Laser Eye Correction Options
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
Most likely, yes.
We correct myopia up to -13 diopters, hyperopia up to +6 diopters, astigmatism up to 6 diopters, and combinations of these impairments. It’s possible we could correct impairments beyond these ranges. This is an individual matter and depends, among other factors, on the thickness of your corneas. However, it’s essential to distinguish vision impairment from other conditions and ailments. In most cases, they constitute temporary contraindications (until treated) or definitive ones for the procedure. More about contraindications below. -
The shortest answer is:
Yes, if you suffer from hyperopia with presbyopia up to +4 diopters, and the power of your reading glasses is not greater than +1.5D.
The need for reading glasses arises around the age of 40-45 due to presbyopia, or farsightedness. This phenomenon is a result of the natural aging process and weakening of the eye’s accommodation. With age, the muscles surrounding the eyes weaken. Consequently, our ability to focus on close objects, especially in poor light, deteriorates.
Eliminating presbyopia is possible at our facility thanks to a unique combination of lasers we have. We particularly recommend such procedures if excellent near vision is essential to you for many hours a day, due to, for example, your profession, and you anticipate the possible need to repeat such a procedure after several years.
At Blikpol, we correct presbyopia using a method that neither creates monovision nor is traditional LASIK. -
The shortest answer is:
Unfortunately, no, amblyopia is not an impairment of the eyes themselves.
In simplified terms, amblyopia is a “flaw” of the brain. More precisely, the brain fails to successfully combine images from both eyes. As a result, it decides to “shut off” the eye it considers weaker and relies on the stronger eye for vision.
Amblyopia can be mitigated through the brain’s plasticity, which is greater the younger the brain is. That’s why eye examinations in young children are crucial, as well as observing whether a child doesn’t squint, for example, when forced to look with a specific eye.
Some improvement is also possible in adults and usually relies on systematic several-month training based on computer programs or virtual reality systems. It’s essential to be cautious of systems promising miracles and to consult with an ophthalmologist you trust before starting any program. -
The shortest answer is:
Absolutely.
Yes, we are delighted that our patients regularly share their experiences with us.
Some of the opinions can be read here: And some, for example, on our Facebook profile.
Qualification Visit Process
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
It depends on many factors. Safety and the possibility of meeting your expectations are our top priorities. For these reasons, we do not perform procedures for some patients.
The first qualification criterion is age. Such operations are typically not performed on children. You should be at least 20-21 years old when eye development is completed, eye measurements have stabilized for at least six months, and your vision impairment has been stable for at least six months. The upper age limit is usually around 55-65 years old.
Unfortunately, not everyone with vision problems can undergo the procedure. The contraindications include:
○ Glaucoma (elevated intraocular pressure – relative contraindication)
○ Cataracts (clouding of the eye lens)
○ Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
○ Retinal detachment
○ Rheumatic diseases
○ Eye inflammations
○ Corneal cone and corneal changes
○ Pathological changes in the fundus of the eye
○ Dry eye syndrome (relative contraindication – depending on the severity of symptoms)
○ Pupil displacement
○ Mental illnesses, addictions
To determine if laser correction of your vision impairment is possible, undergo a qualification examination. During this examination, all parameters of your eyes necessary for determining whether laser vision correction is possible are measured. -
The shortest answer is:
The qualification examination at Blikpol takes about 90-120 minutes.
This time is due to the number of measurements and the precision we aim to achieve with each procedure. Diagnostic tests are a crucial part of the correction process, as the entire effect depends on them. In “tailor-made” procedures, the laser beam automatically uses 3D maps of your eyes from our highly advanced diagnostic devices. -
The shortest answer is:
Yes.
In such cases, we conduct the qualification in the morning, and the actual vision correction procedure in the afternoon or evening. Of course, please indicate your desire to undergo the one-day procedure at the time of registration :-) If you need assistance finding accommodation or organizing your stay, please let us know. For many years, we have been collaborating with reliable partners, and we will certainly be able to help.
Eye Correction Procedure
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
Yes.
These procedures have been performed worldwide for over 25 years, during which more than 40 million people have been corrected. That’s like laser-correcting the entire population of our country. Importantly, complications are much rarer than in many other surgical procedures. The vast majority of them are treatable. If you’re a bit hesitant, no one has ever lost their vision as a result of correction.
At Blikpol, we examine and correct your vision using extremely modern ophthalmic lasers and exceptionally precise diagnostic devices. In the hands of our experienced ophthalmic surgeons, these tools can work their magic. We also understand that you may have many concerns and doubts before the procedure, so our qualification visits last a long time, even up to two hours, during which we try to answer your questions as accurately as possible. If you wish, you can read more about the safety of laser eye correction here. If you want, you can read more about the safety of laser vision correction here. -
The shortest answer is:
No. However, you will likely feel some pressure and discomfort for a few seconds.
The eye correction procedure is painless. We will numb your operated eyes with anesthetic drops. Additionally, we will administer sedatives. If you want to feel more comfortable, we will provide you with a cuddly mascot (or a brave teddy bear) to squeeze.
During the procedure, you may feel slight pressure. However, it’s also true that everyone is different and has a different pain threshold. Some people don’t even notice any pressure, while for others, the mentioned pressure is a short but noticeable discomfort.
Some discomfort may occur in the first few days after the vision correction, but it’s usually less than after many dental procedures. More on this topic below.
You may be concerned that due to your consciousness during the procedure, you will see a pulsating laser beam. We’re here to answer – no, you won’t. However, you will see a little light to focus on. -
The shortest answer is:
Much shorter than you might think.
You will spend about 20 to 30 minutes in the operating room. However, the actual excimer laser procedure only takes a few to several seconds per eye. Most of the time is spent on necessary preparations – first for one eye, then for the other. After the procedure, you will spend about an hour in our relaxation room and at the first postoperative check-up, after which you will be able to return home. -
The shortest answer is:
The laser will not generate a pulse if your eye is in the wrong position.
Numerous safety systems built into the laser ensure that you don’t have to worry. These include an extremely sensitive tracking camera, infrared cameras, technologies for detecting and centering on the eye, and technologies for detecting the slightest eye rotations. If there is a change in position due to possible head or eye movement, the laser action is automatically suspended until you return to a good position. -
The shortest answer is:
Methods differ in technique and applications. If you don’t want to worry about it right now, you don’t have to. You will learn everything during visits with our doctors.
The choice of method depends primarily on the vision impairment, eye anatomy, possible history of correction, and lifestyle needs.
Methods differ in the technologies used, the method of preparing the cornea for the procedure (surface methods, methods with corneal flap creation), and purpose. They also differ in the pace and method of eye healing and recovery time.
While FemtoLASIK (with the flagship iLASIK accepted by NASA and the US military as the method at the forefront) is considered the standard method nowadays… in specific cases, the EBK method or something else may be better.
Based on the qualification examination, our doctors will recommend one or two methods that best suit your specific needs. If you want to, you can learn more about the laser eye correction methods used at Blikpol here. -
The shortest answer is:
Yes.
In the vast majority of cases, there are no contraindications to performing the procedure on both eyes during one visit. It is even recommended. -
The shortest answer is:
It’s a good idea, although not required.
You don’t necessarily have to bring someone with you, but we highly recommend it. If possible, bring someone along. It can make you feel more comfortable, and after the procedure, you can immediately share your impressions. If you plan to return home or to a hotel on your own, remember that you won’t be able to drive immediately after the correction.
Post-Procedure Care
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
You may notice the effects exceptionally quickly.
You will likely notice the difference immediately. However, don’t worry if the image isn’t immediately in full HD – visual acuity may fluctuate during the initial healing period. The healing process takes some time. -
The shortest answer is:
You can expect some discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
After the procedure – in the first few days – you may experience mild discomfort, eyelid swelling, itching, watering, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, as well as light sensitivity (photophobia) or fluctuations in vision acuity. The scale and duration of discomfort depend on the method used; for example, after iLASIK and traditional FemtoLASIK, they are minimized, while after surface methods like PRK, they may last a bit longer. Full vision stabilization after surface procedures also occurs somewhat later. -
The shortest answer is:
The shortest answer is: The correction results are permanent, and it’s very rare to need the procedure repeated
Full visual acuity returns depending on the method used within several days to several weeks after the procedure, although occasional fluctuations in vision acuity may occur for up to 12 months after the procedure. -
The shortest answer is:
No.
The condition will definitely not revert to the original level. If you had a very high prescription, regression to about one diopter may occur after several to several dozen years.
However, laser eye correction unfortunately doesn’t stop a certain natural process. If you are under 40-45 years old, it’s worth being aware that at this age, you will experience the first symptoms of presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
Commonly referred to by some of our patients as the “short arm syndrome” it means the need to push objects away from your eyes to see details or read text. Unfortunately, this is a natural part of the aging process that affects everyone. -
The shortest answer is:
Check-ups are tailored to your needs, but there is a recommended schedule.
