LASIK in Switzerland: correcting your vision by laser

No longer depending on glasses or contact lenses: this is the aim of laser refractive surgery, of which LASIK is the best-known technique. In a few minutes per eye, a laser reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Recovery is quick, often from the next day. This procedure is not, however, suitable for every eye, and its success relies on a rigorous prior assessment. This page explains how LASIK and related techniques work, the criteria for being a candidate, the procedure, recovery, risks, relative budget and provision in Switzerland. For an overview, see our guide to eye surgery in Switzerland.

LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea with a laser, after a thin flap has been created. It suits adults whose vision is stable and whose cornea is sufficiently thick and regular. Both eyes are often operated on the same day, as day surgery, under anaesthetic eye drops. Vision is often good from the next day. The main side effects are dry eye and night halos, usually temporary. The procedure is not covered by basic insurance. Relative budget on our page on LASIK prices in Switzerland.

Clear vision depends on how the cornea and lens focus light onto the retina. In short-sighted people, the image forms in front of the retina; in long-sighted people, behind it; in people with astigmatism, the cornea does not have the same curvature in all directions. The laser changes the curvature of the cornea to place the image back on the retina.

Creating the flap

A laser with ultra-short pulses, called a femtosecond laser, cuts a thin flap within the thickness of the cornea, folded back like the page of a book. Some centres still use a precision blade.

Reshaping

A second laser, called an excimer laser, vaporises microscopic amounts of tissue according to a profile calculated for each eye from the assessment measurements.

Repositioning

The flap is put back and adheres naturally, without stitches.

The cornea provides about two thirds of the eye's optical power. Its curvature largely determines where images form: too curved relative to the length of the eye, it makes them converge in front of the retina — myopia; not curved enough, it makes them converge behind — hyperopia; irregular, it produces astigmatism.

LASIK exploits this central role. By removing a thickness of tissue of a few tens of microns, with a precise profile, the laser changes the curvature of the cornea: it flattens the centre to correct myopia, or increases the central curvature by treating the periphery to correct hyperopia. One dioptre of correction corresponds to a very small thickness of tissue, which explains the precision required of the equipment.

The flap is about a tenth of a millimetre thick — the thickness of a sheet of paper — and eight to nine millimetres in diameter. It remains attached to the cornea by a hinge, generally at the top or the side, which allows it to be folded back like the page of a book. With the femtosecond laser, its thickness, diameter, hinge position and edge angle are programmed in advance.

During the cut, a suction ring holds the eye and vision darkens for a few seconds. The surgeon then lifts the flap with a fine instrument, lets the excimer laser act on the exposed tissue, then repositions the flap by smoothing and rinsing it. It adheres spontaneously within a few minutes, thanks to the pumping action of the corneal cells.

During treatment, the eye moves slightly, even in a very cooperative patient. Current lasers have a tracking system that detects these movements hundreds of times per second and continuously adjusts the position of the beam. If the movement is too large, the laser stops automatically, then resumes once the eye is recentred.

Some devices also recognise details of the iris to compensate for the slight rotation of the eye between the sitting position of the assessment and the lying position of the procedure, which is particularly important for correcting astigmatism properly. For the patient, it is enough to look at a small flashing light for a few seconds.

A standard treatment corrects the myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism measured by refraction. So-called customised treatments go further: they take into account the small optical irregularities specific to each eye, measured by an aberrometer, or the exact shape of the cornea, measured by topography. The aim is to preserve quality of vision, particularly at night, and limit halos.

These treatments do not suit everyone and their benefit varies between eyes. For most patients, an optimised treatment that preserves the natural shape of the cornea gives excellent results. The surgeon chooses the treatment profile according to your measurements and explains their choice.

The correction programmed into the laser is not simply the value of your glasses. The surgeon starts from the measured refraction and adjusts it according to the distance between the glasses and the eye, age, corneal thickness and the experience accumulated on their centre's results, recorded in tables called nomograms. These adjustments take account of how corneas heal on average.

The treatment profile also defines the diameter of the optical zone, taking into account the size of the pupil, and the transition zone at the periphery, which softens the change between treated and untreated areas. These choices influence the quality of night vision and the amount of tissue removed. This is one of the invisible but essential parts of a centre's expertise.

