The LASIK method has literally revolutionized eye surgery. Its author is Greek professor Pallikaris, who first performed it in 1991. It came to the Czech Republic four years later, when it was performed for the first time in the Czech Republic by the world-renowned eye surgeon Pavel Stodůlka. To this day, this method of removing dioptres is one of the most widely used in the world.
In the first step, the LASIK laser surgery removes a thin layer of the cornea and then removes the dioptres by laser correction. "The method can effectively correct the most common eye defects, i.e. myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK has largely replaced its predecessors LASEK and PRK. In these methods, the surface of the cornea was removed mechanically. With the development of surgical techniques and technology, mechanical instruments have largely been replaced by lasers. The introduction of laser technology in the field of ophthalmology has made surgery safer, more precise and above all painless. In addition, laser diopter removal is characterized by a short and trouble-free recovery period where patients can return to their normal activities within a few days," He said Pavel Stodůlka, head of the eye clinic network Gemini.
It is estimated that up to 30,000 patients undergo laser surgery to remove dioptres in the Czech Republic every year. Their age has been decreasing in recent years. "The number of young people with dioptric eye defects is increasing every year, the largest number of people with myopia, which is largely due to frequent focusing of the eyes at close range, for example on a computer or mobile phone. As the number of young people affected by dioptric defects increases, so does the number of those who want to have it addressed surgically. The younger generation now has a better understanding of vision correction options, leads active lives and can find glasses or contacts restrictive - these are the main reasons why the age of patients has been decreasing in recent years. In addition, many young people find the procedure to be financially beneficial in the long run compared to frequently buying new dioptric glasses. In general, it is recommended to have the procedure no earlier than around the age of 20, as the eye defect must be stable before the procedure. However, if the patient has a stable eye defect and meets other conditions, the procedure can be performed earlier," said Stodůlka.
On the other hand, older age may be a contraindication to undergoing laser surgery. As we age, various changes occur in the eye. "The limiting age for undergoing laser surgery is usually 45. Then, as a rule, the ability of the lens to focus decreases - presbyopia. The LASIK method is mainly designed to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, but it does not solve presbyopia. Of course, it is possible to get rid of diopters after this age. Most often, however, not with a laser, but by replacing the intraocular lens, which also allows the patient to see clearly without glasses." Stodůlka explained.
The increasing interest in laser eye defect correction is also influenced by the level and availability of laser eye surgery. Clinics in the Czech Republic are among the best equipped in the world. Yet within the European Union, the Czech Republic is one of the countries that offer the cheapest high-end surgeries. "Czech eye surgery is one of the best in the world, doctors work with the most modern lasers, waiting times are significantly lower than in neighbouring countries and the prices of individual procedures are also noticeably lower. For example, laser eye surgery costs a third less in the Czech Republic than in the UK. One of the myths is that the cost of laser surgery is based on the number of diopters. The price of laser eye surgery has never been based on the number of diopters. It is the technology used during the operation that is expensive, and it doesn't really matter whether the operation removes one diopter or ten," Stodůlka concluded.
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