The 10 most common questions about laser vision correction
The 10 most commonly asked questions from the patients regarding laser vision correction.
What is the ideal age for the procedure?
The ideal age for laser vision correction is between 21-45 years of age. Prior to 21, the procedure is rarely performed because the eye is still developing and small shifts in dioptric values can occur. After 45 years reading distance error occurs, so other methods of correction should be considered, such as the implantation of multifocal lenses in the eye.
What is the refractive error range that can safely be removed?
Generally speaking, range is -10 to +5. It is important to note that some people are not candidates for the procedure at all due to the other important eye parameters such as corneal thickness, corneal curvature, quality of tear film, etc., that are determined during the preoperative examination.
Is the procedure painful?
The laser treatment itself is completely painless. It takes about 10 minutes for each eye, so people are usually surprised how fast it all went and usually realize that the fear they had before the surgery was exaggerated. After the procedure, depending on the method, there may be an uncomfortable sensation, tearing, photophobia and irritation. It is harmless and lasts up to 24-36 hours after the procedure.
Do complications after surgery often occur?
As with any operation, complications are theoretically possible. The security depends largely on the method, and if no-cut methods are performed, the possibility of complications is minimal. This type of surgery is the safest in medicine. As an example, wearing contact lenses is a greater risk of eye infection than laser eye correction.
Is it possible that the corrected error returns?
Today’s lasers are accurate up to 1/20 diopters. It is a question that is difficult to give a precise answer. In practice this happens very rarely, and if it happens, most people can correct this new error with laser.
What are the laser eye correction methods?
The basic methods are LASIK and PRK. During LASIK method, before the laser correction itself, the lid (flap) is made by microkeratome (mechanical blade) or laser (femto laser). This lid is raised and the laser correction is performed. The lid is put back in its place and quickly heals. The PRK method does not have a lid creation step, only epithelium removal. The advantage of the LASIK method is the absence of postoperative discomfort and faster vision recovery, while the advantage of the PRK method is better long-term preservation of the corneal biomechanical properties and faster tear film recovery. There are numerous methods variations, but generally speaking the best LASIK variation is the Femtosecond LASIK and the best PRK variation is the one where the corneal epithelium is removed with Pallikaris microsurgical brush because it avoids the mechanical and chemical effects occurring in the classical PRK method.
Can laser remove astigmatism (cylinders)?
The laser also removes astigmatism, just like the “ordinary” diopter. For most people it is possible to remove up to 5 cylinder diopters. Apart from the spherical and cylindrical diopters, modern lasers also remove other diopters, the so-called higher order aberrations.
Does the dryness of the eye remain permanent after surgery?
Eye dryness is a transient occurrence and for most of the patients passes after a month. It occurs more often with the LASIK method because cutting of the nerve endings in the cornea occurs. It is usually necessary to apply artificial tears while the tear film does not repair.
When can I return to my daily activities?
You can return to your daily activities 1-3 days after the procedure, depending on the method. It usually takes 3-4 days to be able to perform most of the routine activities, although sometimes 3-4 weeks may be needed to achieve final visual acuity. Methods that have slightly longer recovery during the first 3-4 days are more safe in the long run because there is no cut through the cornea and the eyes are more resistant to possible trauma.
Is it financially worth it?
Today, the laser vision correction is definitely worth it. Action prices sometimes reach the cost of expensive glasses. People who wear contact lenses for 4-5 years will surely spend the amount needed for laser correction. You should not ignore the quality of life you get after laser correction as well as less eye damage that everyday insertion and removal of contact lenses does. So, in the long run you will surely save if you do the laser vision correction.
Make an appointment