Correcting short-sightedness with laser eye surgery is straightforward and quick nowadays. However, there are certain requirements that must be met for a patient to be a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Why choose a laser procedure instead of glasses?
Glasses and contact lenses help sharpen vision, but for many people they are uncomfortable and impractical. Laser procedures began to be used as an alternative decades ago, but in the early years they were associated with some complications. Thanks to today's advanced technology, however, the results of laser eye surgery are now remarkable.
Recovery and outcomes following the procedure depend on the chosen method. "There are many available methods. Some involve an incision, while others remove an unnecessary layer from the eye using something resembling a small pair of tweezers. There are also non-contact methods," explains KSA Silmakeskus ophthalmologist Dr Ants Haavel.
Flow technology – a 100% non-contact laser procedure
KSA Silmakeskus previously used LASIK procedures, but after introducing Flow, a unique technology in the Baltic and Nordic countries, they began offering non-contact procedures. "Many vision clinics claim to use a laser, but it still involves an incision in the eye. Flow is a 100% non-contact procedure, where the cornea (the eye's clear front layer) is operated on from a distance using a laser," says Dr Haavel.
Despite being a smooth procedure that takes only a matter of seconds, it cannot be performed on everyone. "Our thorough 1.5-hour pre-procedure assessment determines a patient's suitability for the Flow procedure," explains Dr Haavel.
Who is eligible for laser eye surgery?
The right candidate must have stable vision, a sufficiently thick cornea, good general health, and a positive outlook. Other considerations include the fact that laser eye surgery cannot be performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the optimal age for the procedure is 20–40 years. Dr Haavel also reminds us that certain conditions or medications can affect recovery, which may make the procedure impossible.
"Around 40% of patients who come to us for assessments ultimately do not go ahead with the procedure. The most common reason a patient does not proceed is a thin cornea — needless to say, at KSA Silmakeskus we do not take risks. In such cases, we recommend coming back a couple of years later to see how the eyes have changed," explains Dr Haavel.
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