Question 1

Is laser eye surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedures are generally performed with topical anesthetic drops, so the surgery itself is painless. For certain types (e.g., PRK), foreign body sensation or pain may occur during the first 2–3 days after surgery, but this can be well managed with medication. For other treatments, there is no pain sensation (capsulotomy, vitreolysis); surface anesthesia is only necessary for placing the treatment contact lens.

Question 2

How long does a laser eye surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Most laser eye surgeries are extremely quick: the laser's actual working time is often measurable in seconds, and the entire treatment typically takes 5–20 minutes depending on the type.

Question 3

When can I return to work after laser eye surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of procedure, the timeframe varies from a few hours to 1 week. After capsulotomy, vitreolysis, or retinal laser treatments, no rest period is required; work is generally possible once the pupil-dilating effect wears off. After femtoLASIK or KLEx, work is possible as early as the next day. For PRK treatment, a recovery period of 5–7 days should be expected; during this time, reading may also be difficult. Although the laser itself would not require it, due to the retinal tear itself, physical exertion should be avoided for 1 week after treatment until an initial scar forms.

Question 4

Can laser eye surgery cause blindness?

Accepted Answer

Modern, computer-controlled lasers are extremely safe. The laser does not "burn out" the eye but acts specifically on the diseased area. However, just as a surgical scalpel, the laser similarly carries risks. If we follow medical instructions after laser eye surgery, the chance of serious complications is minimal.

Question 5

Can my eye move during laser eye surgery?

Accepted Answer

During laser treatments, a certain degree of self-control must be exercised, meaning you must not actively move your body, head, or eyes. However, there is no need to worry about involuntary eye movements; during laser treatments, we pay special attention to safety. Moreover, some devices are equipped with a computerized eye-tracking system that automatically makes adjustments in case of movement or immediately stops the laser treatment if that is not possible.

Question 6

Can I blink during laser eye surgery?

Accepted Answer

Blinking is not a problem; this is usually prevented by the eye-holding device or contact lens.

Question 7

Can laser eye surgery be performed on both eyes at once?

Accepted Answer

For refractive correction and laser cataract surgeries, this is now standard practice, so the patient completes rehabilitation more quickly and the balance of binocular vision is restored sooner. For posterior capsular opacification, glaucoma, vitreous opacities, or retinal laser treatment, there is no absolute contraindication to treating both eyes on the same day, but in these cases individual assessment is always required.

Laser Eye Surgery: Vision Correction at the Highest Level

Laser Cataract Surgery Is a Brilliant Procedure!

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