For some, laser eye surgery still sounds like a serious and intimidating procedure. Although laser corrections have long become routine, technologies are rapidly improving, and a visit to the clinic is very short and comfortable, some patients still feel hesitant about attending consultations.
According to Ieva Teresienė, an ophthalmologist and microsurgeon at Lirema Eye Clinic, patients share different stories in daily practice, but the reasons for their anxiety are very similar.
“About 80% of patients begin their consultation with a question about safety, concerns about the result, or doubts whether their eyes are ‘good enough,’ meaning suitable for laser vision correction,” the doctor shares from her experience.
The ideal candidate for laser eye surgery
There is a lot of general information online, but the decision whether laser vision correction is suitable for a patient—and whether the result will meet expectations—is always individual. Still, there are several key criteria that doctors evaluate first.
“If the diopters have remained stable over the past year and the patient does not have accompanying eye or autoimmune diseases, these are the main indicators that surgery can be considered. The cornea must also be sufficiently thick and without suspicious changes, so when patients come to the clinic, we perform comprehensive examinations and suggest possible methods,” explains Teresienė.
She adds that previously age was an important factor, but now presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) can also be corrected with lasers, so age limits have expanded.
“Whether laser vision correction is possible depends more on overall health, eye condition, lifestyle, and patient expectations rather than age. We successfully perform laser correction even for patients older than 45 who meet the necessary parameters,” she says.
Fears arising from myths
Most doubts arise from a lack of knowledge. A patient’s question about whether laser vision correction is right for them often hides a fear of not achieving the desired result or encountering side effects—everyone wants to feel safe.
“During consultations, we discuss not only test results but also the emotional aspect—everyone wants to hear real experiences and make a confident decision they can be happy with for many years,” says Teresienė.
The myth that laser eye surgery is painful has nearly disappeared, as more satisfied patients share their experiences. However, patients still worry about the results and how long the effect will last.
“Patients are informed that, like before many procedures, the eyes are numbed with drops before laser correction. As for the effect, detailed clinical studies and recommendations from leading technology manufacturers allow us to predict expected outcomes,” she explains.
Based on research data and clinical practice, it is also possible to estimate how long patients will enjoy the results.
“In most cases, good vision after laser correction remains stable for many years. However, natural age-related changes or eye diseases may occur regardless of the surgery,” the doctor emphasizes.
Actions that help dispel doubts
Usually, the decision to undergo laser vision correction is not made in one day. According to the microsurgeon, most patients consider this step for months or even years.
“It is normal—even necessary—to have doubts. It shows that a person is responsibly evaluating their health and wants to gather as much information as possible about the procedure and available methods,” says Teresienė.
However, she stresses that doubts arising not from real risks but from hearsay or isolated cases online should not turn into constant postponement that limits a comfortable life without glasses or contact lenses.
“Patients often come after reading forums. Unfortunately, this does not reflect reality, because it is dominated by either very good or very bad scenarios—there is almost no middle ground. The first step is to critically evaluate what you hear and ask yourself whether your fear is based on facts or more on emotion,” she advises.
We are all individuals, and everyone’s eyes are different. What worked for a friend or colleague may not necessarily work for a specific patient. It is also a mistake to think that booking a consultation means taking the final step.
“A consultation is not a commitment to surgery. It is meant to answer all questions about the patient’s eyes, the procedure, and possibilities. The worst scenario is staying between ‘I want to’ and ‘I’m afraid’ without ever getting answers about yourself,” concludes Ieva Teresienė.