Refractive Laser Surgery

EXCIMER laser is:

• The chosen technique: PKR (Photorefractive keratectomy) mode

  This operation provides an effective and safe correction of various vision deficiencies (nearsightedness, astigmatism, Hyperopia, presbyopia) when the vision is stabilized (when the subject's vision is stabilized at around 20 years old.

  The laser beam operates by successive micro-impacts (size: 0.25 microns) in order to adjust one of the outer layers of the cornea. By carving the corneal surface in order to adjust its curvature, it changes the refraction angle of the light, the defect of which is responsible of vision deficiencies..

  • Nearsightedness: it flattens the corneal curvature by altering mostly its middle section
  • Hyperopia: it acts in the periphery in order to bulge the middle section
  • Astigmatism: it removes the irregularities of the curvature
  • Presbyopia (Hyperopia): it partially adjusts the curvature and can improve near vision

  
  

  The removed epithelium regenerates after a few days under dressing-lens.

  Even though this laser treatment technique might lead to some pain at the beginning of the healing period (24 to 48h), it offers the strongest safety because, since the cornea is not cut, the surgical risks and some side effects (eye dryness, lower contrasts ...) are minimized, and it is the best alternative for patients whose cornea is too thin.

• The steps of the treatment

  The operation is performed as outpatient surgery, at the Centre Laser EYETECH. If it is performed on both eyes, the operations usually happen at the same time..

  Step 1

  After a Topical Anesthesia of the cornea (instillation of eye drops), and after an eye speculum is applied, the Doctor pulls backward and sideways, in a precise surface, the outer layer - the epithelium - on a thickness of 0.05 to 0.06mm. Just like the remaining stages of the operation, this step is completely painless..

  Step 2

  Next, under the control of a very effective eye tracker that ensures its perfect centering, the EXCIMER laser safely carves the cornea using extremely fast impacts, corrects its curvature and in minutes ensures the expected visual correction.

  Step 3

  The operation ends when a dressing-lens is put on. Epithelium will regenerate naturally under the dressing. This healing phase could result in a temporary discomfort (that analgesics and the regular application of lubricating eye drops can alleviate). We offer the patient a refrigerating mask in order to give them more comfort..

• Post-surgery

  During the recovery period, some pains might appear – their intensity varies for each person -, as well as some vision issues (which will vary during approximately 3 days, with a peak after 48h, which corresponds to the central regeneration).

  Don't worry, that's good! That means that the center of the cornea is healing itself. And if there is any problem, the patient can reach the doctor at any time on his personal line.

• Follow-up

  The doctor removes the protective lenses on the 3rd day visit. The visual acuity changes for each person, between 3/10 and 4/10 for a nearsighted person, acceptable in near vision and mediocre in far vision for a far-sighted person. None of this is unusual, and the remaining slight blurring effect will gradually disappear within two to three weeks.

  The patient can resume his professional activities after four or five days, can wear make-up after ten days and resume sport after 15 days.

  An eye drop treatment is applied during the next 4 months. The patient is strongly advised to wear sunglasses outdoor in case of strong or sustained sunlight during the first two months.

  The vision will gradually improve during the first weeks, and will stabilize at the end of the second month.
  After that, an annual check-up is strongly advised.

• Cost

  Refractive surgery is not reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale.

  Its average cost is 1,600 euros per eye and 3,000 euros for both eyes (a portion of which is reimbursed by most mutuelles).

  A detailed quotation as well as a fee note will be provided to you.
  Feel free to contact our secretary's office for any enquiries.

  You must plan for two preliminary examinations (partially reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale):

  • A Corneal Topography (150 euros) with corneal aberration measurement + Pachymetry in order to give permission for the operation and to personalize it (customized operation)
  • A pre-surgery examination (110 euros) which includes
    • A complete fundoscopic examination (Fundus photography + V3M)
    • Additional refraction under Cycloplegic drugs