Are you considering a laser vision correction surgery? Part I

While looking for answers to your questions regarding the procedure, you may frequently come across information from people who have never undergone the surgery or have never even been qualified after the preliminary examination.

This information might unnecessarily stress you and discourage you from taking the decision to have the surgery.

1. „A more expensive method is better”

A laser vision correction procedure is always preceded by a thorough qualifying examination. The examination takes approximately one hour and comprises a number of specialist eye and eyesight tests as well as taking a detailed medical history of the patient. On the basis of all the tests results the ophthalmic surgeon assesses the possibility of performing the procedure and suggests the most suitable correction method.

It means that the most important factor determining the choice of the method is not only the price, but most importantly medical indications resulting from patient’s individual features (such as particular eye parameters, general health condition and lifestyle).

2. „My refractive error has not been corrected completely, so I want to repeat the procedure”

The result of the examination performed with an objective refractometer (computer eyesight examination) estimates only approximate optical correction (power of glasses or contact lenses), which can be performed. This result on a computer printout does not fully reflect the patient’s actual visual acuity.

An appropriate choice of the correction method is based mostly on a subjective examination performed with an eye chart containing symbols. After a laser vision correction surgery the patient can see the symbols as clearly as in the best chosen glasses during the qualifying examination but without glasses or contact lenses.

Laser vision correction consists in proper modelling of the cornea with a laser beam, which involves a change in its thickness (depending on the vision defect being removed). Corneal thickness is evaluated before a prospective procedure during a qualifying examination. If the value is too low, the patient cannot be qualified for the surgery.

3. „A friend of mine with identical refractive error had the surgery and I was disqualified from the procedure”

Each patient who attends a qualifying examination has different health predispositions – refractive error, thickness and curvature of the cornea, diagnosed eye diseases and general health condition.

The refractive error itself is not the only factor determining the qualification result. For instance, two persons with the same degree of short-sightedness may have different corneal parameters (such as corneal thickness), which is why one person may not be qualified for the procedure if their corneal thickness is too thin in proportion to the refractive error which needs to be corrected.

4. „I will undergo the surgery in a clinic which has the best laser equipment and offers me a guarantee”

According to law, no medical service is covered by warranty. Neither a doctor nor a medical facility where medical procedures are performed have legal right to offer warranty on particular treatment results.

The doctor’s responsibility is to strive to achieve the best possible treatment results; however, every patient the same treatment may bring different results in particular patients due to their individual features. The result of a laser vision correction surgery depends to a large extent on the patient, since the treatment does not end at the correction procedure itself. It also comprises the administration of medications in the form of eye drops for a recommended period of time (usually about a month), attending scheduled follow-up medical appointments and following the doctor’s guidelines.

Laser equipment in particular clinics may differ in terms of brand, range of refractive errors possible to be corrected and various technical options, yet the patient is not able to verify which one is “the best”. The final effect of the procedure is determined largely by the precision of information gathered during the qualifying examination, on the basis of which the ophthalmic surgeon programmes the laser.

When choosing the clinic the best solution is to take into consideration the staff’s experience and commitment as well as other patients’ opinions. You will be able to verify whether the doctor is truly committed during the first conversation at the stage of collecting information and during the preliminary qualifying examination.

Let your dreams come true and free yourself from the necessity of wearing glasses or contact lenses once and forall. In order to consult an ophthalmic surgeon submit your questions through a form available under the ASK A DOCTOR tab or make an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination, on the basis of which the doctor will be able to give you detailed answers as to your refractive error, your individual predispositions and the predicted results of the surgery. If you would like to pre-verify your eligibility for a laser vision correction procedure, fill in the online preliminary qualification form available on our website.

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