Laser vision correction
Professional laser optical operations, performed by SwissLaser, are safe, quick, and pain-free. The procedure lasts 15-20 minutes, and within a few hours or a few days, the patient will enjoy clear vision. We work with each individual’s vision deficiencies with maximum attention and care.
Highest standards of safety, quality and comfor
Prior to any eye procedures, our patients receive thorough examinations, so that we can determine the ideal procedure. We utilize modern diagnostic equipment and laser technology which guarantees that the procedure is conducted according to the highest standards of safety, quality and comfort.
The perfect correction of vision defects
The perfect correction of vision defects with glasses or contact lenses is impossible. The greater or more complicated the defect, the more difficult it is to find adequate glasses or contacts for the patient. It is also worth remembering that not every eye can tolerate contact lenses, and with pronounced defects even the best glasses cannot fully form the image and can make difficult certain tasks, i.e. driving a car. The solution is laser correction for the vision defect – which is becoming an increasingly popular operation to return sharp vision. Rapid growth of optical techniques assures that laser eye surgery is a procedure with maximum safety (number of complications is less than 1% of the cases), painless and providing almost an instantaneous return to a normal, daily life.
Laser vision correction
The decision to schedule a laser vision correction is made only when the defect is stabilized. This type of procedure is not performed on anyone under the age of 18.The decision to undergo laser vision correction is made only when the defect is stabilized. This type of procedure is not performed on those under 18 years of age, because up to that time, the eye is in a phase of continuous development, and during puberty, vision defects have a tendency to progress rapidly and distinctly. If during the year prior to laser vision correction the defect progresses, there is a risk that it will also progress following the procedure. So, if our goal is to permanently eliminate the defect, the operation must be performed on an eye with a stabilized defect. We are then certain that laser vision correction of the defect will be permanent and a follow-up operation will not be necessary in the future.
Glasses and contact lenses allow the correction of vision defects. Laser eye surgery allows their elimination.
Vision defects and their methods
The most common eye defect addressed by laser correction is near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. It is important to remember that astigmatism can arise both with near and far-sightedness and even the best made glasses and lenses are not able to guarantee comfortable sight to the patient, but can only minimalize the worst effects of the present defect.
Qualifying exam for laser vision correction
As has already been mentioned, regardless of the qualifying conditions for the laser eye surgery, is the stability of the defect. That means, that a year prior to the initial qualifying exam, the defect should remain at the same level. Breaking this principle may prompt a reoccurrence and worsen the vision defect following the laser eye correction. The next premise related to the performing of the procedure is the age of the patient. It is accepted that before the age of 18, the eyes should not undergo surgery considering that the eyes are still growing, though in justified situations, laser procedures for correcting vision defects are performed on people who have turned 18. During the initial exam qualifying the patient for surgery, the ophthalmologist will lead a detailed interview to determine if there are any contraindications regarding the procedure.
Contraindications for laser eye surgery
Among contraindications for laser vision correction procedures are:
- an unstable vision defect,
- rapidly growing defect within a year of the proposed surgery,
- cataracts,
- glaucoma,
- types of dry eye,
- tendency to inflammatory eye diseases,
- retina disorder including diabetes,
- tendency to develop scar tissue with an autoimmune disorder,
- autoimmune diseases (autoimmune)
- allergy,
- pregnancy,
- breast feeding,
- autoimmune disease, and unstable hormonal balance.
It is worth noting, that although a lower age limit exists at which the doctor will agree to a laser corrective eye procedure for an eye defect, an upper age limit does not exist.
Cennik
Operational qualification
Laser corrective eye surgery
- consultation with a surgeon
- initial assessment examination
- establishing an individual strategy for vision correction
- discussion of specific details and possible procedures
Preparation for the procedure
Laser corrective eye surgery
- comprehensive eye examinations with precision technology, optical and medical measurements
- introductory assessment examination
- specific discussion related to the procedure and response to any questions
Trans-PRK smart surFace
Noninvasive operation/ without incision of the cornea
- warranty of ten years*
- exclusive use of the Excimer laser SCHWIND Amaris 1050 RS
- removal of corneal epithelium by laser
- you will be able to function within 5-7 days
- you will see well in about a month and enjoy perfect vision in 3-4 months
Femto-LASIK 7D - Z 3D premium
You will see the following day
- the most precise method
- warranty of ten years*
- we use a femtosecond laser Ziemer Z4, Z-LASIK with 3D
- most precise method for creating a corneal flap with the femtosecond laser
SMARTSIGHT PREMIUM
You will see the following day
- Minimally invasive microlenses laser vision correction (lens micro-extraction) using the SCHWIND ATOS® femtosecond laser
Laser vision correction – complications
As previously mentioned, the number of complications after laser procedures occur in about 1% of the cases.
- As a result of the procedure, the inclusion or displacement of the corneal flap, can be corrected with a quick procedure.
- ZThe phenomenon of the bulging cornea (keratosis) is very infrequent (1 in 10,000-40,000 cases) but when it occurs, it is easy to strengthen the cornea with the CXL method.
