Services / Ophthalmological surgeries / Laser vision correction

Laser vision correction

GENERAL INFORMATION

Refractive error is the inability of the eye to form a properly focused image on the macula (the central part of the retina). The light enters the eye and is focused either before reaching the retina, or behind the retina, which is why objects up close or at a distance appear blurry.

The most important refractive errors include:

Hyperopia (farsightedness) – a refractive error in which the retina is too close to the lens and cornea, so that light rays do not intersect and a sharp image is not formed.
Myopia (shortsightedness) – a refractive error related to the improper structure of the eye, causing light rays converge before they reach the retina. As a result, a sharp image is formed where there are no light-sensitive cells, and what reaches the retina is already out-of-focus image.
Astigmatism – a refractive error in which, due to the disturbed symmetry of the eye, rays refract differently in the vertical plane and in the horizontal plane. The result is a blurring of the image to one side and distorted vision, such as deformations of straight lines.
Presbyopia – a progressive decline with age in the ability of the lens to accommodate due to loss of its elasticity. As a result, the ability to see up close, read or view small objects is impaired.

Refractive errors can be corrected in various ways:

corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses,
laser vision correction,
refractive lens exchange surgery.

The method of correction is selected individually, depending on the type and size of the error, as well as the age of the patient. The advantage of the surgery is that we can get rid of the refractive error for good.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Qualification for laser vision correction surgery

The laser vision correction is performed when the organ of vision is fully developed and the refractive error is stable. Ideal candidates are aged 21 to 45.
If you decide to undergo laser vision correction, you have to make an appointment for a pre-assessment, during which our ophthalmologist will perform all the necessary tests before qualifying you for the procedure.
During the preoperative assessment, after performing a series of diagnostic tests, our research and diagnostic coordinator together with the ophthalmic surgeon recommend the most recommended type of refractive surgery. They take into account the results of diagnostic tests, the structure of the patient’s eyeball, their age, as well as the patient’s expectations regarding the procedure and its results.

Important! Do not wear contact lenses for 4 weeks prior to the qualifying tests.

Pre-operative assessment is preceded by a series of tests that will very precisely determine the refractive error. They include:

refraction and visual acuity assessment before and after dilatation,
keratometry,
corneal topography,
measurement of pupil width (pupillometry)
measurement of corneal thickness (pachymetry),
assessment of tear quality and composition, ocular ultrasound,
evaluation of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye,
measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry),
assessment of the iridocorneal angle (gonioscopy),
visual field test
OCT.

All these tests take about 3 hours.

Kalkulator MediRaty

What exactly is laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction involves correcting the shape of the cornea using a laser so as to achieve the correct focus of light on the retina, which is where a clear image is formed.

Which refractive errors can be corrected by laser vision correction surgery?

Refractive surgery can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. After a proper ophthalmological examination, the surgeon selects the appropriate method of surgery, individually for each patient.

Methods of laser vision correction

At the Retina Ophthalmological Outpatient Clinic and Hospital we perform the following procedures:

– Smart Lasek,

– Smart EBK,

– Smart Trans PRK.

The above methods involve the removal of the top layer of the cornea, i.e. the epithelium, the cornea stroma (substantia propria) is modeled with a laser.

These methods are very safe, as they do not break the continuity of the eye wall. They do, however, give discomfort for a few days after the procedure. They can be successfully used for people who practice contact sports, such as martial arts.

‘Smart’ means that the above methods are less invasive, minimize the risk of complications, require a shorter postoperative recovery time and ensure reduced postoperative pain.

The doctor recommends the method that promises the best outcome for the patient.

What kind of laser do we use to perform laser vision correction in the Retina?

At our Center we perform laser vision correction with the German Schwind maris 500E excimer laser. It is one of the most modern lasers used for ophthalmic surgeries, including laser vision correction procedures.

How the Schwind Amaris 500 E laser differs from other lasers:

it is equipped with ‘smart’ technology,
it fully controls head and eye movements during the procedure,
the procedure can be completed on the following day,
the time of the whole procedure is much shorter than when performed with a regular laser.

Contraindications for laser vision correction

general – age under 21 and over 60, pregnancy or breastfeeding, taking steroids, connective tissue diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immune declines, allergies, active infections, and implanted pacemakers
ophthalmologic – continually increasing refractive error, high degenerative myopia, unoperated cataract, glaucoma, retinal diseases, corneal cone, nystagmus, ocular vascular diseases

Risks of laser vision correction surgery

The risk associated with laser vision correction surgery is low, as it is under 1%. Complications usually involve post-operative infections related to the patient’s failure to follow the instructions given by the attending physician after the surgery.

What does laser vision correction surgery involve?

The surgery is performed in operating room conditions, in compliance with the highest standards and sterility. The patient’s eyeballs are anesthetized with ophthalmic drops. If the patient is highly stressed, the surgeon may also administer mild sedatives.

After administering anesthesia, the surgeon places metal eyelid speculum in the eye and positions the laser arm directly over the operated eye.

The laser operates several seconds and the procedure is completely painless. Both eyes are operated on during one surgery session.

The entire procedure, including the resting time after the surgery, takes about 2-3 hours.
Recovery is different for each patient and it depends on the method that was used, but usually a few days after the surgery patients can return to their daily activities. The vision may not be perfect for some time. To facilitate healing we place a bandage contact lens over the eye.
For a few days after the procedure there might be discomfort in the form of a gritty or stingy sensation.
After the procedure the patient should not use public transport, and should be escorted home by an adult companion.
For 24 hours after anesthesia the patient cannot drive, operate dangerous equipment or drink alcohol.
After the surgery the face should not be immersed in water and the eye should be kept dry, as this can lead to infection. For 3 weeks caution should be exercised when bathing, until the wound becomes watertight.
For 2-3 weeks after the surgery patients should abstain from doing work that requires a lot of physical effort (e,g., moving heavy furniture or lifting over 15 kilograms).
On sunny days patients should wear sunglasses.
It can take up to several weeks for visual acuity to stabilize after laser correction surgery.
During recovery, patients should attend follow-up appointments and follow doctor’s instructions.