What are the contraindications to laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction allows to permanently correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism, thus rendering glasses or contact lenses no longer necessary.

The procedure is quick, painless and minimally invasive, which makes it extremely popular all over the world. It is always preceded by a thorough ophthalmological examination – the first step to exclude potential contraindications. The contraindications can be divided into relative (temporary) and absolute ones.

Relative (temporary) contraindications

Relative contraindications are a condition which does not allow to conduct a laser vision correction surgery at a specific moment. In such a case the procedure is postponed for some time, e.g for a month or even 6-12 months, depending on the type of contraindication.
Relative contraindications include:
- age below 18,
- unstable refractive error,
- untreated/unmonitored chronic diseases,
- active eye inflammations or general inflammations (herpes or ordinary cold),
- cataract, until it is surgically treated,
- pregnancy and lactation period,
- recent aesthetic medicine treatments performed around the eyes (e.g. crow’s feet anti-wrinkle injections),
- recent ophthalmological procedures (e.g. strabismus surgery or the removal of lesions from around the eyelids or the eye itself).

Absolute contraindications

Absolute contraindications are the symptoms/ailments which make the laser vision correction procedure impossible to perform, because they may negatively affect either the convalescence process or the effectiveness of the surrey (e.g. if they cause a gradual vision deterioration).
Absolute contraindications include:
- glaucoma,
- some chronic diseases or medications taken for them,
- retinal degenerations,
- age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
- deep corneal scars (e.g. post-traumatic ones),
- advanced Dry Eye Syndrome (DES),
- untreated/advanced keratoconus,
- excessively thin cornea,
- overly severe refractive error, whose values are beyond the laser operating range – short-sightedness above -14 dioptres, far-sightedness above +6 dioptres and astigmatism above 6 dioptres.

Are you considering having a laser vision correction procedure? Send us the completed online preliminary qualification form, and we will pre-verify whether there appear to be any contraindications to the procedure. Then, in order to definitely determine your eligibility for the surgery and to select the most suitable correction method, it is necessary for you to undergo a qualifying examination.

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