Refractive surgery, or laser surgery, is eye surgery that corrects vision defects and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Vision defects that can be corrected with laser eye surgery are myopia (the need for minus glasses), astigmatism (the need for cylinder glasses), and in some cases hyperopia (the need for plus glasses). During surgery, a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. When the shape of the cornea is optically correct, the light in the eye focuses precisely on the retina and vision becomes clearer.
Laser surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the procedure takes place in the clinic and the patient can go home the same day. The surgery itself usually takes just a few minutes per eye. Before surgery, a thorough pre-operative eye examination is always carried out to assess the shape of the cornea, visual impairments and eye health to make sure the procedure is suitable.
Laser surgery is most commonly used to correct myopia (the need for minus glasses) and astigmatism (the need for cylinder glasses) and, in some cases, hyperopia (the need for plus glasses).
With nearsightedness, a person can see well up close, but distant objects appear blurry. With astigmatism, the shape of the cornea is irregular and vision may be blurry both up close and at a distance. During the laser procedure, the shape of the cornea is altered with micrometre precision to focus the light in the eye in the right place.
However, not all visual defects are suitable for laser correction. Suitability depends on several factors, such as the extent of the visual impairment, the thickness of the cornea and the overall health of the eyes. Therefore, the final treatment option will always be determined during the pre-operative examination.
Laser surgery corrects vision by changing the shape of the cornea, while lens exchange replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens.
Laser surgery is the most commonly used method to correct myopia and astigmatism in younger patients (up to 45 years old). Lens exchange is generally used when the natural lens of the eye is no longer working optimally.
Both methods can improve vision effectively, but the appropriate solution depends on the structure of the eye, the extent of the visual impairment and the age of the patient.
Laser surgery permanently corrects an existing visual defect but does not stop natural age-related changes in the eyes.
The surgery changes the shape of the cornea, which permanently corrects the existing visual defect. However, eyes and eye health can change over time, just like in people who have not had surgery.
For example, from around the age of 40 to 45, you may need reading glasses because the natural lens of the eye becomes stiffer with age. This is part of the normal ageing process and is not related to the quality of the laser surgery. With presbyopia, i.e. the age-related deterioration of near vision, a person needs reading glasses, but their distance vision remains stable.
Refractive surgery is one of the most researched and practised surgical procedures in the world.
Laser surgery has been performed since the 1990s and is nowadays performed on millions of people around the world every year. Technology, diagnostics and surgical techniques have evolved significantly over the decades. The first laser surgery in Estonia was performed by Silmalaser surgeon Dr Kai Noor in 1999.
Today’s lasers work with a high degree of precision and the procedures are standardised and well researched. However, as with any medical intervention, proper patient selection and a thorough pre-operative examination are essential to ensure the best possible outcome.
Laser surgery is suitable for most adults with stable vision and healthy eyes.
When assessing suitability, a number of factors are considered: the extent of the visual impairment, the shape and thickness of the cornea, the general health of the eyes, and eye dryness. Most laser surgery patients are nearsighted or have astigmatism.
Suitability is always determined at the pre-operative examination, where precise measurements are taken to assess whether the cornea is strong and suitable enough for the surgery. If laser surgery is not the best solution, your doctor may recommend other options for vision correction.
Laser surgery is not suitable for everyone, and may in some cases even be contraindicated.
For example, surgery may not be suitable for people with certain corneal diseases (such as keratoconus), very thin corneas, active eye inflammation, or severe dry eye syndrome. It should also be postponed if the visual impairment changes rapidly. Laser eye surgery is also not performed during pregnancy.
In these cases, your doctor may recommend other methods of vision correction, such as fitting an additional lens.
Laser surgery is usually performed from the age of 18 until around the age of 45, when vision has stabilised and the eyes are healthy.
It is often thought that at a young age, surgery should be postponed because vision may still change. In reality, for most people, the glasses prescription reaches stability at around the age of 18–21, so many people can have the surgery at this age. Suitability is always determined during a thorough pre-operative examination, where the shape of the cornea, visual impairments and eye health are assessed.
