The desire to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses is a big step towards quality of life for many people. However, anyone thinking about having their eyes lasered is quickly faced with the next question: which procedure is right for me?

Femto-LASIK, PRK or Trans-PRK – modern laser procedures for correcting visual defects are safer and more precise than ever before. However, they differ significantly in terms of technique, healing process and suitability. In this article, we show you the advantages and disadvantages of the individual methods, for whom they are suitable – and what you should look out for when making your decision.

Overview: The most common methods for correcting visual defects

Today, modern laser eye treatments offer several effective options for permanently correcting vision defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. In all procedures, the refractive power of the eye is changed in a targeted manner – by removing or shaping corneal tissue using precise laser technology.

Femto-LASIK – precise, fast and proven

In Femto-LASIK, a wafer-thin corneal flap is first precisely prepared using a femtosecond laser and carefully unfolded. The excimer laser then models the underlying corneal tissue to achieve the desired correction. The flap is then put back in place and reattaches itself.

PRK – the classic variant of surface treatment

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the oldest laser eye surgery procedure still used today. It involves manually removing the uppermost cell layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and then using the excimer laser to sculpt the underlying layer to correct the visual defect. A therapeutic contact lens then protects the eye for a few days until the epithelium grows back on its own.

Trans-PRK – modern, non-contact procedure

Trans-PRK is a further development of PRK – but much gentler. Here, the laser also removes the upper corneal layer, making the procedure completely contact-free. The surgeon does not have to make an incision or use any instruments directly on the eye.

Advantages and disadvantages of the various laser eye surgery procedures

Not every method is suitable for every person – because each procedure has different strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of visual defect, corneal condition, professional stress or personal preferences. Anyone who wants to have their eyes lasered should therefore inform themselves well in advance.

What are the pros and cons of Femto-LASIK?

Femto-LASIK is currently one of the most commonly performed methods in refractive surgery – for good reason:

Advantages:

• Very precise thanks to the use of the femtosecond laser

• Painless during the procedure thanks to anesthetic drops

• Quick recovery: many look sharp the very next day

• Ideal for medium to high diopter values

• Suitable for everyday use: usually only 1-2 days downtime

Disadvantages:

• A flap (corneal lamella) is formed – this remains a potential weak point in the event of injuries (e.g. from sports accidents) for the rest of the patient’s life

• Not suitable for very thin corneas

• Slightly increased risk of dry eyes in the first few weeks

Who is Trans-PRK particularly suitable for?

Trans-PRK is the most modern form of superficial laser treatment – completely non-contact and without a flap incision. It is particularly useful when other procedures – such as Femto-LASIK – are not possible or not recommended.

Suitable for:

• People with thin corneas where a safe flap cannot be formed

• Active people or athletes (e.g. martial arts, water sports) for whom a flap would pose a risk

• People with an increased risk of infection at work (e.g. emergency services, healthcare)

• Patients with sensitive eyes or foreign body sensation

Less suitable for:

• People with very high diopter values – this is where Trans-PRK reaches its physical limits

• Impatient patients: The healing time is longer, the final visual result often only appears after a few weeks

• People who are particularly sensitive to light – increased glare may occur in the first few days

Comparison of healing time, pain perception and suitability for everyday use

How quickly you regain sharp vision after laser eye surgery, whether pain occurs and when you are fully functional again – all this differs significantly depending on the procedure. Here is a direct comparison of Femto-LASIK, PRK and Trans-PRK:

Femto-LASIK

• Healing time: very short – often clear vision the next day

• Sensation of pain: minimal, usually only a slight foreign body sensation after the procedure

• Suitability for everyday use: ideal for working people – usually fully resilient again after 1-2 days

PRK

• Healing time: longer – several days until vision stabilizes, complete recovery often only after weeks

• Sensation of pain: noticeable – especially in the first 2-3 days, as the upper corneal layer has to regenerate

• Suitability for everyday use: limited – at least 5-7 days downtime, depending on activity

Trans-PRK

• Healing time: between Femto-LASIK and PRK – first improvement in vision after a few days, complete acuity after 2-4 weeks

• Pain sensation: less than with PRK, but slightly more than with Femto-LASIK

• Suitability for everyday use: depending on the healing process, 3-5 days recovery time – but no flap-related restrictions

Cost comparison – what do you pay per eye?

The decision to undergo laser eye treatment is not only a medical consideration, but also a financial one. The cost per eye varies depending on the procedure chosen, the technical equipment and the extent of aftercare.

The current prices at SmartLaser are as follows:

• Femto-LASIK: €1,350 per eye

• Trans-PRK: 950 € per eye

• Additional: € 150 for the preliminary examination (one-off) and € 77 for follow-up checks

What looks like an investment at first glance pays off in the long term – because if you compare laser eye surgery with contact lenses or glasses, you will save money for years to come:

Long-term cost comparison:

• Contact lenses (incl. care products) cost an average of €300-500 per year

• Glasses with high-quality lenses and frames are usually around €400-800

• Over 10 years, this can easily result in expenses of €3,000-6,000 – without permanent visual freedom

Short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism & presbyopia: which visual defects can be corrected

A key factor is the level of diopters, but corneal thickness, age (at least 18 years old) and the type of visual defect also play a role in finding the right operation.

