What does preliminary examination qualifying for a laser vision correction surgery consist of?

A laser vision correction procedure is preceded by a thorough qualifying examination. Verification of specific parameters allows an ophthalmic surgeon to determine whether a given patient is eligible for the procedure and which of the correction methods is the most suitable in each case.

Why do we need a qualifying examination?

A qualifying examination has a significant impact on future post-operative results. Already at the initial stage it enables the doctor to rule out potential contraindications to the surgery which could lead to complications.

Hence, it is important to inform the doctor about all the ailments and conditions you suffer from, as well as all the medications you take and the previous surgical procedures you have undergone – it refers not only to the eyes but to the whole body as well.

What tests are performed during the examination?

Apart from taking a detailed medical history of the patient, the doctor runs a number of specialised tests including:

• distant and near visual acuity tests – an objective test with the use of autorefractometer and a subjective one with the use of the Snellen’s chart. On the basis of both of these tests an ophthalmic surgeon will be able to choose the most suitable correction method.
• intraocular pressure measurement – any deviation from the norm may be a symptom of an existing eye condition or its onset, e.g. a glaucoma, which is a contraindication to the surgery.
• examination of the ocular adnexa, i.e. the eyelids, eyelashes, lacrimal glands and orbital cavity – this test allows an ophthalmic surgeon to verify whether the patient does not suffer from any inflammation which may be a temporary contraindication to the surgery.
• measurement and analysis of the whole anterior segment of the eye – during this examination the doctor carefully analyses the condition of the cornea, which constitutes the main operating area.
• eye fundus examination – allows to assess the condition of the retina, blood vessels and the optic nerve head. It enables the diagnosis of macular degeneration (AMD).
• corneal pachymetry, i.e. corneal thickness measurement – it is a decisive examination for verifying eligibility for the procedure and choosing the most suitable correction method.
• Corneal topography (corneal mapping) – it enables to detect any potential abnormalities in the corneal shape. This examination is also used in order to diagnose keratoconus, a condition which may be a contraindication to performing a laser vision correction procedure.

What factors determine the results of the qualifying examination?

All of the above tests are essential components of the qualifying examination; however, there are additional factors which affect its results, such as:

• Lack of break from wearing contact lenses before the qualifying examination/ before the surgery – contact lenses, especially toric ones used for correcting astigmatism, may cause microdamage to the cornea or alter its shape. Check what you should know before you make an appointment for the qualifying examination.
• Chronic diseases and taking certain medications – both an untreated chronic disease and permanently taken medications may for instance disturb the functioning of the tear film or affect the corneal healing process.
• Pregnancy and lactation – a hormonal havoc typically occurring in a woman’s body during this period of life render the results of the qualifying examination to be less reliable, which in turn makes it impossible to safely perform the surgery.

In order to make an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination, submit a filled in preliminary qualification form available ONLINE or contact us using the CONTACT tab. Already at this stage you will be asked a few questions which will help to prepare better for the examination and the surgery. If you decide to choose a one-day procedure, the cost of the qualifying examination will be deducted from the cost of the bilateral surgery. In the pricelist you can always find the current prices.

Powrót