From around 40 to 45 years of age, natural changes in the eye occur. Therefore, laser surgery may no longer be the most appropriate solution at this age, and your doctor may recommend other methods of vision correction.
In most cases, the visual impairment must have been stable for two years before the laser surgery.
If the glasses prescription changes quickly, it may indicate that the eye has not yet stabilised. An unstable visual impairment is defined as a change in visual impairment of >1.5D over two years. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you wait a bit before having the procedure.
In most cases, vision stabilises around the age of 18–21. During the pre-operative examination, previous prescriptions are reviewed and accurate measurements are taken to assess whether vision is stable enough and whether surgery is reasonable either now or in the future.
Laser surgery is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Hormonal changes occur in the body during pregnancy, which can temporarily affect vision and corneal characteristics. Eye dryness is also more common in this phase. Therefore, laser surgery is recommended after pregnancy and breastfeeding, when hormones have returned to normal balance and vision has stabilised.
If your vision changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have any questions about the suitability of laser surgery, consult an ophthalmologist. During the eye examination, the doctor can assess the condition of your eyes and advise you on when to proceed with surgery.
Mild eye dryness does not necessarily rule out laser surgery, but severe dry eye syndrome requires treatment before the surgery.
During the pre-operative examination, the condition of the tear film and the health of the surface of the eye is assessed. If your eyes are very dry, the surgery may cause more discomfort and slow down healing.
Often, eye dryness can be relieved with appropriate treatment before the surgery, for example, using moisturising eyedrops, tear duct caps or other eye surface treatments. If the condition of the eyes has improved, laser surgery may be possible.
Some chronic diseases may affect the suitability of laser surgery or the healing of the eye after the procedure.
For example, diabetes, autoimmune diseases or the use of certain medications can affect the healing of the cornea or the condition of the surface of the eye. However, this does not automatically mean that laser surgery is not an option; the situation must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
During the pre-operative examination, the doctor will always ask about your general health, chronic diseases and medications used. Therefore, it is worth coming for a pre-operative examination if you have a chronic illness. The doctor can use the tests to make a more accurate assessment and recommend if and when surgery might be suitable.
Long-term use of contact lenses does not rule out laser surgery.
However, contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. Therefore, contact lenses should be discontinued three days before the pre-operative examination to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape and to ensure accurate measurements. Before surgery, you must not wear contact lenses for a period of ten days.
Some people come to the pre-operative examination precisely because their contact lenses have become uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate. During the pre-operative examination, the doctor can assess the condition of the eyes, identify the causes of any discomfort and recommend whether laser surgery is a suitable solution.
If laser surgery is not suitable, this does not mean that vision cannot be corrected in other ways.
Depending on the extent of the visual impairment, the structure of the eyes and the age of the patient, other vision correction options, such as fitting an additional lens or lens replacement, may be suitable. These methods can improve vision in situations where laser surgery is not a suitable solution.
The aim of the pre-operative examination is not only to assess the suitability of laser surgery. During the examination, thorough measurements are taken and the doctor will determine which treatment options are best for the individual patient’s eyes.
A pre-operative examination is a thorough eye examination to assess whether laser surgery is suitable for the patient.
During the pre-operative examination for refractive surgery, a number of measurements are taken to get a detailed picture of the health of the eyes. The shape and thickness of the cornea, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, the condition of the tear film, and the fundus are assessed. During the examination, eye drops that dilate the pupils are also used to determine the actual prescription. These examinations help the doctor understand how the eye works optically and which method of vision correction is best suited.
On the basis of the pre-operative examination, the doctor can make a clear recommendation: whether laser surgery is suitable, which method might be best, or whether it would be wise to wait a little before the procedure.
The pre-operative examination for laser surgery usually lasts about one to two hours.
During this time, a number of eye examinations are performed to assess the structure of the cornea, visual impairment and the overall health of the eyes. Some measurements are taken with special diagnostic equipment that give an overview of the optics of the eye.
