Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a procedure performed to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea using laser technology. The most common types of laser eye surgery include LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).  

 The process begins with an initial consultation with an ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon who specializes in laser eye surgery. During this consultation, the patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to assess their eligibility for the procedure and determine the most suitable treatment option based on their refractive error, corneal thickness, and other factors.

Once the consultation done (most of the time remote) and having received a proper quote, the patient undergoes a thorough pre-operative evaluation, which may include measurements of corneal thickness, corneal curvature, pupil size, and refractive error. The surgeon may also perform additional tests, such as corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and tear film assessment, to obtain detailed information about the structure and health of the eye.The patient receives specific instructions to follow in the days leading up to the surgery, which may include discontinuing contact lens wear, avoiding certain medications that can affect healing and refractive stability, and arranging for transportation to and from the surgical center on the day of the procedure.

Protocol : you will arrive  at the surgical center and undergoes final pre-operative preparations. The eye is numbed with topical anesthesia, and a speculum is used to hold the eyelids open during the procedure. Depending on the type of laser eye surgery chosen (LASIK or PRK), the surgical technique and steps may vary:

LASIK: In LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of tissue. After the cornea is reshaped to the desired curvature, the flap is repositioned and allowed to adhere naturally without the need for sutures.

PRK: In PRK surgery, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed using a specialized instrument or by applying a solution. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the exposed corneal tissue, and a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the healing surface. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap.

It's important for patients considering laser eye surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation and consultation with a qualified surgeon to determine their eligibility for the procedure and to discuss the most appropriate treatment option based on their individual needs and preferences. This procedure can be combined in some cases with eye color change surgery or keratopigmentation when provided by the right accredited  refractive surgery clinic.

Healthcare system in Poland is very fexible. With more than 1200 clinics and hospital, Poland is one of the leading country in terms of medical offer in Europe. About one third of the hospitals are privately held and you will find thousands doctors and dentists practicing alone. Dentistry and plastic surgery are the most searched treatments in Poland. Some also choose routine surgeries such as orthopedics but also bariatric surgeries or ivf thanks to a favorable regulation.