Laser Vision Correction

Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism - vision defects affect people of all ages and make everyday functioning significantly more difficult. One of the methods of regaining correct, sharp vision is laser vision correction.

This procedure is an alternative to wearing glasses and contact lenses - its goal is to achieve normopia, i.e. eliminate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

At the Sensor Cliniq center in Warsaw, laser vision correction uses the effects of the excimer and femtosecond laser on the cornea, changing its anterior curvature and thus correcting refractive errors.

Who is laser vision correction for?

The treatment is recommended to anyone wishing to get rid of the limitations brought about by visual impairment and the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. However, it is important to note that laser vision correction can only be performed on adult patients with a stabilized vision defect (which usually occurs between 18 and 21 years of age). The treatment is intended for people with:

• hyperopia (up to +6 diopters),

• myopia (up to -12 diopters),

• astigmatism (up to 6 diopters).

Before deciding to undergo the procedure, it is worth learning of the indications and contraindications, as well as the opinions of other patients. Qualification for the procedure is always decided by a physician based on a detailed medical history and performed tests (optometric examination, corneal topography, USG of the eyes, ophthalmological examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye).

How to prepare for the treatment?

Each treatment is preceded by a qualification visit and detailed examinations. In the event of a positive qualification, the physician will present the patient with a treatment plan, and will also inform the patient about any pre-treatment recommendations.

Laser vision correction is classified as a one-day procedure that does not require hospitalization or any special preparation. However, remember not to apply makeup on the day of the procedure or the day before (it is also necessary to remove any fake eyelashes). Another very important requirement is to not drink alcohol at least 48 hours before the procedure. It is worth going to the center with an accompanying person, because temporary visual acuity disturbances may appear after the procedure, which makes it impossible to drive a car, among other things.

It is also worth taking sun glasses with you, as you may be temporarily photosensitive following the treatment.

Patients wearing contact lenses must also remember not to wear them for a period of:

• 2-3 weeks before the procedure - for soft lenses,

• 3-4 weeks before the procedure - for hard lenses.

Recommendations may vary depending on individual factors. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to follow the recommendations given to the patient during the qualifying visit for laser vision correction.

The patient will undergo another optometric test on the day of the procedure. The physician may also repeat the cornea topography test, among other things.

Is the procedure painful?

Laser vision correction usually takes 15-20 minutes and is painless. The patient does not feel pain because they are administered special anesthetic drops.

However, it should be noted that after the treatment, the patient may experience discomfort, slight pain or burning, or watery eyes. These symptoms will disappear within a few days, and to alleviate them, the patient will receive special drops following the procedure.

What are the contraindications for such a procedure?

Unfortunately, not every patient can undergo laser vision correction. The most common contraindications include:

• an unstable or excessively high vision defect,

• pregnancy and lactation,

• an age below 18 years old

• autoimmune diseases,

• certain eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, inflammation of the eyes, changes in the cornea or the back of the eye),

• cancers,

• diabetes,

• heart diseases,

• tendency to develop keloids.

There are also other contraindications to the procedure. Therefore, during the qualifying visit, one should inform your doctor of any medications you taken, surgeries, diseases, and any other ailments. The ophthalmologist may order in-depth diagnostics and refer the patient to another specialist in order to rule out the existence of contraindications to laser vision correction surgery.