The pupils are often dilated during the examination so that the doctor can assess the condition of the fundus. After the pupils have been dilated, your vision may be slightly blurry for a few hours and the eyes may be more sensitive to light. Therefore, it is wise to consider that driving is not recommended on the same day, and close-up work may be difficult for a few hours.
The pre-operative examination for laser surgery is painless and does not harm the eyes.
During the examination, a number of diagnostic devices are used to measure eye characteristics and vision. Most of the tests involve looking at a device or focusing your eyes. Some examinations may require fixing your gaze for a few seconds or light eye contact with the measuring device, but these are not painful.
If dilating eyedrops are used during the examination, your vision may temporarily become blurry and the eyes may be more sensitive to light. This effect wears off within a few hours.
Yes, contact lenses must be discontinued three days prior to the pre-operative examination.
Contact lenses can affect the shape of the cornea and therefore the accuracy of the measurements. In order to get as accurate a picture as possible of the condition of the eyes, the cornea must be restored to its natural shape before the examination.
If contact lenses are discontinued early enough before the pre-operative examination, diagnostic measurements are more reliable and the doctor can more accurately assess whether laser surgery is suitable.
No, the pre-operative examination does not oblige the patient to undergo the procedure.
The aim of the pre-operative examination is to provide a comprehensive overview of the condition of the eyes and to identify which vision correction options might be most suitable. During the examination, the patient can ask questions and discuss different options for getting rid of glasses with the doctor.
After the pre-operative examination, the patient can take their time to decide whether and when to proceed with laser surgery. Based on the results of the pre-operative examination, the surgery can be planned within the next six months. For many, the pre-operative examination is valuable in itself because it gives a detailed picture of eye health and vision.
The methods used at Silmalaser are Femto LITE, Femto BALANCE, Femto CLEAR, and touch-free (PRK + PTK) laser surgery.
Femto LITE is a LASIK-type surgery using two lasers: the first Femto laser forms a corneal flap, and the second excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface. This approach allows for the rapid recovery of vision and is a good option for many patients. Femto BALANCE is based on the same principle, but with the possibility to adjust the laser individually to take into account the specificities of the eye. The 3D LASIK flap is formed using a trauma-resistant, self-locking flap edge profile. With the Femto Clear laser procedure, the surgeon does not create a traditional flap with the laser, but instead removes a laser-corrected section of tissue from inside the cornea through a tiny opening.
In some cases, the touch-free (PRK + PTK) method is used. With this method, the top layer of the cornea is treated with a laser directly from the surface.
The appropriate method is always selected on the basis of the pre-operative examination, taking into account the structure of the cornea, previous eye diseases and the individual characteristics of the patient.
LASIK, CLEAR and PRK are the three main types of laser surgery, which differ in the part of the cornea that is reshaped and how quickly vision is restored.
At Silmalaser, LASIK procedures include Femto LITE and Femto BALANCE. These involve forming a corneal flap and changing the shape of the inner part of the cornea. This method allows for quick recovery, and in many cases, vision is already good the next day. Femto BALANCE differs in that a detailed corneal topography, i.e. a mapping of the surface of the eye, is performed prior to the procedure, allowing for more precise tailoring of the laser treatment.
Femto CLEAR laser surgery removes a small piece of tissue from inside the cornea through a small opening, without the classic flap. Post-operative recovery takes two to three days.
PRK includes the Silmalaser touch-free (PRK + PTK) procedure. With this, the surface layer of the cornea is removed, and the laser sculpts the cornea directly from the surface. This is a suitable solution if the cornea is thinner or there is previous damage. Recovery is slower. There may be some discomfort for the first few days, and it can take several weeks to a few months for vision to stabilise.
All three approaches provide excellent visual results when the method best suited to the individual is selected during the pre-operative examination.
The method of laser surgery is selected on an individual basis, depending on eye structure and the results of the pre-operative examination.
During the pre-operative examination, measurements are taken to assess the shape and thickness of the cornea, the extent of the visual impairment, eye optics, and the overall health of the eyes. This information allows the doctor to determine which laser procedure is best suited to your needs.
