Anyone thinking about having their visual impairment permanently corrected quickly encounters contradictory statements: Is laser eye surgery really painless? Will I be free of glasses forever afterwards? And how safe is such a procedure? There are many myths surrounding laser vision correction, which often cause uncertainty – and even prevent some people from seriously considering a potentially life-changing treatment method.

Time to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we clarify the most common misconceptions, show what modern procedures such as Femto-LASIK can actually achieve – and what you should look out for when choosing the right treatment . Because well-informed is best: with clear vision and a secure feeling.

The 5 most common myths about laser eye surgery:

When it comes to laser vision correction, there are many half-truths circulating – especially on the internet or in conversations with friends. However, anyone seriously considering treatment to correct defective vision should be able to distinguish facts from myths. Here we clear up the most common misconceptions about laser eye surgery.

1. laser eye surgery is extremely painful

A widespread myth – and yet false. Modern laser eye treatments such as Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK are generally virtually painless. Anesthetic eye drops are administered before the procedure to desensitize the eye. During the procedure, patients usually only feel a slight sensation of pressure – no burning, no cutting, no “laser beam” that hurts.

After the operation, some methods such as trans-PRK may cause a foreign body sensation, tearing or a slight burning sensation in the first few days – comparable to irritation after wearing hard contact lenses. However, this usually subsides within a few days. Painkillers and eye drops help to alleviate any discomfort during the aftercare phase.

2. you are unable to work for weeks after LASIK surgery

Many people automatically think of long recovery times when it comes to surgery – but this is not the case with modern laser vision correction. With Femto-LASIK in particular, one of the gentlest methods for correcting defective vision, patients are often able to return to work the very next day – depending on their activity and individual recovery.

Thanks to precise technology and the gentle formation of the so-called corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, the procedure is minimally invasive. Visual acuity usually improves within a few hours and vision continues to stabilize over the first few days. However, some precautions should be taken in the first few weeks after laser eye treatment: No swimming pool, no sauna, no severe eye irritation – and consistent use of the prescribed eye drops.

3. laser eye surgery is only for young people

A common misconception: many people think that laser eye treatment is only suitable for people between 20 and 30. In fact, suitability does not primarily depend on age, but on other medical factors:

• Stable visual values: It is important that the diopters have not changed significantly in the last 12 months.

• Healthy cornea: The thickness and structure of the cornea must be suitable for the respective procedure.

• General eye health: No diseases such as cataracts or untreated keratoconus.

People over 40 or even 50 can also be suitable candidates – provided they have a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist. Presbyopia is also common in this age group. Monovision, PresbyMAX or a combination of laser eye surgery and lens surgery offer an effective alternative.

4. the laser can burn the eye

The word “laser” alone rings alarm bells for some people – key words: heat, burns, irreparable damage. But don’t worry: eye lasers work with pulses of light, not heat.

The lasers used – e.g. the femtosecond laser in Femto-LASIK or the excimer laser in Trans-PRK – are highly precise and safe. They vaporize tiny layers of tissue in the cornea to correct the visual defect. In the process:

• no heat is generated that could damage the eye,

• the lens of the eye remains completely unaffected,

• the laser is precisely controlled by the ophthalmologist and centered using a fixation light.

In addition, modern laser technology has so-called eye tracking systems that compensate for even the slightest eye movement in real time. This minimizes risks and ensures maximum safety during the procedure.

5. you will never need glasses again after laser eye surgery

This statement sounds too good to be true – and is in fact only partially correct. Laser eye treatment such as Femto-LASIK or Trans-PRK can correct defective vision permanently and very effectively. However:

• The natural ageing of the eyes cannot be stopped.

• From around the mid-40s, so-called presbyopia often occurs – even in people who previously had perfect vision.

• Even after laser treatment, visual acuity can change slightly over the years.

If you are short-sighted or long-sighted and have laser surgery, in many cases you can do without glasses or contact lenses for years – especially with stable values of up to approx. -12.00 diopters or +6.00 diopters. However, a lifelong “guarantee” of complete freedom from glasses would be dubious.

