Eye Examinations
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Accurate diagnosis is the first and most crucial stage of cooperation between the patient and the doctor. It is important to perform it in a reputable clinic that has modern equipment and employs doctors who accurately interpret examination results.
Examinations at SwissLaser – What We Measure and Why
The comprehensive qualification examination (PLN 400, approximately 90 minutes) includes a complete set of measurements required before the procedure. Each has a separate page describing the process:
| Examination | Measures | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ocular OCT Examination | retinal layers, macula, optic nerve, cornea | AMD, glaucoma, diabetes, before every procedure |
| Corneal Topography | corneal shape and thickness map | laser correction, keratoconus, astigmatism |
| Pachymetry | corneal thickness | laser correction, glaucoma |
| Keratometry | corneal curvature and power | astigmatism, lens selection, implant calculation |
| Eye Biometry | eyeball length, anterior chamber | cataract, lens exchange, ICL |
| Tonometry | intraocular pressure | glaucoma prevention, before procedure |
| Fundus Examination | retina, vessels, optic nerve | diabetes, hypertension, myopia, before procedure |
| Glaucoma examination | set: pressure, OCT, visual field, angle | after age 40, family history of glaucoma |
Vision Screening from an Early Age
At SwissLaser, we use the latest generation SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser – as a SCHWIND reference center, we always work with the newest system versions. The femtosecond laser is an infrared-emitting laser used for incising the cornea and creating a so-called “flap” – a corneal flap that is lifted and then closed again after the laser procedure.
Key advantages of this laser include its high frequency (MHz), low pulse energy (nJ), and small pulse area. Thanks to these unique properties, it has been possible to further enhance the quality and precision of corneal incisions. This modern technology has already been utilized in several million operations.
Regular Eye Examinations Save Your Vision
For adults, routine (i.e., PREVENTIVE) ophthalmological examinations should be performed at least every 2 years. After the age of 40, conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (AMD) begin to develop. Initially, they may not present any symptoms, but if not diagnosed in time, they can lead to significant vision deterioration or even blindness. In such cases, immediate treatment or the selection of glasses/contact lenses is no longer an option; surgical solutions become necessary.
Opt for Proven Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is the first and most crucial stage of cooperation between the patient and the doctor. It is important to perform it in a reputable clinic that has modern equipment and employs doctors who accurately interpret examination results.
Standard Eye Examination for Corrective Glasses or Contact Lenses
We Distinguish OCT
A standard eye examination, commonly referred to as a computerized eye examination, is performed with an autorefractometer, a device used to measure the eye’s optical error (refractive error – commonly: vision defect). The autorefractometer operates by painlessly and non-invasively directing an infrared light beam into the eye, then analyzing the reflections of this beam from its structures. These reflections are processed by a computer processor, which generates data about the refractive error.
The measurement for each eye takes only a few seconds, and the patient only needs to look through a small opening where they see an image of a distant object. The examination result determines only the approximate optical correction (power of glasses or contact lenses) that can be applied. At this point, an ophthalmologist or optometrist steps in and, using tools other than a computer, determines the optimal spectacle correction (or contact lenses) for the individual.
Broad Diagnostic Capabilities of Modern Ophthalmology
Naturally, patients visit ophthalmologists not only to select glasses or contact lenses. They are also brought here by spontaneous eye diseases and systemic diseases, in the course of which, as one of the ailments (or, for example, a side effect of medication), vision disturbances and eye diseases appear.
It also happens that during a standard eye examination, the doctor discovers something concerning and implements further diagnostics. Finally, modern ophthalmology, which includes refractive surgery, offers surgical methods that not only significantly improve visual comfort in cases of large/complex refractive errors but also save vision when the only solution proves to be the implantation of an artificial lens. Patients therefore visit ophthalmology clinics to find out whether laser vision correction or artificial lens implantation is possible in their case.
When diagnostics more complex than a standard eye examination for corrective glasses or contact lenses are necessary, the specialist has the ability to perform a truly large number of maximally precise detailed examinations.
