Your laser vision correction procedure
Find out exactly what the procedure involves and what to expect on the day.
Appointment duration: approximately 2 hours
How does the procedure work?
A step-by-step guide to what happens on the day
1. Final formalities
On arrival at the clinic, we complete all the necessary paperwork to allow the procedure to go ahead.
2. Patient preparation
The nurse administers the anaesthetic drops. After about 15 minutes, your eye is completely anaesthetised - you won't feel the typical pain, you may only feel a slight pressure or discomfort from touching your eye. You are then invited into the pre-operative room, where you will be given a surgical gown, cap and shoe covers.
3. Positioning and disinfection
You lie down in the procedure chair. A gentle eyelid speculum is placed to keep your eye open and prevent blinking. The area around your eye is thoroughly disinfected and the laser is precisely centred over your eye. We give you our Blikus comfort toy — feel free to squeeze it whenever you need to.
4. Corneal preparation
The duration of the treatment itself varies depending on the method and is individually tailored to your needs. If we use a femtosecond laser, it takes about 10 seconds to create a flap or lenticule.
5. Laser correction
The excimer laser reshapes the cornea according to your pre-operative measurements. You will hear the characteristic sound of the laser and will need to focus your gaze on a pulsating green light. If your eye moves, the laser automatically adjusts its position using eye-tracking technology.
6. Completing the procedure
In the SMILE Pro method, the lenticule is removed through a small incision. In FemtoLASIK, the corneal flap is gently repositioned. In PRK and EBK, a therapeutic contact lens is placed on the eye. Soothing and antibiotic drops are then administered.
7. Post-procedure check and instructions
Your doctor checks your eye under the microscope to make sure everything looks as expected. You receive detailed aftercare instructions, eye drops to use at home and protective glasses. Please arrange to be collected, as you will not be able to drive home.
Prepare for the procedure
This should be borne in mind
One or two weeks before your procedure:
Stop wearing contact lenses (soft lenses – 2 weeks, soft toric lenses – 3 weeks, hard lenses – 2 months, ortho-K – 3 months) Avoid eye make-up for 3 days before the procedure; remove false eyelashes.
The day before your procedure:
Do not use cosmetics around your eyes. Avoid straining your eyes — limit screen time and get plenty of rest. Do not drink alcohol.
On the day of your procedure:
Do not wear any make-up, perfume or face creams. Eat a light meal up to an hour before your procedure and avoid caffeinated drinks and energy drinks. Bring sunglasses with a UV filter. Please bring someone with you and avoid planning any activities afterwards — this is a time for quiet rest and recovery.
What to expect during the procedure?
Feelings and sensations that are completely normal
During the procedure
- Slight anxiety or nervousness - completely understandable
- Gentle pressure on the eye during the procedure
- The characteristic laser sound
- A faint smell from the laser
- Eye wash with sterile fluid
- Feeling cool (the procedure room is kept at around 19°C)
Immediately after
- Tearing and burning of the eyes, similar to the sensation of cutting onions
- Blurred vision immediately after the procedure
- A gritty feeling under the eyelid for several hours
- Photophobia
- Dry eye sensation
- Slight redness of the conjunctiva
- Drowsiness
FAQ
We will answer all your questions
Can laser vision correction cause loss of vision?
No. Laser vision correction does not cause loss of vision. The procedure is carried out on the surface of the eye - the cornea - and does not affect the optic nerve or the deeper structures of the eye. The key is a thorough assessmnent and ensuring the procedure is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines.Serious complications are extremely rare, and the vast majority of patients undergo the procedure safely and without any lasting effects on eye health.
How soon will I see results?
To zależy od metody. Po PRESBYOND®, FemtoLASIK i SMILE większość pacjentów widzi poprawę natychmiast lub już następnego ranka - często osiągają 70-80% docelowej ostrości wzroku w ciągu 24h. PRK i EBK wymaga więcej czasu - pierwsza znacząca poprawa pojawia się po 3-5 dniach. Pełna stabilizacja wzroku następuje po 3-6 miesiącach.
Can I blink during the procedure?
You will not be able to blink, as a gentle eyelid speculum is placed to keep your eye open throughout. It sounds daunting, but thanks to the anaesthetic drops you will not feel a thing. The speculum is soft and causes no discomfort. Your eye is kept moist with drops throughout the procedure.
What if I move my eye during the procedure?
There is no need to worry. Our laser uses advanced eye-tracking technology that monitors your eye movements and automatically adjusts the position of the laser beam. If your eye moves beyond a safe range, the laser will pause or compensate automatically — ensuring precision throughout the procedure.
Does the procedure hurt?
No. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, so you will not feel any pain. You may feel a slight pressure during the procedure, but this is not painful. Most patients describe it as a strange, mildly uncomfortable sensation. You may experience a gritty feeling in your eye for a few hours afterwards.
Other stages
Stage 1
Assessment
Find out what the procedure looks like
Stage 3
Recovery
Find out how recovery works