Laser treatments
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be corrected with a laser treatment. Our ophthalmologists master different techniques and we have state-of-the art laser equipment for a treatment customized to your needs and desires. There is a lot of overlap between the various laser treatments. Every treatment is fast (around 10 minutes per eye) and nearly painless.
The intake examinations will tell us which treatment is best suited to your eyes.
When are you eligible for a laser treatment?
- Vision specifications
- Age
- Conditions involving pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Recent intake examination
- Exclusion criteria for laser treatment
Various types of laser treatments
PRK or ‘no touch’ PRK
With this type of laser treatment, the top cell layer of the cornea is removed manually (PRK) or with a laser (‘no touch’ PRK), before the laser starts its work. After the treatment, we place a temporary contact lens on the eye so that the incision can heal.
The surface layer grows back fully in less than a week.
Advantages
- Long-proven and reliable technique
- Safe technique for thin corneas
- Suitable for practitioners of contact sports with a risk of eye injuries (e.g. boxing, judo, etc.)
Disadvantages
- Burning, stinging or watering eyes and high sensitivity to light in the first few days after the procedure.
- Longer recovery time
Femto-LASIK
In this treatment, we carry out the entire procedure with a laser at a deeper layer of the cornea. First, a thin layer (the flap) is loosened with a special laser. After the laser treatment, this flap is put back and the little incision quickly closes up again.
Advantages
- Very precise
- Fast recovery
- Safer
- Quicker and better quality of vision
- Less likelihood of repeated treatment
Disadvantages
- Not suited for a thin or irregular cornea
- Greater likelihood of dry eyes
KLEx (SmartSight & SMILE)
The ‘Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction’ (KLEx) laser treatments are the most recent treatments and make a one-step surgery possible, which means that all treatments are carried out with a single laser device. First, a small incision is made with the laser in the deeper retina, and in a second step, it is removed through an opening of less than 3mm. After that, the cornea is treated entirely painlessly with the laser.
Advantages
- Least invasive laser treatment
- Minimal impact, thanks to a tiny incision of only 2.5 mm
- Exceptional precision, mainly at higher strengths
- Less likelihood of dry eyes
Disadvantages
- A bit more expensive technique
We’re happy to help!
Your vision, your comfort, your happiness: this is what we care about at Oogcentrum Medipolis. Our experienced team is ready to help you and answer all your questions.
Are you not sure if you are eligible for a laser treatment? Then schedule a free, non-binding eye scan with our optometrist that will only take 30 minutes of your time.
Start your process towards a life without glasses today, and schedule an extensive pre-operative exam and an initial conversation to get to know you (+/- 2 hours), so that together we can determine the best solution for you.
- The laser treatment itself is very quick (around 10 minutes per eye) and nearly painless.
- When you arrive at our eye centre, we ensure that you immediately feel comfortable.
- After the administrative formalities have been completed, we accompany you to the operating room.
- There, your eye is given a local anaesthetic with drops and is carefully disinfected.
- With the laser treatment, you will first feel a bit of pressure for around forty seconds when the laser creates the flap. The flap is then opened.
- While you look at a flickering light, the excimer-laser does its work. You will hear a little crackling sound which is completely normal. The actual refractive laser procedure takes only a couple of minutes per eye and is nearly painless.
- After the procedure, antibiotic drops are applied.
- After the laser treatment, you can have a bit of a rest, and after a check-up by our team, you can go home. For safety reasons, it is best not to drive yourself and to have someone to accompany you.
- Taking the preparation, the treatment and the follow-up into account, you will spend around one hour at the laser centre.
The price of a laser treatment varies, depending on various individual factors. We consider it important to make a personal price calculation for each patient. For an overview of our fees, please go to the fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LASIK and what are the benefits of a LASIK treatment?
LASIK is a laser eye treatment in which the laser works in a deeper layer of the cornea. A thin flap is created, the cornea is corrected, and the flap is repositioned, allowing vision to recover as early as the next day. The advantages of LASIK are its high precision, fast healing, and proven results. The procedure is not suitable for people with a thin cornea or dry eyes.
What is PRK and how does it differ from LASIK?
PRK is a laser treatment performed on the surface of the cornea, in which the top cell layer (epithelium) is first removed. With “no touch” PRK, this is done entirely by laser without the ophthalmologist touching the eye. PRK differs from LASIK because no corneal flap is created, making it the safest choice for people with a thin cornea. Recovery after PRK takes slightly longer than after LASIK.
What is SMILE or KLEx and how does this laser treatment work?
KLEx, also known as SMILE or SmartSight, is the newest and least invasive laser eye treatment available at Medipolis Eye Center. Using a single laser device, a small disc-shaped piece of tissue is created in the deeper cornea and removed through an incision of only 3 mm. The SMILE laser method combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK and results in a lower risk of dry eyes after treatment.
How much does laser eye surgery cost at Medipolis?
The cost of laser eye surgery depends on the chosen technique. At Medipolis Eye Center, follow-up visits during the first, third, and sixth month after treatment are included in the price. Any enhancement treatment within the first two years is also covered under warranty if the remaining refractive error exceeds 0.5 diopters. For the exact price, please contact the center directly.
How long does laser eye treatment take and when is laser eye surgery suitable for you?
A laser eye treatment takes a maximum of 10 minutes per eye and is painless. Laser eye surgery is suitable for nearsightedness (up to -6 diopters), farsightedness (up to +3 diopters), and astigmatism up to 5 diopters, and with KLEx even up to -8 diopters. Whether the treatment is suitable for you is determined during a comprehensive pre-operative examination. Soft contact lenses must be removed three days beforehand, and hard lenses one week beforehand.
What should you avoid after laser eye surgery and what is the recovery process like?
Immediately after laser eye surgery, the eyes are sensitive to light, watery, and may feel irritated for the first four hours. You can usually read and watch television again the next day. Eye drops must be used for at least one month. Avoid getting water or dust into the eyes, do not rub your eyes, and avoid contact sports for one month. Swimming and sauna visits are not allowed for three weeks.