The LASIK method has revolutionized eye surgery. It was developed by the Greek professor Pallikaris, who performed it for the first time in 1991. It arrived in 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 for correcting refractive errors remains one of the most widely used in the world.

The LASIK laser procedure involves first separating a thin layer of the cornea, and then correcting refractive errors using a laser. "This method effectively corrects the most common eye conditions, namely myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK has largely replaced its predecessors, LASEK and PRK, in which the corneal surface was removed mechanically. Thanks to the development of surgical procedures and technologies, mechanical instruments have been largely replaced by lasers. The introduction of laser technology in ophthalmology has made surgeries safer, more precise, and, above all, painless. Furthermore, laser correction of refractive errors is characterized by a short and uncomplicated recovery period, allowing patients to return to their normal activities within a few days," said Pavel Stodůlka, head of the Gemini network of eye clinics.

An estimated 30,000 patients in the Czech Republic undergo laser refractive surgery each year. In recent years, the age of patients undergoing the procedure has been decreasing. "The number of young people with refractive errors is increasing every year, with a significant increase in the number of people with myopia, which is largely due to frequent focusing of vision on near objects, such as computers or mobile phones. As the number of young people with refractive errors increases, so does the number who want to correct their vision surgically. Younger generations are now more aware of the possibilities for vision correction, lead active lives, and glasses or contact lenses can be restrictive—these are the main reasons why the age of patients has been decreasing in recent years. Many young people also consider the procedure to be a long-term cost-effective solution compared to the frequent purchase of new prescription glasses. Generally, it is recommended to undergo the procedure no earlier than around the age of 20, as the refractive error must be stabilized before the procedure. However, if a patient has a stabilized refractive error and meets other conditions, they may be able to undergo the procedure at a younger age," Stodůlka stated.

On the other hand, a higher age may be a contraindication for undergoing laser surgery. As people age, various changes occur in the eye. "The age limit for undergoing laser surgery is typically 45. After this age, the ability of the eye's lens to focus typically decreases—a condition known as presbyopia. The LASIK method is primarily designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but it does not address presbyopia. Of course, it is possible to correct refractive errors even after this age. However, this is often done 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 surgery is also influenced by its quality and accessibility. Clinics in the Czech Republic are among the best-equipped in the world. At the same time, within the European Union, the Czech Republic is one of the countries that offers top-quality procedures at the most affordable prices. "Czech eye surgery is among the best in the world. Doctors use the most modern lasers, waiting times are significantly lower compared to neighboring countries, and the prices for individual procedures are noticeably lower. For example, laser eye surgery costs a third of what it does in the United Kingdom. One of the myths is that the price of laser surgery depends on the number of diopters. The price of laser eye surgery has never been determined by the number of diopters. The expensive part is the technology itself that is used during the procedure, and it doesn't really matter whether one diopter or ten are removed during the operation," concluded Stodůlka.

(source)/ gnews - RoZ_07