus, we walk you through the pre- and postoperative care that goes with your choice of surgery.
Only when you feel confident with your decision is the consultation finished.
Types of Vision Correction Surgery We Consult with Patients For
Laser vision correction is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different procedure types suit different corneal profiles, lifestyle demands, and prescription strengths.
There are a number of effective laser eye surgery procedures available that are safe and successful. Based on your eye exam and your lifestyle, we will help you choose the most appropriate surgery for you.
During PRK, a surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea, also known as the epithelium. The tissue that lies beneath is reshaped with a laser to create a more accurate focal point within your eye. During the healing process, your epithelium regrows within a few days.
This surgery was the first laser eye surgery to be performed and is still the surgery of choice for those with thin corneas. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes per eye, with a week or two in between. The healing period takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
The successor to PRK, LASIK is now extremely common in North America. The surgeon creates a flap out of your corneal tissue to rework the tissue below. The flap is then replaced to heal over the altered tissue.
Because the cornea does not need to regrow, the healing time of LASIK is much quicker. This procedure also only takes about 15 minutes per eye. With LASIK, it only takes a few days before you can return to work.
RLE, or Refractive Lens Exchange, is often a good option for those with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, as well as some lens disorders such as cataracts.
In this surgery method, the natural lens is removed using ultrasound technology. The replacement lens is inserted folded through a tiny incision. The new lens then unfolds into place. This variation only takes about 15 minutes per eye and has a shorter healing process.
ReLEx SMILE is the newest innovation in corrective surgery, but currently is only available for patients with myopia. This surgery is done through a smaller incision than in other refractive surgeries, making it much less invasive.
There is no reason to create a flap of your cornea, meaning your eye stays intact through the entire procedure. Your cornea remains stable from beginning to end with a shorter recovery period.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery looks a little different for every person depending on the procedure selected, individual healing speeds, and overall health. Our team at Pinehouse Eyecare will be there to help guide you through your recovery process, monitoring your progress during local follow-up visits.
- 24 hours after surgery: You may experience light sensitivity, mild watery eyes, or a gritty feeling. Rest is critical, and you will attend your first post-op appointment to review initial healing.
- First 2 days: Vision begins to stabilize, though slight blurriness or minor visual fluctuations remain normal. You will use prescribed eye drops as directed.
- First week: Most patients return to work and light daily routines, while continuing to avoid heavy lifting, swimming, and eye makeup.
- First 10 days: Surface tissue healing progresses significantly, particularly for PRK patients, leading to clearer visual focus.
- 3 weeks post-procedure: Visual stability continues to build, and physical activity restrictions begin to ease under your eye care provider’s direction.
- 1 month post-procedure: A standard follow-up visit evaluates corneal clarity, healing progress, and visual sharpness.
- 1 year post-procedure: An annual eye exam reviews your long-term visual stability and overall eye health.
Let Us Guide You Through Vision Correction Surgery
The safety of your eyes is very important to us. We will refer you to trusted ophthalmologists in Saskatoon. After your surgery, we check in to make sure the healing process is going smoothly. It may only take a few weeks for your eyes to feel better, but it may be up to 6 months for clear acuity to stabilize.
If you are interested in laser eye surgery, your journey begins with a consultation. Book yours today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Eye Surgery
Eligibility depends on your age, prescription stability, corneal thickness, and overall ocular health. Book a consultation at Pinehouse Eyecare for a full evaluation to discuss your specific needs and determine if surgery is right for you.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription, though there is no strict upper age limit provided your eyes remain healthy. Schedule a consultation with our optometry team so we can evaluate your eye health and discuss your visual expectations.
Surgeons apply numbing eye drops before the procedure to keep you comfortable, though you may feel mild pressure during surgery and temporary scratchiness afterward. During your initial consultation, we will walk you through the entire process and answer all your questions before referring you to a surgeon.
LASIK creates a thin flap on the cornea to reshape underlying tissue, while PRK gently removes the outer surface layer, making it ideal for patients with thinner corneas. Our optometrists will evaluate your unique corneal structure during your appointment to determine which procedure suits your eyes.
Our clinic provides comprehensive consultations, pre-operative evaluations, and local post-operative care, but refers you to an experienced surgeon for the procedure itself. We manage your referral and handle all of your follow-up visits right here in Saskatoon to support a smooth recovery.
LASIK recovery is typically rapid, with vision improving within 24 to 48 hours, whereas PRK recovery takes several days longer as the corneal surface heals. Book an evaluation at our clinic to review recovery timelines, discuss your specific goals, and learn if laser vision correction is right for you.
Visit Our Location
We’re located on the corner of Pinehouse Drive and Primrose Drive. Find us just across the street from Umea Vast Park. Free parking is available in front of the clinic.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 306-242-4186
- Fax: 306-242-5586
- Email: pecadmin@yxevision.ca
After Hours Emergencies: 306-371-9911
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