LASIK laser eye surgery
LASIK is a laser procedure that corrects vision by remodelling the cornea. Using a femtosecond laser, a thin protective flap is created on the surface of the eye; a second laser (Excimer) then precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to ensure light focuses correctly on the retina.
LASIK effectively treats short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, and it remains the gold-standard laser procedure for correcting presbyopia. The treatment is swift and painless, typically offering a very rapid recovery, with many patients achieving clear vision as early as the day after surgery.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a highly common laser procedure used to correct refractive errors. It is a reference treatment for short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It is also the gold-standard laser procedure for correcting presbyopia (often referred to as Presby-LASIK).
The objective of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses by remodelling the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. This improves how light focuses on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in sharper vision.
How does LASIK work?
- Preparation: Topical anaesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye, and a specialised gentle speculum is used to keep the eyelids open comfortably.
- Creation of the corneal flap: Using a high-precision Femtosecond laser, a microscopic circular flap is created on the surface of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted to reveal the underlying corneal tissue (the stroma).
- Corneal Remodelling: A second laser, the Excimer laser, uses a cool ultraviolet beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue, reshaping the cornea based on your specific prescription:
- Short-sightedness: The cornea is flattened.
- Long-sightedness: The cornea is made more curved (steeper).
- Astigmatism: The laser smooths the cornea to make it more spherical.
- Presbyopia: A personalised treatment profile increases the depth of field to improve near vision.
- Repositioning the flap: The surgeon carefully replaces the flap. Precise alignment is essential to prevent complications such as microscopic folds or epithelial ingrowth. The flap adheres naturally and heals quickly without the need for sutures (stitches).
What are the benefits of LASIK?
- Rapid Recovery: Most patients notice a significant improvement almost immediately, with clear vision typically achieved by the day after surgery.
- High Success Rate: The vast majority of patients achieve 20/20 vision (100% vision) or better without the need for spectacles or contact lenses.
- Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is swift and painless due to advanced laser technology and effective anaesthetic drops.
- Lasting Results: For most, the results are stable, though vision can still change naturally as part of the normal ageing process.
Who is a suitable candidate?
- Age: Generally 18 years or older.
- Stable Prescription: Your optical prescription should be stable for at least 1–2 years.
- Ocular Health: You should be free from significant conditions such as keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, cataracts, or active infections.
- General Health: Severe untreated systemic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes) may affect eligibility, though many controlled conditions are compatible.
- Corneal Thickness: You must have sufficient corneal thickness to safely allow for flap creation and tissue removal.
- Pregnancy: Candidates should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormonal changes can affect the prescription.
What are the risks of LASIK?
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries certain risks, though serious complications are exceptionally rare:
- Temporary Dry Eye: A gritty sensation or discomfort that usually resolves within a few weeks to months.
- Visual Disturbances: Halos or glare around lights, particularly at night, which are generally transient.
- Regression or Under-correction: In rare cases, an "enhancement" or "top-up" procedure may be required to fine-tune the result.
- Flap Complications: Such as microscopic folds or cells growing under the flap (epithelial ingrowth); these are typically easily managed if detected early.
- Infection: Extremely rare (estimated at less than 1 in 20,000 cases with modern protocols).
- An extremely rare weakening of the corneal structure. With modern diagnostic technology, we can identify and exclude high-risk candidates to minimise this possibility. Avoiding vigorous eye rubbing (friction) post-operatively is also a critical factor in preventing this condition.
Note: The annual risk of infection from wearing contact lenses is significantly higher than the one-time risk of LASIK surgery.
Les différentes types de greffes
Découvrez les kératoplasties (= greffes de cornée)
How does it work?
Learn more about the procedure / equipment
Création du volet cornéen au laser femtoseconde : un faisceau laser de haute précision trace un fin plan dans les couches superficielles de la cornée, en préservant une charnière.
Le volet cornéen est délicatement soulevé pour exposer le stroma sous-jacent. Le traitement au laser excimer est alors appliqué avec précision pour remodeler la cornée et corriger le trouble visuel.
Le volet cornéen est délicatement repositionné à sa place d’origine. Un alignement précis permet une adhésion naturelle sans points de suture, assurant une cicatrisation rapide et réduisant le risque de complications.
Cornée cicatrisée après LASIK : le volet est parfaitement repositionné et intégré, la surface cornéenne est lisse et transparente. La vision est nette sans lunettes ni lentilles de contact.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Le LASIK est-il sûr?
Oui, c’est une procédure sûre et éprouvée lorsqu’elle est réalisée par un spécialiste qualifié. Comme toute intervention, elle comporte de rares risques, mais ceux-ci peuvent être largement prévenus grâce à une technique précise, une bonne sélection des patients, un suivi rigoureux et l’expérience du chirurgien et de son équipe, assurant ainsi une prise en charge optimale et une vision préservée.
Le Lasik est-il douloureux?
Non, le LASIK n'est pas douloureux grâce à l'utilisation de gouttes anesthésiantes. Vous pourriez ressentir une légère pression pendant l'intervention et la plupart des patients décrivent un inconfort minimal après la procédure.
Combien de temps dure la récupération du Lasik ?
La plupart des patients constatent une vision nette sans lunettes ni lentilles de contact dans les 24 à 48 heures suivant l'intervention. Le résultat final avec une stabilisation totale de la vision, peut prendre entre 1 et 3 mois.
Quelle est la différence entre le SMILE et le LASIK?
Le SMILE est une technique moins invasive que le LASIK : il ne nécessite pas la création d’un volet cornéen, utilisant uniquement 1 à 2 petites incisions cornéennes superficielles, ce qui réduit les risques de sécheresse oculaire, de plis du capot du SMILE (vs volet du LASIK) et d’invasion épithéliale.
Quelle est la différence entre la PRK et le LASIK ou le SMILE?
Contrairement au LASIK et au SMILE, qui nécessitent la création d’un volet (LASIK) ou d’un lenticule (SMILE) dans la cornée, la PRK consiste à retirer temporairement l’épithélium (la "peau" de la cornée) avant de remodeler le stroma sous-jacent au laser. Elle est souvent recommandée chez les patients aux cornées fines, irrégulières ou non éligibles au LASIK ou au SMILE.
Linked surgical treatments
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Swiss Visio Montchoisi
1006 Lausanne, Switzerland