Laser vision correction

The hardware, the availability of software, ability to interpret and analyze the data available are crucial to laser vision correction. State-of-the-art laser equipment corrects vision within seconds, thus minimizing the potential risks associated with surgery.

The latest generation laser equipment Carl Zeiss “Visumax” and “MEL 90” are used in the clinic, in combination of which it is possible to perform 4 types of laser vision correction procedures.

Only a full set of lasers allows a patient to choose the most appropriate type of vision correction.

There are several basic techniques and their modifications for laser vision correction, the individual suitability of which is determined by the eye doctor in cooperation with the patient. The most common laser vision correction techniques are:

If laser vision correction is not right for you or you want to find out all the available vision correction options before making a final decision, there are several alternative options WITHOUT the laser:

EVO Visian ICL is an eye-implantable lens that is inserted in the eye between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens of the eye. The lens is made of collamer, which because of constituent collagen is a material biocompatible with   eye and is capable of provision excellent quality of vision.
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Multifocal intraocular lens –  instead of the natural lens of the eye, a clear artificial lens with multiple focal points is implanted in the eye, which is capable of providing the patient with clear vision at different viewing distances. This method is commonly used in patients with cataracts or high-grade hypermetropia, or presbyopia, but also may be used in young people, for which other type of vision correction surgery is not suitable.
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Another alternative is to use existing vision correction aids – eyeglasses or contact lenses. In addition to vision correction options provided by eyeglasses or contact lenses, the daily inconvenience of wearing glasses or using contact lenses should be considered – the costs of purchasing new aids; proper care and mandatory hygiene, especially when using contact lenses, and active lifestyle restrictions encountered by eyeglass contact lens wearers.

Strict individual recommendations are given to each patient, both verbally and in writing, before and after surgery, but there are some essential conditions at each stage of laser vision correction that should be observed by everyone.

The patient should schedule a visit to a vision specialist before performing laser vision correction. During the visit, the patient undergoes both standard and in-depth examination required for the preparation of an individual laser vision correction program. At this stage, the patient is told in detail about the surgery process and the recommendations to be followed during the postoperative period.

For optimum accurate measurement results obtained for vision correction, contact lenses should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to the visit, with only daily wear of glasses. The result of the surgery is dependent of the measurements obtained – the more accurate are the data, the easier it is to achieve the desired result.

It should be remembered that contact lenses must not be worn for 2 weeks prior to the prescribed vision laser correction procedure to accurately assess the shape of cornea. 

If, by the results of the examinations carried out, it is concluded that laser correction is not appropriate for the patient, implantation of intraocular lens or non-invasive correction methods such as glasses or contact lenses are recommended as an alternative to vision correction.

Perfumes, face and eye make-ups are prohibited on the day of surgery. Laser correction is performed at once on both eyes applying local anaesthesia (numbing eye drops). If necessary, the sedatives are offered to the patient.

Any operating principle of laser vision correction is based on the correction of visual refractive defect with careful and gently alteration of the shape of cornea. The procedure is done for both eyes and takes about 15-30 minutes, including preparatory work. The laser exposure lasts only a few seconds during the procedure. After the laser procedure, a protective contact lens is applied to the eye surface, which provides a protective function for the postoperative wound and promotes a faster healing process.

Laser vision correction is completely painless. Usually, the patient experiences only light touches; sometimes slight pressure on the eyes, and bright light during the procedure. It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions during the procedure and do not make abrupt movements. 

After the laser correction procedure, it is necessary to stay in the clinic under the supervision of a doctor for approximately two hours.

On the day after the laser vision correction, the patient must visit vision specialist. 

After laser correction, doctor’s recommendations must be followed and eye drops must be applied. 

During the first days after vision correction, it is desirable to avoid eyestrain, and, during the first two weeks, when being outdoors, it is advisable to wear sunglasses. Also, do not use eye makeup, and avoid getting dust and water in your eyes. Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances.

During the first month after laser correction, minor side effects such as discomfort in the eyes, sensitivity to light and blurred vision may occur. Patients with extremely high levels of nearsightedness or astigmatism may require neuroadaptation – a period of several months as the brain becomes accustomed to new vision.

Repeated laser correction is required in very rare cases when the expected result is not satisfactory. These are usually cases where the refractive changes in the eye continue to progress, more often in patients with a higher degree of shortsightedness or farsightedness. Similarly, the result of laser correction may be affected by the individual features of the healing of cornea.

Thanks to nearly 30 years of experience and development of technologies, laser vision correction has a very high success rate. However, as with any other surgery, in laser vision correction a risk of complications also may present. During the laser correction itself, the complications occur very rarely, and they are mainly due to the patient’s failure to follow the prescribed regimen. Although they are preventable, patients should always keep in mind that in order to achieve the most effective result of correction, they should strictly follow doctor’s instructions.