Water sports are my passion. Find out a patient’s story

I have always liked sports, and since I moved to the coast as a student I have been completely engrossed in water sports. The more extreme they were, the better. It turned out that I have a real talent, especially when it comes to surfing. Wakeboard, windsurfing, kitesurfing – this was it! The passion slowly became a specialisation, but there was still one obstacle on the way to full satisfaction from taken up sports challenges, namely a refractive error.

Unfortunately, I have worn glasses since childhood – I was short-sighted with a refractive error of almost -3 dioptres in both eyes, which made surfing the waves extremely difficult. Obviously I started looking for the best solution to my frustrating problem. I tried wearing corrective sports glasses, but they did not provide much greater comfort either. Such glasses limit the visual field, and on top of this they can fog up at times and they are also pretty expensive, especially when I lost a pair in the sea nearly every year.

I also wore contact lenses – the one-day type as any other lenses are absolutely unsuitable. I must admit that it was significant expenditure as well, but you can go to really great lengths to pursue your passion, can’t you? Everything was going well and I was glad to have found such a solution – until I caught a serious eye infection. My ophthalmologist explained to me then how dangerous it is for the eyes to swim in contact lenses. It turns out that the bacteria which are usually found in the water may get into the space between the cornea and the lens. Normally the micro-organisms would be rinsed off by lacrimal fluid, yet when I had contact lenses on, my eyes had no chance to get rid of the bacteria at all.

The ophthalmologist, understanding my problem, encouraged me to consider undergoing a laser vision correction surgery. I had heard about the procedure before, but I believed it was very serious and risky. As soon as the doctor dispelled my apprehension I started searching for an ophthalmological clinic which offers laser vision correction. Then I made an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination. I was very happy when it turned out there were no contraindications to the surgery. I had laser vision correction on the very same day as I had chosen a so-called one-day-procedure mode.

Was it worth it? It certainly was! It is always worth trying to fulfil one’s dreams and do what you love most. After a laser vision correction surgery I caught the wave like a real windsurfer!

Laser vision correction is a perfect solution when we not only want to but simply must get rid of our vision defect. Among the patients of The ArtLife clinic in Gdansk there are many sports people as well as those who are determined to get their dream job, such as a police officer, firefighter or pilot. A single short and painless procedure can change the future of everyone who does not want to accept the limitations caused by their refractive error.

If you are one of such people, call us or use a special form under the Contact tab. You can also fill in an online Preliminary qualification form to check if laser vision correction is a suitable solution for you. If you have already made the decision to undergo the procedure, make an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination. Provided you have been qualified for the surgery, you can have it on the day of the examination as we offer a One day procedure mode.

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