Why Price Doesn’t Decide
With us, Femto-LASIK costs €1,350 per eye and Trans-PRK €950 per eye. The difference plays no role in our recommendation: we advise the procedure that suits your eyes—even if it is the less expensive one.
This is also how the leading clinics in refractive surgery operate: They don’t have a standard procedure; instead, they assess the situation first and then make a decision. A provider who says, “We always do X,” is describing their equipment, not your eyes.
The difference lies in the cornea
The cornea is about 500 to 550 μm thick and consists of several layers. The outermost layer is the epithelium —a thin covering layer that renews itself. Beneath it lies the stroma, the supporting layer, where the actual correction takes place. Both procedures reshape the same stroma using the same excimer laser. They differ only in how they achieve this.
Trans-PRK
Surface treatment, without a flap
- The laser ablates the epithelium without contact and then reshapes the stroma.
- The epithelium regenerates within a few days under a protective lens.
- No permanent incision edge is left in the cornea.
- Less tissue is “removed”—an advantage for thinner corneas.
Femto-LASIK
Flap procedure
- The SCHWIND ATOS creates a thin corneal flap, which is lifted.
- The excimer laser works beneath the flap, after which the flap is repositioned.
- The outer layer remains intact—which is why healing is faster and less painful.
- The flap remains a permanent structure within the cornea.
The KRC specifies a minimum corneal thickness of 480 μm for Femto-LASIK, and at least 250 μm of stroma must remain permanently beneath the flap—even after any subsequent corrective surgery. Because the surface treatment does not require a flap, more corneal tissue remains available there.
A Direct Comparison
◂ Table scrollable horizontally ▸
| Criterion | Trans-PRK: €950 per eye | Femto-LASIK: €1,350 per eye |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms afterward | Days: Moderate discomfort in the first few days; in rare cases, more severe pain. | Hours: Moderate discomfort during the first few hours, followed by mostly no discomfort. |
| When Your Vision Will Return to Normal | Vision is reduced for several days; full visual acuity develops over several weeks. | Vision is reduced for only a few hours; vision is usually suitable for daily activities after about 48 hours. |
| Wound Healing | The epithelium regrows under a dressing lens within a few days. | The flap reattaches immediately and acts as the body’s own dressing. |
| Procedure-Specific Risk | Superficial corneal scarring (haze) is possible. | Epithelial detachment, cutting errors, or wrinkling rarely occur during lamella cutting. |
| Common Side Effects | Temporary dry eyes, halos, and ghosting at twilight—especially when the pupil is dilated—as well as a possible partial regression of the results. | |
| Myopia (KRC Scope of Application) | up to −6 dpt | More flexibilityup to −8 dpt |
| Farsightedness | Not suitable; no indicated use according to KRC. | up to +3 dpt |
| Astigmatism | up to 5 dpt | up to 5 dpt |
| Thin Cornea | Advantage: Does notrequirea flap, resulting in more tissue reserve. | At least 480 μm; residual stroma beneath the flap must be at least 250 μm. |
| Contact and Martial Arts | Advantage: Noflap structure that can be damaged by a blow. | The flap remains permanently in place. |
| Time Required in Everyday Life | Plan for several days. | Advantage: You’ll usually be able to return to work after two days. |
Information on indications, side effects, and contraindications based on the KRC recommendations of the DOG and the BVA, as of May 2024. The threshold values in detail
Which Procedure Is Right for Whom
✓Trans-PRKis a better fit if …
- Your cornea is thinner or the topography leaves little reserve
- You practice martial arts, ball sports, or have a job that involves a risk of impact
- Your nearsightedness is within the range of −6 dpt
- You can plan for several days of recovery
- You do not want a permanent flap structure in your cornea
✓Femto-LASIKis a better fit if …
- Your nearsightedness is between −6 and −8 dpt
- You are farsighted—Trans-PRK is not an option in this case
- You need to be able to return to work quickly
- Your cornea is thick enough
- You want as little discomfort as possible after the procedure
What this means in practice
The decision isn’t made during the consultation, but after the examination. During the preliminary examination, we determine your corneal thickness and topography, pupil size, and your exact measurements. Only then will we tell you which procedure is suitable for you—and whether any are suitable at all. If you fall outside the KRC’s scope of application, we’ll let you know that as well.
Which procedure is right for your eyes?
Five questions about your age, prescription, and medical history will give you an initial assessment. The preliminary examination will provide the definitive answer.