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Laser vision correction is correction using laser refractive surgery methods and techniques. This is currently the safest and most empowering way of interfering with the eyeball. It involves modeling the anterior surface of the cornea with a laser. The result is improved visual acuity in patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

Laser eye correction is a procedure that is as safe as possible (the number of complications is less than 1% of cases), painless, and offers the possibility of almost immediate return to normal daily functioning. It is a durable and effective alternative to contact lenses and traditional corrective glasses.

Laser correction of myopia

Laser myopia correction involves flattening the cornea in the center of the eye to reduce the refractive power of light rays – a visual defect in which parallel light rays entering the eye are refracted not on the retina, but in front of it.

Methods of laser myopia correction

  • LASEK/PRK: the procedure involves either deflecting (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium) and then appropriately reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The goal of the procedure is to properly model the central surface of the cornea with a laser beam so that it focuses the image precisely on the retinal surface.
  • LASIK: a two-step technique: the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • Femto-LASIK: using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • Trans-PRK smart surFace: the least invasive laser treatment for myopia. Dioptric correction is done in the first stage of the procedure, while the surgeon uses a high-precision excimer laser. PRK used to be the standard method of laser eye treatment, and LASIK replaced it because it involved less pain. However, the LASIK technique failed in patients whose corneas were too thin or irregular. Trans-PRK’s state-of-the-art capabilities helped optimize the procedure at the most important point.
  • EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods. The epithelium is precisely removed with an Epi-Clear knife, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers intact. Compared to other surface methods, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast after EBK, and the regeneration process is smoother than in other surface methods. The EBK method is the first choice method for a relatively small group of patients. The range of corrected defects is small: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D, with the procedure dedicated primarily to people with thin but normal corneas. EBK can be used in patients with a clear contraindication to LASIK-type methods (LASIK, FEMTOLASIK, VLASIK®).
  • LASEK/PRK: the procedure involves either deflecting (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium) and then appropriately reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The goal of the procedure is to properly model the central surface of the cornea with a laser beam so that it focuses the image precisely on the retinal surface.
  • LASIK: a two-step technique: the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • Femto-LASIK: using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • Trans-PRK smart surFace: the least invasive laser treatment for myopia. Dioptric correction is done in the first stage of the procedure, while the surgeon uses a high-precision excimer laser. PRK used to be the standard method of laser eye treatment, and LASIK replaced it because it involved less pain. However, the LASIK technique failed in patients whose corneas were too thin or irregular. Trans-PRK’s state-of-the-art capabilities helped optimize the procedure at the most important point.
  • EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods. The epithelium is precisely removed with an Epi-Clear knife, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers intact. Compared to other surface methods, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast after EBK, and the regeneration process is smoother than in other surface methods. The EBK method is the first choice method for a relatively small group of patients. The range of corrected defects is small: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D, with the procedure dedicated primarily to people with thin but normal corneas. EBK can be used in patients with a clear contraindication to LASIK-type methods (LASIK, FEMTOLASIK, VLASIK®).

Laser correction of farsightedness

When correcting farsightedness with an ophthalmic laser, a greater curvature of the cornea is created, which increases the refractive power of the eye, thereby improving comfort and visual acuity.

  • LASIK: a two-step technique: the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • Femto-LASIK: using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods. The epithelium is precisely removed with an Epi-Clear knife, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers intact. Compared to other surface methods, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast after EBK, and the regeneration process is smoother than in other surface methods. The EBK method is the first choice method for a relatively small group of patients. The range of corrected defects is small: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D, with the procedure dedicated primarily to people with thin but normal corneas. EBK can be used in patients with a clear contraindication to LASIK-type methods (LASIK, FEMTOLASIK, VLASIK®).
  • LASIK: a two-step technique: the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • Femto-LASIK: using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • EBKTM (Epithelial Bowman’s Keratectomy) is a modification of the LASEK and PRK methods. The epithelium is precisely removed with an Epi-Clear knife, which gently and in a fully controlled manner prepares the cornea for the procedure, leaving its deeper layers intact. Compared to other surface methods, the epithelium regenerates up to twice as fast after EBK, and the regeneration process is smoother than in other surface methods. The EBK method is the first choice method for a relatively small group of patients. The range of corrected defects is small: from -8 D to +3 D, astigmatism up to 5 D, with the procedure dedicated primarily to people with thin but normal corneas. EBK can be used in patients with a clear contraindication to LASIK-type methods (LASIK, FEMTOLASIK, VLASIK®).

