Laser Vision Correction: Femto-LASIK, LASIK and PRK

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, so that light focuses more precisely on the retina. For many people with short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, it can reduce or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Every treatment at Prime Vision Clinic starts with a detailed assessment to decide whether laser is suitable for your eyes and which technique suits you. Sometimes the safer advice is a different option, such as an implantable lens (ICL), or no surgery at all.

Who it's for

• Adults aged 18 or over whose prescription has been stable, usually for at least a year.
• People with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism within a range that can be treated safely.
• Eyes with a healthy cornea of adequate thickness and regular shape, confirmed by corneal scans.
• It is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and may not be suitable with conditions such as keratoconus, active eye infection or some autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will check this.
• If you are over 40 and struggle with reading, options such as monovision may reduce dependence on reading glasses. This involves some compromise and is usually tried first with contact lenses.

The three techniques

• Femto-LASIK: a femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea underneath, and the flap is laid back in place.
• LASIK: the same principle, with the flap created by a precise surgical instrument (microkeratome).
• PRK (surface laser): the thin surface layer of the cornea is removed and the excimer laser is applied directly to the surface, with no flap. After assessment, it may suit some people with thinner corneas, or people at higher risk of eye injury. It is not suitable for every thin or irregular cornea, and recovery is slower than after LASIK.

How it works

1. Assessment visit: vision and prescription testing, corneal mapping and thickness measurement, tear-film check and a dilated eye examination. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them before this visit, for a period set by the medical team according to your lens type and the stability of your corneal measurements. This can take several weeks, and the measurements may need to be repeated.
2. Discussion: your doctor explains whether you are suitable, which technique is recommended, the expected benefits and the risks, and answers your questions before you decide.
3. Treatment day: the eye is numbed with drops; no general anaesthetic is needed. The laser itself takes a short time per eye, and you stay awake throughout.
4. You go home the same day. Please arrange for someone else to drive you.

Recovery

• After LASIK or Femto-LASIK, the eyes are usually watery and blurred for a few hours. Many people notice clearer vision within a day or two. A check-up is usually arranged for the next day.
• After PRK, discomfort and light sensitivity are expected for several days. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye, and vision improves gradually over several weeks.
• Use the prescribed drops exactly as instructed, avoid rubbing your eyes, and wear the eye shield at night if advised.
• Avoid swimming, dusty environments and eye make-up for the period your doctor advises.
• Dryness, glare and halos around lights at night are common early on and usually improve over the following months. In some people they persist.

Frequently asked questions

Your care team

• Surgery: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah
• Assessment and follow-up: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah, with our specialist medical team

This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person and will be discussed with you by your doctor.