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4. Before surgery

Before surgery

Why is the initial examination required?

Both you and we aim to achieve a perfect result through the surgery.To do so, we do not only need to know the dioptric value of your glasses but also a number of other facts.

We have to examine and determine a lot of numbers and descriptive data in respect of your eyes.We also need to fully understand your expectations and requirements.

We would like to know your lifestyle, your work load, your interests, your hobbies and your visual preferences. We would like to explain everything to you in detail and together come up with the best option for your eyes.

 

How long does the initial examination take?

The initial examination takes from 45 minutes to 3 hours. The length of the examination is somewhere between one to two hours in most patients.

The real time mainly depends on two circumstances:

1) How fast your pupil dilates after you are given eye drops. Doctors need to dilate the pupils in order to evaluate the condition of your retina and the condition of the optic nerve.

2) How detailed your interview with the doctor will be. Some the patients have almost no questions - either they already know everything from the Internet or from their friends, or they simply do not want to ask and leave the decision up to the doctor. Other patients demand (rightly) a step-by-step explanation of all details and circumstances of the surgery as well as detailed answers to numerous questions. It all depends on you. You have the right to get all the information and we are ready to talk to you about the surgery for as long as you may wish.

 

What will happen with me during the initial examination?

After you come to the clinic, our receptionist will ask you for basic personal data of yours.

Then the nurse will complete a questionnaire concerning your health condition in the past and at present. She will ask you about a number of other facts that we need to know in order to choose the proper surgery.

This is followed by an examination of visual acuity with and without glasses and by measuring of your glasses with focometer.

Then we will perform autorefracto-keratometer examination, tonometry, pentacam examination, pupillometry, aberrometry, IOL Master examination or alternatively ultrasound analyzer examination and we will determine the level of tear production.

This is followed by a detailed examination of visual acuity and the dioptric condition of your eyes by a doctor and a clinical examination of your eyes by a doctor.

You will also receive detailed written information about the surgery that will be performed.

Then the nurse will apply eye drops in both of your eyes with the aim to dilate your pupils. Dilated pupils allow the doctor to examine the retina and the optic nerve.

In the next interview with the doctor you will be informed about the condition of your eyes and about which surgery is the most suitable for you. The doctor will answer all of your questions. S/he will give you detailed information about the process of the surgery and about the period following the surgery.

Make use of the opportunity and really ask about everything that interests you. We are here for you.

 

Do I have to come to the initial examination with a companion? 

It is not necessarily required. If you come from far away and would like to come by your car, arrange a driver for the way back.

Your pupils will need to be dilated with eye drops during the initial examination. The pupils will stay dilated for 2 to 6 hours after the examination. In most people, visual acuity may worsen due to dilated pupils. With dilated pupils, it is difficult to read and improper and dangerous to drive a motor vehicle.

 

Can I come to the examination by car that I drive?

Please do not. Arrange a driver, choose a taxi or use public transportation. Your pupils will need to be dilated with eye drops during the initial examination. The pupils will stay dilated for 6 to 24 hours after the examination. In most people, visual acuity may worsen due to dilated pupils. With dilated pupils, it is difficult to read and improper and dangerous to drive a motor vehicle.

 

How many days before the initial examination and surgery should I not wear contact lenses?

Due to the pressure on the eye and reduced supply of air to the retina, contact lenses may affect some parameters important for proper preparation of the surgery.Therefore, please do not wear soft contact lenses 4 days before the examination and 2 days before the surgery. Do not wear hard contact lenses 2 weeks before the examination and 3 days before the surgery.

If it is not acceptable for you for any important practical reasons, please contact our doctors - we will try to find a reasonable compromise.