The first attempts to modify the cornea to correct vision date back to the mid-twentieth century, with imprecise manual techniques. The excimer laser, developed for the electronics industry, proved capable of removing layers of corneal tissue with unequalled precision. The first surface photokeratectomies were performed in the late 1980s.

LASIK, which places the treatment under a flap, developed in the early 1990s and quickly gained popularity thanks to its rapid recovery. Replacing the mechanical blade with the femtosecond laser, eye-movement tracking systems and customised treatments then improved precision and safety. Tens of millions of eyes have been treated worldwide.

Excimer lasers have evolved considerably since the 1990s. The first devices treated small areas with broad beams; current lasers use small spots that scan the cornea very quickly, with larger treatment zones and smoother transitions, which improves night vision quality. Eye-tracking systems have become faster and more precise.

Femtosecond lasers, which replaced the mechanical blade for cutting the flap, allow a thinner, more regular flap. A recent device is not in itself a guarantee of a good result, but it is one of the quality factors to check, along with the surgeon's experience and the rigour of the assessment. You can ask the centre how long it has been using its equipment and how it is maintained.

• "The laser burns the eye": false — the excimer laser vaporises tissue without heat.
• "You can easily go blind": false — serious complications are exceptional with a complete assessment.
• "The result only lasts a few years": false — the correction is stable in most patients; it is presbyopia that appears with age.
• "You have to stay still without blinking": false — a speculum holds the eyelids open and the laser follows eye movements.
• "LASIK prevents a future cataract": false — the lens continues to age.
• "Anyone can have the operation": false — a serious assessment rules out some candidates.

When laser is not suitable, for example for very high myopia or a cornea that is too thin, a phakic implant or lens replacement may be proposed. See our page on intraocular lenses.

These techniques give comparable long-term visual results when properly indicated. The difference lies mainly in comfort in the first few days, speed of recovery and suitability for certain corneas or lifestyles.

In surface ablation, the epithelium, the thin layer of cells covering the cornea, is removed with a diluted alcohol solution, a brush or the laser itself. The excimer laser then corrects the surface of the cornea directly. A bandage contact lens is fitted to protect the eye while the epithelium grows back, within three to five days.

The first few days are uncomfortable: pain, watering, sensitivity to light, blurred vision. Painkillers, drops and rest are needed. Vision becomes functional after about a week and sharpens over several weeks. In return, the absence of a flap preserves corneal strength, which makes it a good option for thin corneas, contact sports and some occupations.

• A thin cornea, or one at the limit of LASIK safety thresholds.
• Combat sports, contact sports or occupations exposed to facial impacts.
• An irregular corneal surface or superficial scars.
• Certain professions with rules on the presence of a flap.
• A touch-up on an old flap in some situations.

Surface ablation requires more patience in the first few days, but in the long term it gives visual results comparable to LASIK. The choice is made with the surgeon, according to your measurements and lifestyle.

After surface ablation, the first three days are the most difficult. The prescribed painkillers, taken regularly rather than on demand, anti-inflammatory drops, cold compresses on the closed eyelids and rest in a dark room bring relief. Sunglasses are useful even indoors. Do not remove the bandage lens yourself; if it falls out, keep it and call the centre.

Plan not to work for a few days, not to drive and to have help at home. Improvement is often clear from the fourth or fifth day, when the epithelium has covered the cornea.

In the small-incision technique, the femtosecond laser cuts a small disc of tissue, called a lenticule, within the thickness of the cornea, as well as a small opening of two to four millimetres at the periphery. The surgeon frees and removes the lenticule through this opening. The cornea flattens, correcting the myopia.

The absence of a large flap preserves some of the corneal nerves, which may reduce post-operative dryness, and eliminates the risk of flap displacement. Recovery is quick, slightly less immediate than after LASIK in some patients. Touch-ups are slightly more complex and are often performed by surface ablation.

When myopia is high, the cornea thin or irregular, or dryness significant, a phakic implant, placed inside the eye in front of the lens, is often preferable to laser. It corrects high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue, with excellent quality of vision, and it can be removed if necessary.

After fifty-five, or in people with an early cataract, replacing the lens with an implant is often more appropriate than laser, as it corrects vision and avoids future cataract surgery. See our page on intraocular lenses.

When a patient is considering both LASIK and blepharoplasty, it is generally advisable to have the LASIK first or to space the two procedures sufficiently. Both can temporarily worsen dryness, and the order influences the precision of the measurements. The ophthalmologist and the eyelid surgeon coordinate the timetable. See our page on blepharoplasty.

