Refractive Procedures

The content of this document is of great importance in your decision making process of whether to have refractive surgery or not.

Despite the high expectations ophthalmology conversations still often discuss the experimental side of these procedures. Many have been treated successfully and are highly content with their results. Unfortunately, however, they are also some that aren't so pleased. They may experience long term side effects which may vary from irritation to reduced vision. Of course our mission is to place you into the "happy patient catergory".

Hereby we want to inform you intensively about not only the advantages of these procedures, but mainly the disadvantages;

Please be aware that:

• Every refractive procedure is in principal not a medical emergency. Refractive procedures are considered cosmetic surgery.
• The objective and goal of the procedure is to treat shortsighted and farsighted eyes including, if necessary, astigmatism and presbyopia.
• The correction doesn't always have to be complete. Sometimes a slight over- or undercorrection can be beneficial. A 100% correction can also not be guaranteed. An enhancement treatment might be advisable.
• One or more optica problems might be detected during the initial consultation. During this consultation all problems that may cause complications will be searched for. If present an alternative treatment might be suggested.
• Refractive procedures may cause long term side effects. The vision can be of less quality for a long period of time or even permanently. Visual side effects might occur as well. It is interesting to note, though, that these same problems can arise when wearing contact lenses.
• For a summary of all the side effects please go to the page about "complications."