A decade ago, the main question people asked about laser vision correction was whether it was worth having the procedure at all. Today, the question is more often which laser vision correction method to choose. Patients can now choose from several different techniques – from surface-based correction to the latest-generation SMILE PRO and PRESBYOND® technology, designed to address age-related changes in vision when reading glasses start to become necessary. So why does a doctor recommend one method to one patient and a completely different one to another?
According to Jolanta Valatkevičienė, an optometrist at LIREMA Eye Clinic, several advanced laser vision correction methods are used in modern refractive surgery.
“Although laser vision correction methods differ in the technology used and the way the procedure is performed, they all share the same goal – to help patients see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. The most important question for a patient should not be ‘Which method is the best?’ but rather ‘Which method is best suited to my eyes?'” says the specialist.
Different approaches to the same goal
For people under the age of 55 who want to stop relying on glasses or contact lenses, one of three laser vision correction methods can usually be considered: SURFACE (SmartSurfACE / LASEK / transPRK), FEMTO or SMILE PRO.
“Each of these methods has its own strengths and is suited to different clinical situations. The choice of method is not determined by a patient’s desire to try the latest technology, but by objective criteria assessed by the doctor – including corneal thickness and shape, prescription strength, overall eye health, lifestyle, occupation and individual expectations,” explains J. Valatkevičienė.
According to the optometrist, scientific studies show that these methods offer high levels of safety, precision and long-term effectiveness.
“SURFACE (SmartSurfACE, LASEK or transPRK) is a surface-based and the most affordable laser vision correction method, offering excellent visual outcomes. After this type of procedure, around three days of rest are recommended, while vision continues to improve over the following weeks,” says the specialist.
FEMTO is one of the most comfortable, safe and widely used laser vision correction methods worldwide.
“With FEMTO, the eyes heal quickly and the effect of the correction is achieved within just a few days, meaning there is minimal disruption to everyday activities. Patients can already enjoy clearer vision the very next day,” explains J. Valatkevičienė.
SMILE PRO is the latest-generation laser vision correction method. It is designed to offer even greater comfort than FEMTO, with a very short recovery period and minimal dry-eye discomfort after the procedure.
PRESBYOND® – when you no longer want to keep reaching for reading glasses
From around the age of 40–45, many people notice that even though their distance vision may still be excellent, using a smartphone, reading a book or working on a computer becomes increasingly difficult without reading glasses. Eventually, even holding an object at arm’s length is no longer enough to bring it into clear focus, and reading glasses become necessary.
“This is a natural age-related process called presbyopia. It does not occur because your eyesight is simply ‘getting worse’, but because the natural lens inside the eye gradually loses its flexibility and can no longer adjust as easily to focus on objects at close range,” explains optometrist J. Valatkevičienė.
According to the specialist, PRESBYOND® laser vision correction was developed specifically to address this problem.
“Unlike the laser vision correction methods mentioned earlier, which are primarily used to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, PRESBYOND® technology aims to provide the best possible vision across different distances – far, intermediate and near,” says J. Valatkevičienė.
PRESBYOND® laser vision correction is most commonly recommended for active people aged 40–55 who spend a lot of time working at a computer, driving, travelling or exercising, or who simply want to remain independent of multiple pairs of glasses for as long as possible.
“Ultimately, the goal is not to choose the most advanced technology, but to find the solution that can provide the best possible quality of vision for each individual patient over the long term. That is why comprehensive eye examinations are performed before laser vision correction. The available methods are assessed and, if several options are suitable, the patient can choose the one they prefer,” concludes J. Valatkevičienė.