Are you considering a laser vision correction surgery? Part II

Here is the continuation of the article about the most common myths regarding laser vision correction. Check what we myths we have mentioned in the first part

1. “The procedure should not be performed in the summer”

The season of the year itself does not constitute any contraindication to the surgery. However, during the summer it may seem more difficult to follow certain post-operative guidelines, such as avoiding swimming in natural water reservoirs or pools. Patients should also stay away from dusty environments and protect the eyes so that no foreign body gets inside. For most people taking such precautions is not a problem but merely a matter of planning the holiday period appropriately.

2. “Following the surgery you are excluded from normal life”

A laser vision correction procedure ends with, at most, the application of a contact lens, a dressing lens, with zero power, which is only intended to protect the cornea from external factors. It is removed by the doctor during the first follow-up visit (a day or a week after surgery).

The effect of the correction is visible almost immediately, which is why the patient no longer needs glasses or lenses after the procedure. In addition to possible discomfort, which varies depending on the method, there are no other symptoms of "exclusion from life". In case of an SBK LASIK method returning to work, for instance in the office, is possible practically as soon as the next day after the surgery, and up to a week in case of LASEK and TransPRK methods.

3. “It is necessary to undergo the procedure on an empty stomach”

Laser vision correction is an outpatient surgery, performed under local anaesthesia (eye drops), and not under general anaesthesia, (narcosis). There is no need for the patient to be on an empty stomach on the day of the procedure as there are no medical indications for this. On the contrary, it is recommended to have a meal beforehand so as not to not to expose the body to weakness and prepare the stomach for the reception of oral medications which are administered before the procedure.

4. “I had the surgery many years ago and after the age of forty the refractive error reappeared.”

It is a common misconception to mistake so-called presbyopia for a refractive error. If someone has undergone a laser vision correction at the age of 20-30, they will still notice the need to use reading glasses after the age of 40. Laser vision correction has nothing to do with this phenomenon as presbyopia develops in everyone around this age. It is a physiological and progressing age-related condition.

5. “After the surgery I had complications such as light sensitivity and pain”

Most of the unpleasant symptoms reported by patients following a laser vision correction surgery are ailments related to the corneal healing process and stabilisation of vision. Light sensitivity, fluctuating vision and so on are all symptoms which may occur for as long as six months after the procedure and are related to the healing process.

Laser vision correction, like any other surgical procedure, entails a risk of complications, although the complication rate is lower than 0,1%. Therefore it is of great importance to attend a preliminary qualifying examination during which a doctor will pre-eliminate any factors which may contribute to the development of complications. However, if the test results reveal any contraindications, the surgery will not be performed.

Complications are usually caused by the patient’s negligence – not following the doctor’s recommendations, inappropriate eye hygiene or hands hygiene before touching the area around the eyes, discontinuation of drugs administration, not attending follow-up examination appointments, etc. Such behaviour may lead to eye infections, which will have to be treated with antibiotics. Infection treatment, however, does not affect vision.

If we have omitted an issue that interests you, please visit the FAQ tab. If, despite this, you have not found the answer to your questions, please call us or send us an email.

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