Frequently Asked Questions

>> Can both eyes be treated on the same day?

Yes. In most cases, without doubt, this is possible.

>> Which vision deficiencies can be treated with LASIK?

LASIK can be carried out, in most cases, for near-sightedness up to -10 dioptre. When extreme near-sightedness exists a lens operation, for example, similar to a cataract, with the implantation of a synthetic lens could be indicated. In this case too, this is not covered by the social medical insurance!

Far-sightedness can be corrected with an Excimer-Laser also. Because the peripheral cornea is partly removed the values that can be operated are smaller. Here the limit is +4 dioptre to carry out a LASIK procedure.

Presbyopia is the result of the lens's loss of flexibility and thus its ability to adapt for near/far vision (accommodation). The Excimer-Laser corneal moulding can't be of help here.

Astigmatism can be corrected up to 3 dioptre with LASIK.

All listed information here are only reference values. In individual cases an extensive examination is necessary!

>> Can I be excused from work?

We are not allowed to issue a medical release from work, because the treatment isn't considered medically necessary. The operation always takes place Fridays. In most cases, you can go back to work the following Monday. You should avoid sport activities for the first 2 weeks after the operation.

>> I wear contact lenses. What do I need to consider?

Please don't wear them 2 weeks(soft) or 3 weeks (hard) prior to the preparatory exam and the op-appointment. Contact lenses alter the form of the cornea and falsify the resulting measurements!

>> When is my vision finally adjusted?

approximately 2-3 weeks after the operation, stable vision should result.

>> I have corneal scarring. Does LASIK still work?

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratektomy) is the preferred treatment for vision correction due to corneal scarring. LASIK is not recommended.

>>  Can there be complications?

A LASIK treatment is an operative procedure! Just like all operations, infections that cause serious and in some cases permanent damage can occur. Presently, results from over one million LASIK operations worldwide show an extreme minimal risk of infection. Wound infection with subsequent permanent damage occurred in isolated cases. A rate of complication under 1% can be proven.

During post-operative treatment, increased inner eye pressure due to the application of certain eye drops may occur. For this reason, periodic exams are necessary. Short-term treatment with eye drops may be, in some cases, deemed necessary.

When greater vision deficiencies are treated, it is possible that the treated cornea becomes lightly clouded in the first 1-3 months after treatment. This is normally temporary and is called haze. The transparency of the cornea is somewhat reduced. This can barely be recognised from an external point of view. Usually the haze disappears completely within 1 -3 months; only in isolated cases it can take up to six months to recede. Haze causes increased light-sensitivity.

Halos around light sources at night can too result and usually recede and disappear completely. With newer laser equipment and more modern laser technology and software, the problem of haze has become more seldom. Nevertheless, it is necessary to mention, that such corneal scarring can, in isolated cases, permanently result, leading to increased light-sensitivity. In most cases, corneal scarring can be effectively taken care of with a further laser treatment.

>> Is another operation possible?

Even with precise preparatory exams, exact laser programming, as well as a correctly carried out operation, still the desired result may not be obtained. A near-sightedness of 2-3 dioptre remains. In this case, a laser treatment can be repeated.

If after the eye of a near-sighted individual continues to grow in size after a laser treatment, the near-sightedness can increase. In principle, a laser procedure can help here too.

>> When is an operation possible?

A laser treatment can be reccomended, when eye glasses or contact lenses cause irritations or the patient's well-being is heavily compromised. If a one-sided vision deficiency exists, it can, too, be a helpful treatment procedure. Often occupational reasons (policemen, divers, bakers, actors) can be important for the decision. In general, the eye that is to be treated should possess a stable refraction value over the last 1 to 2 years.

>> When is an operation not advisable?

A laser treatment is not reccomended for individuals not yet 20 years of age (conclusion of eye growth). Diseased eyes (chronic inflammation, glaucoma, condition after retinal surgery, retinal alteration from diabetes) or malformed corneas (Keratokonus) can be excluded from a laser treatment.

The signals to an implanted heart pacemaker can be interrupted during the treatment. For this reason, patients with pacemakers must likewise be excluded from a LASIK procedure.

During pregnancy and with diabetics it can come to fluctuations in the eye's refraction. During such fluctuations it isn't advisable to carry out a LASIK procedure.

Because wound healing is extremely difficult for those with rheumatic problems, LASIK procedures for these patients are likewise not appropriate.