Laser vision correction

all you need to know

a safe alternative to regular glasses and contact lenses

a permanent method of restoring full visual acuity

a quick and entirely painless procedure

individually tailored treatment procedures

the longest 12-year warranty in Poland

Quick, permanent effect

Laser vision correction surgery takes several minutes, but its effects are long-lasting. Laser vision correction is therefore quick and completely painless. It allows removing vision errors, and lets you forget any issues with blurred visual acuity. Modern equipment guarantees the effects of laser vision correction are not only permanent, but also felt immediately. Most patients can enjoy a completely new quality of life the very next day after the operation.

One-time cost

Financial issues often cause many people to indefinitely put off the decision to undergo laser vision correction. However, rarely we consider the continued expense of regular lens replacement in glasses, new frames, or the purchase of contact lenses and other accessories. It is worth considering, that the cost of the laser procedure is a one-time investment in our future.

Safety, professionalism, experience

Our goal is help as many people with visual defects as we can, that is why we employ specialists, whose knowledge is based on many years of experience with similar procedures. We constantly invest in medical personnel training and modern equipment, in order to help even the toughest of cases. Our competences interact and complement one another, thanks to which we individually approach the problems and needs of our patients.

Qualifying examination for laser vision correction
this is the first step towards a new quality of life

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Laser vision correction qualifying examination

Before the Laser vision correction procedure are, all patients undergo specialist qualifying examinations, where very detailed measurements are made. This is done to exclude the possibility of co-existing issues which could impact the success of the procedure.  The examination lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours.

The resulting data allows the doctor to exactly and precisely determine the method and scope of the procedure in order to best perform the laser correction.

The qualifying examination includes the following package of tests

  • Corneal topography
  • Intraocular pressure measurement
  • Pupils width measurement
  • Visual acuity and eye refraction examination
  • OCT of the inner eye layer and the cornea
  • Endothelial cell density measurement
  • Automatic refractometry
  • Optical biometry
  • Binocular vision examination – ophthalmic test via biomicroscope
  • Consultation with a doctor

What are potential contraindications to undergoing a laser vision correction procedure?

  • An unstable visual defect
  • Pregnancy and the feeding period
  • Pathological changes to the cornea (Keratoconus, too thin cornea, congenital cornea pathologies, dystrophic diseases, corneal scarring)
  • Macula disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Active eye inflammation
  • Retinal aberrations in diabetes
  • Tendency to forming keloids
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Strong allergies
  • Tear film insufficiency

We perform the most extensive
qualifying examination for laser vision correction

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How does the laser vision correction procedure work?

Irrespective of the chosen method of laser vision correction, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient remains in contact with the doctor at all times, who keeps up to speed on the state of the procedure

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deep methods

FemtoLASIK vOptimum

Vidium Medica performs the FemtoLASIK vOptimum treatment using the WF Optimized or SCA methods.

These are considered as some of the best in the world, with regards to

  • Greater mid-surgery safety
  • Greater range of correctible defects
  • Better precision and quality of vision post-procedure

FemtoLASIK vOptimum is considered a “deep” method. During the procedure, we dissect the corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. Following that, the proper corneal formation begins, through a contactless structural change using an excimer laser. The mean time of interaction between the laser and the cornea does not exceed 10 seconds. Following that, the flap return to its original position, and in a short time is sucked in so tightly, that the incision marks are practically invisible.

Benefits of FemtoLASIK vOptimum:

  • Less complications connected to incision and flap preparation
  • Faster healing of the cornea, satisfactory vision the next day
  • Greater predictability in visual defect correction
  • Lesser feeling of dry eyes
  • Lesser discomfort caused by light source refraction

FemtoLASIK vDesign

Laser vision correction using the FemtoLASIK vDesign is a treatment which can reduce defects ranging from -12,0 to +6,0 diopters and 6,0 diopters of astigmatism.

The greater range able to be corrected comes as a result of the vDesign treatment being more tailored to the individual.

The vDesign treatment is proposed to people, whose eye parameters exceed accepted norms when using the standard vOptimum method.

Indications to use FemtoLASIK vDesign

  • Too thin cornea
  • Wide pupil
  • High vision defect, especially high astigmatism
  • Vision defect accompanied by changes which could increase the risk factor of the procedure – high myopia, unusual corneal shape, hyperopia with astigmatism

ReLEx® SMILE

This is a third-generation laser vision correction method.

During the treatment, using the femtosecond VisuMax laser (ZEISS), in the cornea proper a microlens (lenticula) is dissected.

In the first phase of the procedure, the laser acts deeper – in this way, the back surface of the microlens is created, responsible for the main change of power. That is the place where the vision defect is corrected. In the second phase, the front surface of the lenticula is prepared. The resulting microlens is removed by the surgeon through a small incision on the surface of the eye.

The SMILE method uses only one femtosecond laser, and the surface incision of the cornea is minimal, which makes the procedure more effective and painless. Just before the treatment, the patient experiences a light stinging and burning below their eyelid, which recedes after only a few hours.

Benefits of ReLEx® SMILE

  • Less complications connected to incision and flap preparation
  • Faster healing of the cornea, satisfactory vision the next day
  • Greater predictability in visual defect correction
  • Lesser feeling of dry eyes
  • Lesser discomfort caused by light source refraction

Individually tailored treatment method.
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surface methods

EBK, PRK treatments

This is a surface method, in which we delicately remove the epithelium from the corneal surface, ensuring a safe and precise laser procedure.

