Is the laser vision correction procedure painful?

During laser correction, non-contact effects are performed on the eyes. And the procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia (by instilling anaesthetic drops into the eyes), so it is absolutely painless.

Is the laser vision correction procedure safe?

LASIK - the oldest and most well-known laser vision correction method, has been known for 30 years and has proven to be safe and predictable.

Modern laser correction methods are entirely safe and gentle for patients. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of complications with laser vision correction.

During the laser correction itself, complications occur very rarely, and the complications are mostly related to the patient not following the prescribed regimen. Although preventable, patients should always follow the doctor's instructions strictly to achieve the most effective correction.

Are vision improvements noticeable immediately after laser correction?

The improvement in vision occurs gradually over several days, but significant improvement in vision is usually seen the day after the procedure. It should be noted that the improvement of reactions and vision will be individual for each patient.

Will vision deteriorate over time after laser correction?

Laser vision correction does not contribute to vision deterioration and remains stable for years (provided that no other eye diseases are diagnosed). However, if, for some reason, vision deteriorates in the future, it is possible to perform repeated vision correction - laser correction or intraocular lens implantation.

What do patients who have undergone laser vision correction say?

After laser vision correction, the high patient satisfaction level confirms that it is worth performing laser vision correction to get rid of glasses and contact lenses. Patients' lives after a visual correction is more comfortable and of better quality. The patient is completely relieved of using glasses or contact lenses and the associated inconveniences and limitations.

What should the patient's health be to have laser vision correction?

During the vision test, the patient is also asked about his / her general health issues to see if laser vision correction is possible. However, in general, all patients with good general health can perform the vision correction procedure.

What does the patient's vision have to be to perform the procedure?

The patient's vision should be between -10.00D and + 4.00D (with or without astigmatism) with sufficient corneal thickness, so the optometrist will perform special measurements during the vision test to determine if the patient's vision and corneal thickness are appropriate for the procedure.

Is there an age limit for laser correction?

Because vision must be stable for at least two years before vision correction surgery, the procedure is usually performed on patients 18 years of age or older, as vision may be unstable until then.

Can laser correction be performed even if I have farsightedness (when necessary to use glasses for reading)?

Laser vision correction provides distance vision correction. If the patient needs glasses to read, we offer another type of vision correction - multifocal lens implantation, advanced glasses or multifocal contact lenses, which are also offered in our clinic.

Is it possible to perform laser correction if a patient has astigmatism or other vision problems?

Yes, laser correction is possible in the case of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Can laser vision correction be performed on pregnant women?

We do not recommend laser correction during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is better to postpone this procedure for a period after that.

If I like to wear glasses or contact lenses, should I still improve my eyesight and perform the procedure?

Laser vision correction is a cosmetic procedure and is performed when the patient is ready for it. There is no medical indication to immediately perform the procedure if the patient does not wish to.

In which cases can a patient not have laser vision correction, and what happens in such situations?

In most cases, laser vision correction can be performed by anyone whose general health condition is satisfactory. However, in chronic systemic diseases such as diabetes or hepatitis C, high ametropia or thin cornea, laser vision correction isn't possible. In such cases, we recommend other types of vision correction, such as EVO Visian ICL lens implantation, multifocal IOL implantation, glasses or contact lenses (including night lenses).

Is long-term preparation required before laser vision correction?

In general, no long-term preparation is required before performing a laser vision correction procedure. Note that contact lenses should not be worn for two weeks before the prescribed laser vision correction procedure to assess corneal shape accurately. On the other hand, the patient should not use perfumes and face and eye makeup during the procedure itself.

What tests are performed before the laser correction procedure?

Before laser vision correction, the patient should schedule an appointment with a vision specialist. During the visit, the patient undergoes both standard and in-depth examinations necessary for individual preparation of a vision laser correction program. At this stage, the patient is told in detail about the course of the operation and recommendations that should be followed in the postoperative period.

What to bring when coming to a laser correction procedure?

Change shoes must be brought to the procedure. It is recommended to dress in comfortable clothing. Please do not wear clothing that is fluffy to avoid contact with clothing threads.

How long will the laser vision correction procedure take?

The laser correction operation duration is 15 to 20 minutes, while the laser's impact is only a few seconds. A few hours after the procedure, the patient can go home and return to their normal rhythm of life, expecting a gradual stabilization of vision. The procedure does not significantly affect the patient's normal rhythm of life. You do not need to take leave or incapacity for work.

Is anaesthesia used during the laser vision correction procedure?

The laser vision correction procedure is performed under local anaesthesia by instilling anaesthetic drops into the eye, which is entirely painless.

Is the procedure performed on both eyes at once?

The procedure is performed on both eyes at once (one after the other) so that there is no difference in visual acuity after the operation. The laser correction procedure, including the preparations, takes a total of about 15 minutes. In turn, the effect of the laser itself lasts only a few seconds during the procedure.