Good to know: If presbyopia occurs or vision deteriorates again, further treatment methods such as PresbyMAX or lens replacement can often be considered.

The top 5 facts about laser vision correction that you should know

Here are five key facts to help you realisticallyassess the benefits and limitations of modern laser eye treatments.

1. femto LASIK is one of the safest methods worldwide

Femto-LASIK is now considered the gold standard in refractive surgery – and for good reason. This method combines maximum safety with maximum precision and a short healing time. In contrast to classic LASIK, which uses a mechanical knife, Femto-LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap without any contact whatsoever.

The advantages at a glance:

• No scalpel, but laser technology at micrometer level

• Rapid regeneration – often significantly better visual acuity after just a few hours

• Precise planning thanks to 7D eye tracking and individual corneal data

• Tried and tested millions of times worldwide and continuously further developed

Reputable providers carry out a comprehensive preliminary examination before each treatment to check suitability on an individual basis. This minimizes the risk of complications.

2. laser eye surgery only takes a few minutes

Many people imagine laser eye treatment to be a long, complicated procedure – in fact, the surgical part usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes per eye. With methods such as Femto-LASIK, the actual laser procedure is often completed in less than a minute.

This is how it typically works:

• Preparation with anesthetic eye drops

• Creation of the flap (corneal lamella) with the femtosecond laser

• Correction of defective vision with the excimer laser (e.g. for short-sightedness, astigmatism or long-sightedness)

• Folding back the flap – without seams or cuts

This is followed by a short period of rest. Many patients experience an initial improvement in their vision just a few hours later. For the patient, this means: minimum time required, maximum effect.

3. not every visual defect can be lasered

As effective as modern laser eye treatments are, they are not suitable for all visual defects or patients. Suitability depends on several factors:

• Type of defective vision: short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism – yes. Presbyopia only to a limited extent (e.g. via monovision or alternative procedures).

• Severity of visual impairment: Laser treatments reach their limits with values above -12.00 or +6.00 diopters.

• Corneal thickness: If the cornea is too thin, a secure flap cannot be formed.

• Pre-existing conditions: Diseases such as keratoconus, cataracts or chronic dry eyes may be a contraindication.

A detailed preliminary examination by an ophthalmologist is therefore essential. It ensures that the procedure can be performed not only effectively but also safely.

If laser treatment is not an option, reliable alternatives are available in the form of lens implants or lens replacement (e.g. for presbyopia).

4. most people see much better the very next day

A major advantage of modern laser vision correction is that it works quickly. Many patients report noticeably improved vision the day after the procedure – in some cases even just a few hours later.

With Femto-LASIK in particular, healing is often rapid:

• Already on the first morning after the operation, most patients notice a significant improvement in vision.

• Visual acuity stabilizes further over the following days.

• Returning to everyday life – whether office work or a walk – is usually possible without any problems.

Of course, every eye heals individually. In the first few weeks after laser eye treatment, there may still be slight fluctuations. Eye drops and consistent aftercare support regeneration and help to avoid discomfort such as burning or tearing.

People who were previously dependent on glasses and contact lenses often experience the new freedom of vision as a little “aha” moment – with every hour a little more quality of life.

5 Choosing the right method is crucial

ot all laser eye surgery is the same – there are several proven treatment methods, and which one is suitable depends on the particular visual defect, corneal structure and personal circumstances.

The most common procedures include

• Femto-LASIK: particularly gentle, precise and fast – ideal for many people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism.

• Trans-PRK: non-contact and without incision – suitable for thinner corneas or active people with high-risk sports.

• SmartSight (ReLEx SMILE): minimally invasive without a flap – particularly comfortable for dry eyes.

• PresbyMAX: especially for the correction of presbyopia.

At SmartLaser, every laser eye treatment is planned individually – based on the latest diagnostics and in close consultation with experienced ophthalmologists. This is the only way to achieve permanently stable visual acuity – without unnecessary risks or compromises.