If the assessment advises against LASIK and no surgical alternative is suitable, several non-surgical solutions remain possible. Modern contact lenses, particularly daily disposables or rigid lenses for irregular corneas, correct most problems. Orthokeratology, with rigid lenses worn at night, temporarily reshapes the cornea and allows clear vision during the day without correction; it requires rigorous hygiene.

Glasses, of course, remain the simplest and safest solution. Being refused LASIK is not a dead end: it protects your eyes and often opens the discussion on another option.

• Be at least eighteen, often a little older.
• Have had a stable prescription for at least a year.
• Have a cornea of sufficient thickness and regular shape, without keratoconus.
• Have no active eye disease, such as an infection or poorly controlled glaucoma.
• Have no dry eye, or have it treated.
• Have realistic expectations: greatly reducing dependence on glasses, without an absolute guarantee.

Age limits

From about forty-five, presbyopia makes reading difficult even with perfect distance vision. Laser can partly compensate for it by setting one eye for near vision. From a certain age, especially if the lens is starting to cloud, lens replacement may be more appropriate.

Highly short-sighted people are often the most motivated to free themselves from thick, heavy glasses or contact lenses they tolerate poorly. Yet they are also the ones for whom LASIK raises the most questions. The higher the myopia, the more tissue the laser must remove, which thins the cornea and reduces the treated optical zone. The risk of regression, night halos and corneal weakening increases.

For myopia of six to eight dioptres, LASIK often remains possible if the cornea is thick and regular. Beyond that, or with an average cornea, a phakic implant frequently gives better quality of vision and preserves the cornea. The surgeon compares the two options with you, taking into account your age, profession and activities.

Highly short-sighted people should also know that their retina is more fragile, regardless of any surgery. An examination of the back of the eye is part of the assessment, and regular retinal follow-up remains recommended after the procedure. The appearance of flashes or a curtain must always prompt urgent consultation.

Myopia, especially high myopia, is associated with a thinner, more fragile peripheral retina, with an increased risk of retinal tear and detachment throughout life. This risk is not caused by LASIK, which only affects the cornea, and it does not disappear after the procedure. Examination of the retina is part of the assessment, and a fragile area can be treated preventively by laser.

After LASIK, short-sighted people must remain alert to warning signs: flashes of light, a shower of floaters, a curtain in the visual field. These symptoms require an eye consultation the same day.

Hyperopia can also be corrected by laser, but less predictably than myopia. To correct it, the laser must make the centre of the cornea more curved by removing tissue at the periphery. This treatment profile is more sensitive to healing, and part of the correction may regress over time.

In practice, LASIK gives good results for low hyperopia, often up to three or four dioptres depending on the centre. Beyond that, or in long-sighted people over fifty, lens replacement is often proposed, as it corrects both hyperopia and presbyopia. Young long-sighted people often compensate for part of their error with their lens; the assessment measures the prescription after relaxing this accommodation with drops, so as not to underestimate it.

Astigmatism is corrected well by laser, alone or combined with myopia or hyperopia. The laser removes more tissue along the most curved axis of the cornea to make it more regular. Precise alignment is essential: a few degrees of axis error reduce the effectiveness of the correction. That is why modern lasers compensate for eye rotation using iris recognition.

Irregular astigmatism, or astigmatism that increases year after year, should prompt a search for keratoconus, which contraindicates LASIK. Corneal topography makes the distinction. Significant, regular astigmatism can also be corrected with a toric implant, particularly when the cornea is thin.

After forty, presbyopia complicates the decision. A forty-five-year-old short-sighted person who used to read by taking off their glasses will lose this ability if their myopia is fully corrected: they will see perfectly at a distance but will need reading glasses. For some, this trade-off is acceptable; for others, it is disappointing if it has not been anticipated.

Monovision offers an alternative: the dominant eye is set for distance, the other left slightly short-sighted for reading. The brain learns to use the eye suited to each distance. Some patients adapt to it very well, others do not; a prior trial with contact lenses is essential. Moderate, so-called partial monovision is often better tolerated than a large difference.

From about fifty-five, or if the lens is starting to cloud, lens replacement often becomes a better long-term solution than laser, as it avoids future cataract surgery.