In addition to medical factors, the patient’s lifestyle, nature of work and expectations are taken into account. During the pre-operative examination, the doctor will explain the different options and help you choose the solution that gives you the best visual outcome.
Laser surgery is a very quick procedure that usually only takes a few minutes per eye.
Although the total stay at the clinic is longer (you should allow about two hours), the actual procedure itself is brief. It usually takes five to ten minutes to operate on one eye, and the laser usually works on the eye for just a few seconds. The surgeon prepares the eye before laser treatment and checks the condition of the eye after the procedure.
Although the surgery is quick, every step is performed with great care and precision. Modern laser technology works with micrometre precision, and the surgeon monitors the whole process.
In most cases, the laser procedure involves operating on both eyes on the same day.
Nowadays, this is standard practice, as modern technology makes it possible to perform the procedure quickly and accurately. Correction of both eyes at the same time achieves balanced vision and makes recovery more comfortable for the patient, as healing occurs in both eyes at the same time.
However, during the surgery, each step is performed separately for each eye. The doctor checks the condition of the eye before and after laser surgery to make sure the result is as expected.
During the surgery, the patient does not need to keep their eyes open themselves, as a special eyelid retractor takes care of this.
A device is placed on the eyelids to keep them open during surgery. This means that the patient does not have to worry about blinking. Anaesthetic eyedrops are also used before the surgery to make the procedure more comfortable.
During the surgery, the patient is asked to focus on a fixed point of light. Modern lasers track the movement of the eye very precisely and adjust the laser beam accordingly. This ensures that the treatment is administered in the correct location even if the eye makes a slight natural movement. In the event of a major movement, the laser automatically pauses and resumes once the eye returns to its original position.
Each eye is anatomically unique, and differences in corneal shape, visual impairment or the healing process may cause slight differences in the final outcome. In some cases, it is necessary to plan the surgery so that the patient retains some difference in vision between the two eyes.
When planning laser surgery, both eyes are measured separately and treatment is tailored to the individual. It is this personalised approach that achieves the most accurate outcome possible in both eyes.
Modern laser technology is designed so that small movements of the eye do not affect the outcome of the operation.
The laser is equipped with an eye-tracking system that monitors the position of the eye hundreds of times per second. When the eye makes a small movement, the device automatically adjusts the laser beam accordingly to ensure the treatment is administered to exactly the right spot. In the event of a major movement, the laser automatically pauses and resumes once the eye returns to its original position.
In addition, the surgeon monitors the position of the eye throughout the procedure and can pause the procedure momentarily, if necessary. This means that the patient does not have to worry that the natural movement of the eye could affect the outcome of the operation.
Laser surgery is usually not painful, with most patients experiencing only mild pressure or discomfort.
Anaesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. During the surgery, you may feel pressure or discomfort similar to the sensation of someone pressing on your eye. As the laser only works on the eye for a few seconds, this uncomfortable sensation also lasts for only a very short time.
After the surgery, the eyes may sting, water or be sensitive to light for a few hours. These feelings are normal and usually subside within the first day. Your doctor will give you precise instructions on how to care for your eyes after the surgery and how to reduce discomfort.
If pain is your main concern, the pre-operative examination will give you a clear idea of what to expect in your case.
Yes, anaesthetic eyedrops are used during laser surgery to numb the eye.
The anaesthetic drops are fast-acting and designed to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for the patient. It is a superficial anaesthesia, so no injections or general anaesthesia are needed.
Because of the anaesthesia, the patient does not feel pain during the operation but may feel pressure or touch. Before the procedure, the surgeon will explain exactly how the surgery will go and what the patient may feel.
During the surgery, you may feel pressure, see bright lights or notice temporary changes in your vision.
The most common sensation is a brief feeling of pressure in the eye or a light touch as the surgeon prepares the eye for the procedure. While the laser is in use, the patient may see various flashes of light, and vision may become temporarily blurry or darker during the procedure. These feelings are temporary and subside quickly.
During the procedure, the surgeon guides the patient step-by-step and asks them to look at a specific point of light.
You may experience some discomfort for the first few hours or days after laser surgery.
