Laser vision correction methods
A laser vision correction surgery is always preceded by a preliminary qualifying examination during which the doctor takes the patient’s medical history and checks the eye parameters – the general condition of the eyes and the degree of the refractive error, as well as the thickness and curvature of the cornea. On the basis of all the above the information and the results of the tests performed during the examination the doctor suggests the most suitable procedure method, i.e. the way in which the cornea is prepared for the laser correction.
SBK LASIK (Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis – Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis).
SBK LASIK is a more gentle version of LASIK. During the procedure, the ophthalmic surgeon uses a microkeratome to separate a thin flap of the cornea (about 100 micrometers), which allows access beneath the surface of the cornea’s Bowman membrane. nce the cornea is remodelled with an excimer laser, the corneal flap returns to its original position, where it spontaneously attaches to the rest of the cornea and heals, thus not causing any pain after the procedure.
SBK LASIK + cross-linking – The SBK LASIK method is effective in correcting higher defects, but only if the cornea is of adequate thickness. If the patient reports with high myopia (over -6D) and the cornea is thinner than 500μm, safe vision correction using the standard method will be impossible. We use the SBK LASIK+cross-linking combination for healthy corneas when the main need is corneal enhancement.
For Patients who want to quickly return to their daily routine. Suggested for people who are not prone to trauma, with adequate corneal thickness. Works well for correcting high vision defects.
The next day after the procedure.
The improvement in vision after the procedure is almost immediate, and vision improves day by day. Stabilization of vision to the intended effect can take from several weeks to six months, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, i.e.: the vision defect being corrected, general health and age.
FemtoLASIK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
In the FemtoLASIK method method, the flap is created using a femtosecond laser. In order for it to work predictably and precisely, it must be attached to the surface of the eye during the so-called docking. Under the influence of laser pulses, CO2 and H2O bubbles are created. Then we are dealing with the process of photodisruption. The femtosecond laser is used only at the stage of creating the corneal flap. Once the cornea is prepared, the patient is moved under the arm of the second laser to correct the visual defect – this is an excimer laser.
Immediately after the excimer laser has been used to shape the cornea, the flap is returned to its place and grows back on its own, so it does not cause any pain immediately after the procedure.
For Patients who want to quickly return to their daily routine. Suggested for people who are not prone to trauma, with adequate corneal thickness. Works well for correcting high vision defects.
The next day after the procedure.
The improvement in vision after the procedure is almost immediate, and vision improves day by day. Stabilization of vision to the intended effect can take from several weeks to six months, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, i.e.: the vision defect being corrected, general health and age.
TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) – StreamLight™
TransPRK is a modification of the previously established PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) method. In the first stage of the procedure, an excimer laser removes the epithelium and then corrects the visual defect by properly reshaping the cornea of the eye. No additional tools are used for the procedure, except for a diverter, applied to the eye at the very beginning of the procedure.
TransPRK + cross-linking – The combination of TransPRK and cross-linking procedures is a chance for positive qualification for vision correction in patients diagnosed with corneal eye cone or other ectasias, such as translucent marginal degeneration.
For Patients at risk of injury – athletes and uniformed service personnel. This is an opportunity for patients with thin corneas or corneal scarring of the eye, in whom the SBK LASIK method cannot be performed.
7 days after treatment.
Patients usually experience pain and severe tearing. The next morning, the eyelids may be slightly swollen. There is likely to be a feeling of sand under the eyelids and stinging. These discomforts usually subside within 4-7 days.
The vision improves gradually. In the first few days it may fluctuate and be variable (once better, once worse). Stabilization of vision to the intended effect can take from several weeks to six months, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, i.e.: the vision defect being corrected, general health and age.
LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Ephithelium Keratomileusis).
In the first stage of the procedure, after dropping anesthetic drops, the eye surgeon applies an alcohol solution to soften the epithelium, then gently pushes it away from the laser field. The cornea, thus prepared, is subjected to the laser.
For patients in whom the SBK LASIK procedure cannot be performed for medical indications. Used for people who participate in contact sports or apply for uniformed services.
7 days after treatment.
The patient experiences pain, tearing, hypersensitivity to light, hazy and blurred vision. The discomfort usually subsides after about a week.
Vision improvement after the procedure is gradual and can be variable for about a week. Stabilization of vision to the intended effect can take from a few weeks to six months, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, i.e.: the vision defect being corrected, general health and age.
SMILE/CLEAR (available soon)
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) or another name for the same technique – CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction) – it involves creating a small lenticule within the cornea and extracting it. This changes the shape of the cornea, allowing the image to properly focus on the retina, which means sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is performed exclusively with a femtosecond laser.
For patients who want a quick return to their daily routine. Recommended for active individuals and those exposed to potential injuries. Particularly suitable for people working in uniformed services.
The next day after the procedure.
Immediately after the procedure, the patient may experience mild discomfort, such as dryness, tearing, or slight visual haze. These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours or, at most, within 1–2 days.
Vision improvement after the procedure is gradual and can be variable for about a week. Stabilization of vision to the intended effect can take from a few weeks to six months, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, i.e.: the vision defect being corrected, general health and age.
The convalescence period after laser vision correction
Do not use strong detergents, which can get into the eye and irritate the cornea. Wash the face with water and the eyelid area with boiled water or saline solution using a sterile gauze pad, without rubbing the eye. It is absolutely necessary to avoid rubbing the eyes (even through the eyelid) for a period of 7 days. It is also very important to avoid shampoo contact with the eyes when washing the hair.
It is important to use sunglasses with UV filters when going outdoors. They protect the eyes not only from harmful ultraviolet rays, but also from dust, wind and getting foreign bodies into the eye. It is necessary to remember about them especially during the first 3-4 weeks.
Do not drive both after the qualifying examination (about 3-4 hours – time for pupil constriction after the applied drops) and after the laser vision correction procedure – until the first follow-up visit, unless otherwise advised by the doctor (vision should be stable enough to drive safely).
In the case of manual labor, this time can extend up to several weeks. As long as the patient deals with dust, dust, or carries heavy objects.
The duration of the convalescence period after which you can resume your favourite physical activities varies from patient to patient and should be discussed individually with the treating physician.
Light aerodynamic exercises (running, aerobics) can be resumed after about a week or two. In the case of water sports (swimming) and exercises with heavy weights in the gym, this time is extended to about a month. As far as extreme sports are concerned (bungee jumping, deep diving) the break should be approximately 3-month long.
You should not apply make-up for at least two weeks or use creams or serums designed for the eye area. Eyelash filling should not be performed until about a month after the procedure.
