Laser eye surgery procedure: 3 steps of laser eye surgery at EyeLaser

Nervousness before laser eye surgery is normal. To alleviate this or purely out of interest, many patients ask us what exactly the laser eye surgery procedure is like:

In this blog, you will find out exactly how your treatment at EyeLaser will proceed, what you can expect and what you can expect. From the preliminary examinations to the minimally invasive procedure itself and the two follow-up appointments.

Step 1: Suitability test and preliminary examination at EyeLaser

Are you suitable for laser eye surgery?

The first step on the way to laser eye treatment at EyeLaser Vienna & Linz is the aptitude test. This test is crucial to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment. Particularly pleasing: at EyeLaser, this test is non-binding and free of charge.

Duration and procedure of the aptitude test:

The aptitude test takes about 15 minutes and includes several simple but important examinations:

1. eye tests:

• Checking the current visual acuity.
• Determination of visual defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.

2. corneal thickness measurement:

• Measurement of the thickness of your cornea with a special device.
• Important to ensure that your cornea is suitable for laser treatment.

3. eye pressure measurement:

• Measurement of intraocular pressure.
• Helps to detect possible eye diseases at an early stage.

Important criteria for suitability:

• Stable visual acuity: Your visual acuity should have remained relatively stable over the last twelve months.
• Healthy eyes: No serious eye diseases or injuries.
• Corneal thickness: Sufficient thickness of the cornea to be able to perform the laser treatment safely.
• Age: Ideally, you should be between 18 and 45 years old. However, there are also suitable laser eye treatments for older patients – e.g. PresbyMAX for presbyopia or lens replacement for cataracts.

Arrange an aptitude test

Holistic preliminary examination for the best results

The successful aptitude test is followed by a comprehensive preliminary examination. This step is crucial in order to plan a customized and safe laser eye treatment. The preliminary examination at EyeLaser Vienna & Linz takes about 90 minutes.

Duration and procedure of the preliminary examination:

The preliminary investigation consists of several detailed steps:

1. extended eye tests:

• More precise measurements of your visual acuity under different conditions.
• Analysis of visual defects and determination of the optimum correction values.

2. topography of the cornea:

• Creation of a detailed “map” profile of your cornea.
• Identification of irregularities and specific requirements for laser treatment.

3. pachymetry:

• Precise measurement of corneal thickness at various points.
• Determination of the suitability and safety of the treatment.

4. intraocular pressure measurement:

• Checking the intraocular pressure to detect abnormalities or diseases such as glaucoma.

5. tear film analysis:

• Examination of tear fluid to assess eye health and detect dry eyes.

6. ocular fundus examination:

• Examination of the retina and optic nerve.
• Exclusion of diseases that could influence the laser treatment.

Individual discussion of treatment options:

Once the examinations have been completed, the ophthalmologist will discuss the results with you in detail. The most suitable individual treatment methods (e.g. Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK or SmartSight) will be presented. Alternative options, such as lens exchange or lens implantation with ICL phakic lenses, will also be explained if laser treatment is not optimal.

Costs and liability:

The 200 euros that the preliminary examination costs will be deducted in full from the total cost of any subsequent treatment. This means that you will not ultimately bear any additional costs if you decide to undergo treatment. The appointment is non-binding, however, and you can take your time to decide whether and when you would like to have the treatment carried out.

Arrange a preliminary examination

Step 2: Procedure on the day of the laser eye surgery

Preparation for the operation

The day of your laser eye treatment is an exciting step on the road to better vision. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, there are some important preparations that take place immediately before the procedure.

Arrival at the clinic:

1. welcome and registration:

• When you arrive at the clinic, you will be greeted by our friendly team and guided through the registration process.
• You will receive all the necessary information and can clarify any final questions.

2. review of the documents:

• Your doctor will review your medical records and the results of the preliminary examination.
• Any changes or new developments are discussed.

Preparation of the patient:

3. hygiene measures:

• To ensure a sterile environment, the eye area is thoroughly cleaned.
• You will be given special eye drops that numb the eye so that you do not feel any pain during the treatment.

4th relaxation phase:

• Before the procedure, you will have the opportunity to relax and ask any final questions.
• A calm and relaxed atmosphere helps to reduce any nervousness.

Last checks:

5. final eye tests:

• Shortly before the treatment, a few more eye tests are carried out to ensure that all parameters are set correctly.
• The doctor checks the settings of the laser machine based on your individual data.

6. discussion of the procedure:

• Your ophthalmologist will explain the exact procedure step by step.
• This helps to give you a sense of security and control.

Introduction to the treatment room:

7. placement in the treatment chair:

• You will be accompanied into the treatment room and seated comfortably in the treatment chair.
• The chair is adjusted so that you are in an optimal position during the procedure.

