Laser & RLE Vision Correction in Saskatoon

AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK), LASIK and refractive lens exchange, explained clearly.

Clearer vision, with less dependence on glasses

The right option depends on your prescription, your corneas, your age and how you use your eyes. We assess your eyes in detail and recommend what suits you, or tell you honestly if nothing does.

Three decades of laser vision correction

Laser vision correction began on the surface of the eye, moved under a flap, and has now come back to the surface in a more advanced form.

Early 1990s
The PRK era
- An excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface
- No flap needed; a new era in vision correction begins
Late 1990s
LASIK arrives
- A thin corneal flap made with a blade
- Faster visual recovery and rapid growth in popularity
2000s
Bladeless & custom
- Flaps made with a laser instead of a blade
- Wavefront mapping for more personalized treatments
2010s
Back to the surface
- Renewed interest in no-flap treatment
- Popular for active lifestyles and thinner corneas
Today
Full circle: AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK)
- An advanced form of PRK
- Treatments guided by detailed maps of your eye, with high-speed eye tracking
- No flap, so flap complications can’t occur
Dr. Conlon recommends AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK) for most patients. Here’s why ↓

Dr. Conlon’s recommendation: AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK)

For patients who are suitable for laser vision correction, Dr. Conlon recommends AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK) for most patients. Surface laser has a long track record, and in Dr. Conlon’s experience it offers a high degree of safety.

The main reason is that ASL (PRK) doesn’t involve cutting a flap in the cornea. With no flap, flap-related problems, such as a flap shifting after an eye injury, wrinkles in the flap or cells growing under it, can’t happen.

Because no flap is cut, more of the cornea’s natural strength is preserved. This lowers the risk of the cornea weakening and bulging over time (called ectasia), a rare but serious complication after LASIK.

The trade-off is a slower, less comfortable first few days. LASIK remains a good option for some patients, and we’ll talk through both with you.

Your options

AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK)

Often considered for: most nearsighted and astigmatic prescriptions, including thinner corneas and active lifestyles or contact sports.

No flap; the surface layer heals naturally
About one week off work
Vision improves over days to weeks

Learn about ASL (PRK) →

LASIK

Often considered for: some adults with a stable prescription and healthy corneas of adequate thickness.

A thin flap is made, then laid back in place
Many return to desk work in 1–3 days
Contact sports after at least a month, with eye protection

Refractive lens exchange (RLE)

Often considered for: people over about 45, farsightedness, or early near-vision changes.

Natural lens replaced with an implant
Also prevents future cataracts

Risks

All laser vision correction carries risk, including dry eye, glare or halos, under- or over-correction, infection and, rarely, loss of vision. ASL (PRK) also carries a small risk of corneal haze, and you’ll use eye drops for a period while your eye heals. Your individual risks are discussed at your consultation.

Experience you can trust

Dr. M. Ronan Conlon, Medical Director, has 30 years of experience in refractive surgery and more than 40,000 procedures.

For referring doctors: Dr. Conlon recommends AdvancedSurf Laser (PRK) for most suitable patients. With no flap, flap complications can’t occur, and more corneal strength is preserved, which lowers the risk of ectasia. LASIK remains an option for some patients.

Meet Dr. Conlon →