FRAGEN ZU LASIK

Here you will find the answers to your questions. If the answer to your specific question is not listed, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We look forward to your inquiry.

Allgemeine Fragen

What is refractive surgery?

An outpatient surgical procedure aimed at correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Can the laser beam damage the eye?

No, because the laser beam only affects the outermost layer of the eye. The eye is precisely measured before the procedure, and the maximum laser ablation is limited to 20 percent of the corneal thickness. Since the penetration depth is minimal, damage to deeper layers (e.g., lens, retina, etc.) is not possible.

Can the laser burn a hole in the eye?

No. The laser treatment is computer-controlled and additionally monitored by the surgeon and assistants using a microscope and monitor. The procedure can be interrupted and resumed at any time. The laser is also equipped with an eye-tracking system that ensures the treatment area remains in focus. This means that if the eye moves during the treatment, the laser automatically follows.

Will the visual impairment be corrected 100 percent?

The laser operates with extreme precision. Therefore, depending on the initial refraction (the degree of refractive error), a correction of up to 100 percent of the visual impairment is possible. Minor residual refractions can be compensated for with weak corrective lenses (e.g., for driving).

Will I never need glasses again after laser treatment?

No. It is quite possible that you will still need corrective vision aids for certain situations (reading, driving) even after the operation.

Even under the strictest testing conditions, surgical correction of refractive error to exactly 0.0 diopters is a rather rare occurrence. Whether or not glasses are still needed after the operation depends primarily on the patient’s visual requirements.

Even under the strictest testing conditions, surgical correction of refractive error to exactly 0.0 diopters is a rather rare occurrence. Whether or not glasses are still needed after the operation depends primarily on the patient’s visual requirements.

This result is achieved in almost all patients nowadays. This also includes all those minor residual refractive errors that remain detectable but do not impair the patient’s daily life.

However, it is possible that under special conditions, e.g., when driving at night, the use of a slight, additional spectacle correction may be recommended.

Since a formerly nearsighted patient essentially achieves “normal vision” through such an operation, they will need reading glasses from the onset of presbyopia (around age 45), just as any naturally normal-sighted person needs at that age. Presbyopia is a natural process that occurs in everyone, regardless of whether they have had eye surgery or not.

Slightly different laser corrections for each eye can reduce the need for reading glasses. Discuss this with your surgeon.

Will I be guaranteed 100% vision after the operation?

No! No operation guarantees 100% success.

How often is laser treatment possible per eye?

The limit for repeated laser treatments is the corneal thickness, as a residual thickness of 250 µm (equivalent to 0.25 mm) is required for biostatic reasons. With average corneal thickness, a single treatment could be repeated multiple times.

Are there any side effects?

After treatment, there may be slight impairments in visual acuity, which are usually insignificant and temporary.

This allows, for example,

• increased sensitivity to glare (especially at night)
• the perception of ring-shaped light reflections around light sources
• Reduced visual acuity may occur in twilight.

Occasionally, a temporary foreign body sensation in the treated eye or a brief, harmless increase in intraocular pressure may occur.

How many people have had LASIK treatment?

How many people have had LASIK treatment?

About the operation

How do I know which procedure is right for me?

During your appointment with our specialists, the values ​​of your visual impairment will be determined very precisely and conscientiously.

Based on the results, you will discuss your individual wishes and possible treatment methods for correction with the eye specialist.

What should be considered before treatment?

Contact lens wearers must consistently refrain from wearing contact lenses for two weeks (in the case of soft contact lenses) or three weeks (in the case of hard contact lenses) before the crucial preliminary examination and also before the operation.

Only in this way is an accurate measurement of the cornea possible. This is absolutely crucial for the success of the procedure: Incorrect preoperative measurements lead to an incorrect treatment plan! No eye makeup may be worn on the day of the preliminary examination or on the day of the treatment.

Outpatient or inpatient treatment?

Surgery to change the refractive power of the eye can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.

What risks should I expect?

With the refractive surgery procedures used today, the risk of serious complications is generally considered extremely low, but can never be completely ruled out.

The risk of worsening one’s vision after the operation is very low, and the risk of blindness is extremely rare. However, as with any medical procedure, a residual risk can never be completely ruled out.

To illustrate: With LASIK, for example, this complication rate is less than 1 percent. Your doctor will inform you about your individual risk during your consultation.

The prerequisites for minimizing the risk to the lowest currently achievable level depend significantly on the experience of the performing surgeon on the one hand and on the reliability of the patient in observing and carrying out the postoperative treatment instructions on the other.

Are there any long-term studies?

For many years, ophthalmic surgeons have been searching for ways to surgically correct refractive errors; these procedures have shown demonstrably lasting success since the late 1980s. Controlled studies have also been conducted since then. The LASIK method has been performed since 1991, is now scientifically recognized, and established in ophthalmology. It is assumed that the result achieved a few months after the operation remains stable.

