Laser treatments
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be corrected with a laser treatment. Our ophthalmologists master different techniques and we have access to state-of-the art laser equipment for a treatment customized to your needs and desires.
There is a lot of overlap between the various laser treatments. Every treatment is fast (around 10 minutes per eye) and nearly painless.
The intake examinations will tell us which treatment is best suited to your eyes.
When are you eligible for a laser treatment?
- Vision specifications
Treatments are possible for nearsightedness (corrections of -1 to max. -8 dioptres), farsightedness (corrections of +1 to +4 dioptres) or astigmatism (cylinder of up to 6 dioptres).
- Age
- Conditions involving pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Recent intake examination
- Exclusion criteria for laser treatment
Various types of laser treatments
PRK of ‘no touch’ PRK
With this type of laser treatment, the top cell layer of the cornea is removed manually (PRK) or with a laser (‘no touch’ PRK), before the laser starts its work. After the treatment, we place a temporary contact lens on the eye so that the incision can heal. The surface layer grows back fully in less than a week.
Advantages:
- Long-proven and reliable technique
- Safe technique for thin corneas
- Suitable for practitioners of contact sports with a risk of eye injuries (e.g. boxing, judo, etc.)
Disadvantages:
- Burning, stinging or watering eyes and high sensitivity to light in the first few days after the procedure.
- Longer recovery time
Femto-LASIK
In this treatment, we carry out the entire procedure with a laser at a deeper layer of the cornea. First, a thin layer (the flap) is loosened with a special laser. After the laser treatment, this flap is put back and the little incision quickly closes up again.
Advantages:
- Very precise
- Very quick recovery
- Safer
- Quicker and better quality of vision
- Less likelihood of repeated treatment
Disadvantages:
- Not suited for a too thin or irregular cornea
- Greater likelihood of dry eyes
SMILE
The ‘Small Incision Lenticule Extraction’ (SMILE) laser treatments are the most recent treatments and make one-step surgery possible, which means that all treatments are carried out with a single laser device. First, a small incision is made with the laser in the deeper retina, and in a second step, it is removed through an opening of less than 3 mm. After that, the cornea is treated entirely painlessly with the laser.
Advantages:
- Least invasive laser treatment
- Minimal impact, thanks to a tiny incision of only 3mm
- Exceptional precision, mainly at higher strengths
- Less likelihood of dry eyes
Disadvantages:
- Recovery of vision takes a little bit longer.
- A bit more expensive technique.
- Treatment of pronounced astigmatism is not advised.
We’re happy to help!
Your vision, your comfort, your happiness: this is what we care about at Oogcentrum Brugge. Are you dreaming of a life without glasses or contact lenses? Our experienced team is ready to help you and answer all your questions.
- The laser treatment itself is very quick (around 10 to 15 minutes per eye) and nearly painless.
- When you arrive at the laser centre LVC in Drongen, we ensure that you immediately feel comfortable.
- After the administrative formalities have been completed, we accompany you to the operating room.
- There, your eye is given a local anaesthetic with drops and is carefully disinfected.
- In case of a Femto-LASIK treatment, you will first feel a bit of pressure for about forty seconds when the laser creates the flap. The flap is then opened.
- While you look at a flickering light, the excimer-laser does its work. You will hear a little crackling sound while the laser is doing its work, which is completely normal. The actual refractive laser procedure takes only a couple of minutes per eye and is nearly painless.
- After the procedure, antibiotic drops are applied.
- After the laser treatment, you can have a bit of a rest and after a check-up by our team, you can go home. For safety reasons, it is best not to drive yourself and to have someone to accompany you.
- Taking the preparation, the treatment and the follow-up into account, you will spend around one hour at the laser centre.
The price of a laser treatment varies, depending on various individual factors. We consider it important to make a personal price calculation for each patient. For an overview of our fees, please go to the fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LASIK and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
With LASIK, an ultra-thin flap is created in the cornea, after which the laser applies the correction to the underlying layer. The flap is then repositioned. The advantages of LASIK are that your vision recovers after just one day and that the laser works extremely precisely, even with large pupils. The disadvantage is that LASIK is not suitable for dry eyes or a cornea that is too thin.
What is PRK, what are its advantages and how does it differ from LASIK?
PRK is a laser treatment on the surface of the cornea. Unlike LASIK, no flap is created: the outer cell layer is removed and grows back spontaneously afterwards. With no-touch PRK, the laser does this without touching the eye. The advantage of PRK is that it is the safest technique for a thin cornea. Recovery takes about a week.
What is the SMILE method for laser eye surgery?
SMILE, officially called KLEx or SmartSight, is the most modern and least invasive laser treatment currently available. All steps are carried out with a single laser device through an opening of just 3 mm. Unlike LASIK, no flap is needed, and the risk of dry eyes after the treatment is minimal.
How much does laser eye surgery cost at Oogcentrum Brugge and what is included in the price?
The cost depends on the technique we use: LASIK, PRK or KLEx. The price includes the follow-up check-ups in the first, third and sixth month. Any follow-up treatment within the first two years is covered by the guarantee. Some health insurance funds and hospitalisation insurance policies provide reimbursement of the laser treatment.
How long does a laser eye treatment take and when can you have your eyes lasered?
The laser treatment itself takes a maximum of 10 minutes per eye and is completely painless. You are eligible for laser eye surgery with nearsightedness up to -6 dioptres (even up to -8 with KLEx), farsightedness up to +3 dioptres and a cylinder of up to 5 dioptres. Stop wearing soft contact lenses three days before the treatment; for hard lenses, allow one week. Whether it is suitable for you will be determined by the preliminary examination.