Frequently asked questions

Here you will find a lot of the answers to the questions you may ask yourself from the moment you decide to use refractive surgery, surgery that corresponds to all the techniques that correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

FOR MY EYES, I WANT THE BEST, THE LATEST TECHNIQUE.

Things are not so simple ... Historically, PKR was the first developed technique, followed by LASIK, then LASEK, FemtoLASIK, EpiLASIK and finally Smile. The development of a new technique has never replaced the previous technique and today we have a series of available techniques that each have their benefits and disadvantages. The choice of the technique will not be based on the "best" or "last" technique but on the preoperative examination. In some cases, one single technique is to be considered, in other cases the patient will have the choice between different solutions.

BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT, I WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH THE OPERATION IS GOING TO COST.

We regularly receive phone calls and emails to get a quote before making an appointment. As explained earlier, there are several techniques and the cost varies greatly (from 1,000 to 2,500 euros per eye) depending on the performed technique. It is impossible for us to give an estimate without a complete pre-operative examination. The cost of the operation is not reimbursed by social security. Some patients can benefit a small financial assistance from their mutual as part of the additional benefits offered (100 to 150 euros / eye). Finally, some ambulatory care insurance contracts offer a reimbursement up to 80% of the cost. Take information from your insurance company and specify this is an ambulatory procedure that is not reimbursed by social security. You will find rates here.

HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT BE EFFECTIVE?

The correction is stable over time. Rare cases of regression exist and a retouch can be proposed.

CAN WE LOSE AN EYE DURING SURGERY?

Refractive surgery is a very low-risk surgery (1% of complications). In theory, everything is possible ... Two or three cases of lost eyes due to laser surgery have been described but the indications were wrongly analysed and the equipment used was removed from the market a long time ago. None of our patients ended up with less than 8/10 vision, even after presenting complications.

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS OPERATE THEIR PATIENTS BUT WOULD NEVER GET OPERATED THEMSELVES

There are more pleasant things than having your eyes operated, but refractive surgery is not a painful surgery. There is no scream, no pain during the procedure. A relaxant is offered half an hour before surgery to help you be more relaxed. The laser is equipped with an eye position control system that will effectively compensate for involuntary moves of the patient.

I'M TOO AFRAID OF THE SURGERY, I'LL MOVE, NO ONE WILL SUCCEED IN TOUCHING MY EYES.

There are more pleasant things than having your eyes operated, but refractive surgery is not a painful surgery. There is no scream, no pain during the procedure. A relaxant is offered half an hour before surgery to help you be more relaxed. The laser is equipped with an eye position control system that will effectively compensate for involuntary moves of the patient.

CAN I GET FULL GENERAL ANAESTHESIA FOR THE SURGERY?

It is impossible to get the patient to sleep for laser surgery because the patient's cooperation is necessary. For intra-ocular surgery, general anaesthesia is possible but is not necessary.

MYOPIA REVERSES OVER TIME AND VISION IMPROVES AFTER THE AGE OF 40 YEARS, THINGS "COMPENSATE".

Myopia does not reverse, it stabilizes between the age of 20 and 25 years and never changes thereafter. The patient who has light myopia (between 1 and 3 Diopters) will keep his whole life a blurred far vision but will be able to read by removing his glasses after 45 years, when presbyopia arises.

YOUNG WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE TREATED BECAUSE MYOPIA INCREASES WITH PREGNANCY.

If this were the case, no woman would be operated before the age of 40. Pregnancy does not induce large changes in eye defect.

ARE BOTH EYES TREATED AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, usually in case of laser surgery, both eyes are treated at the same time. In case of intra-ocular surgery, it is advisable to respect a delay of a few days between the two eyes.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF WORK DISABILITY?

The duration of the work incapacity varies according to the technique used: from a few hours to a few days.