Leaders in Cataract surgery & lifestyle lenses

Our philosophy

Dr. Blaylock has been performing cataract surgery for over 20 years, with tens of thousands of successful procedures to his credit.

We are proud to offer you the industry’s most advanced technologies – and are committed to upgrading as technology evolves, for the best and safest possible outcomes. In fact, we were one of the very first eye centres in Western Canada to introduce technologies such as suture-less cataract surgery, foldable lens implants, bifocal lifestyle lenses and micro-incision cataract surgery and torsional phacoemulsification to our patients. We can even offer you cataract surgey on both eyes at the same time, to minimize time from work or other activites.

Lifestyle Lenses – address all your vision issues at once

Are you concerned that cataracts will interfere with your active lifestyle? Not sure that the standard rigid lenses are really for you? We offer all the best lifestyle lenses that may eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses.

You do not need a referral from your Family Physician or Optometrist to be assessed for cataract surgery.

We will carefully evaluate your eyes to determine if you have any underlying conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, glaucoma or retinal problems.

Cataract surgery involves replacing your natural lens with one of several lifestyle lenses.

We will discuss all the lifestyle lenses that you may be a candidate for and help you make an informed decision on which lens implant will be best suited for your needs.

Do you have cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma?

Ask about :

iStents

iStents is a smart little procedure, performed during cataract surgery or refractive lensectomy, that may significantly improve the control of glaucoma and reduce the need for topical glaucoma eye drops.

Do you have cataracts, but have had Lasik or PRK?

This is often clinically much more complicated. Trust VLEC. We specialize in the latest technologies to give you the best possible outcomes in this situation. The ultimate solution, for people who have had Lasik or PRK, and have now developed cataracts, is just around the corner, stay tuned. You will need to discuss your options with Dr. Blaylock.

Did you know?

VLEC offers a number of procedures, similar to cataract surgery, for other eye conditions. We remove the natural lens of the eye so that you will never develop cataracts as you age:

The Restore vision procedure™

The latest technology and fast becoming the preferred refractive procedure for people with poor reading vision.

The Blaylock Procedure™

A unique method of correcting distance, intermediate and near vision – all at once.

Refractive Lensectomy

For those who are extremely far- or nearsighted, or have presbyopia – but are not candidates for laser eye surgery or phakic IOL’s.

Get it done quickly in our state-of-the art private surgical facility

If you want the most advanced technology available and a quicker appointment, Dr. Blaylock is pleased to perform your cataract surgery at Valley Laser Eye Centre within 2 to 4 weeks of your consultation. Surgery and basic lens are covered by your BC or Alberta provincial health plan. You pay only a private fee for the advanced refractive technology and lifestyle lenses that are not insured by your provincial health plan. For patients that are travelling, we are able to assess and perform surgery within 24-48 hours.

In-hospital surgery

Dr. Blaylock also offers cataract surgery in a public hospital facility within 3-5 months of your appointment. Cataract surgery with a rigid lens implant in the public healthcare system is fully covered by your BC or Alberta provincial health plan. If you opt for special lifestyle lenses, you will only be charged for those lenses. Unfortunately many of our advanced technologies are not available in our public hospitals.

You will not need a referral from your family physician, or your optometrist, for a cataract assessment with Dr. Blaylock.

What your surgeon will do

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Dr Blaylock will make a small incision in the cornea and construct an opening into the cataract (cloudy lens). The cataract is then removed with ultrasound and aspiration and an artificial lens is implanted into the eye, which will remain with you for your lifetime.

Cataracts FAQs

	How long does it take?
	The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes per eye.
	Does it hurt?
	Cataract surgery is usually painless.
	How long do I have to stay at VLEC after surgery?
	After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area. Once comfortable and feeling well, you will be discharged home, usually after about 30 minutes.
	Do I need to be accompanied?
	Yes, on the day of surgery and for your follow-up exam 24 hours after surgery, you need to be accompanied by a companion.
	Do I need follow-up exams?
	Yes. You must be seen at VLEC for your first 24 hour follow-up appointment. Then, you must be examined at two weeks and six weeks. These visits may be done at our center or with your local eye care physician.
	What is my recovery time?
	Once you arrive home, rest and sleep as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Please use your prescribed eye medications as directed during the post-op period. You can return to work the following week. Do not rub your eye for one week after surgery.
	What if my vision is still blurred?
	Please keep in mind that there is an adjustment period and it can take up to six months, or even longer, for some patients to achieve their ultimate visual expectation, following the lens implant procedure. Some patients (5-10 %) may want laser refractive surgery to correct any residual refraction. This can be performed 3-4 months following the initial procedure. We will reduce the fee by 50% if you are a candidate for laser refractive surgery enhancement and underwent your cataract surgery with us.