Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK, SMILE, PRK and LASEK — reshape your cornea to correct refractive errors and achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts.

15-30 minRecovery: 1-3 monthsLasts: Permanent

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Quick Overview

Duration

15-30 min

Anesthesia

Topical (eye drops)

Stay in Clinic

Outpatient

Back to Work

1-3 days

Full Recovery

1-3 months

Results Visible

Within 24 hours

Longevity

Permanent

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is one of the most popular elective procedures worldwide. It uses precisely controlled laser energy to reshape the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — correcting how light is focused onto the retina.

The result is sharper vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Modern techniques like LASIK, SMILE, and PRK each take a slightly different approach, but all aim to correct common refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

With over 25 years of refinement, laser eye surgery has an excellent safety profile and satisfaction rates above 95%.

Techniques & Approaches

LASIK

A thin flap is created in the cornea, the underlying tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser, and the flap is replaced. The most widely performed laser vision correction.

SMILE

A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision. Minimally invasive with fast recovery.

PRK / LASEK

The surface epithelium is removed and the cornea is reshaped directly. Preferred for thin corneas or patients not suitable for LASIK.

TransPRK

An advanced no-touch surface ablation technique where both epithelium removal and correction are performed by the laser in a single step.

Benefits

Quick recovery — most patients see clearly within 24 hours
Painless procedure with numbing eye drops
95%+ patient satisfaction rate
Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
Long-lasting results — often permanent
Quick procedure — typically 15-30 minutes for both eyes

Ideal Candidate

Best suited for patients aged 20-45 with a stable vision prescription (unchanged for at least one year), healthy corneas of adequate thickness, and no underlying eye conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye.

Before & After Care

Preparation

Stop wearing contact lenses 1-2 weeks before (soft) or 3-4 weeks (hard)
Attend a comprehensive eye exam and consultation
Arrange transportation home after the procedure
Do not wear eye makeup on the day of surgery
Eat a light meal before your appointment

Aftercare

Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating eye drops as directed
Wear protective eye shields while sleeping for the first week
Avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least 2 weeks
Do not rub your eyes for at least 4 weeks
Attend all follow-up appointments (typically at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month)

Risks & Considerations

All medical procedures carry some degree of risk. Discuss these thoroughly with your surgeon during consultation.

Temporary dry eyes (most common, usually resolves within 3-6 months)
Halos or glare around lights at night
Under- or over-correction (may require enhancement)
Flap complications (LASIK only)
Regression — some patients may need a touch-up years later

Recovery Timeline

Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within hours of the procedure. Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and watery eyes are common in the first 24-48 hours. Avoid rubbing your eyes and use prescribed drops diligently. Full visual stabilization typically occurs within 1-3 months.

Pricing

€600 – €2,000 per eye

Prices vary by clinic, technique, and lens type. Contact clinics directly for exact pricing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser eye surgery painful?

No. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure. You may feel slight pressure during LASIK, but there is no pain. Some discomfort is normal during the first 24 hours of recovery.

How long do the results last?

For most patients, the results are permanent. However, age-related changes (like presbyopia after 40) are not prevented by laser surgery. A small percentage of patients may need a touch-up procedure years later.

What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE?