Laser Vision Correction

The most significant issue that needs to be considered before laser vision correction surgery - a thorough pre-surgical examination is a step towards a successful surgical operation.

The pre-surgical examination is divided into two parts – examinations and consultation.
During the examination a detailed vision check is performed, the conformity to laser vision correction surgery and the recommended method of the surgery is determined. Examination results, as well as all issues related to the surgery, preparation for the surgery and post-surgical period are discussed.

Please keep in mind that wearing of contact lenses before examinations, as well as before vision correction surgery is not recommended, because they affect the natural shape or convexity of the cornea. The parameters of natural shape of the cornea are among the most significant criteria to ensure the maximum efficiency of laser correction of vision.

Prior to pre-surgical visit and before surgery, wearing of contact lenses should be avoided for 7 - 10 (soft contact lenses) or 30 (rigid contact lenses) days before the examination.

Pre-surgical examination lasts for 1 h and the following tests are performed:

• The anterior, as well as posterior part of the eye will be inspected to determine its condition.
• The strength of the current eyeglasses will be measured (lensometry);
• The diameter of eye pupils will be measured;
• The convexity of the cornea will be determined in 3D (topography of the cornea);
• The thickness of the cornea will be determined (pachymetry);
• The requirement for precise correction of vision in terms of eyeglass strength will be determined. It will be used for the performance of vision correction surgery.

The following action will be taken during the second part of the pre-surgery examination:

• Answers to all questions that you are interested in will be provided;
• All most significant details and instructions regarding pre-surgical period, as well as the procedure of the surgical operation and post-surgical period will be explained – very specifically and in fine detail;
• The best options of possible therapy will be discussed;
• The contract regarding the operation, as well as an annex thereof that summarises all information that is useful for the patients and have been discussed during the consultation, shall be issued to the patient.

The purpose of the consultation is to allow you to ask all questions that you are interested in. Our specialist will gladly provide explanations on everything that you would like to clarify to you!

Careful observation of the instructions of the specialists is the pre-requisite of successful recovery!

ONE DAY BEFORE OPERATION: 
Do not use either decorative or hygienic cosmetic products on the face and around eyes.
Do not use alcohol.
There are no special limitations regarding meals and the use of medications, however, please inform us about any medications that you are taking.

ON THE DAY OF OPERATION:
Select comfortable clothes.
Avoid wool or cotton clothing that can generate lint or dust in the operation theatre.
No cosmetics may be present on the face.

PLEASE BE WARNED that, for your safety reasons, we will be forced to cancel the surgery, if these requirements are not met.

The actual duration of the surgery is on average 15 minutes (for both eyes), but keep in mind that you will have to stay in the clinic for several hours, because the following routine on the day of surgery is faced by most patients - arrival to the clinic, completion and discussion of the contract, receipt of the post-surgical medications and instruction on how to use them, pre-surgical examination, laser vision correction surgery, approximately 2-3 h of rest at the clinic after the surgical operation and post-surgical examination followed by return home.

Please consider that you are recommended to have an assistant, who will take you home after the surgery and, irrespectively of the season, you might need sunglasses to reduce the sensitivity to bright light.

The first repeated visit for all patients without exceptions is scheduled on the next morning after surgery!

The mandatory post-surgery visits at our clinic are: 

• On the next day after surgery;
• One week after surgery;
• Two weeks after surgery;
• One month after surgery;
• 3 months after surgery;
• 6 months after surgery;
• 1 year after surgery;
• further on - vision control once per year.

We have developed a plan of post-surgery visits, because we care about the health of our patients not only during the surgery, but for a long time after it, therefore vision control visits with the optometrist are included in the price of the surgery for the patients of our clinic. After surgery, patients are entitled to perform free vision control with the optometrist until the end of their life (starting with the second post-surgery year).

WHAT SHOULD BE OBSERVED AFTER THE OPERATION

On the day of surgery: 

• The day of surgery is a day of rest;
• Avoid closing your eyelids with effort;
• Take care not to poke, rub or otherwise touch your eyes, while you are doing something;
• Sunglasses must be used for one week on average after surgery, while the eyes are sensitive to light;
• Driving must be avoided;
• Working with a computer and watching television must be avoided;
• You might need to abstain from work for the first day after surgery, this depends on your type of business. Be sure to discuss it with your physician.

3 days after surgery: 

• It is recommended to take shower instead of a bath, avoid contact of soap or water with your eyes at any cost;
• Driving is permissible, preferably not during the night time;
• Working with a computer for a long time and watching television must be avoided;
• Excessive use of alcohol must be avoided, because it attracts water to tissues;
• Use of alcohol can affect the prospective result of surgery, as well as to increase the feeling of dryness in the eyes after the surgery;
• Travel by air is permitted, but the eyes must be moistened every 30 minutes during the flight, because the air in the plane is very dry.

One week after surgery: 

• The medications prescribed by the physician must be used, they will help reducing the feeling of dryness and promote the healing process, as well as reduce the risk of possible post-surgical complications;
• Staying in dusty premises and premises with air composition that irritates eyes is prohibited (smoke, caustic odours, etc.);
• Use of eye creams is prohibited.

2 weeks after surgery: 

• No decorative cosmetics may be used in the area of the eyes.

The following is prohibited one month after surgery: 

• Rubbing your eyes
• Swimming in the swimming pool
• Visiting baths or saunas
• Visiting sun-parlours