Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK in Singapore

Suitable candidates for LASIK wear glasses or contacts due to nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. To qualify for surgery, candidates should be at least 18 years old, in good physical and psychological health and free from any eye injuries or active infections. Candidates should not be pregnant or nursing.

The best way to determine LASIK candidacy is to meet Dr. Ho for an in-person LASIK consultation.

Patients generally do not feel any pain during LASIK surgery, as the eyes are numbed. Some people feel a little bit of pressure but it should not hurt.

The laser treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

The results of LASIK are considered permanent, as the corneal tissue is reshaped to treat the refractive error. However, the eyes continue to age, and most people develop presbyopia, or the loss of reading vision, around the age of 40. It is likely LASIK Patients will need reading glasses to compensate for the visual effects of presbyopia.

During traditional LASIK, the surgeon creates a flap in the outer layer of corneal tissue and gently folds it back to reveal and reshape the underlying tissue. In Epi-LASIK, the outer layer of corneal cells are removed prior to the laser treatment, and grow back in the days following the procedure.

Usually both eyes are treated during the same procedure. However, in some cases the surgeon will recommend waiting a week or two after treating the first eye to operate on the second.

Most people resume driving a day or two after LASIK, when they are able to see clearly and do not experience any distracting side effects.

It is common to resume work two to three days after LASIK surgery. For Epi-LASIK, you will need to rest for five days before going back to work.

Patients must wait approximately one week after surgery before wearing makeup.

The cost of LASIK depends on the specific procedure performed and the technology used. To get an accurate quote you have to meet with the doctor for an individual consultation.

Dr. Ho will review all of the potential risks of surgery during the pre-operative consultation. These risks include:

• Dry eyes
• Glare or halos around lights
• Under or overcorrection
• Flap-related complications