YOUR REFRACTIVE OPTIONS
At The Straits Eye Centre, refractive care begins with understanding what your eyes can comfortably support. Only then do these options become meaningful. This page gives you a calm, clear way to explore them before your suitability assessment.
YOUR OPTIONS
Choosing between SMILE, PRK and ICL does not begin with the name of a procedure. It begins with learning how your eyes behave day to day. Your corneal structure, dryness patterns, prescription history and retina shape which pathways are safe and comfortable for you.
At The Straits Eye Centre, your evaluation is never rushed. We explain each detail with clarity so your decisions feel steady and well understood.
ICL
Implantable Collamer Lens
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No laser or corneal tissue removal
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Collamer lens placed behind the iris
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Reversible, long-term vision correction
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Ideal for high myopia or thin corneas
SMILE
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
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Flapless laser procedure
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~2 mm corneal incision
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Preferred by active lifestyles individuals
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For moderate myopia & mild astigmatism
PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy
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Flapless, surface-based laser procedure
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Outer corneal layer gently removed
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Often chosen for thinner corneas
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Recommended when LASIK or SMILE are not suitable
Have You Noticed Changes in Your Vision?
If you rely on glasses or contact lenses for daily activities, refractive surgery could be an option to achieve clearer vision and greater freedom.
Blurry or Cloudy Vision
If your vision isn’t sharp even with glasses or contact lenses, you may benefit from a vision correction procedure.
Glare and Light Sensitivity
Bright lights, night driving glare, or halos around lights may be reduced with certain refractive surgeries.
Frequent Changes in Glasses
If your prescription changes often, an assessment can determine if you’re suitable for a long-term vision correction.
Difficulty with Daily Tasks
Challenges in work, sports, or travel due to reliance on glasses can be addressed through refractive surgery.
Where Your Journey Begins
Refractive care is not a single moment. It is a series of steady steps that help you understand your eyes, explore your options and move forward only when the time feels right. At The Straits Eye Centre, your journey is designed to be calm, thoughtful and guided with clear attention to your long-term comfort.
STEP ONE
A Screening Close to Home
Your journey begins at any of our community clinics in Bedok, Clementi, Toa Payoh or Parkway East.
A simple screening introduces you to your eye health and whether refractive correction is worth exploring further.
You meet a clinician who listens, studies your eyes with care and explains what they observe.
STEP THREE
A Calm, Guided Conversation
Once your evaluation is complete, we walk through your options together.
SMILE, PRK and ICL each support different eye profiles. There is no rush to decide, your surgeon explains why certain methods may suit your eyes, what each pathway involves and how each aligns with your daily routine and visual needs. This conversation helps you reach clarity at your own pace.
STEP FIVE
Your Procedure Day
Your procedure takes place at our specialist centres. Every step is explained to you in advance so the day feels structured and calm.
Expect clear guidance from your clinical team at a steady pace in an environment built for focus and comfort. Your surgeon remains with you throughout the journey.
STEP TWO
A Detailed Evaluation
If your screening suggests that refractive correction may be worth considering, your next step takes place at Camden Medical Centre or Parkway East.
This is where we study the details that shape suitability. Your surgeon explains each finding in a way that makes sense to you. By the end, you understand how your eyes behave and which pathways may support them comfortably.
STEP FOUR
Planning at a Pace That Feels Right
If you choose to move forward, planning continues with the same steady guidance with sour surgeon reviews, measurements, corneal behaviour, prescription history, and lifestyle considerations. Everything is shaped around the comfort and long-term needs of your eyes.
You move forward only when you feel ready.
STEP SIX
Aftercare and Follow-Up
After your procedure, we continue to see you. Your follow-up visits are designed to make sure your eyes are healing as expected and that you feel confident about the next steps. We will monitor your comfort level, surface healing, dryness patterns, prescription changes and long-term stability.
This continuity is an essential part of refractive care at The Straits Eye Centre.
Why This Journey Matters
Refractive care is rarely about one decision. It is about understanding your eyes well enough to make choices that feel steady, safe and sustainable.
REDUCE UNCERTAINTY
Understand your eyes before deciding.
INCREASE CLARITY
Know what each option involves.
GUIDE WITHOUT PRESSURE
Move forward only when ready.
LONG-TERM COMFORT
Plan with future eye health in mind.
Every step exists for a reason, and each one helps your next decision feel more grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about refractive surgeries.