get a clearer picture of what laser eye surgery (“refractive”) is all about
1. Refractive surgery is painful and the pain is even
worse after an operation The surgery itself is nearly painless, but the stress may make you feel tired – everyone is a little afraid and anxious before surgery. But most people are pleasantly surprised that this fear was unfounded. The operation itself on both the eyes lasts only about 10 to 20 minutes and you can leave the clinic immediately after the operation.
2. The operation results in long-term recuperation
You can use your eyes immediately after the operation, and in fact do anything you want – move, do physical exercise, etc. For several days you might feel uncomfortable in smoky places. Diving in swimming pools and rivers is not recommended, for a period of four weeks. The only definite restriction is that you should not rub your eyes for the first several days after the operation.
3. Refractive surgery is rather expensive and most people can’t afford it
The surgical operation costs from CZK 12,000 to 23,000 for one eye – it depends on the clinic, the medical device, and the particular procedure. But if you calculate how much you spend every year for medical examinations, glasses, and contact lenses, you will see that this surgery is good value for the money. Moreover, some clinics may offer an instalment plan and you can even choose the amount and term.
4. It’s difficult to choose a good eye clinic
In general, look for a clinic that is experienced in many types of surgical operations, that that offers a large scale of different methods, and that has many professional surgeons for different fields of refractive surgery.
It should offer clean, patient-friendly surroundings and up-to-date or innovative equipment, and have a track record extending at least five or ten years. A good clinic should offer night and weekend emergency service, and the surgeons and staff should gladly answer all your questions before you make a final decision.