The epithelium is the sole layer of the cornea which heals and regrows naturally. Next, the angular shape of the corneal is changed using the excimer laser, in order to remove the visual defect. This activity lasts only a few seconds and is precise up to a hundredth part of a millimeter. In order to secure the operated area, a contact lens „dressing” is placed over the cornea. The whole procedure lasts less than a minute for each eye.

Indication to use EBK or PRK

  • Too thin cornea
  • Recommended to people at higher risk of eye injuries – e.g. playing contact sports.

Due to the necessity of removing the epithelium, after the procedure there is a possibility of pain and discomfort; this can be minimalized using most widely available painkillers and recommended ophthalmic drops.

Trans PRK treatment

  • This treatment is considered a contactless vision correction method. It involves the removal of the epithelium using an excimer laser.
  • The treatment is performed without surgical tools, thanks to which removing the epithelium is faster, more precise, and uniform.
  • The treatment is performed on a smaller area than other procedures, which reduces the healing process.
  • After a completed procedure, a contact lens dressing is applied.

Indication to use Trans PRK

The Trans PRK method is recommended for active patients, involved in extreme sports.

PTK Treatment

Phototherapeutic keratectomy

The treatment is based on the photoablation method, which treats various ocular aberrations using an excimer laser. During the procedure, the surface layer of the corneal tissue (the epithelium and parts of cornea proper) is vaporized. The laser treats surface changes in the cornea, shaping it without interfering in its inner layers.

The aim of the treatment is:

  • Removing corneal swellings, scarring
  • Strengthening corneal epithelium adhesion in case of recurring erosion
  • Level out corneal irregularities

Indication to use PTK

  • Surface-level corneal scarring caused by dystrophy, injury, foreign bodies
  • Recurring erosion of corneal epithelium
  • Corneal surface irregularities

The procedure is designed for patients with corneal defects, scarring caused by injury, inflammations or foreign body removal, as well as those with corneal growths and dystrophies.

How to prepare for a laser vision correction treatment?

We maintain constant efforts to be the best ophthalmic centre at every stage of patient care. We combine the growth of our Ophthalmic Centre with constant improvement of competencies and skills, to meet the expectations of our patients.

Medicine

Continue taking any used medication (including hormones) for 6 months before the treatment, and 6 months afterwards.

Make-up

For at least 24 hours before the procedure, you must remove all eye make-up. During the procedure, the entire face must be free from any kind of make-up. It should also be avoided for a few days during the recovery period post-procedure. The exception to that are face creams, which can be applied remembering to avoid areas around the eyes. The topic of make-up can be broached with the doctor during the second control check-up. (We usually refrain from using make-up for about a week post-procedure.)  

Sick leave

Most patients can return to work as soon as 24 hours post-procedure. For your own comfort, it is worth to plan a few days of rest to allow your eyes to regenerate. The recovery period may be dependent on the method of treatment and the details of specific visual defects, which is why this issue should be discussed with the doctor.

Driving

Most patients can operate vehicles without problems the day after the surgery. It is, however, impossible directly following the procedure, which is why it is advised to arrive at the clinic with a companion.

Long journeys

After the laser vision correction treatment, undertaking long journeys is not advisable. It is worth securing a calm place of rest. Additionally, the day following the procedure, a compulsory check-up is scheduled. For people who live at a distance from Kraków, we are able to procure a reservation in a hotel near to out clinic.

Comfortable clothing

For your own comfort, it is advised to dress as comfortably as possible. Wear loose clothing, e.g. tracksuits and comfortable shoes.

Alcohol

You must avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours pre- and about 48 hours post-treatment, as it influences the dryness of the eyes. It is also advised to avoid using perfumes, cologne, deodorants, or other products with high alcohol content. On the day of the qualifying examination, you also shouldn’t ingest carbonated beverages, energy drinks, or coffee. It is advised to only have a light meal before the treatment.

Recovery following the laser vision correction treatment

It’s worth knowing that immediately following the treatment, the patient’s vision will be blurred. Visual acuity improves gradually, dependent on the type of defect and method of treatment. Certain patients receive special contact lenses on the affected eyes, which are removed during the check-up visit the next day.

A frequent post-surgery symptom is photophobia, intense tear flow, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and visual acuity fluctuations. These occurrences are completely normal and recede relatively quickly.

To minimize the risk of any complications following the treatment, it is very important to follow any and all recommendations from the ophthalmologist. You should especially remember to:

  • Apply the medications and eye drops following the doctor’s advise
  • Do not rub or press down on the eyes, do not clench your eyelids excessively
  • Show up for the control check-up the next day
  • Immediately following the procedure, protect your eyes with sunglasses
  • In case of painful symptoms, you may take a pain relief pill
  • When bathing, take precautions to avoid soap or shampoo reaching the eyes
  • For up to 7 days post-procedure to not apply eye make-up
  • Reduce visual labour, particularly with computers/monitors for the first few days
  • Avoid dusty and smoky rooms
  • Avoid contact with people exhibiting symptoms of the flu or other infectious diseases
  • If possible, avoid contact with animals
  • Show up to your appointed control check-ups
  • Avoid physical effort for the first month
  • Avoid tanning and using sunbeds for the first month, and during sunny days remember to wear sunglasses with a protective filter
  • For the first three months after the procedure, swimming in pools and open waters is possible only with protective goggles, so that the water does not come in contact with the eye.

Any questions you may have regarding conduct during the recovery period following the treatment will be answered by your doctor during the control check-ups.

It is wort remembering that the process of recovery is largely an individual matter, and depends both on the type of defect, as well as the method of treatment performed.

Vision stabilization after the laser correction treatment is fairly rapid, but the corneal healing process can last for a period of months, which is why visual acuity fluctuations may occur for a period of up to 12 months post-procedure.