Laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK)
Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea with a cold laser so that the image focuses on the retina without glasses. It is an elective procedure, which is why the most important part is not the surgery but the workup that determines whether your eye can tolerate it.
Who is a candidate
Several conditions have to be met before you can be considered a candidate:
- Over 18, with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year.
- A cornea of adequate thickness and shape, confirmed with PENTACAM and pachymetry.
- No keratoconus and no suspicion of an irregular cornea.
- A healthy ocular surface. Significant dry eye has to be treated first.
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
A very high refractive error, a thin cornea or a suspicious topography can rule the procedure out. Being told you are not a candidate is also a result of the workup, and it is the responsible answer when the eye does not meet the conditions.
LASIK and PRK
Both techniques use the same excimer laser. They differ in how the corneal tissue is reached.
| Aspect | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | A corneal flap is lifted and the laser applied underneath | The surface epithelium is removed and the laser applied on the surface |
| Discomfort afterwards | Mild, lasting hours | Moderate, three to five days |
| Visual recovery | Fast, one to two days | Slower, one to four weeks |
| Typical indication | Cornea with enough thickness | Thin cornea, or contact sports and jobs with a risk of trauma |
We offer standard and customized ablation. Your surgeon chooses the technique based on your topography, your corneal thickness and your occupation.
What the day of the procedure is like
- Anesthetic eye drops. No needles.
- The laser itself takes seconds per eye. The whole session, about 15 minutes.
- You stay awake, looking at a fixation light.
- You walk out, with blurred vision and watering eyes. You must come with someone.
- Follow-up the next day, without exception.
Risks you should know about
Like any surgical procedure, it carries risks. The most common are temporary dry eye, halos or glare at night during the first few months, and under- or over-correction that in some cases needs an enhancement. Serious complications are uncommon but real. All of this is explained and signed off in the informed consent before scheduling.
Laser vision correction fixes the refractive error you have today. It does not stop presbyopia, which arrives with age around 40 to 45, and it does not prevent a cataract from developing later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the assessment take?
Between an hour and a half and two hours. It includes topography, pachymetry, refraction under dilation and a retinal exam. You must come without contact lenses: five days out for soft lenses, two weeks for rigid ones.
Is the result permanent?
The tissue that is reshaped does not grow back, so the correction is permanent. The eye keeps aging, though: presbyopia and cataract arrive with the years all the same.
How soon can I go back to work?
With LASIK, most people return to office work in two or three days. With PRK it takes longer, one to two weeks depending on how each person heals.
Is it covered by insurance?
Generally not, because it is considered elective. It is handled as a private service or through a specific agreement.
This information is educational
What is described here is the usual approach and does not replace a medical assessment. The diagnosis and treatment for your case are decided by your treating specialist.
Need an appointment?
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