Intraocular refractive surgery
FAQ
In case that you have monofocal intraocular lenses implanted into your eye than yes. The standard dioptre difference between seeing into distance and close-up is 2.5 dioptres. As such, if you see well into the distance without glasses then you shall require glasses for reading at the value of +2.5 dioptres. In case that you see well close-up you shall require glasses to see into the distance at the value of −2.5 dioptres.
In case that we implant multifocal lenses, you will manage most of your everyday activities without glasses. It is necessary to wear glasses after the implantation of a phakic lens only when further progression of the error is apparent (or in case of presbyopia).
The durability of intraocular lenses that are implanted into your eye during a cataract surgery is unlimited. High quality implants have lasting optical as well as biological properties and as such there is no need to exchange them.
After a phakic lens implantation it is impossible to rule out further progression of short-sightedness. In such a case glasses are normally used to correct the arising error. Contact lenses or laser eye surgery are also an option. If cataract appears, due to the natural ageing of the eye (or as possible post-surgery complication) it is necessary to remove the lens and carry out a standard cataract surgery.
Intraocular lens implantation surgery is not recommended on both eyes simultaneously. Usually each eye is operated on separately. This increases safety and ensures higher precision of the entire procedure. The surgery regulations vary among different clinics considering each case independently and considering the overall health status of the eyes as well as the patient in question.
Your vision should be restored completely with hours to several days post-surgery (in case that your eyes are otherwise healthy). The stabilisation of your vision depends on the healing process and is largely individual taking anything between one week to one month.
Infection is a rare possible complication. It is absolutely crucial to follow closely the post-surgery hygienic rules and recommendations of your surgeon. Other possible post-surgery complications are also swelling, bleeding or temporary increase in the intra-ocular pressure. All of the above complications are fixable, but it is important to see your surgeon immediately and commence treatment.
Regardless of the surgery, it is possible that in the future ailments of the retina, the optical nerve or an oncological condition may appear. As such it is important to monitor the condition of the eyes as part of your regular preventive eye check-ups at least once a year.
Refractive intraocular surgery is considered to be a “cosmetic procedure” and as such the patient is not eligible for a sick-leave.
Unlike as in the case of a cataract, for example, citizens of the Czech Republic are not entitled to free of charge refractive surgery as part of their health insurance policy.
What is of utmost importance is increased attention to hygiene. Washing your face carries no risk (with the exception of contaminated water). We recommend that you refrain from using cosmetic products (make-up, mascara) for 2‒4 weeks. This is more so to avoid irritation of the eyes when removing such make-up. Water or water with soap or shampoo may irritate the eyes but will not damage them. With phakic lens, it is recommended to avoid rubbing the eyes long term.
Swimming is forbidden. It is recommended to refrain from bending over and from physical strain – for example power training. Running on softer ground and light forms of sports are ok post-surgery. We do not recommend running on hard surfaces for 2‒4 weeks post-surgery.
Driving a car post-surgery largely depends how well you can see. If the patient sees well, then there is nothing stopping you from driving as soon as several days post-surgery. In case that is necessary to adjust your vision using glasses then once your glasses are made available to you. Normally it applies that only a driver in good health may drive a vehicle. This applies also where vision is concerned. In drivers by employment (especially where public transportation is concerned), it is the employer who decides when a driver is fit to start working again.
Televisions as well as computers emit light and radiation and as such it is recommended to dim your screens. When watching television, working on the computer or reading it is advisable to use common sense – once you register your eyes tiring, you should allow rest.
A possible problem can be that you will notice spreading circular phenomena around lights. This is known as the “halo effect” in the eye or possibly you may also notice rays around lights, this is known as the “burst effect”. It all depends on the choice of the actual intraocular lens. Generally speaking, such phenomena are less common with monofocal lenses. These light phenomena usually get eliminated by the brain over time and thus you will no longer notice them. Night and twilight vision in itself are usually worse based on an overall general physiology of the eye (during daylight hours we see due to retinal cones and at night due to retinal rods).
It is in place to expect natural ageing of the eye as our age progresses, cataract included in case of the implantation of a phakic lens. This is because the natural lens remains present within the eye. In some types of implants, we actually included cataract as one of the potential post-surgery complications. In such cases, the lens is removed from the eye and a standard cataract surgery is performed.
In case of a refractive lens exchange, the natural lens is removed entirely and as such, logically, cataract can no longer appear. What may appear though is the so-called secondary cataract. It is a condition caused by scarring changes to the original rear casing of your natural lens within your eye. This can result in a condition known as cloudy vision. The problem can be solved immediately by a laser or a surgical procedure.
Experienced doctors
At our clinic you will only meet experienced specialists who love what they do and will find pleasure in helping you find the best solution for your eyes.
We care about our patients
The team at the Refractive Center Prague is primarily concerned with helping patients rediscover the pleasure of good eyesight. Rest assured knowing that you will be given the best possible care.
Pleasant surroundings
Our patients appreciate that examinations take place in pleasant, modern settings that are a far cry from what one might expect from a health facility. The friendly staff is there for you – should you want a cup of tea or a reassuring chat.