Laser vision correction can help many people forget about glasses or contact lenses, providing complete freedom and comfort. There are various procedures and methods on the market that correct vision safely and effectively. However, each has advantages and can only be recommended depending on the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and health condition.
According to Eglė Jankauskė, a microsurgeon at the Lirema eye clinic, due to the variety of names for different laser eye surgery procedures, patients often find it difficult to understand how one method differs from another, especially when prices vary.
“Laser vision correction methods are generally divided into two categories: surface correction, which includes methods such as SmartSurfAce or transPRK, PRK, LASEK, which have a longer healing period, and procedures performed in the deeper layers of the cornea (FEMTO, SMILE PRO), which have an extremely short healing period,” explains the doctor.
One of the Most Popular Methods in Our Country
In surface vision correction, the upper epithelial layer is first removed. Then the excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface – flattening it and giving it the necessary shape to improve vision.
“Think of it like scraped skin – it needs time to heal and form a new protective layer. The same happens after surface laser eye surgery – in the first days after the procedure, the epithelium grows back, and the cornea’s surface heals. To make the healing process smoother and safer, special temporary protective contact lenses are placed on the eye,” says the microsurgeon.
To ensure this period is as smooth as possible, patients are given all the necessary postoperative medications in advance. If the patient tolerates discomfort well, they may feel quite well, but it is important to know that while the body is working – restoring a new layer of cells – tearing, stinging, light sensitivity, or the desire to keep the eyes closed may occur.
“These sensations are completely normal and last for a few days until the body recovers and the new epithelial layer grows back. Although the postoperative period after surface vision correction requires patience, this type is particularly suitable for people who do contact sports, where there is a risk of mechanical damage to the cornea,” the specialist shares from experience.
Procedures with a Short Postoperative Period
If their eye condition allows, faster-healing laser vision correction methods such as FEMTO and SMILE PRO are offered for patients who want to return to their everyday lives as quickly as possible, avoid a long recovery period, or are particularly sensitive to discomfort. Both types allow for excellent vision in a very short time and are considered modern and reliable solutions.
“In FEMTO correction, a femtosecond laser forms and lifts a corneal flap, an excimer laser beam flattens the superficial inner part of the cornea, and the flap is returned to its place. It is important not to confuse this vision correction method with LASIK performed using a mechanical microkeratome, which was replaced by the femtosecond laser a decade ago,” notes E. Jankauskė.
According to the microsurgeon, in FEMTO, the superficial corneal layer is preserved, the eyes heal quickly, and the whole effect is achieved in just a few days without losing work capacity. Lithuanians are a little more cautious about this type of procedure due to the additional flap-formation step. However, it has been on the market for many years, and if it were not so reliable and safe, it would not be widely used.
“Vision correction using the SMILE PRO method, which preserves the integrity of corneal tissue even more, ensures speedy eye healing and minimizes discomfort from temporary dryness of the eyes after laser correction. These two methods are particularly popular in Scandinavian countries,” the microsurgeon outlines the main differences.
The Most Suitable Solution for Your Vision
No laser eye surgery method is better or worse than another – they all allow you to achieve the same final result – clear, sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses. The only difference is how the procedure itself is performed, how long the healing takes, and how comfortable you can feel in the postoperative period.
“In all cases, the eyes are numbed with eye drops, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure itself. Patients often want to choose the ‘best’ method, but no such thing exists. The best is the one that is most suitable and available for the specific patient – this is discussed during the consultation after a full vision examination,” says the doctor.
During detailed examinations, the specialist evaluates the thickness and structure of the cornea, the fundus of the eye, the visual field, the degree of refractive impairment, and the patient’s lifestyle – how important quick healing is, and whether their work or hobbies involve a risk of physical injury.
“Most people after their eye correction say: ‘I worried completely for no reason – it was faster and simpler than I imagined.’ If in doubt, it is worth talking to a doctor in advance, getting more reliable information, and, most importantly, understanding that everyone’s eyes are unique, and different laser vision correction methods may be suitable for different people,” concludes E. Jankauskė.
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