Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

answers to the most

Common questions

We wanted to share with you the answers to questions our professionals are most often asked. It’s perfectly normal to have such questions and concerns. If ever you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to take your questions.

Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

Thanks to our specialized teams and cutting-edge diagnostics equipment, we can rapidly determine whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. A vast number of people qualify for this treatment, even those with more severe vision problems. Your eligibility for laser eye surgery is confirmed by our ophthalmologist during the free consultation at one of our clinics.

What factors might disqualify me for laser treatment?

Certain general health conditions, eye diseases, and immune system deficiencies can hinder recovery. As well, long-standing medications can disqualify some people from laser treatment. Pregnant women must wait until after their first trimester to have this procedure. Patients must also be 18 years or older to be admitted to our clinics. Finally, no procedure is performed in our medical centre based on an evaluation conducted in another clinic.

Is laser vision correction painful?

During the surgery, the eye is completely numbed with the help of anesthetic eyedrops. After laser eye surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, much like if they had a grain of sand in their eye. This sensation is temporary. It can last 3 to 5 hours after a LASIK treatment or 24 to 72 hours after a PRK treatment.

Are there any long-term risks associated with laser vision correction?

To date, no damage to the eyes has ever been observed as a result of a laser treatment. Most experts would agree that there is no concern for long-term complications. At Cliniques Michel Pop, we have been performing this procedure since 1992. None of our patients have ever had serious problems related to their laser eye surgery.

Will my vision be stable after laser correction?

Much like glasses or contact lenses, laser correction does not prevent the progression of vision problems, such as myopia orhyperopia. That is why laser vision correction is recommended only for individuals 18 years or older and once their vision has been stable for one year. If the myopia worsens after laser surgery, this situation can be treated with a slight touch-up.

What happens if my vision starts to deteriorate after laser vision correction?

If your vision weakens during the first year following your treatment, we will perform any necessary touch-ups free of charge.

Which is the better technique, PRK or LASIK?

Recent scientific studies have shown that, when performed using the new models of laser equipment and Wavefront technology, intracorneal surgery (LASIK and All-LASIK) and superficial surgery (PRK) yield similar long-term results. LASIK is currently the most commonly used technique in Quebec.

Are cataracts treatable?

Yes. There is only one treatment for cataracts: replace the crystalline lens. This is done by microsurgery. The surgeon first makes a tiny incision in the eye, then removes the crystalline lens and replaces it with a flexible intraocular lens. This surgical procedure generally yields excellent results.

How long will it take for my vision to improve after cataract surgery?

Patients usually notice an improvement in their vision one day after surgery. Vision continues to improve over the course of one month after surgery, until healing is completed.

Is cataract surgery painful?

Medicine has evolved a great deal in 15 years, and nowadays cataract surgery is not painful. During the procedure, which lasts about 20 minutes, you will only feel pressure and the occasional prickling sensation. Patients can resume their everyday activities the very next day. The anesthesia is administered in the form of eye drops; no needles are required.

Where are the intraocular lenses inserted?

Depending on the type of lens recommended, they may be placed between the cornea and the crystalline lens or in place of the crystalline lens. The crystalline lens is the eye’s natural lens. It is what allows you to focus on objects close up. In some people with severe hyperopia or myopia, the crystalline lens cannot do its job properly because the eye defect is too pronounced. In such cases, the best solution is to replace the crystalline lens with an intraocular one.

Is it dangerous to have an intraocular lens implantation?

Today, thanks to modern microsurgery techniques, the risk of serious complications of eye surgery is very small (less than 1%). There is therefore little cause for concern, even though it’s quite normal to be anxious about the idea of such a procedure.

Is intraocular lens implantation a safe and effective procedure?

Yes. The insertion of intraocular lenses is a procedure that has been performed for decades to treat cataracts. Hundreds of thousands of people have undergone this type of surgery with great success. Moreover, the quality and precision of intraocular lenses has vastly improved, and they are now an effective treatment for a variety of other vision problems.

How long will it take to notice an improvement in my vision?

Vision is generally better just one day after surgery. It continues to improve over the course of one month after surgery, until the eye has healed completely.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

The cost of the procedure varies according to the nature of the vision problem and its severity, the type of treatment needed and the type of intraocular lens selected. If you come for a free consultation at one of our clinics, we will be able to give you an exact quote for the cost of your procedure.