Refractive Surgery

General FAQs

1. What Refractive Surgeries do we offer at SNEC Laser Vision Centre?

Our centre offers a comprehensive suite of services to meet your needs including:

• LASIK

• LASIK Xtra™
  

• SMILE^® pro
  

• Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) - LASEK

• Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) - StreamLight™ TransPRK

• Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
  

Our Patient Liaison Officers will be happy to assist you with a consultation with our experienced surgeons within 2 weeks, based on appointments availability. 

You may contact us and we will get back to you within 3 working day.

2. Am I eligible for LASIK?

• Minimum 21 years with myopia of between -1.50 diopters to -15.00 diopters; astigmatism of between -0.50 to -4.00 diopters or hyperopia of between +1.00 to +5.00 diopters

• Have a stable refraction for at least 1.5 years

• Healthy eyes with no significant medical conditions such as Cataract, Glaucoma or any retina diseases

• Not pregnant

• Not breastfeeding for the past 6 months
  

Ultimately, your suitability will depend on your unique needs and eligibility, as well as the surgeon’s recommendation during the pre-operative consultation and suitability assessment.

3. What are the tests that I will be undergoing during the pre-operative suitability assessment?

Details of pre-operative consultation and standard suitability assessment:

At the end of the assessment, our surgeons will advise you on your suitability and ideal procedure for you based on the results. The entire assessment may take between 3 to 4 hours.

The assessment and surgery will take place on separate dates. This is due to the dilation of the eyes on pre-operative assessment day.

5. What do I need to prepare before my surgery date?

Please abstain from wearing the hard/rigid gas permeable lenses for 2 weeks and the soft lenses for 1 week prior to the appointment. We advise our patients not to drive to and from SNEC. In addition, make-up, deodorant and fragrances should also be avoided as they may affect the surgery procedure. No fasting is required.

6. How long will the surgery last?

The LASIK procedure is painless and will take about 15 minutes per eye to complete. It is performed as an outpatient procedure.  There is no need to be admitted to the hospital. 

7. What are the common side effects post-surgery?

Some of the common visual side effects post-surgery are:

These symptoms are generally temporary and will subside over time. Our surgeons will be able to advise on your individual risk factors after the pre-operative assessment.

8. How long is the recovery period?

Following the LASIK procedure, you will be given a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare. Recovery is quick, with good functional vision within 24 hours.  Patients often see well enough to return to work or their daily routine the day after the post operative review. Continue to avoid  eye make-up for 1 week and watersports and/ contact sports for at least 1 month. Antibiotic and steroid eye drops will be given and are needed for 1 week.   

9. Can I use Medisave for my LASIK treatment?

As the Ministry of Health (MOH) has classified LASIK treatment as a cosmetic procedure, there is currently no subsidy for the procedure and Medisave cannot be used  to make payment.

10. What are the available modes of payment and are instalment plans available?

The various payment modes available are cash, NETS, debit or credit cards. You may also choose to pay your surgical fees by 0% instalment plan over 12 months if you are a member of any locally issued VISA/Master credit card of DBS, POSB, UOB and OCBC. 

On the day of surgery, our staff will arrange for your application with your bank. Kindly ensure sufficient credit limit.