Myths about laser vision correction – Part 4

Laser vision correction is a topic surrounded by many opinions and stories that are often shared by friends or found online. Unfortunately, these are not always consistent with medical facts.

We also encourage you to read the previous parts of our myth-busting series:  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

“If you have a high refractive error, it cannot be corrected with laser surgery.”

A positive outcome of the qualification assessment depends primarily on the parameters of the cornea. While the level of refractive error is also important, it is not the only determining factor. It is also worth clarifying what is meant by a “high refractive error” – for myopia and hyperopia, values above 6 dioptres are generally considered high.

Lasers have defined technical parameters; however, based on the results of your eye examination, the ophthalmic surgeon will decide on the most appropriate method of laser vision correction. These may include SBK LASIK, Femto LASIK, TransPRK, LASEK or CLEAR/SMILE.

The higher the refractive error, the greater the likelihood of a cornea that is too thin. In some cases, combined procedures with cross-linking, are used to reduce the risk of complications such as ectasia. However, if the cornea is too thin, laser vision correction may not be possible. All of this must be carefully assessed during the pre-operative qualification examination for laser vision correction.

“After laser vision correction, you can never wear contact lenses again.”

If your refractive error has been fully corrected, there is no need to use contact lenses. However, if a small residual error remains (for example, one that is intentionally left during the qualification process in cases of very high refractive error), or if presbyopia develops, patients may still use contact lenses – provided they find this form of correction more convenient than glasses.

Laser vision correction changes the shape of the cornea, but it does not exclude the possibility of wearing contact lenses after the procedure.

“Laser vision correction is only for young people.”

Age itself is not a contraindication for the procedure. However, patients over the age of 40 should be aware that presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness) naturally develops. This is associated with the need to use reading glasses or other forms of near-vision correction.

It is an age-related physiological process that also affects those who have never had a refractive error before.

“I have astigmatism. Laser surgery cannot treat it.”

Astigmatism is a refractive error, not a disease. In everyday vision correction, cylindrical lenses or toric contact lenses are used.

Laser vision correction allows astigmatism of up to 6 dioptres to be corrected, regardless of whether it occurs on its own or in combination with myopia or hyperopia.

“After laser vision correction, you cannot have a natural birth.”

The mode of delivery is primarily determined by the condition of the retina, assessed during an ophthalmological examination during pregnancy. A higher risk of complications concerns women with high myopia, regardless of whether they have previously undergone laser vision correction.

The laser vision correction procedure itself does not affect the possibility of natural childbirth – it acts only on the surface of the cornea and does not interfere with the deeper structures of the eye.

Are you considering laser vision correction? Remember that the most important step is a thorough pre-operative qualification examination. Based on its results, the ophthalmic surgeon determines whether the procedure is suitable and which method would be most appropriate.
If you are wondering whether this treatment is right for you, you can complete the preliminary qualification form. After reviewing your answers, we will inform you whether there are any contraindications to the procedure.

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