Laser vision correction is a fairly young operation, it has only been done since 1988, and many still suspect it. Therefore, we tried to compile a complete list of questions that patients of Omicron clinics ask and to answer them as clearly and comprehensively as possible.  

All about surgery: how to do laser vision correction

What is LASIK laser vision correction

LASIK, or lasik, is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, translated as “laser keratomileusis”. At different times, scientists from different countries took part in the development of the technology – from the USA to Colombia. But in the West, few know that the very first LASIK procedure was performed in 1988 in Novosibirsk! This was done under the leadership of two Soviet scientists – A. M. Razhev and V. P. Chebotarev. Their contribution to the technique and two-year follow-up of patients are invaluable.

What are Femto-LASIK and Super LASIK?

The first is a variation of the same vision correction according to the LASIK technique. The second is nothing more than a marketing ploy.  

How to prepare for surgery

The biggest and most important part of the preparation is the diagnosis. The doctor will tell you exactly what you need to check and what tests to pass before the correction, as well as give recommendations that must be observed before the operation itself. 

How to do laser vision correction

Stage 1: the laser forms a uniform corneal flap, lifting it from one side. On the other, it remains attached to the cornea. 

Stage 2: then the correction itself passes. The laser changes the shape of the cornea so that the rays focus exactly on the retina.

After these manipulations, the corneal flap returns to its place. There are no scars and sutures – the flap reliably “sticks” itself a few minutes after the operation with the help of collagen, which we are so often advertised for skin elasticity and which is actually enough in our body.

How long does the operation last and do they do anesthesia?

The operation lasts 10-15 minutes under local anesthesia – drops are instilled. 
 

What if during the operation the electricity is cut off?

In good laser correction clinics there is an emergency source of energy, there will be no interruptions in the laser operation.

And if the doctor sneezes or the hand trembles?

Even if an earthquake starts during the operation, the laser will not lose in accuracy – it is connected to the patient’s chair, which, in turn, is securely fixed. 

How much vision is restored after correction?

Most patients begin to see everything already in the operating room. Someone notes a feeling of “sand” in the eyes, sometimes everything can be like in a fog, especially in the dark. Of course, after correction you need to be careful and live about a month, as the doctor ordered. During this time, the brain will get used to the changes, and the eye will completely heal.

Will I need to do a second correction?

The LASIK technique is young – the first operation was performed in 1988. And the incredible progress in technology does not allow to accumulate long-term statistics: they just started to accumulate – they improved the laser, and we need to re-enter the data. 

There are studies that have been conducted for 18 years, and according to these long-term statistics, 6% of patients with a high degree of myopia (-10 diopters) applied for additional correction over the next years.  

According to another study, 18 years after surgery, vision worsened by an average of -0.54 diopters in 17% of patients over 40 with myopia.

Another source says that over 10 years, 10% of the tested patients showed slight visual impairment, 90% are happy and still see 100%.  

Who can and who cannot: all about indications and contraindications for laser correction

What are the contraindications to laser correction?

There are two types of contraindications – relative and absolute. Unfortunately, you cannot do the correction with the former. With no exceptions.

Indications for laser correction

• farsightedness (up to + 4.00 diopters) 
• myopia (up to −15.00 diopters)
• astigmatism (up to ± 3.00 diopters)

Absolute contraindications

With them, you have to abandon the correction, alas:

• Autoimmune diseases (collagenoses, arthritis)
• Primary and secondary immunodeficiency conditions
• Diseases that affect healing
• Glaucoma, cataract, keratoconus with thinning of the cornea
• You cannot make corrections with a single eye.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – until the feeding period is over, correction cannot be done 

Relative contraindications

In these cases, the doctor makes the decision on correction individually after a thorough diagnosis:

• Diabetes
• If the patient has a pacemaker
• Specific contraindications from the eyes are marked changes in the fundus, retina, penetrating scars of the cornea, and some diseases. 

From what age and to what age it is possible to do laser vision correction

Children are not corrected: the eye grows up to 18-20 years, so that myopia can progress, and the operation is carried out only when the vision has stopped falling.

Correction, with some exceptions, is not done after 45 years: age presbyopia is just around the corner, nature will take its toll anyway, and eyesight is likely to deteriorate. Therefore, seize the moment!

Laser correction and sport: everything is possible and impossible

Normal fitness, pool or yoga will have to be postponed for two weeks – just in case. The situation with contact sports is more complicated – wrestling, boxing. Ideally, you need to wait six months with sparring – and then you can already calmly hold the blow.  

Professional requirements: is it possible to work after correction?

Office workers should take a week off sick leave. Military personnel, pilots, stewardesses can not make corrections before undergoing a medical examination, and you should consult about admission to work in accordance with regulatory documents.

Pregnancy and childbirth

As we already said, during pregnancy it is impossible to make a correction. But if you do it before the conception of a child, nothing will happen to your eyesight, it will not fall and will not change, this is a myth.

The operation does not affect future pregnancy and childbirth, does not limit the period of labor. Only the state of the retina can affect this, they will tell you about it in the diagnostic process. One thing – plan for correction either before pregnancy, or after childbirth and lactation, when hormones come back to normal. 

What about makeup?

Doctors do not recommend painting after surgery for two weeks, as well as build and laminate eyelashes.

Can I drive after surgery?

Immediately after the operation, we strongly recommend not to drive; vision may be blurred. After a couple of days you can drive in the afternoon. In some patients, glare from car lights or headlights is observed within a week or two. At this time, driving at dusk and at night is cautious. After – all the night trails are yours. 

Can I get a tax deduction after laser correction?

Yes, as with any other medical procedure, you can get a deduction of 13%. The main thing is to ask for documents at the cash desk of the clinic when you will pay for the operation.

Do laser correction by OMS?

Unfortunately, no, the operation is cosmetic, but part of the money can be returned using a tax deduction.

If you still have questions about laser correction, contact any of the Omikron ophthalmological centers network – you will be consulted by phone or online or recorded for diagnosis.   

Learn how to improve your vision yourself from our electronic guide, “Nine Ways to Improve Your Vision Yourself”.