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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before Surgery

Like any medical procedure, you will have to undergo a series of tests and scans to determine if you are suitable for laser refractive surgery. Our eye specialist doctor will then consult you on your options. In total, the assessment will take about 2-3 hours to complete.

Yes, you should stop wearing your contact lenses before the assessment.

  • At least 5 days (soft contact lens)
  • At least 2 weeks for rigid gas permeable (RGP)
  • At least 4 weeks for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses

You can undergo surgery as early as the day after your eye assessment.

Your power should be at least -1.00 D and maximum -10.00 D. If your power is above -10.00 D, you should consider a different procedure such as ICL.
Deciding whether to do laser vision correction on both eyes together or one at a time depends on the medical advice by your doctor and also personal preference. Doing both eyes together is more convenient and ensures balanced vision. Doing one eye at a time allows for cautious monitoring of the first eye’s healing.
It’s generally recommended to avoid laser vision correction procedures if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the stability of your vision and the healing process, potentially leading to less predictable results. Additionally, some medications used before and after the surgery may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s best to consult with your ophthalmologist and consider postponing the procedure until after you’ve finished breastfeeding.
Yes and no. Your treatment is permanent, but as with every part of your body, your eyes will continue to age and your vision will be affected as you get older. Laser vision correction cannot prevent cataracts and presbyopia, but most patients enjoy many years of focused vision without glasses and contacts.
No, as laser vision correction surgery and cataract surgery take place at a different part of the eye. Your eye surgeon will need to factor in the new cornea curvature when making the calculation and selection of the intra-ocular lens implant for the cataract surgery.
Medical insurance cannot be used to claim for laser vision correction as the procedure falls under the category of an elective or cosmetic procedure.
Yes, laser vision correction such as TransPRK, LASIK and SMILE pro considered safe and effective for most people. These procedures have been widely performed for over two decades, boasting a high success rate, with the majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Serious complications are rare and most side effects like dry eyes are usually temporary with quick recovery times.

The many tests are important to:

  • Ensure that you are a suitable candidate for refractive surgery
  • Ensure your eyes do not have pre-existing conditions such as cataract or glaucoma
  • Accurately measure your glasses prescription or ‘power’
  • Measure the shape, thickness and mapping of your cornea
  • Provide adequate information to advise you on the recommended refractive treatment for your eyes

We are committed to only perform surgical procedures to patients with minimal risk and understand all the possible risks involved. A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to assess the risk level of each individual eye. If you have any pre-existing dry eyes, they will be treated before undergoing any procedure.

  • Vision assessment
  • Eye power measurement (with and without dilation eye drops)
  • Corneal topography scan
  • Dry eye evaluation
  • Ocular surface assessment
  • Retina and optic nerve assessment

TransPRK

  1. Uses a single laser to reshape the cornea surface by accurately removing the cornea epithelium and a small amount of the inner cornea layer (stroma).
  2. Just like our skin, the cornea epithelium has self-healing properties, so it can regenerate on its own within 3-5 days.
  3. To speed up the epithelium healing and reduce discomfort, a thin bandage contact lens is placed on the eye immediately after the procedure.
  4. This contact lens will be removed 5 days after the treatment.

femtoLASIK

  1. Involves the creation of a flap on the cornea, which is created with a sharp blade (microkeratome) or Femtosecond laser machine.
  2. The flap is then lifted, and the stroma is ablated with an excimer laser machine.
  3. After that, the flap is closed back. The flap is self-sealing and does not require any sutures.

SMILE pro

  1. A femtosecond laser is used to create a lenticule within the stroma and an incision on the cornea.
  2. An instrument is placed through the incision made and used to separate the upper and lower part of the lenticule within the cornea.
  3. This lenticule is then removed through the incision.

During Surgery

On the surgery day, take a bath before coming in and arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. Bring a pair of sunglasses. Do not wear any makeup, hair products, perfume or any alcohol-based products as they may interfere with the laser treatment. You will be given a final briefing by your doctor before entering the operation theatre. Within 20 minutes, the treatment should be complete and you’re free to go home!
Unfortunately no. You have to be fully awake to look at the green fixation light during surgery. Your eyes will be numb so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Yes, you should stop wearing your contact lenses for at least 5 days (soft contact lens), and 10 days for rigid gas permeable (RGP) or Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses.
  • After you are comfortably lying down on the operation table, your eyes will be cleaned and numbed with anaesthetic eye drops.
  • A device called speculum will be used to keep your eye open during the procedure
  • Your doctor will ask you to stare straight ahead at a green light
  • The laser will be applied to your eye, and no sharp instruments will touch your eye
  • The same will be done for your other eye
  • An eye shield will be placed on both your eyes as protection, and you’re good to go home!
Most people have the misconception that the laser itself is what could cause the blindness (from watching horror movies etc.) But in reality, eye infection after the surgery is the real cause of any form of complications leading to visual impairment. That being said, it is very rare and if infection does occur, it is typically minor.
No, please do not drive to the clinic as your vision may be blurry after surgery and your eyes may feel some discomfort. If possible, arrange for someone to accompany you to the clinic on your surgery day, or book a Grab ride. If you need help requesting a Grab ride, our staff will be happy to assist.
Unfortunately no. You have to be fully awake to look at the green fixation light during TransPRK. Your eyes will be numb so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.

After Surgery

  • It is recommended to recover at home and observe good hygiene, especially for the first week after your TransPRK treatment
  • Ensure your hands are clean before handling eye drops
  • Come back for your follow up visits to monitor your recovery
  • During the 1st week of recovery, avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent disrupting the epithelial recovery
  • Avoid going to crowded and dusty places
  • Wear a pair of sunglasses when you are outdoors and exposed to sun for prolonged time. The wraparound kind would be ideal.
We will do one time enhancement for free of charge (FOC), but the chances of power coming back is very low.
No. Only wear sunglasses if you need to go outdoors or exposed to the sun. Try to stay home till the bandage contact lens is removed on day 4/5.
It’s important not to allow water/shampoo to enter your eyes. If you absolutely need to wash your hair, ensure water/shampoo does not enter your eyes, especially during the first week.
Yes, but not for long periods. Remember to use your lubricant eyedrops regularly if your eyes feel dry and most important is avoid the fan blowing directly at your face.
Yes, vision may fluctuate while your eyes are recovering. Do not worry, you can come back for your follow up visits as scheduled.
Yes, you can be given up to 7 days of medical leave to recover at home. You may go back to work earlier if your vision has recovered well enough and you will not be exposed to environment that can disrupt your recovery. It is advisable recover at home for the first 3 days to reduce the risk of infection. You will be given prescription antibiotic eyedrops to prevent infection and speed up your recovery.