However, there may be cases when the vision needs to be corrected in only one eye, and then the procedure is performed in one eye accordingly.

Is the patient awake during laser vision correction?

Yes, the patient is awake during the procedure, and the laser surgeon informs him about the progress of the procedure and the possible feelings during it.

How does the patient feel during the procedure?

During the procedure, the laser surgeon informs the patient about the procedure's course and possible feelings. Laser vision correction is entirely painless, and usually, during the procedure, the patient feels only light touches, sometimes a slight pressure on the eyes or can see a bright light.

How do the patient feel immediately after laser vision correction?

Immediately after the procedure, the patient may feel a little dazzle. In turn, approximately 20 minutes after the procedure, the effect of the anaesthetic drops ends and the corneal sensitivity returns. At the end of the anaesthesia, the patient may experience a slight irritation in the eyes, which resolves after a short time.

What happens immediately after the laser correction procedure?

After the procedure, the patient stays in the clinic for about 2 hours, then the laser surgeon performs the first examination, after which the patient can go home. Also, in general, laser vision correction does not require a physically or emotionally difficult and long recovery period.

Can the patient drive immediately after the procedure?

The patient should not drive on the first day after the procedure, as there may be slightly blurred vision. Therefore, it is recommended to talk in time with a relative, friend, acquaintance, who will take care of the patient's safe arrival at home.

Is it possible to work after a visual laser correction procedure?

In the first days after vision correction, it is desirable to avoid intense visual load. Therefore, after assessing his own well-being, the patient is recommended to rest for a few days and gradually get used to watching nearby.

How should the eyes be treated after the procedure?

For the first two weeks, when outdoors, it is recommended to wear sunglasses, which we also provide to the patient at the clinic after vision correction. Also, do not use eye make-up for the first two weeks, and avoid dust, water ingress and eye rubbing.

Do I have to wear glasses or sunglasses after the procedure?

After the vision correction procedure, the patient no longer needs glasses, but it would be necessary to wear sunglasses to treat the eyes and ensure their comfort when staying out for the first two weeks. Sunglasses are provided to the patient by the clinic after the procedure, so there is no unnecessary worry about their purchase.

Are the improvements in vision after laser correction visible immediately?

Usually, a significant improvement in vision is observed the next day, but vision fully stabilizes within about a month after the procedure.

Can the procedure of laser vision correction make people blind?

No, the laser vision correction procedure does not cause blindness in the patient.

Will vision deteriorate over time after laser surgery?

Laser vision correction does not contribute to vision deterioration and remains stable for years (provided that no other eye diseases are diagnosed). However, if, for some reason, vision deteriorates in the future, it is possible to perform repeated vision correction - laser correction or intraocular lens implantation.

Will it be harder to see nearby after a laser vision correction procedure?

Initially, after the procedure, there may be a discomfort when looking close, but it will decrease in a short time. Similar sensations are observed when using contact lenses for the first time.

Is it possible to play sports, ski, etc., after the procedure?

It is recommended to avoid heavy exercise for about three weeks after the procedure, but the patient can engage in all sports after this period.

How much does laser vision correction cost?

The price of a laser vision correction depends on the chosen method.

Is paying in instalments possible?

Yes, in cooperation with Inbank Latvia, the clinic offers its patients to pay for services with postpaid options for up to 5 years. All you have to do is inform the staff during the visit about your willingness to pay "in instalments".

Can insurance be used to pay for laser vision correction?

As laser vision correction is a cosmetic procedure, the insurance companies do not cover the procedure's costs. However, doctor's and optometrist's visits are usually included in the list of paid services.

Why perform laser vision correction in our centre?

The clinic has the latest generation of laser equipment and uses the most advanced vision correction methods. It has a highly qualified medical staff that generally provides excellent quality services.

• We believe that the Latvian American Eye Center, the first eye and vision clinic in the Baltics, fulfils all the preconditions, providing a full range of vision correction options for patients of all ages.
• We are constantly improving and doing our best to ensure that every patient in our clinic is cared for so that the time spent with us before, after and during the procedure is pleasant and does not cause unnecessary worry.
• The latest generation ZEISS excimer laser MEL90, femtosecond laser VisuMax, EVO Visian ICL lens implantation, multifocal intraocular lens implantation options, and various types of soft and hard contact lenses (including orthokeratological or night lenses) and glasses are provided. Together with a vision specialist, the patient has the advantage of choosing the most appropriate type of vision correction from the full range of options individually.

What do our patients who have had laser vision correction say?

The high patient satisfaction level (99%) after laser vision correction confirms that it is worth performing laser vision correction to get rid of glasses and contact lenses. Patients' daily life after vision correction is acquired a new quality of life. The patient is completely relieved of using glasses or contact lenses and the associated inconveniences and limitations. It is not for nothing that we say:

MY VISION = MY QUALITY OF LIFE