Is the effect of laser vision correction permanent?

Laser vision correction is a quick and painless way to get rid of glasses or contact lenses. The patient notices an almost immediate improvement in visual acuity right after the surgery.

During the procedure, the anterior part of the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. It enables the image to be focused on the retina, which allows the patient to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is performed once and its effect is permanent. To make sure the best possible result is obtained, the patient has to undergo a thorough qualifying examination before the surgery and the refractive error has to be stable.

During the preliminary qualifying examination, an ophthalmic surgeon chooses the most suitable correction method for the patient. Directly before the surgery, the data obtained during the examination, such as the thickness and shape of the cornea and the value of the refractive error, is entered into the laser, which guarantees a particular type of correction being performed on the eye that will give a permanent result.

The influence of the patient on the post-operative results

The patient plays a significant role in the convalescence period since a lot depends on following the post-operative recommendations and the type of lifestyle the patient leads. It is essential to respect the temporary limitations, such as avoiding staying in dusty environments, bathing in the sea, swimming pool or lake, and excessive physical effort for up to a month after the surgery.

It is crucial to closely follow the doctor’s guidelines so as to avoid any potential complications. If the patient does not use the eye drops provided by the clinic or uses them inappropriately, it may contribute to temporary vision deterioration caused by abnormalities in the corneal healing process. Additionally, inadequate eye hygiene results in the development of infection.

Laser vision correction and presbyopia

A so-called presbyopia begins to develop in every person over the age of approximately 40-45. It manifests itself in the deterioration of vision at close range – it makes it difficult to read, for example, newspapers or text on the phone or computer.

Presbyopia is a natural, progressing physiological process and there is no correlation between this process and laser vision correction. It should not be mistaken for the recurrence of a refractive error. What is more, laser correction does not prevent the necessity of using glasses for reading in the future.

Can a laser vision correction procedure be repeated?

Due to the patient’s individual features (general health condition, the value of the refractive error, lifestyle, type of job, age) after a laser vision correction surgery certain deviations from the optimal correction result. In such a case, immediately after achieving a stable correction effect (within six months after the surgery), further diagnosis is recommended in order to verify the indications and lack of contraindications to performing an enhancement procedure, not later than a year after the primary surgery. The enhancement treatment can be conducted on the condition that current corneal parameters, especially corneal thickness, allow it – the cornea may be too thin after the primary surgery to be further remodelled during the enhancement procedure. In our clinic, the number of enhancement procedures in relation to the primary surgeries is less than 1%.

To make an appointment for a one-day procedure, submit a filled-in preliminary qualification form online. Our clinic offers the following correction methods: SBK LASIK, TransPRK (StreamLight) and LASEK – our price list contains the current prices (per one eye) of particular correction methods. All the prices also include a set of medications in the form of eye drops for application during the first month after the procedure, a pair of UV glasses, a pair of eye shields to be worn at night, and the first follow-up appointment.

If you have not found the answer to your questions, use the Ask a doctor tab and submit your questions to us! Our ophthalmic surgeons will comprehensively answer all the submitted questions.

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