- In connection with the variability of the healing process and power of the laser, it may under correct or overcorrect the vision sharpness by 20%, which can still be corrected in the 3-8-month period following the operation.
How does the procedure go – what does the patient feel?
Laser vision correction is conducted with local anesthesia as an outpatient. Depending upon the patient’s chosen method, he may feel less or more, but either way a short duration of discomfort. None of the laser eye correction methods include any great degree of pain DURING the operation.
The first phase of the operation always looks the same: precise preparation of the surgical area. The patient’s face is specially cleaned with a disinfectant solution, and his eyes are numbed with eye drops. The patient’s eyelids are painlessly immobilized with clamps. The following steps depend upon the chosen method. The procedure progresses differently for each approach, similarly as the progress toward normal functioning and full sharpness of vision.
After the laser eye surgery, some pain may appear, which can be addressed by normal painkillers.
Immediately following the FemtoLASIK method, the patient can observe, that he sees clearly, yet the eyes should be protected for the remainder of the day. After the operation using the FemtoLASIK, the patient may feel certain discomfort associated with burning or stinging in the eye. The regeneration of the cornea lasts several hours and a patient can see very clearly the day following the procedure.
In the case of the Trans-PRK smart surFace method, it takes 4-5 days for the vision to recover, and ideal vision is recovered after 3-4 months. In rare cases, treated patients complain that the healing process is sometimes a little painful, and some patients also experience a sense of corneal haze/scarring (haze effect). This usually causes a temporary deterioration of vision. Eye drops help in this case for a short time, however, this blurriness is not permanent. It is essential that following the procedure, the patient returns for the scheduled follow-up visit with the ophthalmologist.
In the case of the LASEK/PRK method, the patient notices an improvement in vision, but the eyes should be protected for the rest of the day. Cell regeneration following the operation occurs within the first 2-3 days and can cause severe pain, because the upper layer of the cornea is removed. Pain can be relieved with painkillers. It is important to remember that the vision quality may change during the first weeks and months following the procedure.
Laser vision correction – convalescence
After laser correction eye surgery, it is recommended to:
- avoid driving on the day of the procedure. The operated eye is more sensitive to light (this sensitivity may be temporary or permanent), may tear up or burn,
- for several days after the procedure, one should limit work in front of a computer,
- should wear sun glasses,
- care should be taken against strong motions with the hands in the area of the eye- avoiding wiping the eye or rubbing the eyelids for a month,
- sun glasses should be worn while sunbathing and the patient should avoid dusty or smoky places,
In the case of any kind of doubt, pain or the occurrence of inflammation, the patient should immediately call the doctor.
After 5-7 days from the time of the operation, the patient should begin to function normally, and after a month should see perfectly.
Prices of procedures in the field of laser correction for eye defects
Unfortunately, laser eye correction procedures are not refundable by NFZ and can only be performed in private clinics. The reason for this state is the fact that the National Health Fund treats laser vision correction as a cosmetic procedure.
In Warsaw’s SwissLaser Clinic, the initial qualifying exam for a procedure costs 100 PLN. In the course of this exam, we provide:
- a consultation with an optometrist who consults, when needed, with a surgeon,
- the ophthalmology exam results,
- crafting an individual strategy to address the correction of the present eye defects and the specific procedural options.
Preparation for the procedure costs 300 PLN. A packet of information will be given, which includes:
- comprehensive ophthalmological exam results from precise techniques,
- optical and medical measurements from the initial exam which prompts the scheduling of the specific procedure,
- answers to any lingering questions.
When the decision is made regarding the specific laser method of the eye operation, we can count on the following costs:
- PRK/LASEK – from 4950zl per eye
- Trans-PRK smart surFace PREMIUM – from 4950 zl per eye – this operation is touchless and without a corneal incision
- Femto-LASIK 7D – Z 3D PREMIUM – 4950 zl per eye
- SMARTSIGHT PREMIUM – 6750 zł per eye
The price of each PREMIUM package- a ten-year warranty, covers free corrections if the agreed upon goal for correction was not achieved (due to the healing process, measurement errors, differentiation of the laser therapy). Vision correction must be medically safe and performed according to international standards and guidelines. The warranty does not cover eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts and progressive presbyopia.
We have a European level of treatment
Leading surgeon for SwissLaser, Dr. Victor Derhartuanian, MD from Vienna Medical University, learned his expertise by studying under the laser surgery pioneer, Professor Dr. Thomas Kohnen (University of Clinical Ophthalmology in Frankfurt) and Professor Dr. Theo Seller (Institute IROC in Zurich), who performed the first laser vision correction surgery in history. Today, Dr. Derhartunian uses his priceless knowledge, to become one of the leading surgeons in Europe and is improving laser vision correction to the next level.
We are a preferred center of the company SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions
Our SwissLaser clinic intensely works scientifically with the Schwind company. Dr. Victor Derhartuanian trains doctors from around the world in the field of laser vision correction by using highly advanced technology and devices like the SCHWIND brand eye-tech-solutions.
What does this mean for our patients? They can be certain that by choosing SwissLaser , they are deciding for high quality, integrity and precision in laser vision correction.