Can I have both eyes operated on at the same time?

This depends on the method used. With LASIK, both eyes are usually operated on one after the other on the same day.

How long does the treatment result last?

Based on our current findings, it can be assumed that the results achieved after a maximum of two years will, to the best of our knowledge, be maintained indefinitely.

Is follow-up treatment possible if the initial result is insufficient?

If the refractive error has not been completely eliminated in the first “attempt” or if the effect should diminish again after some time (regression), it is generally possible to perform follow-up treatment with the laser, replace an intracorneal ring or an additionally implanted lens.

However, this possibility of further treatment is only available within certain limits. These limits are taken into account when proposing the most suitable treatment method in each individual case. A combination of different procedures (e.g., ICL and LASIK) is also possible in cases of very high refractive error.

How do I bridge the time between the operations on both eyes?

In the vast majority of cases, both eyes are treated on the same day.

Patients whose eyes are operated on at longer intervals may experience a difficult condition in the meantime:

Contact lens wearers can bridge this period without significant problems by continuing to wear their contact lenses in the eye that has not yet been operated on. However, it is important to note that contact lenses must not be worn at all for 2-3 weeks before the procedure.

Those who wear glasses must bridge this period by either leaving the unoperated eye uncorrected or continuing to wear their old glasses, which will then produce a blurred image in the already operated eye. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for these cases – a makeshift solution will be necessary depending on the situation. The approach and the timing of the second eye surgery will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on how problematic this is for the individual patient.

Can presbyopia be corrected through refractive surgery?

There is still no perfect surgical procedure for treating presbyopia.

Can visual impairment in children be corrected using a laser?

We strongly advise against treating visual impairments in children using laser eye surgery.

Since the growth of the eye is only completed after the hormonal change, i.e. around the age of 20, corrections before this time usually do not achieve a stable result.

In some cases, numerous follow-up corrections become necessary due to increasingly difficult initial conditions. The cornea can be permanently damaged; in the worst case, a corneal transplant is required.

Is everyone a suitable candidate for surgery?

Regardless of the type and severity of the visual impairment, every patient must meet certain criteria and requirements to ensure optimal success of the operation.

Laser treatment is strongly discouraged in childhood; the patient should be at least 18 years old. Ideally, the patient should be 20 or older, and the refractive error should be stable.

Existing eye diseases, such as cataracts or glaucoma, must be discussed with an ophthalmologist.

Since certain general illnesses and medications could affect the healing of the cornea, the presence of certain diseases, such as rheumatism, may argue against surgery.

Treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided.

For allergy sufferers, the operation should be planned especially carefully and scheduled during the allergy-free period.

Is treatment possible during pregnancy?

There are generally no known side effects on pregnancy from surgery to change refractive power and the necessary follow-up treatment.

Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, no patient is advised to undergo such treatment specifically during pregnancy.

Can laser treatment stop the progression of myopia?

No. If nearsightedness is steadily increasing before treatment, then a further increase is to be expected after treatment. This is also why laser treatment is only performed once the eyeglass prescription has remained stable for at least one year.

Is the operation painful?

With locally anesthetic eye drops, you will feel at most a slight, brief pressure, but no pain. After the operation, depending on the type of procedure, discomfort ranging from mild to sometimes significant pain may occur. This is addressed with appropriate medication. Experience shows that discomfort is moderate to pronounced in the first few hours to days after PRK. After LASIK/lens implant surgery, patients are usually symptom-free by the first day after the procedure and can already see significantly better than before.

The surgical procedure itself only takes a few minutes. However, you should allow some time for the pre- and post-operative examinations.

What does the treatment process look like?

LASIK: The eye is numbed with drops. Under sterile conditions, the eyelids are held open and the cornea is marked. A vacuum ring is then applied to fix the eye in place. You will feel pressure and your vision will go black for a moment.

A corneal flap is prepared and folded to the side. You look at a fixation light while the laser reshapes the cornea according to your prescription. The corneal flap is then repositioned, and your eye is protected with a basket. The entire treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes.

LASEK: The procedure is similar, except that no vacuum ring is applied and no corneal incision is made. Instead, the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is loosened with a diluted alcohol solution and moved aside. After the laser treatment, this layer is replaced and a therapeutic contact plate is applied.

What happens if I move my eyes during the laser treatment?

Nothing. Small movements are compensated for by the so-called eye tracker, which is connected to the laser and calibrated to the iris. In the event of large movements, the laser is immediately switched off and then readjusted.

What is the difference between PRK, LASEK and LASIK?

PRK: In PRK, the refractive power is changed directly at the corneal surface. The outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) is mechanically removed, and then the cornea is reshaped at the optical center using an excimer laser according to your refractive error. This method results in post-operative pain lasting several days.