Common symptoms include stinging, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or a feeling that there is a grain of sand in the eye. These symptoms are normal and linked to the eye’s natural healing process. After LASIK-type surgery, patients typically feel much better within the same day.
The doctor will prescribe eyedrops after the surgery to support the healing process and moisturise the eye. The surgeon will also give you precise instructions on how to care for your eyes after the procedure and what concerns you should bring to your doctor’s attention.
Vision usually starts to improve within the first few days after laser surgery.
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision the same day or the next morning. However, vision may fluctuate slightly in the first few days, and the eyes may be more sensitive to light. The speed of recovery depends on the method used and the individual healing capacity of the eyes.
Most people can return to normal daily activities fairly quickly, but full stabilisation can take several weeks. After the procedure, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes during this period.
Most patients are able to return to normal work the day after laser surgery.
If your work involves a computer or close-up vision, you may experience mild eye fatigue in the first few days. This feeling usually subsides quickly. For physically demanding work, your doctor may recommend a slightly longer break.
Specific instructions will be given by your doctor, depending on the method used, the nature of your work and the healing capacity of the individual eyes.
Driving is not allowed on the day of the surgery. Further restrictions depend on the method used and the recovery of your vision.
With LASIK-type procedures (Femto LITE, Femto BALANCE or Femto CLEAR), vision often improves quickly and many patients are able to drive as early as the next day, provided that the doctor has given the go-ahead during the follow-up examination. It is important that vision is clear and stable enough.
With PRK, recovery is slower, and driving should be avoided for at least a few weeks. Your vision may fluctuate and be uncomfortable during this time, especially in dim or bright light. Vision generally stabilises within about a month, but the exact timeframe depends on individual recovery.
Physical activity can usually resume the day after surgery, but more intense contact sports should be avoided for one to two weeks.
It is important to avoid activities that may irritate or put severe pressure on the eye in the first few days after surgery. Gentle physical activity, such as walking or light exercise, is permitted already the day after surgery. Contact sports should be avoided for one to two weeks and swimming should be avoided for a month.
Specific instructions will depend on the method of laser surgery used and the individual recovery of the eyes.
It is recommended to avoid saunas and swimming for a month after laser surgery.
In the first few weeks, it is important to avoid situations where water, sweat or other irritants may get into your eyes. Pool water, natural bodies of water and sauna environments can increase the risk of eye irritation or infection in the early stages of healing.
It is usually recommended to return to swimming and sauna after a month has passed. Your doctor will give you specific individual instructions during the follow-up examination.
Yes, eyedrops are used for a while after laser surgery to help the eyes heal.
The eyedrops reduce inflammation, keep the surface of the eye moist, and support the natural healing process. Usually, several types of eyedrops are used, with instructions from your doctor.
Using eyedrops is an important part of post-operative treatment, and they must be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The duration of treatment and the type of eyedrops may vary from patient to patient, depending on the method of surgery and how the eyes respond during the healing process. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice carefully and use the eyedrops for the prescribed duration.
After laser surgery, regular follow-ups are carried out to monitor the improvement of the eyes.
The first check-up is usually done the day after the surgery. Subsequent visits will then take place over the course of a few weeks to a few months, depending on the surgical method used and the healing process.
During follow-up examinations, the doctor checks visual acuity, the condition of the cornea and the healing of the surface of the eye. These visits will make sure that the recovery is going as expected and give the opportunity to fine-tune treatment or instructions, if necessary.
Although the recovery process proceeds as expected for most patients, there are some symptoms that require immediate contact with a doctor.
For example, severe pain, sudden loss of vision, significant redness, or abundant discharge from the eye are not normal symptoms and need to be assessed. It is also worth seeking medical advice if the eye suddenly becomes very sensitive to light or if you feel that your vision is deteriorating rapidly.
If you have any suspicion that something is not progressing as normal during the healing process, it’s always a good idea to contact the clinic. If necessary, early detection helps find a solution to the problem quickly.
Most patients achieve very good vision after laser surgery, allowing them to go about their daily lives without glasses or contact lenses.