8. fixation and anesthesia:

• Your eye is held open using a special eyelid holder to prevent movement during the treatment.
• Further anesthetic drops will be administered to ensure that you do not feel any pain.

Start of treatment:

9. reassuring instructions:

• Throughout the process, the doctor will give you reassuring instructions and explain what is happening.
• You are encouraged to breathe calmly and concentrate on a fixed point.

Through this careful and detailed preparation, EyeLaser Vienna & Linz ensures that you feel safe and in good hands during the entire procedure. Our aim is to ensure that your treatment is not only successful, but also as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK & SmartSight – the treatment procedure

You can find out more about how our laser eye surgery methods work on the relevant pages:

• Femto-LASIK 7D
• Trans-PRK 7D
• SmartSight
• ReLEx SMILE

The procedure differs minimally in detail. However, the way it works remains similar: the laser shapes the cornea in such a way that the refractive error that causes short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism is corrected.

Immediately after laser eye surgery

1st resting phase:

• After the procedure, you will have the opportunity to relax in a relaxation room. Here you can recover from the treatment and close your eyes.

2. first check by the doctor:

• The ophthalmologist will carry out an initial check to ensure that the treatment has been successful and that there are no immediate complications.

3. protective measures:

• Protective contact lenses or a bandage are applied to your eyes to support healing and protect the sensitive cornea from external influences.
• You will be given special eye drops that prevent inflammation and accelerate healing.

4. aftercare instructions:

• The doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes over the next few hours and days. This includes information on how to use the eye drops, how to avoid rubbing or squeezing your eyes and information on possible symptoms that may occur.
• You will be given a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and UV radiation, as they can be particularly sensitive to light after the treatment.

5. transportation home:

• As your vision may still be blurred immediately after the procedure and you may have received light sedation – we do not usually do this with EyeLaser – it is important that you are taken home by someone to accompany you.
• It is recommended that you spend the next 24 hours in a calm and relaxed environment in order to optimally support the healing process.

Step 3: Aftercare for rapid healing

1 day after laser eye surgery

The first follow-up appointment is scheduled approximately 24 hours after the laser eye treatment. This early point in time is important to check the initial healing process and ensure that everything is going as planned.

What is being done?

1. visual acuity check:

• Your ophthalmologist will carry out an eye test to check your current visual acuity.
• This helps to determine how well your eyes will see after the procedure and whether the treatment will have the desired effect.

2. control of the cornea:

• The doctor examines the cornea for signs of irritation, infection or other complications.
• A microscope is used to ensure that the cornea is healing properly and that no undesirable changes have occurred.

3. checking the protective contact lenses or bandages:

• If you have been fitted with protective contact lenses, the doctor will check them and remove them if necessary once the cornea has healed sufficiently.
• In the case of bandages, it is checked whether they are still necessary or can be removed.

4. adjustment of the medication:

• If necessary, the doctor will adjust the eye drops and other prescribed medication to support the healing process.
• You will receive clear instructions on how to continue using the eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.

5. answering questions:

• You have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have since your treatment with your doctor.
• The doctor will give you detailed answers and help you to feel confident and informed.

Of course, we are always available to you as a point of contact if questions arise or complications occur outside of the follow-up appointments. You always have the opportunity to come in and be treated promptly after making an appointment.

Final check after the procedure

The final check-up after your laser eye treatment is the final step in the aftercare process. Depending on the laser eye procedure, this takes place a few days to weeks after the procedure – it depends on how long it usually takes to fully heal. The purpose of this appointment is to assess the final healing process and ensure that your eyes are fully regenerated.

Procedure for the final inspection:

1. detailed eye tests:

• Your ophthalmologist will again carry out comprehensive eye tests to check your visual acuity and clarity of vision.
• These tests help to confirm that the correction was successful and that your vision is optimal.

2. corneal examination:

• The cornea is examined closely to ensure that it has healed completely.
• The doctor checks for signs of scarring, irregularities or other complications.

3. intraocular pressure measurement:

• The intraocular pressure is measured to ensure that it is within the normal range.
• This measurement is important in order to recognize possible post-operative problems at an early stage.

4. checking the eye function:

• In addition to visual acuity, other aspects of eye function, such as tear production and general eye health, are also checked.
• The doctor ensures that there are no symptoms of dry eyes or other complaints.

5. adaptation and recommendations:

• Based on the results of the examination, the doctor can make final adjustments to your medication or care instructions. Or determine that prolonged medication is not necessary.
• You will receive recommendations for the long-term care of your eyes in order to maintain the results achieved and promote your eye health.

6. answering final questions:

• You will have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions and clarify any final uncertainties.
• The doctor will give you final advice and ensure that you feel well informed and cared for.