Can every vision defect be qualified for laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction is currently the most effective solution for all those who hope to permanently liberate themselves from the restrictions of glasses or contact lenses. However, before the surgery can be performer, it is imperative to undergo a preliminary qualifying examination.

Is the severity of the refractive error the only criterium taken into consideration during the qualifying examination which may affect the positive result of the qualification? Well, it actually is not. Although every laser has its own operating range as far as correction of particular values of refractive errors is concerned, it does not mean that the patient whose refractive error falls within the acceptable range will automatically be qualified for the procedure.

Apart from the value of the refractive error, another decisive factor is the thickness and shape of the cornea as well as certain additional eye parameters which determine how effectively the laser will work and whether it will bring the desired results.

What refractive errors can be corrected in our Centre?

Short-sightedness

The correction of short-sightedness is possible withing the range of -0.25 to -14 dioptres. Short-sighted people have difficulty seeing clearly at a further distance. Sometimes the more severe their short-sightedness is, the thinner the cornea, and if the cornea is too thin, the surgery cannot be performed. With high myopia (above 6 dioptres), abnormalities in the retina are also frequently diagnosed, which is a contraindication to a laser vision correction as well.

Far-sightedness

This refractive error can be corrected with laser if it falls within the range of +0.25 to +6 dioptres. People who suffer from far-sightedness do not see well objects which are located at a medium and close distance (e.g. the text in a book they are reading or on a computer screen while they are working). Far-sightedness is often mistaken for presbyopia (a natural physiological process which occurs when the intraocular lens loses the accommodation ability), which gradually develops in all people over the age of 40.

Astigmatism

There are several types of astigmatism, hence the different notation – the value marked with a plus and/or minus. Its correction is possible from 0.25 to 6 dioptres. Astigmatism manifests itself with blurry vision, both at close and further distance.

What vision defects cannot be corrected with laser vision correction?

In some cases abnormal vision does not result from a vision defect, but it is caused by completely different factors, including:

• Amblyopia: impaired vision causes a specific condition that interferes with the development of binocular visual acuity in childhood. If it is properly diagnosed in childhood,
  there is a possibility of improving vision by properly stimulating the visually impaired eye, thus forcing it to work. The correction of amblyopia in adults is no longer possible, which means full visual acuity will never be reached, even with the most carefully chosen correction.
• Presbyopia: frequently mistaken for far-sightedness or astigmatism. It develops after the age of 40-45. It manifests itself with difficulty seeing clearly at close distance and it is connected with progressing loss of elasticity by the intraocular lens.
• Glaucoma: progressive eye disease in which there is an atrophy of the optic nerve. Patients suffering from glaucoma often complain of a decrease in the field of vision (as if they were looking through a keyhole). The main factor affecting the development of the disease is too high intraocular pressure. It appears more often in people with genetic tendencies. It is a relative contraindication to a laser vision correction procedure.
• Cataract: deterioration of general vision which cannot be corrected by any method, caused by clouding of the lens of the eye. This disease can be congenital or develop for many years. It is a contraindication to laser vision correction until it is operated on.
• Keratoconus: progressive eye disease caused by thinning of the cornea and its protrusion in any part (central/pericentral). Untreated keratoconus constitutes a contraindication to a laser vision correction surgery.

Do you have a vision defect? Are you considering undergoing a laser vision correction? You can make an appointment for a preliminary qualifying examination by submitting a filled-in preliminary qualification form available online. During the examination an ophthalmic surgeon will evaluate the possibility of performing the laser vision correction procedure and will choose the most suitable correction method for you. If you choose a one-day procedure (the examination and surgery on the same day) you will save both time and money as we will deduct the cost of the qualifying examination from the price of the bilateral procedure!  

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