In this article, you will find out what you need to know about Clear, how the procedure corrects visual defects, what advantages it has and what complications can occur. EYELASER itself uses SmartSight with the Schwind ATOS laser and only explains the four most common lenticule extraction procedures.
Short-sightedness and astigmatism are caused by the cornea not being optimally shaped, resulting in refractive errors. In a lenticule extraction – such as Clear – this refractive error is corrected by forming a corneal lenticule, which is then removed.
A sharp image can be produced without the lenticule and patients are no longer dependent on visual aids. Clear can be divided into three treatment steps:
The special thing about Clear is that it requires a low pulse energy, overlapping laser spots are possible and a particularly short working distance is created between the eyes. This should ensure optimum precision and safety.
The Ziemer Z8, which is used for Clear lenticule extraction, is suitable for patients who suffer from myopia or astigmatism (astigmatism). Clear can correct the following visual defects:
Farsightedness must be treated with other procedures. Further exclusion criteria for the Clear procedure may be: changing defective vision, pregnancy, eye or immune diseases, cornea that is too thin or corneal scarring. Whether you are suitable for a clear lenticule extraction must be determined by a comprehensive preliminary examination by a specialist.
The innovative FEMTO Z8 platform allows various applications. The Clear lenticule extraction procedure is available as a software upgrade and supports the surgeon with technical features. Clear advantages are:
The benefits of Clear (and all other procedures) are largely due to the femtosecond lasers that are used. More about the Ziemer FEMTO Z8 here.
You have already learned how vision correction with Clear works in the first section. But how does the Clear pre- and post-operative care and the subsequent healing process work?
Refractive surgery is always preceded by a comprehensive preliminary examination. During this examination, your suitability will be assessed and you will be informed about all procedures, special features and risks. During this consultation, you can ask any questions you have so that you can make the decision to take this step with a good feeling.
On the day of the operation itself, your eyes will be anaesthetized with special eye drops to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure. The laser itself is only used for a few seconds and the entire lenticule extraction process takes around ten to 15 minutes per eye.
As Clear is a tissue-sparing procedure, the healing process does not usually take too long. Your vision is significantly improved immediately after the procedure and you can leave the laser eye center to recover in familiar surroundings. Your vision will improve from day to day until you can enjoy optimal vision. In the first few days after the operation, you may experience slight pain and it may be difficult to see in poor light conditions.
The healing process should be complete after three to four weeks at the latest. To prevent complications, the healing process will be checked at least twice by your ophthalmologist. If any symptoms occur, you should seek advice from your doctor immediately.
Clear is performed with the Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser. The lenticule application developed by Ziemer is to be used for high-precision correction of refractive visual defects. The Z8 supports the surgeon with a wide range of centering options and guided lenticule extraction. The low-energy concept in particular makes Clear a tissue-sparing procedure and the small distance between the eye and the laser means that less energy is required, which, when optimally focused, leads to precise incision and correction results.
Cyclotorsional compensation can also be performed with the Z8 and the intuitive interface facilitates the workflow during the procedure. The entire lenticule extraction can be performed with the Ziemer LDV Z8. The operation only takes a few minutes per eye and is painless thanks to the local anesthetic.
More about the Ziemer Z8
There are no specific risks associated with the clear method. Overall, lenticule extraction is considered a safe and low-risk procedure. Complications are rare, but can occur in individual cases – this applies equally to Clear, SmartSight and ReLEx SMILE (Pro). Overall, it is advantageous that no flap needs to be cut during lenticule extraction. The lenticule is removed through one or two tiny incisions. After treatment with Clear, the following mostly harmless and temporary symptoms may occur:
In order to avoid permanent damage, the healing process after Clear is checked and monitored during one or two follow-up examinations. In rare cases, incorrect corrections may occur so that the visual defect is not completely corrected even after lenticule extraction. In these cases, readjustments must be made or glasses must continue to be worn.
Before you decide on a procedure with Clear, you will be examined by your eye specialist and fully informed about possible risks and complications.
Austria’s most popular Femto-Lasik surgeons Dr. Victor Derhartunian FEBO & Dr. Paul Jirak FEBO in Vienna & Linz
Having learned his craft from the two pioneers of laser surgery, Dr. Victor Derhartunian is one of the leading laser eye surgeons. He runs the practice in Vienna and can advise his patients in five languages.
Dr. Paul Jirak ist Mitbegründer eines der renommiertesten Zentren für Augenlaserchirurgie in Österreich und behandelt seit 2014 Patienten in Linz. Er ist spezialisiert auf Augenheilkunde, Optometrie, Augenchirurgie und Augenlasern.
Dr. Leydolt is an ophthalmologist and specializes in cataract and lens surgery. She heads a research group with this focus, trains young surgeons and gives international lectures.
Whether SmartSight, Clear, Silk, ReLEx SMILE or ReLEx SMILE Pro… These procedures are all medically recognized and effective. They have their raison d’être and are legitimate treatments.
EYELASER relies on Smart Sight:
The specialists at EYELASER favor and use the SmartSight method for lenticule extraction, partly because of its range of functions and tissue-sparing technology. For your safety, the best results and outstanding precision.
Arrange your consultation now and find out whether and how Smart Sight can help you to a new life without glasses and contact lenses.
Arrange a non-binding appointment
Lenticule extraction has continued to develop over the years and different procedures with different lasers have been established. Lenticule extraction is therefore not just lenticule extraction. In addition to Clear, there are two other procedures that are used. You can find out more about them here:
