Patient’s role in the success of laser procedure

For us to improve the quality of your eyesight as much as possible it is important that you cooperate with our specialists. Please follow our recommendations prior to the laser procedure and during your recovery.

Patients Eligible For Laser Procedure

We perform laser eye procedures on adults only. Your prescription for glasses or contact lenses must not have changed considerably over the last 12 months. Other factors, e.g. the general condition of the eye, are studied thoroughly during eye examinations prior to the procedure.

Certain conditions may entail additional risks or complications, preventing you from recovering and requiring extra care. If you have or have had any of the conditions listed below, we strongly advise you to consult your optometrist and eye surgeon beforehand.

The absolute or relative contraindications for the procedure are: eye diseases, such as keratoconus, cataract or glaucoma and recurrent herpes infections; diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma, HIV and AIDS.

The laser procedure is also contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. You need to have stopped nursing at least four months before you can attend pre-procedure examinations and the laser procedure. If you suspect that you might be pregnant before coming in for the procedure, we recommend that you use a pregnancy test available in pharmacies.

Important Information For Contact Lens Users

Contact lenses may change the shape and curvature of the cornea, which may cause deviations upon measuring the refractive error. In order to provide as precise diagnosis as possible, you need to refrain from using contact lenses for 10 days prior to the eye examinations. Our goal is to offer the most precise treatment and this can only be done if the surface of the cornea is stable and has a natural shape. Scientific studies confirm that the longer a patient has refrained from using contact lenses before the procedure, the less likely they are to require a repeat procedure. Therefore we ask you to stop wearing contact lenses for 10 days before the laser procedure.

PRE-PROCEDURE ASSESSMENT

During the first visit, be prepared for a thorough eye examination, which may last up to 1.5 hours. During that time, we measure your vision and conduct various tests. Please note that if necessary, we may use numbing eye drops during the examination, which make the pupil dilate for a short period of time. If you are administered eye drops during the eye examination, we ask you not to drive a car aſterwards, as your near vision will be blurry due to the drops used. You will also have temporary difficulties reading and seeing clearly. Additionally, your eyes may be sensitive to light for around 12 hours aſter the examination.

Please take care to ensure that your visit to the Vision Clinic is as convenient as possible to you and other patients alike. Consequently, we ask you not to bring your children, as they get tired and we do not have a playroom.

Please note that the clinic is not liable for any travelling or accommodation expenses, loss of remuneration or other additional costs incurred due to the patient being unsuitable for the procedure or requiring a repeat procedure, postponement of the procedure or other unex- pected delays.

Preparation For Laser Procedure

We advise you to take some time off from work for the procedure – up to 7-10 days in the case of Flow. Please consult the Vision Clinic staff and your GP and employer on this topic prior to the procedure.

There are generally no restrictions on eating or use of medicines prior to or on the day of the procedure. Nevertheless, we ask you to inform the procedure assistant and the surgeon of all of the medicines you are taking.

Please remove all of your eye makeup at least 24 hours before the procedure and ensure that you do not apply any cosmetics to your face or eyes on the day of the procedure. The same applies to hairspray, mousse and perfume. The substances in cosmetics, incl. alcohol, reduce the dosed effect of laser beams on the cornea. We strongly recommend you to avoid alcohol 24 hours before and one week aſter the procedure, as alcohol reduces the water content of tissue, causes dry eyes and slows the recovery process.

We also ask you to limit the use of digital screens (TV, smartphones and computers) when wearing protective contact lenses during your recovery period. During recovery, we advise you to minimise your screen time and take breaks as soon as you feel that your eyes are tired.

The vitamins and eye drops given to you before the procedure must be used in accord- ance with KSA Vision Clinic’s written instructions.

Procedure Day

If you regularly use medications prescribed by other doctors, notify the Vision Clinic staff thereof already when you come in for the pre-procedure eye examination. As a rule, you may use your regular medication also on the day of the procedure.

Please do not take any sedatives on the day of the procedure. You can ask for sedatives at KSA Vision Clinic, if necessary, but experience shows that less than 5 % of people need them before the procedure.

Remember that aſter the procedure your vision may be blurry and your eyes slightly sensitive to light and there may be tear secretion. This usually passes in a few days.

Wear comfortable clothes to the procedure. Avoid clothes made of material that may generate lint underneath the protective clothing worn during the procedure (such as wool).

On the day of the procedure you will be at the Vision Clinic for up to 1.5 hours. Please ensure that the visit is as convenient as possible to you and avoid bringing small children to the clinic on that day.

After The Procedure

Remember that post-procedure care is as important as the procedure itself! There are things you can do yourself to help your eyes heal quickly and achieve good vision. KSA Vision Clinic will provide you with everything you need (medication, eye drops and sunglasses) for recovering on the day of the procedure. The price of the laser procedure includes aids and medication, so that you will not have to make any extra expenses on the day of the procedure. Follow the eye-drop administration scheme provided by KSA Vision Clinic.

The first mandatory visit aſter the Flow procedure is scheduled on the 6th or 7th day aſter the procedure. The precise time for the follow-up is set on the day of procedure. Additionally, you need to come in for post-procedure follow-up checks, which generally take place on the first, third, sixth and twelſth month aſter the procedure.

Each follow-up appointment lasts around 15 minutes. This allows us to assess the healing process of the eyes and check your visual acuity.