What does laser eye surgery look like? Procedure for laser eye surgery at the Vienna Eye Center:

Laser eye surgery can drastically improve the lives of many people by correcting vision defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. At the Vienna Eye Center, patients benefit from state-of-the-art technology and experienced specialists who ensure precise and safe laser eye treatment. The entire procedure is divided into various steps, from the initial preliminary examination to the follow-up examination, to ensure optimal vision correction.

In this article, we introduce you to our “EyeLaser” procedure. So that you know exactly what to expect and to understand how quickly and easily a life without glasses and contact lenses is achievable for everyone:

Laser eye surgery in 3 steps to life without glasses

The path to a life without glasses and contact lenses takes place in three decisive steps:

1. Preliminary eye examination: A thorough examination by an ophthalmologist ensures that your eyes are suitable for laser treatment.
2. The day of the laser eye surgery: State-of-the-art technology is used to correct visual defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.
3. Follow-up examinations: Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible result.

It usually takes a few weeks from the decision to the completion of treatment. After the first preliminary examination, the operation can often take place within one to two weeks. Follow-up examinations take place in the weeks following the procedure to ensure that your eyes are healing optimally and that you achieve the best possible vision.

Preliminary examination of the eye

The preliminary examination is the first and most important step before laser eye treatment. During this examination, your eye is thoroughly checked to ensure that it is suitable for laser treatment. Various tests and measurements are carried out:

• Eye test: Determination of visual acuity and measurement of diopters.
• Corneal thickness: Measurement of the thickness of the cornea to determine whether there is sufficient tissue for treatment.
• Corneal topography: Creation of a detailed map of the corneal surface to detect irregularities.
• Tear film: Examination of the quality and quantity of the tear film to minimize the risk of dry eyes.
• Pupil diameter: Measurement of pupil size under different lighting conditions.
• Intraocular pressure: Checking the intraocular pressure to rule out diseases such as glaucoma.

Why is it important?

The preliminary examination is of crucial importance as it forms the basis for successful laser eye surgery. It ensures that your eyes are healthy enough and that the treatment can be carried out safely. It also helps to determine the most suitable treatment method, be it LASIK, Femto-LASIK or another technique. The comprehensive analysis minimizes the risk of complications and achieves the best possible result.

The preliminary examination also makes it possible to take individual factors into account, such as corneal curvatures or special needs for contact lens wearers. It helps to keep expectations realistic and achieve optimal vision after treatment.

Free & non-binding aptitude test

Are you ready for a life without glasses and contact lenses? Arrange a free, no-obligation suitability test at EyeLaser in the heart of Vienna now. Have your eyes thoroughly examined by our experts and find out whether laser eye treatment is possible for you. Visit us and start your journey to better vision and a better quality of life!

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Which laser eye treatment is suitable for you :

Choosing the right laser eye treatment depends on various factors, such as the type and extent of your visual defect, the condition of your cornea and your individual needs. Here are the most common procedures offered at the Vienna Eye Center:

LASIK

LASIK surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) is one of the best-known methods for correcting short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. A small flap is created in the cornea, which is folded to the side in order to treat the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. Once the tissue has been removed, the flap is returned to its original position.

Femto-LASIK

With Femto-LASIK, the flap is not created mechanically but with a femtosecond laser. This method offers even greater precision and safety. It is particularly suitable for patients with thinner corneas or more complex visual defects.

Trans-PRK

Trans-PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a superficial treatment method in which no flap is created. Instead, the top layer of the cornea is removed and the underlying tissue is treated with the laser. This method is ideal for patients with thin corneas or for certain professional requirements.

SmartSight

SmartSight is an innovative and gentle method of refractive surgery that delivers particularly precise results. It is ideal for the correction of short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

The day of laser eye surgery – whether short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism

The day of laser eye surgery is an exciting step on the way to a life without glasses or contact lenses. Here you can find out what to expect on this important day and how the whole process works:

Schedule

1. Arrival at the eye center: Allow sufficient time for your arrival at the Vienna Eye Center. It is advisable to take an accompanying person with you, as you may not be able to drive yourself immediately after the procedure.
2. Registration and preparation: After your arrival, you will be registered and prepared for the operation. You will be given special eye drops to anaesthetize and disinfect your eyes.

Preparation

• Medical history and final questions: Before the actual laser eye surgery begins, your ophthalmologist will review your medical history and answer any final questions.
• Anesthesia: To make the procedure pain-free, local anesthetic drops are dripped into the eye. These ensure that you do not feel any pain during the laser treatment.

Procedure for laser eye surgery with Femto-LASIK or LASIK

1. Positioning: You will be positioned on a comfortable couch under the laser device. Your head is fixed in place to prevent movement.
2. Creating the flap: With the LASIK and Femto-LASIK methods, a small flap is created on the cornea. In Femto-LASIK this is done with a femtosecond laser, in classic LASIK with a microkeratome. The flap is folded to the side to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
3. Laser treatment: The excimer laser now reshapes the cornea by precisely removing tissue. This step only takes a few seconds per eye. With Trans-PRK, the top layer of cornea is removed and then the laser treatment is carried out.
4. Folding back the flap: After the laser treatment, the flap is carefully folded back into its original position. It adheres by itself and protects the treated tissue.
5. Conclusion of the procedure: The eye is carefully rinsed and then treated with eye drops to support healing.

