Preliminary examination before laser eye surgery

The preliminary medical examination

The comprehensive medical preliminary examination is crucial for the best possible treatment results with laser eye surgery. Our experienced ophthalmologists take a very close look at every micrometer of your eyes – from the cornea to the retina. 

Every eye is unique and therefore every treatment step must be individually tailored to each patient. 

The comprehensive examinations with first-class diagnostic devices provide an exact picture of your eyes and the existing ametropia. This enables us to offer treatment tailored precisely to the patient with the best possible results. 

1. The measurements of glasses

Stable eyesight is an important prerequisite for long-term sharp vision after the laser treatment. Therefore, the first step in a preliminary examination is always the measurement of your glasses. Here, the values ​​​​of already used visual aids are measured precisely to see how far the visual acuity has changed in the last few months/years. It is therefore important that patients bring their glasses or contact lenses with them to the preliminary examination.

2. Accurate measurement of the corneal surface

In addition to stable eyesight, a minimum corneal thickness is required for eye laser surgery. With the help of a special camera (Pentacam) we measure the front part of the eye and in particular the cornea. With the help of the Pentacam, we record the thickness (Pachymetry) and condition (topography) of the cornea within a few seconds. This gives us a very precise picture of the cornea and allows us to identify any pathological changes.

3. The severity of the ametropia

During the examination with the Autorefractometer, we measure the refractive power of our patients’ eyes and thus find out how severe the ametropia is and by which values ​​we have to correct it.

4. The pupil size of the eyes

With Pupillometry, we determine the pupil width of the eyes and thus determine the best possible size of the treatment zone. This is another step to get detailed information about the patient’s eyes and personalize the treatment.

5. The intraocular pressure measurement

With this measurement, we determine whether the pressure inside the eye is within the normal range. Pathological changes such as glaucoma become recognizable through the process.

6. The eyesight measurement

On the basis of the objective measurement of the visual acuity (point 3 – Autorefractometer), a subjective visual acuity measurement (refraction) is then carried out. The refraction serves to determine the best possible correction under subjective conditions (personal assessment of the patient).

7. The slit lamp examination

Finally, we carry out the slit lamp examination during the preliminary medical examination. The ophthalmologist examines the front and rear sections of the eye using a microscope and a special technique. This allows the ophthalmologist to rule out pathological changes in the eye.

8. Consultation with the doctor

Only after this comprehensive examination of the eyes, during which we get to know the individual values ​​and circumstances of each patient in detail, are we able to give comprehensive advice on personal treatment options. As part of an explanation and consultation, we discuss with the patient which method is the best choice in each case.


Preparation for the preliminary medical examination

Do you wear contact lenses? Please remove these before your appointment for the preliminary medical examination for the laser eye surgery.

  • Soft lenses: at least two days before
  • Hard lenses: at least seven days in advance

Since your vision will still be blurry for a few hours after the appointment due to the dilated pupils, it is advisable to attend this appointment with a companion. Otherwise you can go home by public transport. 

Important: Due to the current corona situation, we have to limit the number of patients in our locations. We therefore ask your companion to wait outside our premises. 

We also recommend that you bring sunglasses. Because of the eye drops, the eyes are sensitive to bright light. 

Eye laser preliminary examination: costs

The costs for the comprehensive preliminary ophthalmological examination at CARE Vision are around 50 euros (billing according to GOÄ). These costs include all preliminary examinations necessary for your laser eye treatment.

No time? Busy at work? 
– LASIK Weekend

 

Thanks to our LASIK weekends, you also have the opportunity to have laser surgery for your eyes in just one weekend in selected cities.

The preliminary medical examination for eye laser surgery – by an optician or master optician and your treating doctor – takes place in the run-up to your treatment, if desired and if possible on Friday. The eye laser surgery takes place on a Saturday. The Lasik weekend ends with a check-up appointment on Sunday with your attending ophthalmologist.

The LASIK weekend is especially appreciated by patients with a busy schedule – because a new life without glasses or contact lenses can begin on Monday! At all CARE Vision locations, we offer interested parties a free, non-binding information meeting as a first step – including an aptitude check by a master optician.