For more information, read our FAQs or ask us your question below.

Does it hurt?

No. The surface of the eye is desensitised with anaesthetic eye drops. The patient may feel some pressure when the suction cup is placed on the eye and may loose vision for a few seconds. The rest of the operation is generally painless. After surgery, most patients report a feeling of grittiness, which disappears after a few hours. PRK and Lasek can cause discomfort for 24 to 48 hours.

Are both eyes treated at the same time?

Yes. Surgery is usually performed on both eyes. Many authoritative studies have proven that it is both safe and more efficient to treat both eyes at once. Obviously, if the procedure on the first eye is not perfect, the surgeon will postpone the procedure on the second eye. We can also perform the procedure for each eye separately, should you prefer to do so.

Can I move my eyes during surgery?

At first, your eyelids will be held open with a spreader, and the eye drops will stop your blinking reflex. The surgeon will ask you to keep your eyes focused on a single spot during the procedure. Should your eye move even by a fraction of a millimetre, the eye tracker will compensate to insure a perfectly centred treatment. If the eye movement is too large, the laser will stop automatically. The eye is then re-centred and the procedure may continue.

Do I need to stay in hospital?

No, this procedure is done as an outpatient. You arrive at the centre 30 minutes before surgery and leave  20 minutes after your treatment.

What type of anaesthetic do you use?

The eye is numbed by special anaesthetic eye drops. No injection is needed. Some patients find it helpful to take a mild tranquilliser. It will be offered to you when you arrive, 30 minutes prior the surgery.

What precautions should I take after surgery?

On the day of your surgery, we recommend that you arrange for someone to pick you up, and get plenty of rest. Do not rub your eyes and use only the prescribed eye drops. The better you follow the instructions for hygiene and care of your eyes, the sooner you will be able to function normally again.

When can I go back to work?

Most patients return to work the next day, so there's little down time. Depending on the nature of your work, your surgeon may suggest that you take it easy for two to three days. If you choose to have PRK or Lasek, you should plan to take several days of sick leave for your own comfort.

How much does a typical laser procedure cost?

The cost depends on the technique used. This choice will be made after discussion with your surgeon based on your needs. For instance Zyoptix or tissue saving procedures may be indicated for your eyes but require extra infrastructure, which entails a higher cost.

Do all insurances reimburse the treatment?

Although refractive (laser) surgery is not considered cosmetic surgery, it is usually not reimbursed by health insurances. Some private insurance plans, however, especially those covering employees of international organisations, do reimburse all or a portion of the treatment.

How is the procedure billed?

For the preoperative evaluation and consultation, you should claim a refund from your health insurance as you would for any medical examination. We offer full transparency on our rates, and will ask you to pay before the surgery. This bill will include the operation, any follow-up surgery, and all post-operation checkups for three months.

Is there a risk of going blind?

Serious complications threatening the overall functioning of the eye are almost non-existent.

How long will the effects of the surgery last?

As far as we can tell, the effects of refractive laser surgery are permanent. However, remember that your eyes can change. This is why experts recommend that you be at least 23 years old and have a stable correction before opting for a surgical solution.

Will the operation make my eyes dry?

Dryness is probably the most common complaint after surgery. Thankfully, this symptom generally goes away after a few months and is easily relieved with eye drops (a tears solution).

Can all visual problems be corrected with eye laser surgery?

Most problems that can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses can also be treated by laser (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and, to a certain extent, presbyopia). This technique is not suitable for treating illnesses such as cataracts and glaucoma.

How old does one need to be for laser surgery?

Having a stable glasses or contact lens prescription is an essential prerequisite. For most people, this is not the case until around the age of 23. There is no upper age limit to laser eye surgery; however, after the age of 60, the lens of the eye becomes less transparent, which makes it more likely you will need intra-ocular surgery.

What is the long-term experience with laser surgery?

This vision correction technology using excimer laser is more than 20 years old. The technology has grown constantly more sophisticated since. Several million people have benefited from this surgery. The laser we use is a sixth-generation laser.

What are the risks?

Risks linked to laser eye surgery are known and measured. If well performed, the treatment is effective and carries minimal risk. While not impossible, the chance of a serious vision-threatening complication is probably a fraction of a percent. That said, at Vision Laser we believe that informing you of potential risks is an important part of patient care and will take the time to address your concerns.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects are dry eyes, light sensitivity, halos, blurriness and alterations of night vision. All of these side effects are temporary, and in most cases they disappear after four months.
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