Short-sightedness (myopia)

• Up to -8.0 dpt very well treatable with Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK

• In individual cases even up to approx. -10.0 to -12.0 dpt, if corneal thickness and tissue stability allow it

Farsightedness (hyperopia)

• Well treatable up to +3.0 dpt, ideal with Femto-LASIK

• The upper limit is approx. +4.0 to +6.0 dpt, but the higher the value, the more cautiously it must be weighed up

Astigmatism (curvature of the cornea)

• Correction possible up to about -5.0 dpt

• Important: precise centering using modern laser systems such as 7D eye tracking is crucial here

Presbyopia (presbyopia)

• Only limited treatment with pure laser procedures

• Possibility of monovision (one eye for near, one for far)

• Alternatives: PresbyMAX, multifocal lenses or lens exchange

Laser eye surgery instead of glasses or contact lenses: is the switch worth it?

Many people who struggle daily with fogged-up lenses, dry eyes due to contact lenses or constant changes of visual aids ask themselves the question: should I have my eyes lasered?

The benefits of living without glasses or contact lenses are not only practical, but also emotionally tangible:

• More freedom in everyday life – no more annoying putting on and taking off

• Sport without restrictions – especially swimming, running or contact sports

• Less eye irritation – especially for contact lens wearers with dry eyes

• No need to constantly buy new lenses or glasses

Lasering can also be worthwhile from an economic point of view: Over the years, the cost of visual aids can quickly add up to several thousand euros. Laser treatment is a one-off investment – with results that often last a lifetime.

Of course, a medical procedure always involves certain risks – but with modern procedures such as Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK, these are low and the satisfaction rate is high.

Disadvantages and risks of laser eye surgery at a glance:

As sophisticated and safe as today’s laser procedures are – like any medical procedure, laser eye surgery also involves certain risks. These rarely occur, but should be honestly stated and individually assessed in advance.

Possible disadvantages and risks:

• Dry eyes: Some patients complain of dryness, particularly in the first few weeks after the procedure. These are usually temporary and can be treated well with eye drops.

• Glare effects or halos: At night or twilight, there may be temporary halos or increased sensitivity to glare – especially with larger pupils.

• Under- or overcorrection: In rare cases, the desired visual goal is not 100% achieved. Subsequent treatments (“enhancements”) are then possible.

• Infections and wound healing disorders: Very rare, but generally possible – especially with inadequate aftercare or previous illnesses.

• Flap complications (only with LASIK): Displacements or tears of the flap can occur, e.g. due to rubbing on the eye – but can usually be treated without any problems.

The good news is that with a serious preliminary examination, careful aftercare and professional execution by experienced eye surgeons, the risk is extremely low. Realistic information and choosing the right procedure are the best protection.

Find the right method without risk: Have your eyes lasered at SmartLaser

Every eye is as individual as the person behind it – which is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution for laser eye surgery. Whether Femto-LASIK, PRK or Trans-PRK: the decisive factor is which procedure makes medical sense and is safe in the long term.

SmartLaser focuses on state-of-the-art diagnostics, experienced eye surgeons and a holistic treatment process. We carry out a detailed suitability check:

• Which method suits your corneal thickness, your visual defect and your lifestyle?

• What expectations do you have regarding healing time, comfort and the result?

• And which procedure offers you the lowest risk with maximum effect?

Arrange your free, no-obligation suitability appointment now – and find out whether laser eye surgery could be the step towards a new, glasses-free life for you.

What happens during the preliminary examination at SmartLaser?

Before deciding on laser eye treatment, there is one key step: the preliminary examination. It forms the basis for the safe and successful correction of defective vision – regardless of whether it is short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia.

The following parameters, among others, are measured precisely during this comprehensive analysis:

• Corneal thickness and structure

• Diopter values and stability of the refractive power of the eye

• Tear film, pupil size and any eye diseases

These values determine whether a procedure such as Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK or possibly an alternative form of refractive surgery is even an option. Individual risks, cost-benefit ratios and realistic expectations can only be assessed through thorough diagnostics.

What if laser surgery with Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK is not possible?

Not every eye is suitable for laser surgery using Trans-PRK or Femto-LASIK with a femtosecond laser. Reasons may include a cornea that is too thin, very high diopter values, existing eye diseases or anatomical features. However, this does not mean that you have to give up your freedom of vision without glasses.

EyeLaser Vienna & Linz also offers other proven procedures:

• Lens implants (ICL): An artificial lens is inserted into the eye in addition to the natural lens – ideal for very high ametropia or unsuitable corneas.

• Lens exchange (clear lens extraction): An effective solution, especially for presbyopia or early cataracts, to become permanently independent of glasses or contact lenses.

• SmartSight / Relex Smile: Laser extraction of the lenticule is a modern variant of refractive surgery.

• PresbyMAX: A specially developed laser method for the treatment of presbyopia when conventional methods reach their limits.

• Keratoconus treatment with crosslinking: For patients with unstable or irregular corneas.