What is a laser vision correction procedure?

Laser vision correction is a very popular procedure all over the world. It is quick and painless, and it guarantees immediate vision improvement.

During the surgery, the surface of the cornea is remodelled with the use of an excimer laser, which enables the image to be properly focused on the retina and in consequence guarantees good visual acuity, permanent correction results, and life without glasses and contact lenses.

The whole procedure is preceded by a thorough qualifying examination to exclude any potential contraindications and be able to safely perform the surgery without exposing the patient to any complications. After the procedure, it is important to take proper care of the eyes and follow the post-operative recommendations provided by the ophthalmic surgeon.

What refractive errors can be corrected during a laser vision correction procedure?

• Short-sightedness: up to -14 dioptres
• Far-sightedness: up to +6 dioptres
• Astigmatism: up to 6 dioptres\
• A combination of the above refractive errors

The value of the refractive error is not the only factor determining the positive qualification for the procedure. It is necessary to examine the parameters of the cornea and the general condition of the eyes.

Laser vision correction does not correct amblyopia, blurry vision related to retinal degeneration or caused by diseases such as cataract, glaucoma or keratoconus.

What criteria do you have to meet to be qualified for a laser vision correction procedure?

• Appropriate age – minimum 18 years (ideally above 21 since vision is more likely to have stabilised by then).
• Stable refractive error – the patient has not replaced glasses/ contact lenses with more powerful ones for at least a year.
• Good general health condition – if patients suffer from chronic diseases, they should be under the care of a specialist doctor and take prescribed medications.
• Appropriate corneal thickness – requires assessment during the qualifying examination. If the cornea is too thin, it constitutes a contraindication to a laser vision correction procedure.
• Lack of eye diseases – if patients have cataract, glaucoma, or any other eye degenerations, they will be temporarily or permanently disqualified from a laser vision correction surgery. In some cases, a disease may be diagnosed for the first time during the qualifying examination.

Laser vision correction methods

Before an ophthalmic surgeon performs a refractive error laser correction, the cornea has to be properly prepared for the procedure. To achieve this, a suitable method has to be applied. Each of the methods has been designed to best suit the individual features of each patient’s eye structure.

A thinner cornea, high myopia, or corneal scars do not necessarily have to pose a problem. The choice of various correction methods increases the candidate’s odds of being qualified for a laser vision correction procedure and enjoying greater visual comfort in everyday life.

Our clinic offers the following correction methods: SBK LASIK, TransPRK (StreamLight) and LASEK.

Contraindications to a laser vision correction procedure

• A refractive error at a progressing stage (approximately 0,5-1D annually)
• An extremely severe error with values exceeding the laser’s operating range
• Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)
• Insufficient corneal thickness
• Corneal injuries, infections, and diseases
• Keratoconus
• Advanced glaucoma and cataract affecting vision
• Diabetes that is not properly controlled
• In case of women - pregnancy or lactation period.

Is putting on your glasses or contact lenses the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Are you tired of this everyday ritual? If so, then a laser vision correction surgery is a perfect solution for you! Make an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination in a one-day-procedure mode (examination and surgery on the same day), and let one single day change all the following mornings of your life!

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