Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)


LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, improves your vision by reshaping your cornea. With innovative laser technology, the procedure is a quick, effective treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK can also correct an unwanted or unexpected visual outcome after cataract surgery and reduce or eliminate the dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Dr. Senekal performs LASIK using the combination of the Zeiss Femtosecond Laser and Excimer Laser, two of the most advanced corneal refractive lasers available. Unlike other laser centers that offer LASIK at discounted prices, Dr. Senekal never uses a blade or microkeratome to create the flap. Using the Visumax Femtosecond laser to create the flap significantly increases LASIK’s safety, accuracy, and precision.

The MEL90 Excimer Laser can accurately and with great precision correct high degrees of myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. The following refractive errors can be corrected (exceptions may apply):

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Up to -12.00 diopters
Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): Up to +6.50 diopters
Astigmatism: Up to 5.00 diopters

Laser Vision Correction with LASIK Edmonton and Northern Alberta

During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the outer layers of the cornea by the Visumax Femtosecond laser. This circular flap stays attached to the cornea by a small hinge of tissue. The flap is then lifted, and an Excimer Laser is used to reshape the exposed middle layer of the cornea, called the stroma. 

​Flap Creation with the Femtosecond Laser:

The Visumax Femtosecond laser creates a flap using multiple short pulses. These pulses are so close together that they create an almost complete separation of the flap from the rest of the cornea, but they do not actually lift the flap. If the flap pattern is judged to be complete and satisfactory, a delicate separation of the flap is performed with a few gentle manipulations using a surgical instrument. 

While creating the flap, the eye is held gently with a suction cup, which exerts some pressure and causes the vision to blur momentarily. At no point during the procedure does the patient lose sight or black out.

Photoablation with the Excimer Laser:

The surgeon then positions the patient’s eye under the Excimer laser, which is programmed to remove microscopic layers of tissue from the internal part of the cornea under the flap. The cool laser beam vaporizes tissue without burning or cutting. This tissue does not completely replace itself after it is removed. Since the excimer laser light is created at a specified wavelength (193nm) that does not pass through the cornea, no other part of the eye is affected.

After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon precisely repositions the flap in its original position. Within minutes, the flap adheres to the underlying tissue.  

The laser treatment time is usually less than thirty seconds for each eye, and the whole procedure takes around 10-15 minutes for both eyes.

The cornea has amazing natural bonding qualities, which hold the flap created during the procedure in place. The edges of the flap heal over the next 12 to 48 hours. Most patients can return to work within a day or two. The healing process continues over the following weeks and months as the entire flap gains adhesive strength and the vision gradually improves. 

​Dr. Senekal will provide you with your LASIK recovery plan, including instructions on eye care as they progressively heal.

Most people looking to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, are suitable candidates for LASIK. If your eyes are healthy and your vision has been stable for over a year, LASIK surgery could be a great option for you.

During your initial eye evaluation, Dr. Senekal will measure the cornea to ensure it has enough thickness for the reshaping to achieve the desired vision correction. If the cornea is too thin or misshapen, he will advise you on other options for optimal vision correction. If you have eye diseases like glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or corneal scarring, you are likely not eligible for LASIK.

​Find out if LASIK can correct your vision

At Visionmax Eye Centre, we do a thorough eye evaluation to determine if you can expect positive results from LASIK surgery. Call our office at 780-452-4111 to schedule a consultation today.

Schedule a consultation