Contraindications and Risks

Contraindications are conditions that serve as a reason not to perform a laser operation.

Thin cornea: the most important prerequisite to perform a Femo-LASIK operation is a sufficient thickness of the cornea. A thin cornea is a strong contraindication to the operation.

*Chronic eye disease*s: A Femto-LASIK operation should not be performed if the patient has a chronic eye disease like keratoconus since the cornea will become even weaker.

Further contraindications are Glaucoma with visual field defects and cataract.

General disorders: Like collagen, autoimmune or wound healing disorders

Rapid changes in refractive errors: If the refractive errors significantly differ in two subsequent exams in short time intervals a vision correction should not be performed

Age: The candidate should be at least 18 years of age.

Risks

With a Femto-LASIK operation, like with any other refractive vision correction, or even like with any surgery, there are certain risks. The type of the risks and their frequency can depend on the amount of the correction and on the pupil size. There is always a possibility of slight under or over correction.

Keratectasia is the abnormal bulging of the cornea. It usually occurs because of the structural weakening of the cornea after a laser ablation. The risk for developing a keratectasia increases with a decrease of the residual post-ablation corneal thickness. Residual corneal thickness is calculated by subtracting the amount of the flap thickness and the ablation depth from the original thickness of the cornea. As residual stromal thickness a minimal thickness of 0.25 mm is recommended. Furthermore genetic factors also seem to play a role.

In the first post-operative days a foreign body sensation is felt. In 15 to 20% of cases dry eye symptoms is reported in the first weeks or months after a laser correction. This is usually because the tear production and frequency of blinking are reduced. In general, artificial eye drops are prescribed for 1-3 months after a Laser correction.

The flap is usually very stable. Dislocation of the flap because of external influences is very rare. These are often reported after sport injuries (getting hit by a squash ball in the eye or car accident triggering the airbag.

Advantages of a Femto-LASIK operation

- Correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
- Better quality of life because of independence of glasses or contact lenses.
- Short ambulatory procedure in Bern.
- The most advanced and secure Laser technology with our AMARIS and Ziemer-LDV machines.

Pre and post operative examinations and the treatment itself are all performed on the same site by our doctors and laser specialists.

Advantages of the Femto-LASIK operations v.s superficial treatment: Less pain during and after the operation. Quick vision recovery

Disadvantages of all laser procedures

Structural integrity of the cornea is slightly weakened which should be considered in patients who practice marshal art.