The first check-up takes place immediately after the procedure, followed by another the next day. Further check-ups depend on your capabilities and needs; typically, we recommend them after one week, one month, and three months. If you live far away, starting from the one-week check-up after the procedure, you can have them performed by a trusted, well-equipped ophthalmologist in your city. -
The shortest answer is:
From one to several days after the procedure.
If the method requires a bandage, it must remain on the eyes until the next day, after which you can remove it yourself. It’s advisable to wear sunglasses for a few days after the procedure, including indoors. Ask our doctor for the best approach in your case. -
The shortest answer is:
Yes.
You will use eye drops for the first few weeks after the procedure. Additionally, artificial tears will be recommended for about 3-6 months.
Payments
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
The cost of the procedure can be spread over a period of up to 60 months, with monthly installments of around 200 PLN.
For more details, we invite you to contact us directly. -
The shortest answer is:
LASIK procedures worldwide are considered cosmetic and are not eligible for reimbursement.
Unfortunately, laser eye correction is considered a cosmetic procedure worldwide. The same applies in Poland – vision correction is not treated as an illness. Consequently, the National Health Fund neither reimburses correction procedures nor subsidizes eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Work
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
It’s not essential for most professions, but for comfort and to support the healing process, we strongly recommend taking a few days off.
Especially after FemtoLASIK and iLASIK procedures, some of our patients return to work the next day. However, it would be beneficial if you could take a few days off work or use sick leave for the first few days after the correction, if possible.
If your job involves heavy physical exertion or exposure to a lot of pollutants such as dust, dirt, etc., taking a break for a week to two is necessary for the safety of your eyes and for proper healing. In the first few days after the procedure, avoid staring at bright light sources. Don’t watch TV and limit reading, especially under strong lighting, and try to reduce computer use as much as possible. Your eyes may be dry and tire quickly in the first few days, and when we read or spend time in front of a screen, we blink less frequently, which exacerbates symptoms of dry eyes. Using artificial tears can help during the recovery period.
Travel
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
It’s a fairly individual matter – it depends on your healing process and the method used.
The key factor here is your visual acuity and its stability. Your comfort and confidence will depend on them. You should wait before driving a car because in the first few days after the procedure, your vision may be blurry, and glare may occur. If you had a significant refractive error, certain light effects such as halos, glare, or stronger reflections may bother you during the initial healing period, especially at night. If you drive a lot at night, we particularly recommend the iLASIK method, as it has the lowest incidence of these higher-order light effects, and they resolve the fastest with this method. -
The shortest answer is:
The next day after the procedure.
Many of our international patients return to their countries the day after the procedure. However, if you are planning a vacation in countries with a hot climate, consult with our doctor.
Relationships and Pregnancy
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
No.
The most important factor for the procedure is hormonal stability, meaning no changes. If you have been taking birth control pills within the 3 months before the planned date of the procedure, or if you intend to start taking them, continue doing so. Similarly, if you haven’t been taking them, don’t start shortly before the procedure. Consider the period three months before and three months after the procedure as a window during which we want to avoid disruptions in your hormonal balance. This is necessary for proper healing. -
The shortest answer is
No, we cannot perform the vision correction procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The procedure can be performed six months after the end of breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body experiences significant hormonal changes. Consequently, your refractive error may be unstable, and measurements of visual acuity and corneal maps may not be entirely reliable. After six months from the end of breastfeeding, you are more than welcome to visit us for a consultation. -
The shortest answer is
Yes, you can give birth naturally
For complete safety, we recommend waiting for a year after the procedure before attempting to conceive, and before planning for pregnancy, we recommend an eye examination. -
The shortest answer is
It’s best to wait about 1-2 weeks.
Sports
Important questions and answers
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The shortest answer is:
A certain break is recommended. The more precise answer depends on the intensity of the physical activity or exercise you have in mind.
Certainly, a break of 1-2 months from intense exercise or training regimen is recommended. If you train competitively, it’s worth scheduling the correction procedure during a period of off-training. On the other hand, the break from recreational activities doesn’t have to be very long. You can lightly jog, go for brisk walks, or practice yoga. The idea is to avoid increasing pressure in the eyes, which occurs during intense exertion, especially during strength or interval training. -
The shortest answer is:
Such a break should be at least one month.
During this time, it’s better to refrain from swimming, sea baths, saunas, and tanning beds. By doing so, we support the healing process, avoid the risk of infection, or shocks to the body such as sauna-induced stress. For complete peace of mind, if anything causes concern for you or your doctor, it’s worth extending this period to three months.
