Laser eye surgery - frequently asked questions
LASER EYE SURGERY
When is a laser refractive procedure suitable for me?
A laser refractive procedure is generally suitable for patients up to approximately 45 years old who wear glasses for distance vision. The most commonly corrected refractive error is myopia (nearsightedness) and various degrees of astigmatism. Hyperopia (farsightedness) can also be corrected in certain cases using a laser corneal procedure.
When can't I undergo a laser refractive procedure?
To undergo a refractive corneal procedure, you must be over 18 years old and have had a stable refractive error for at least 2 years. At the time of the laser refractive procedure, a woman should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. A patient who has ever had herpes in the eye (herpes ophthalmicus) cannot undergo a laser refractive procedure.
What are the restrictions after a laser refractive procedure?
After the procedure, you must avoid swimming in pools, the sea, and visiting saunas for a month. Makeup and rubbing the eyes should be completely avoided in the first two weeks and further according to the doctor's instructions during follow-up examinations. All sports should be avoided in the first two weeks after the surgery. For the first month after the procedure, contact sports that pose a risk of injury or direct impact to the eye should also be avoided.
How does the examination proceed?
Before the procedure, every patient must undergo a thorough examination using specialized computer diagnostic devices, as well as a clinical medical examination. The initial examination prior to the procedure includes tests with an automatic keratometer, refractometer, and aberrometer, examination with the Pentacam device, assessment of visual acuity for distance and near vision, measurement of intraocular pressure, examination with a slit lamp, examination of the ocular fundus biomicrocopically under cycloplegia, and a professional consultation with the doctor.
How long does the initial examination take, and will I be able to drive afterward?
The duration of the initial examination is approximately 2 hours. The effect of cycloplegic drops (which dilate the pupil and relax the accommodation muscle) can last up to 24 hours (usually about 6-8 hours), so you will not be able to drive after the examination and may have difficulty seeing at close distances.
How long before the examination should I avoid wearing contact lenses?
Contact lenses can somewhat alter the parameters of the cornea, so it is necessary to avoid wearing soft contact lenses for 1 week before the examination and 5 days before the procedure (hard contact lenses should be avoided for 2 weeks before the examination and 5 days before the procedure).
When can I go for surgery after the examination? How long are the waiting times?
You can go for surgery as soon as the effect of the cycloplegic drops wears off, i.e., at least two days after the initial examination. You can schedule the appointment according to your preferences and availability at the clinic's reception on the day of the initial examination. The approximate waiting time from the examination to the surgery is 3-4 weeks. We recommend undergoing the laser refractive procedure within 3 months of the initial examination.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual laser procedure for correcting refractive errors lasts between 10-40 seconds for one eye, depending on the degree of the refractive error. Overall, including pre-operative preparation, the procedure, and post-operative check-up, you will spend approximately 2-2.5 hours at the clinic.
When should I come for a follow-up?
The follow-up after the laser refractive procedure should be scheduled for the day after the surgery, with another follow-up typically occurring a week later, unless otherwise specified by the doctor.
