Refractive Surgery Options
PRK, LASIK, phakic lens (ICL) and lens exchange. Everything you need to know before deciding.
This guide is for educational purposes. Any surgical decision must be based on a comprehensive medical assessment.
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Refractive Techniques
Our main surgical options, tailored to your eye anatomy.
How it works
The outermost corneal layer (epithelium) is removed, and laser is applied directly to the surface. It regenerates naturally over a few days.
Indications
Ideal for thin corneas, patients engaging in contact sports or specific professions, or when LASIK is contraindicated.
Keep in mind
Visual recovery is more gradual than LASIK (days to weeks), and the first 48 hours can be uncomfortable. However, long-term safety is excellent.
How it works
A thin corneal flap is created and lifted. Laser reshapes the inner tissue, and the flap is repositioned without sutures.
Indications
Low to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in healthy, sufficiently thick corneas.
Keep in mind
Visual recovery is very fast (24–48 hours) and virtually painless. May induce temporary dry eye symptoms.
How it works
A customized, biocompatible lens is implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens.
Indications
High prescriptions exceeding safe laser limits, or cases with thin corneas unsuitable for laser ablation.
Keep in mind
Reversible procedure preserving the cornea. Requires adequate anterior chamber depth.
How it works
The natural aging crystalline lens is replaced with a premium artificial lens. Identical to modern cataract surgery.
Indications
Patients typically over 50–55 with presbyopia, high prescriptions, or early cataract symptoms.
Keep in mind
Permanent solution preventing future cataracts. Independence from glasses for most daily activities.
Goals & Preparation
Surgery seeks independence from glasses, but mathematical perfection is not guaranteed. To operate safely, we require:
- Stop wearing contact lenses (minimum 5 days for soft lenses, longer for rigid).
- Inform us of all your medications, allergies, and systemic diseases.
- Extensive eye exam: we only operate if your cornea and retina are 100% healthy.
- No eye makeup 24-48 hours prior to your exam and surgery.
Expectations & Consent
Before surgery, you will sign an informed consent. Please understand:
- Dry eye, halos, and night glare are completely normal in the early months.
- Though rare, a minor laser touch-up might be required later on.
- Myopia surgery does NOT prevent presbyopia (natural need for reading glasses around age 45).
- You eventually may still require light glasses for very fine reading or night driving.
Ready for the day of surgery?
See our step-by-step guide for the procedure day: preparation, what happens at the clinic and postoperative care.
Ready for an assessment?
A detailed preoperative study is required to determine your safest option. Contact us to schedule your visit.