Laser eye surgery
A laser operation is a safe and effective method for correcting vision defects such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What is a laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery with an eye laser is a surgical procedure used to correct various vision errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea with a precise laser, we can significantly improve your vision and offer you a life without glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery is best suited for patients under 45 years old.
Types of laser eye surgery
There are different types of laser eye surgeries that correct vision errors in various ways. The choice of treatment depends, among other factors, on the thickness and shape of the cornea as well as the patient’s need for rapid healing.
PRK (With AQUARIUS Laser)
PRK with AQUARIUZ is a modern solid-state laser that operates without gas and performs wet ablation. The treatment is quiet and odorless, providing a more comfortable experience during the procedure. It preserves the cornea’s natural moisture, requires no flap, and offers high precision thanks to advanced eye-tracking. Healing time is fast, and the risk of dry eyes is low. AQUARIUZ is suitable for all cornea types. , including those that are thin or irregular.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is similar to LASEK, where the laser treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea after the epithelium has been removed. The method requires no flap and is often used for patients who are not suitable for LASIK. Healing time is slightly longer, but the results are stable and effective.
LASIK
LASIK is the most well-known laser eye treatment. It uses an excimer laser and requires a flap to be cut in the cornea. During the procedure, there may be some noise and a slight burnt odor, and there is a moderate risk of dry eyes. LASIK provides high precision, especially with wavefront-guided technology, and healing time is quick. The treatment is best suited for patients with thick corneas. .
LASEK
LASEK is performed on the surface of the cornea without a flap, where the epithelium (the outermost layer) is temporarily removed. The procedure may involve some noise and a burnt odor, and there is a risk of dry eyes. Precision is high, but the healing time is longer than with LASIK and AQUARIUZ. LASEK is especially recommended for patients with thin or flat corneas where other laser treatments are not optimal.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive laser eye treatment. A small piece of corneal tissue is removed through a tiny incision, meaning no flap is needed, healing is quick, and the risk of dry eyes is lower. The procedure is particularly suitable for nearsightedness and astigmatism.
All laser eye treatments are generally safe and effective, but the best method depends on individual eye conditions. It is therefore important to undergo a thorough preliminary examination by a specialized ophthalmologist before making a decision.
Who is suitable for laser eye surgery?
If you are under 45 years old, you can undergo laser eye treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
For patients over 45 years old, the preferred procedure to become glasses-free is an RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). This surgery involves the ophthalmologist replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens that can focus at different distances. This solution typically lasts a lifetime.
However, laser treatment can still be an option after the age of 45 for some patients, especially if binocular vision (the ability to use both eyes in coordination) is functioning very well.
Laser eye surgery process
It all starts with a preliminary examination, where it is assessed whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery.
The treatment is gentle, precise, and can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
1. Preliminary examination
First, you undergo a thorough preliminary examination with the ophthalmologist. Here, the cornea’s thickness and shape, vision errors, eye health, and suitability for different laser treatments are assessed. You will also receive information about which type of treatment is best for you, as well as the expected results and possible risks.
2. The surgery
The operation itself is performed at the clinic under local anesthesia with eye drops. Depending on the type of treatment, a flap may be cut, epithelium removed, or wet ablation performed. The operation is brief.
3. Healing
After the operation, a healing period follows, during which the vision gradually stabilizes. The duration depends on the type of laser eye surgery. Some treatments provide fast healing, while others require a little longer. During the healing period, the eyes may feel slightly dry or irritated, but this typically subsides quickly.
4. Follow-up examination
After the operation, you must attend one or more follow-up examinations to ensure that your vision is developing as expected and that the eyes are healing correctly. The ophthalmologist will provide advice on care and any precautions to take after the surgery.
Risks associated with laser eye surgery
Although laser eye surgeries are generally very safe, there is, as with all medical procedures, a small risk of side effects. This could be, for example, dryness in the eyes, light sensitivity, or glare/halos in the dark. In rare cases, a follow-up correction may be necessary. During the preliminary examination, clinical opticians will inform you about the potential risks.
How long does a laser eye surgery last?
The laser reshapes the cornea so it can compensate for your refractive error (short-sightedness, astigmatism, or long-sightedness) and eliminate the need for glasses. For the vast majority of patients, this correction lasts a lifetime.
However, with age, it becomes harder for the eye to focus at different distances, and around the age of 42, most patients who had laser surgery when they were younger will start needing reading glasses, while they may still be free from distance glasses. How this will develop precisely depends on your current refractive error and the individual characteristics of your eyes.
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