In many cases, visual acuity comparable to or better than that achieved with glasses is attained. However, the exact outcome will depend on the original visual impairment, the structure of the eye and individual healing. In some cases, you may still need very weak glasses, for example, when driving in the dark. The aim of laser surgery is to reduce dependence on corrective devices, not necessarily to achieve absolutely “perfect” vision.
During the pre-operate examination, the doctor can give a more realistic assessment of what kind of vision a particular patient can expect after the procedure.
Most patients are able to stop wearing glasses after surgery.
The outcome depends on the extent of the visual impairment and the individual characteristics of each eye. In some cases, a very small residual visual impairment may persist, which generally does not interfere with everyday life. In certain situations, weak glasses can be helpful, for example, when driving in dim light or for activities that require very precise vision.
You may also need reading glasses as you get older, not because of surgery but due to of natural changes in the eye. During the pre-operative examination, the doctor will explain the likely outcome according to individual factors.
The need for reading glasses may develop with age, even after laser surgery.
Starting around the age of 40–45, the eye’s natural lens becomes stiffer, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. In other words, near vision deteriorates. This is a normal age-related change that occurs irrespective of whether you have had laser surgery.
Laser surgery does not stop these natural changes but corrects an existing visual impairment. This is why, even with good distance vision, you may need reading glasses later on after surgery.
Vision can change over time even after laser surgery.
Although the surgery permanently corrects the existing visual impairment, it does not stop natural changes in the eyes. Vision can change slightly over time, for example, due to age-related changes or, less commonly, other eye conditions.
In most cases, the changes are small and do not have a significant impact on daily functioning. If the change is significant or causes discomfort, you can have the situation evaluated by an ophthalmologist and, if necessary, consider additional options.
The need for a repeat procedure is relatively rare but may be necessary in certain cases.
The majority of patients achieve the desired visual result in a single procedure. Sometimes, however, there may be a small residual visual impairment or vision may change over time to such an extent that further correction is desired.
In this case, the doctor may recommend an additional procedure if the condition of the eyes allows it. The decision will always be made on an individual basis, taking into account the thickness of the cornea, previous surgery and changes in vision.
Initially, the vision in each eye may vary slightly, but this usually improves with time.
Each eye is different, both in terms of its structure and the healing process. For this reason, the final outcome may be slightly different in each eye, even though the surgery is planned very precisely for each eye separately. Most of the time, these differences are small and the brain adapts to them quickly.
The final visual outcome usually stabilises within a few weeks or months after surgery. If the change is significant or causes discomfort, you can have the situation evaluated and, if necessary, consider additional options.
Refractive surgery is a widely used procedure, and its outcomes and risks have been extensively researched.
Laser surgery has been performed for decades, and the technology and methods have evolved considerably over that time. Nowadays, precise diagnostic equipment and lasers are used, which allow the procedure to be individually planned according to the specific characteristics of the eye. As with any medical intervention, laser surgery is not without risk. It is therefore important to conduct a thorough pre-operative examination to assess whether the procedure is suitable for the individual.
The team at Silmalaser is experienced, with over 22,000 surgeries performed. At Silmalaser, laser surgeries are performed by surgeons Dr Kai Noor and Dr Inger Heleen Viikna, both of whom have trained extensively abroad.
After laser surgery, there may be temporary side effects related to the healing of the eye.
The most common symptoms are eye dryness, photophobia, seeing halos in dim light, and temporary fluctuations in vision. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and subside over time as the eye heals and adapts.
The duration and intensity of side effects may vary from person to person. The doctor will give you an overview of potential symptoms before the surgery, with instructions on how to relieve them and when to seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve as expected.
Serious complications after laser surgery are rare.
Potential complications may include infection, corneal healing problems or significant vision changes. Such situations always require medical assessment and, if necessary, further treatment.
To reduce the risk of complications, a thorough pre-operative examination is carried out before the surgery, and the doctor will give precise instructions on how to care for the eyes after the procedure. It is also important to follow the schedule of follow-up examinations so that any problems can be detected early.
Dry eyes are one of the most common temporary symptoms after laser surgery.
