Myths about laser vision correction — Part 3

The questions asked by the candidates for a laser vision correction surgery have inspired us to create another article regarding myths about this procedure.

We also encourage you to read Part 1 and Part 2.

1. “It is possible to lose sight during the procedure!”

Laser vision correction involves reshaping the surface of the cornea with the use of an excimer laser. It allows the image to be properly focused on the retina. For the patient it means good visual acuity and permanent correction results.

The procedure does not affect the deeper parts of the eye, including the nerves, which means that there is no risk of losing your eyesight.

2. “Migraine headaches appeared many years after the laser vision correction procedure.”

By definition, migraine is a specific type of primary, i.e. spontaneous, headache. It is not related to any other disease. This also means that it is not related to the laser vision correction procedure, as the procedure does not interfere with the nerves or the hormones.

The healing period of the cornea following the laser vision correction procedure lasts approximately one month, and the stabilisation of vision to the effect expected at the qualifying examination may take even up to six months. It depends for instance on the value of the corrected refractive error, general health condition and individual characteristics of each patient. After this time the treatment is completed.

3. “Laser vision correction accelerates the appearance of cataract.”

Cataract is an eye disease caused by clouding of the natural intraocular lens. It usually occurs with age and its appearance is favoured, among others, by diabetes or high blood sugar, steroid use, exposure to UV radiation, smoking or genetic predispositions.

Laser vision correction cannot be performed in patients who already suffer from cataract. Cataract is a contraindication to performing the laser vision correction procedure up to the moment when it has been surgically treated.

4. “The laser vision correction procedure causes Dry Eye Syndrome.”

First of all, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a contraindication to performing the laser vision correction procedure. During the qualifying examination, the ophthalmic surgeon will take a thorough medical history of the patient, including questions about any potential symptoms which may indicate this condition. Additionally, to rule out DES, they may perform Schirmer’s test.

During the convalescence period following the laser vision correction surgery, the eyes are prone to dryness, which is why it is necessary to use lubricating eye drops as frequently as it has been recommended by the ophthalmologist.

The symptoms of DES may be confused with simple eye fatigue. It is worth remembering that they may also occur when we spend too much time in front of a computer screen as it makes us blink less often and hence leads to the tear film disorders. Factors contributing to the appearance of DES include: hormonal changes, long-term work in front of a computer screen, the use of contact lenses or swimming in chlorinated water.

With the emergence of new myths about laser vision correction, we will try to expand the topic. If you have not found the answer to your questions in the article, we invite you to use the ASK A DOCTOR tab on our website.

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