LASIK: In the LASIK method, the inner surface of the cornea is reshaped with a laser. A thin flap of corneal tissue is created and lifted using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser (Femto-LASIK). After the laser treatment, the corneal flap is repositioned. It adheres to the cornea within moments and acts as a natural “patch.” The advantage of the LASIK and Femto-LASIK methods lies in the rapid restoration of vision. The procedure is virtually painless.

LASEK: The LASEK method is an advancement of the PRK method. It is generally used when classic LASIK surgery is not possible, for example, due to a cornea that is too thin. The outermost layer of cells in the cornea (epithelium) is softened with an alcohol solution and mechanically repositioned. Your refractive error is then corrected with the excimer laser. Unlike the PRK method, the epithelium is subsequently repositioned. Post-operative pain and the recovery time are significantly less with this method than with PRK.

When will I be able to see normally again?

After LASIK and Femto-LASIK treatments, you can expect good vision to return as early as the first or second day. After LASEK or PRK surgery, the process takes longer; you can expect good visual acuity again after 2-3 weeks.

How long will I be unable to work after laser treatment? What activities should I avoid after the operation?

After a LASIK procedure, you will be able to return to work approximately 1 to 3 days later.

After PRK or LASEK treatment, it takes a little longer to achieve good vision, which can mean being off work for several days up to a week.
In any case, you should avoid spending time in or working in dusty environments. Sauna and tanning bed visits, swimming, and certain sports (e.g., ball sports, skiing/snowboarding, contact sports, etc.) should be avoided for at least one month.

When will I be fit to drive again?

Once good visual acuity is achieved, participation in road traffic is possible. With LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and ICL, you can expect this after 1-2 days, while with LASEK and PRK, you will have to wait approximately 2-3 weeks.

Individual end results must always be taken into account (e.g., initially increased glare sensitivity).

How many follow-up appointments do I need to attend?

The first follow-up examination in Switzerland usually takes place one week after the operation. Further follow-up examinations will be scheduled individually for you by our referring physicians.

What is the treatment process after the operation?

The postoperative course of treatment varies depending on the surgical procedure. It typically involves the use of eye drops for a limited period. It is extremely important that the patient strictly adheres to both the scheduled appointments and the doctor’s instructions. If any problems arise, the treating physician must be consulted immediately. Postoperative medication, which in the case of PRK often includes treatment with cortisone eye drops for a certain period, requires regular checkups.

Can you wear contact lenses again after surgery?

Contact lenses to correct any residual refractive error can be worn after all refractive surgeries. However, problems can arise.

Regarding costs

Why are LASIK surgeries more expensive in Switzerland?

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. High personnel costs, building rents, and infrastructure expenses are the reasons. Furthermore, high-tech machines are extremely expensive. For the investment to pay off, a large number of patients is therefore necessary. Because our country is relatively small, local businesses have no choice but to operate with high prices.

Why are laser eye surgeries cheaper in Istanbul?

For something that costs 100 Swiss francs in Switzerland, you only pay 45 francs in Turkey, according to an OECD study. The fee for a Turkish surgeon is therefore significantly lower than that of their Swiss counterpart.
Furthermore, Istanbul alone has almost twice the population of Switzerland as a whole. This naturally results in a higher number of patients, which makes it possible to offer lower prices, despite the same procurement costs for high-tech laser machines. That’s why Istanbul welcomes thousands of patients from Europe every year.

Why should I let Swisslasik organize my surgery? Can’t I do it myself?

Of course, you could organize your travel and surgery yourself. However, this is usually tedious and risky. Swisslasik also offers a “worry-free” service. We take care of everything you need for your eye surgery abroad.

We are your reliable partner not only before the operation, but also afterward. We also provide up to four follow-up examinations free of charge in Switzerland.

Thanks to the one-year post-operation guarantee, you may not incur double flight and accommodation costs.

What costs will I incur?

You can find our offer under the heading “LASIK Offer”.

Which costs will my health insurance cover?

The health insurance company generally does not cover the treatment costs.

About the clinic

How modern is the equipment at the clinic?

The clinic uses the modern Allegretto Wave Eye-Q with 400 Hz.

Are the latest surgical techniques offered?

Yes, because the clinic has core expertise in the latest and most effective treatment methods for the human eye.

Are the devices at the clinic regularly serviced?

All laser devices at the clinic are operated under full-service maintenance contracts. Extensive daily measurement series (similar to a pre-flight check on an aircraft) allow for the early detection and resolution of potential technical malfunctions. The clinic works exclusively with authorized and certified service providers.

How many reconstructive surgeries were performed at the clinic?

To date (since 1999) over 20,000 refractive procedures.

Are kerotomes used only once?

Exclusively

Are the doctors experienced in this area?

Our doctors have performed over 20,000 successful procedures since 1993. Such an experienced team is extremely difficult to find anywhere in Europe.