In most cases, the dryness is temporary and linked to the healing of the cornea, during which time the tear film may change for some time. Symptoms usually present as tingling, fatigue or a foreign-body sensation in the eye, and gradually subside.
In some cases, the dryness may persist for longer period or require long-term treatment with moisturising eyedrops. Before surgery, the moisture level in the eyes is always assessed to identify the risk of dryness and, if necessary, start treatment before the procedure.
Vision may initially fluctuate after laser surgery, but permanent deterioration is rare.
During the healing process, your vision may be blurry or inconsistent for some time. This is related to the eye’s adjustment and will subside within a few weeks after surgery. In rare cases, changes that affect visual acuity or quality may develop. This may be related to specific features of the healing process or other eye conditions.
If your vision does not improve as expected, or gets worse, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist. It is often possible to clarify the situation and, if necessary, find a suitable solution, including additional treatment or correction.
If a complication occurs, the situation is quickly assessed and appropriate treatment is prescribed.
Most post-operative problems are treatable, especially if detected early. Treatment may include eyedrops, additional examinations, or, less commonly, additional procedures, depending on the problem.
It is important to follow the follow-up examination schedule and to see a doctor if unusual symptoms occur. In most cases, early detection helps solve most problems.
The cost of laser surgery depends on the method chosen and is calculated for both eyes combined.
The prices at Silmalaser are the following:
Femto LITE: €1850
Femto BALANCE: €2650
Femto CLEAR: €3650
Touch-free PRK + PTK: €1690
Methods differ both in terms of technology and speed of recovery, so the most suitable solution is always determined during the pre-operative consultation. The appropriate procedure is selected based on the pre-operative examination, taking into account the structure of the eyes and the visual impairment.
If you prefer, you can also pay in instalments, dividing the total amount into smaller monthly payments.
The price of laser surgery includes all the main stages of the procedure, from the surgery to the follow-up examinations.
The price includes the surgery itself and the follow-up examinations: Immediately after the procedure, the next day, in one month, and in one year. In addition, moisturising eyedrops and sunglasses are provided to protect the eyes from light in the first few days after surgery. Medications are prescribed as needed, on the basis of a separate prescription.
All laser surgeries are covered by a five-year warranty, during which time additional corrections will be made, if necessary.
The pre-operative examination is a separate service and is not included in the price of the laser surgery.
The price of the pre-operative examination is €45, which includes all the necessary eye examinations used to determine eligibility for laser surgery. The pre-operative examination is an important step as it determines which treatment method suits you best.
The pre-operative examination usually takes about one hour. During this time, a number of precise measurements will be taken, and the doctor will discuss the results with you to provide clear guidance on the next steps.
Laser surgery can be paid in instalments through a number of financial partners.
Silmalaser cooperates with Inbank, LHV, and Swedbank, through whom the cost of the surgery can be split into monthly payments. This allows you to pay for the procedure in instalments, rather than the full amount at once.
The exact terms of the instalment, such as the monthly payment amount and payment period, depend on the partner you choose and your application. You can apply at the clinic or in advance, and the response is usually quick.
You can book an appointment for the surgery immediately after the pre-operative examination, or later by calling the reception or emailing us.
Once the pre-operative examination has been carried out and a suitable surgical method has been chosen, the surgery can often be scheduled for the near future. The exact timing will somewhat depend on the season and demand, but a suitable time can generally be found within a few weeks.
It is important to note that you must discontinue contact lenses for at least ten days before the surgery. The clinic will help you think through the timing and work with you to find a solution that works for you, both medically and in terms of your schedule.
Yes, laser surgery can be seen as an investment in your vision and the quality of your everyday life.
Compared to the ongoing purchase of glasses and contact lenses, this is a one-off cost that may result in a reduced need for daily visual aids. Many people find that it makes everyday activities easier and more convenient.
However, the decision to have surgery is a personal one and depends on how much the glasses or lenses affect your daily life. During the pre-operative examination, you can take your time to discuss with the doctor which solution suits you best.