Diagnostic Examinations in Modern Ophthalmology
Fundus Examination
Fundus examination (ophthalmoscopy, funduscopy, or fundus examination) – in the diagnosis of systemic disorders, e.g., diabetes, atherosclerosis, arterial and intracranial hypertension, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and in recognizing abnormalities in the structure and function of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve.
Optic Nerve Tomography
Optic nerve tomography (e.g., OCT or GDx or HRT) – in glaucoma diagnosis.
Ocular OCT Examination
Ocular OCT examination (optical coherence tomography) – in the diagnosis of retinal diseases, AMD, diabetic maculopathy, before planned cataract removal and artificial lens implantation, in monitoring the course of glaucoma, and in monitoring corneal status before and after laser vision correction procedures.
Ocular Biometry
Ocular biometry in diagnostics before laser vision correction or artificial lens implantation
Biomicroscopy
Biomicroscopy (examination of the anterior segment of the eyeball with a slit lamp) – in the diagnosis of glaucoma
Gonioscopy
Gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle) – in the diagnosis of glaucoma
Keratometry
Keratometry (ophthalmometry, corneal topography) – in the diagnosis of refractive errors and astigmatism (necessity of selecting spectacle lenses/contact lenses), before (and after) planned laser vision correction procedures/artificial lens implantation, in the diagnosis of certain corneal diseases
Pachymetry
Pachymetry – in the diagnosis of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, before surgical procedures, including laser procedures, on the cornea, as well as in the diagnosis of keratoconus and other corneal diseases.
Perimetry
Perimetry (visual field examination) – in glaucoma diagnosis.
Tonometry
Tonometry (IOP – intraocular pressure measurement) – in diagnostics before deciding on laser vision correction
Corneal Topography
Corneal topography (computerized/digital or manual keratometry) – in diagnostics before laser vision correction and before selecting implantable artificial lenses, which are used in the treatment of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and cataracts, in the diagnosis of keratoconus
Example “Bundle of Examinations” in Glaucoma Diagnostics
Set of Basic Examinations
- refractive error and visual acuity examination,
- examination of the anterior segment of the eyeball with a slit
lamp (biomicroscopy), - intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry),
- fundus examination after pupil dilation.
Set of Additional Examinations
- visual field examination (perimetry),
- gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle),
- corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry),
- optic nerve tomography (e.g., OCT or
GDx or HRT), - anterior segment imaging (e.g., OCT or
UBM).
Example “Examination Package” in Cataract Diagnostics
For an experienced doctor, diagnosing cataracts only requires examining the clouded lens with dilated pupils. Examinations preceding cataract surgery include:
- autorefractometry
- biometry
- fundus examination
- macular OCT examination
Example “Examination Package” preceding surgical intervention in the eye (eye surgery)
- corneal topography/corneal tomography (3D),
- pupil width measurement,
- intraocular pressure measurement (IOP) with corneal hysteresis,
- autorefraction,
- subjective refraction,
- binocular vision examination,
- optical biometry,
- optical coherence tomography (OCT) / macula and optic nerve,
- posterior segment imaging,
- endothelial cell density measurement,
- ophthalmological examination with a biomicroscope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Examinations
How much does an eye examination cost at SwissLaser?
A comprehensive qualification examination costs PLN 400 and lasts approximately 90 minutes: refraction, corneal topography and pachymetry, OCT, biometry, tonometry, tear film assessment, and fundus examination. Qualification diagnostics for OptiLIGHT dry eye therapy in Warsaw costs PLN 200.
Can I drive after the examination?
No, if pupil-dilating drops have been administered – they work for 2–3 hours and worsen near vision. Please come by public transport or with an accompanying person.
How to prepare for examinations?
Discontinue contact lenses: soft for 7 days, hard for 3 weeks. Bring your ophthalmological documentation and eyeglass prescriptions. Come without eye makeup.
Are the examinations painless?
Yes. Most are non-contact light measurements; applanation tonometry and the ultrasound variant of pachymetry only require anesthetic drops.
Will I get the results immediately?
Yes – the doctor discusses the results during the same visit and immediately indicates which correction or treatment method is safe for you.
Schedule a non-binding appointment and consultation to learn how we can improve your vision.