Procedure for Trans-PRK and SmartSight:

Trans-PRK

1. Preparation of the eye: After anesthetization with special eye drops, the uppermost corneal layer (epithelium) is removed without creating a flap.
2. Laser treatment: An excimer laser reshapes the cornea by precisely removing tissue. This step only takes a few seconds per eye.
3. Completion of the procedure: After the laser treatment, a therapeutic contact lens is inserted to protect the eye and support healing.
4. Healing phase: The contact lens remains in the eye for a few days until the epithelium has healed. Regular follow-up examinations and the use of eye drops are important to promote healing.

SmartSight

1. Preparation of the eye: With SmartSight, the eye is also first anesthetized with eye drops.
2. Laser treatment: The cornea is treated with a high-precision femtosecond laser. This method is minimally invasive and particularly gentle on the tissue.
3. Healing phase: As no flap is created with SmartSight, healing is generally faster and the risk of complications is lower. After treatment, regular follow-up examinations are required to monitor the healing process.

After the procedure

• Recovery in the eye center: After the operation, you will rest for a short time in the eye center. Your vision may be blurred immediately after the treatment, but this will normalize over the next few hours.
• Protection and care: You will be given protective goggles and instructions on how to care for your eyes. It is important to use the prescribed eye drops regularly and to avoid rubbing your eyes.

Modernste Technik fürs Augen lasern

At the Vienna Eye Center, we use state-of-the-art technology to offer you the best possible treatment and optimal vision. Our high-precision laser devices and innovative procedures ensure maximum safety and outstanding results.

SCHWIND AMARIS Laser

The SCHWIND AMARIS laser is one of the most modern and precise technologies currently used in refractive surgery. This excimer laser offers numerous advantages and guarantees maximum precision and safety during treatment.

Advantages of the SCHWIND AMARIS laser:

• High speed and precision: With a frequency of up to 1050 Hertz, the SCHWIND AMARIS laser works extremely quickly and precisely. This enables a shorter treatment time and reduces the strain on the eye.
• Automatic centering: The laser has an eye tracking system that monitors the position of the eye in real time and adjusts the treatment accordingly. This ensures optimal centering of the laser and therefore precise results.
• Thermal control: The laser’s intelligent thermal control minimizes heating of the corneal tissue during treatment, which reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing.
• Wavefront analysis: The SCHWIND AMARIS laser uses wavefront technology to detect and correct individual irregularities in the cornea. This enables personalized treatment that guarantees an optimal visual result.

Follow-up examination for perfect vision correction

The follow-up examination is an essential part of the laser eye surgery process to monitor healing and ensure the best possible vision. This is where we check how well the eye has responded to the treatment and whether any complications have arisen.

What is being done?

• Visual acuity test: An eye test to check visual acuity. This determines whether the desired visual correction has been achieved.
• Intraocular pressure measurement: Checking the intraocular pressure to ensure that there is no increased pressure that could lead to problems.
• Checking the cornea: Examination of the cornea, especially the treated areas, to ensure that it has healed well and that no undesirable changes have occurred.
• Tear film assessment: Checking the tear film quality and quantity, as dry eyes can be a common side effect after laser eye treatment.
• Checking the flap: During LASIK and Femto-LASIK treatments, the flap is checked to ensure that it has grown correctly and that there are no displacements or wrinkles.
• Questions and answers: The ophthalmologist will answer any questions and, if necessary, give instructions for further care and the use of eye drops.

When and how often?

After laser eye treatment, several follow-up examinations are necessary to carefully monitor the healing process. Depending on the treatment and healing process, there are between two and four follow-up appointments:

1. The day after the operation: First check-up to ensure that the healing process is proceeding normally and that there are no immediate complications.
2. One week after surgery: Review of progress and further assessment of healing.
3. One month after surgery: Detailed examination to assess the long-term results and ensure that vision is stable.
4. Three to six months after the operation: final routine check-up to confirm the final success of the treatment.

These regular follow-up checks are crucial to ensure perfect vision correction and to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage.

Life after laser treatment

After successful laser eye surgery, many patients can enjoy a new life without visual aids. Here are some of the many benefits and changes you can expect:

Improved quality of life

Life without glasses or contact lenses brings a considerable improvement in quality of life. Activities that were previously tedious or uncomfortable are now easier and more enjoyable.

• Sports and leisure activities: You can enjoy sports such as swimming, running or team sports without the restrictions of glasses or contact lenses.
• Occupational advantages: In many professions, especially those that require physical activity or the wearing of protective eyewear, life without visual aids is much more practical.

No dependence on visual aids

• No contact lenses: No more worries about inserting, removing and cleaning contact lenses every day.
• No glasses: No annoying fogging of the lenses when the temperature changes or when wearing masks.

Optimal vision

Most patients report that they can see better after laser treatment than ever before. This is because modern laser technology, such as the SCHWIND AMARIS laser, enables precise correction that is individually tailored to your eyes.

• Stability of vision: After the healing phase, vision remains stable and allows clear vision without fluctuations.
• Post-correction rarely necessary: In most cases, post-corrections are not necessary because the laser treatment is extremely precise.