As always, the cost of something can only be judged in terms of the long-term value of the investment being made, and what it is being compared to. For example, if you add up all the receipts for glasses and contact lenses you’ve purchased over the years, the total cost could end up being significantly higher than the cost of a laser procedure. It’s also important to remember that laser surgery significantly improves your quality of life and makes everyday activities more convenient: no more struggling to put in contact lenses every morning or wiping fog off your glasses in the winter; you can exercise without worrying about expensive frames or the frustration of losing your glasses or accidentally leaving your contact lenses at home. At Silmalaser, we perform three different laser procedures at different prices: Femto LITE (€1850), Femto BALANCE (€2650), and Femto CLEAR (€3650). With the help of our reception desk, you can also apply for instalment payments if you wish.
In the early days of laser procedures, the methods used could result in a longer recovery period for patients and, at times, cause greater discomfort. Nowadays, however, the technology for laser procedure has advanced so much that the initial recovery time has been reduced from one month to one day. However, it is important to note that the duration of recovery is directly determined by the specific steps involved in the laser procedure (e.g. whether the procedure is performed using the “flap” method or whether the flap is removed with a laser). Therefore, the recovery period may not be the same for all service providers operating in the Estonian market.
At Silmalaser, we perform Femto LITE, Femto BALANCE, and Femto CLEAR surgeries for patients, after which they can return to their everyday activities already the next day. We recommend that anyone considering a laser procedure thoroughly research the matter and ask the service provider about the typical recovery time. It’s also worth asking questions to those who have already had the surgery with this provider.
The laser procedure is mostly painless. During the surgery, you will feel pressure on your eye for a few moments, but the procedure itself will be quicker than the patient initially expected (10–15 min in total). Numbing eyedrops are used to avoid discomfort.
There is also a widespread fear that the laser will cut incorrectly if you move your eyes. In reality, the laser is many times faster than the movement of the human eye and takes all of the eye’s micro-movements into account during the procedure. If the eye’s movements become too large and hectic, the laser pauses and waits until normal movement has been restored. So, the fear that the laser will cut incorrectly due to movement is unfounded.
Over the years, we have also heard the urban legend that the laser can shoot a beam through the eye into the human brain. We would like to reiterate that this is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the world, the technology for which has been continuously updated, and the laser used is precisely calibrated for eye surgery. The technology includes a number of safety mechanisms to ensure that the procedure is stopped in the event of an anomaly.
Laser procedures are carried out from the age of 18, but there is no need to wait until a later age, even as it is claimed that vision is still changing and laser surgery will therefore have to be repeated. The prescription for glasses reaches stability from the age of 18 to 21, but in practice, the suitability of laser surgery is always determined by a doctor during the pre-operative examination. As the mandatory pre-operative examination is one of the most extensive and precise examinations in ophthalmology, it provides an accurate overview of whether the procedure is worthwhile, and whether and how long one should wait. So, even if you’re younger, it’s still worth coming for the pre-operative examination. The majority of those aged 18–21 who have undergone the pre-operative examination actually go on to have the procedure, as there are no contraindications.
If you have developed an intolerance to contact lenses, then laser surgery is actually recommended and a sensible option. Contact lens intolerance indicates over-wearing and inflammation and can eventually lead to more serious eye diseases. It is therefore worth coming for the pre-operative examination, where the doctor will look into potential causes of intolerance and assess any contraindications in more detail. In this way, the pre-operative examination can actually serve as an important preventive measure, ensuring that any intolerance that has developed does not lead to further complications. It is also worth noting that we have been conducting pre-operative examinations for over 20 years, and it is not uncommon for us to discover during these examinations that a patient has an eye condition that has been quietly progressing.
Clients also sometimes ask if laser treatment can help them get rid of reading glasses. The laser procedure improves a person’s distance vision permanently. However, natural age-related changes occur with the lens of the eye, which is why people have to start wearing glasses for near vision at an older age. This is not related to the laser procedure performed but is due to the natural ageing process of the human body. At Silmalaser, we also perform lens exchange surgeries, which are intended for the 45+ age group and help to get rid of reading glasses.