Femto-LASIK is the most commonly performed laser treatment and lifestyle procedure, with the highest patient satisfaction.
Under local anaesthesia, a thin lamella, approx. 0.1 mm thick (flap), is first prepared on the surface of the cornea using the femtosecond laser. This takes approx. 25 seconds. The eye is kept open with an eyelid speculum (you cannot close the eye).
The flap is then folded back; it cannot be completely removed because, for safety, a tissue bridge is left at the upper edge of the cornea (hinge).
The treatment is then performed without contact within the cornea. This gives the cornea its corrected shape (slightly thinner and flatter when treating myopia). Duration, depending on the correction: 2–20 seconds. You will fixate on a light. Even the smallest eye movements are compensated for by the laser (active eye tracker, 1,050 times per second), ensuring that treatment cannot occur at an unintended spot on the cornea and an optimal result is achieved.
The flap is then folded back into its original position, and lubricating and antibiotic eye drops are administered.
Immediately after the laser treatment, you will see much better than before and can expect clear vision within the first day.
Procedure duration: 5 minutes per eye
Advantages:
• Correction of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia)
• Pain: only a slight burning sensation during the first 2–4 hours
• Inability to work: 1 day
• Sports restrictions: 1 week; contact and ball sports 1 month
• Visual rehabilitation: within 4–12 hours
• Treatment of both eyes on the same day
Disadvantages:
• Technically more complex
• More expensive; 2 lasers in use
• Dry eyes during the first months
Price: CHF 2’290 per eye
(Pre-examinations, follow-up checks and medication included; 24/7 availability for the first 3 months; re-laser treatment included for 10 years if medically indicated)