Laser correction of astigmatism

Astigmatism often accompanies myopia. Parallel light rays entering the eye are refracted in two different planes (e.g., vertical and horizontal), resulting in a lack of image sharpness, curvature and waviness, and poor contrast. The latest surgical technologies allow laser correction of astigmatism together – that is, during the same procedure – with laser correction of myopia.

Methods of laser correction of astigmatism

  • Femto-LASIK (All-Laser-LASIK): With a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut into the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • LASIK: a two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • LASEK/PRK: the procedure involves either deflecting (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium) and then properly modeling the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The goal of the procedure is to properly model the central surface of the cornea with the laser beam so that it focuses the image precisely on the retinal surface.
  • Femto-LASIK (All-Laser-LASIK): With a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes a cut into the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick – a flap. He uses an excimer laser to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, then the flap is closed back up; it attaches and forms a protective corneal barrier.
  • LASIK: a two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is modeled so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
  • LASEK/PRK: the procedure involves either deflecting (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium) and then properly modeling the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The goal of the procedure is to properly model the central surface of the cornea with the laser beam so that it focuses the image precisely on the retinal surface.

Qualification for laser vision correction surgery

Qualification for ophthalmic laser treatment includes:

  • patient interview
  • computerized eye examination (autorefractometry)
  • keratometry (measurement of the curvature of the cornea)
  • pachymetry (measurement of corneal thickness)
  • corneal topography

How laser vision correction works

Ace vision correction is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Depending on the method chosen, the patient may experience more or less, but short-term discomfort. None of the laser vision correction methods are associated with painful sensations AFTER the operation.

The first phase of laser vision correction surgery:

  • precise preparation of the operation area: the patient’s face is washed with a special disinfectant, and his eyes are anesthetized through eye drops
  • Immobilization of the patient’s eyelids with special forks

Further treatment depends on the method chosen.

Modern laser devices have an eye tracking function (such as the Eye Tracker 6D or 7D system), so they are very precise, and the patient does not have to worry that a slight movement of his eye will make the procedure fail.

The laser vision correction procedure takes a few to several minutes – shorter than the preparation for it. During its duration, the surgeon is in contact with you at all times and can, step by step, explain to you what he is just doing and what is happening to your eyes.

Postoperative recommendations for laser vision correction

  • Don’t get behind the wheel – it’s a good idea to come to laser vision correction treatment with a friend who will drive you home.
  • You can return to light activity at home, but be careful not to do any activity that could lead to touching or rubbing your eyes.
  • To prevent eye fatigue and ensure a quick recovery, avoid all screens – TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, e-book readers – and all activities such as reading books.
  • Use sunglasses.
  • A bath instead of a shower is recommended to avoid eye irritation from soap and water.
  • Remember that air conditioning can dry out your eyes. Use moisturizing drops with sodium hyaluronate (so-called artificial tears).
  • Avoid contact with people suffering from infections such as colds, flu, or infectious diseases. The eye after surgery, like any other organ of our body in a similar situation, requires complete healing under the safest possible conditions.

Contraindications to laser vision correction

Absolute contraindications

They determine that the visual defect cannot undergo laser correction. So it makes no sense to look for a surgeon by force who, ignoring the results of our research, would break procedures and perform the operation after all.

  • Certain corneal lesions (corneal cone, congenital corneal pathologies, dystrophic diseases, corneal scars) and the thickness, elasticity and degree of hydration of the cornea
  • glaucoma
  • cataract
  • ratio of corrected diopters to corneal thickness
  • too high a visual defect: if the laser is not sufficient for correction, a phakic lens can be implanted or a refractive lens exchange can be performed
  • complicated form of astigmatism co-occurring with another visual defect and/or eye disease
  • tendency to scar formation
Relative contraindications

These are contraindications that are temporary. This means that when the objective obstacles to the procedure disappear, it can be performed. It is only necessary to create the right conditions for this, to wait for a good moment, such as reaching the right age or entering chronic disease into remission.

  • too young age (which is related to the fact of the still progressive development of the visual defect) or too old age (it is about the thickness, degree of hydration and elasticity of the cornea and the general health of the patient)
  • unstabilized visual defect
  • Autoimmune (autoimmune) diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and allergy and atopy
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Taking certain medications, such as steroids, which increase the likelihood of ocular complications such as glaucoma and post-steroidal cataracts.