People now have more time to get LASIK, observes Asian Eye Institute’s Dr. Robert AngLasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a popular surgery performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even presbyopia.

Dr. Robert Ang, Asian Eye Institute refractive/LASIK service director and glaucoma specialist, says: “These eye conditions cause blurry vision. Normally, you only have to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to see better, but others find it inconvenient performing daily tasks and doing their hobbies like watching TV. Some also shared how hard and uncomfortable it can be, especially in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve heard stories about glasses often getting fogged up while wearing a mask, the discomfort of wearing goggles or a face shield over glasses, and the need to disinfect glasses regularly since it serves as protection. For contact lens wearers, there’s a risk of virus transmission if you keep touching your eyes when you wear or remove your contact lenses daily. To avoid the hassles, risks and inconveniences of eyeglass or contact lens wear, they turn to LASIK,” he explains.

But an important question is: Is now a good time to get LASIK surgery?

According to Ang, it’s actually a great idea.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of patients coming for LASIK since the lockdowns were gradually lifted. Before the COVID-19 crisis, everyone was busy with work, school and traveling. Even if they were interested in having LASIK, they just didn’t have time. Now, many people are on a work from home arrangement. Students are doing online classes. So, they have more time for screening and surgery as well as healing and recovery. Plus, we’ve limited the number of patients we see in a day to maintain social distancing. Patients move along faster now, from screening to the actual surgery.”

Asian Eye also takes patients’ safety and well-being seriously. Apart from the usual measures like taking temperatures, hand sanitation and COVID-19 screening, machines, exam rooms, waiting areas and surgery rooms are disinfected thoroughly and more frequently.

More importantly, Asian Eye’s LASIK room and other operating rooms are equipped with a laminar airflow system with HEPA filter. It’s one of the few stand-alone eye centers in the country with this system.

“Through this system, viruses, bacteria and fungi are effectively reduced or significantly eliminated. So the air that goes around the laser room is clean,” says Ang.

Asian Eye’s main and surgical facility is located in Rockwell Center, Makati. Ang notes: “Location- wise, it’s very ideal. Patients don’t have to worry about getting exposed to big crowds or sick patients. We’re also able to minimize doctors’ exposure to other patients since we’re all exclusive to Asian Eye, meaning that we don’t rotate in hospitals or other institutions.”

To get the best possible visual outcome, find a LASIK provider you can trust and be comfortable with. Price can be a consideration, but make sure to do research about your doctor and the eye center.

Interested in LASIK? Get 15% off when you book your LASIK screening and surgery from July 1 to September 30, 2020. Call 8898-2020 or 0918-8982020, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To get to know Dr. Robert Ang, visit asianeyeinstitute. com/patient-ser vices/themedical-team.