Laser treatment for myopia: Laser eye surgery for myopia

The number of short-sighted people worldwide continues to rise. However, modern medicine – in the form of refractive surgery using laser eye surgery – offers those affected a wide range of treatment options to permanently correct myopia.

In this article you will find out what short-sightedness is, which procedures EyeLaser Vienna offers, what advantages they have and we will explain the possible risks and costs of laser eye surgery for short-sightedness.

What is myopia?

Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common visual defect in which close objects are seen clearly and sharply, while distant objects appear blurred. This visual impairment can have a significant impact on everyday life, for example when driving or recognizing road signs. Myopia is caused by a change in the structure of the eye that affects vision and makes it difficult to see clearly in the distance. Modern treatment methods such as refractive laser eye surgery offer effective solutions for correcting short-sightedness, long-sightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism and can improve the lives of those affected in the long term.

Causes of myopia:

The main causes of myopia are varied and can include both genetic and environmental factors:

• Genetics: Myopia often runs in families, which indicates a genetic predisposition.
• Length of the eyeball: If the eyeball is too long, light rays are focused in front of the retina.
• Refractive power of the cornea or lens: Excessive refractive power can also cause the image to be focused in front of the retina.
• Excessive close work: Activities such as reading, writing or spending long periods of time at the computer can increase the risk.
• Little time outdoors: Especially in children, a lack of daylight and outdoor activities can promote the development of myopia.

Symptoms: How can you tell if you are short-sighted?

• Blurred vision in the distance: distant objects appear blurred, while close objects are seen clearly.
• Eye strain: Frequent blinking, eye rubbing or eye pain may occur, especially after prolonged distant vision.
• Headaches: The constant effort to see clearly can cause headaches.
• Proximity to the screen: Children and adults tend to sit very close to screens or books in order to see better.
• Difficulties when driving: Driving can be particularly problematic at night or at dusk.
• Concentration problems: Difficulty concentrating on visual tasks for long periods of time is also an indication.

Diagnosis: What does the ophthalmologist do?

Myopia is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and involves several steps. First, a medical history is taken to find out about vision problems, family history and general health. An eye test measures visual acuity using charts with letters or symbols in different sizes. The refraction test determines the degree of defective vision by having the patient look through different lens powers. A slit lamp examination is used to check the structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens and retina. Finally, the retina is thoroughly inspected during a fundus examination by dilating it with special drops.

These examinations help to determine the exact strength of myopia in diopters (dpt) and rule out other eye problems. They form the basis for deciding whether it is necessary and sensible to correct myopia with glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery.

Laser eye surgery for myopia: treatment methods

Femto-LASIK for myopia

In Femto-LASIK, a wafer-thin flap is first created in the cornea of the eye using a femtosecond laser. This laser works extremely quickly and precisely, which minimizes the risk of complications. After the flap has been folded over, an excimer laser is used to shape the cornea in such a way that the refractive power of the eye is corrected and the light rays hit the retina again precisely. This compensates for myopia.

• Correction up to -10 diopters

Trans-PRK for myopia

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a corneal flap, making it a suitable option for patients with thin corneas.

The Trans-PRK process begins with the removal of the epithelium, the uppermost cell layer of the cornea, using an excimer laser. The laser then reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive power of the eye so that the light rays hit the retina correctly again and myopia is corrected.

• Correction up to -8 diopters

SmartSight / ReLEx SMILE for myopia

SmartSight, alternatively also known as ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), is an innovative and minimally invasive method for correcting myopia. This technique combines the advantages of Femto-LASIK and PRK by enabling a precise and gentle procedure.

During lenticule extraction, a femtosecond laser creates a thin lens tissue, the so-called lenticule, inside the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision less than 4 mm wide. This changes the shape of the cornea and corrects myopia by adjusting the refractive power of the eye so that the light rays are correctly focused on the retina again.

• Correction up to -10 diopters

Advantages of laser eye surgery for myopia

• Permanent correction: Laser eye surgery enables permanent correction of defective vision, eliminating the need for visual aids such as glasses or contact lenses.
• Improved quality of life: Without the limitations of glasses or contact lenses, everyday activities such as sport, driving and reading can be made considerably easier.
• Fast results: Many patients notice a significant improvement in their vision shortly after the procedure. In most cases, full vision is restored within a few days to weeks.
• High precision and safety: Modern laser procedures such as Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK and ReLEx SMILE offer extremely precise correction of myopia with minimal risks.
• Cost savings in the long run: Although the initial cost of laser treatment can seem high, patients save money in the long run as the regular expense of glasses and contact lenses is eliminated.
• Reduced risk of dry eyes: Special procedures such as ReLEx SMILE are gentle on the corneal nerves, reducing the risk of dry eyes.
• Fewer complications with thin corneas: Methods such as Trans-PRK and ReLEx SMILE are particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas and offer a safe alternative to conventional procedures.

Complications, risks and side effects of laser eye surgery for myopia

As with any medical procedure, there are potential complications, risks and side effects of laser eye surgery to correct short-sightedness (myopia) that should be taken into account.

• Dry eyes: Many patients report dry eyes after the procedure, which can usually be treated with eye drops and usually subside within a few weeks.
• Visual disturbances: Temporary visual disturbances such as sensitivity to light, glare or halos around light sources may occur, especially in the first few days and weeks after the operation.
• Infections: Although rare, there is a small risk of eye infections after the procedure. Careful aftercare and hygiene can minimize this risk.
• Incomplete correction: In some cases, the desired correction of myopia may not be fully achieved and follow-up treatment may be required.
• Overcorrection or undercorrection: In rare cases, the eye may be corrected more or less than intended, which may also require additional treatment.
• Flap complications: Methods such as Femto-LASIK can cause problems with the corneal flap, such as displacement or uneven healing. However, these complications are rare and can usually be treated well.
• Deterioration in the quality of vision: In very rare cases, there may be a deterioration in the quality of vision, especially at night.
• Long-term risks: Long-term effects of laser eye surgery have not yet been fully researched, but recent studies show that serious complications are extremely rare.

A thorough preliminary examination and a detailed consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist are crucial in order to weigh up the individual risks and benefits of the various laser eye surgery methods. With modern technologies and experienced surgeons, most risks can be minimized and the chances of success maximized.

How much does myopia laser eye surgery cost?

Femto-LASIK 7D and Trans-PRK 7D both cost 1,700 euros per eye at EyeLaser. SmartSight without flap has a price of 2,500 euros per eye. However, there are attractive financing offers for our patients to invest less than 50 euros per month .