Monovision relies on a natural ability of the brain: favouring the image from the sharper eye depending on the distance being looked at. Generally, the dominant eye is corrected for distance and the other is left slightly short-sighted, often by one to two dioptres, for reading and screens. The larger the difference, the easier reading without glasses becomes, but the more depth perception and the distance sharpness of the non-dominant eye decrease.

A contact lens trial, for a few days in real-life conditions, is the best way to find out whether you tolerate it: driving, screens, reading, sport. Some patients do not get used to it; a touch-up can then correct the reading eye for distance. Monovision suits people who read a lot and accept slightly less sharp distance vision in one eye.

These guidelines are general; only the assessment allows the option suited to your eyes to be chosen.

Dry eye is the main side effect of LASIK, and it is all the more marked if it already existed beforehand. Yet many candidates, who have worn contact lenses for years or work at screens, have dry eyes without knowing it. The assessment evaluates it with several tests: quantity and quality of tears, condition of the glands along the eyelid margin, examination of the eye surface.

If dryness is detected, it is treated several weeks before the procedure: preservative-free artificial tears, warm compresses and eyelid massage, sometimes anti-inflammatory eye drops or supplements. This treatment improves the precision of the measurements and comfort after the operation. In some cases, it leads to choosing a less drying technique, or to forgoing laser.

If you are considering a pregnancy in the coming months, it may be preferable to schedule LASIK beforehand or wait until breastfeeding has ended. During pregnancy, hormonal changes sometimes alter the prescription, contact lens tolerance and tear quality. LASIK performed before a pregnancy poses no problem for the pregnancy itself or for a vaginal delivery.

People allergic to pollen often have itchy, watery, red eyes in spring. An allergy flare-up during recovery makes you want to rub your eyes, which must be absolutely avoided in the first few weeks after LASIK. It is therefore preferable to schedule the procedure outside your pollen season.

If the procedure takes place during a high-risk period, preventive anti-allergy treatment, in drops or tablets, may be prescribed. Mention your allergies, including to medicines and eye drops, during the assessment. Chronic eye rubbing, common in allergy sufferers, is also a risk factor for keratoconus, which topography looks for.

Some professions regulate refractive surgery. In aviation, the police, the army or security jobs, precise requirements apply to visual acuity, night vision and sometimes the type of procedure, with waiting periods before returning to work or follow-up tests. Ask your employer or the relevant authority before scheduling the procedure.

Jobs exposed to dust, chemicals or impacts, such as construction, industry or agriculture, require a longer protection period and may point towards a flapless technique. Professions that require excellent night vision, such as night drivers, must be informed of the risk of halos in the first few weeks. The surgeon adapts their advice to your activity.

People who work in construction, industry, agriculture, professional kitchens or care must take into account dust, splashes, heat and cleaning products. After LASIK, a week off is often advised, then wearing protective glasses for several weeks. After surface ablation, the interval is longer, until the epithelium is strong. Discuss your job with the surgeon to adapt your return date.

For endurance sports, swimming, skiing or golf, LASIK is perfectly suitable and frees you from the constraints of glasses and contact lenses. Return is quick: a few days for running, two to four weeks for swimming with watertight goggles.

For combat sports, boxing, martial arts, rugby, ice hockey or ball sports where blows to the face are common, a flapless technique is often preferred. It eliminates the rare but real risk of flap displacement after a violent blow, even years later. Divers and motorsport drivers should also mention it during the assessment.

• Léa, 26, myopia of minus three, thick cornea: LASIK on both eyes, perfect vision the next day.
• Marc, 31, ice hockey player, myopia of minus four: surface ablation to avoid a flap.
• Sofia, 29, myopia of minus nine, average cornea: the surgeon recommends a phakic implant rather than laser.
• Thomas, 22, increasing astigmatism: tomography reveals early keratoconus; cross-linking instead of LASIK.
• Claire, 47, short-sighted and presbyopic: partial monovision after a successful contact lens trial.
• Pierre, 56, long-sighted with an early cataract: lens replacement rather than laser.

These examples show that the best solution depends on each eye and each person. The assessment serves precisely to find the one that suits you, including when it is not LASIK.

Sometimes only one eye needs correction, or the two eyes have very different prescriptions. This difference, called anisometropia, is poorly tolerated with glasses because the images are not the same size for the two eyes. Contact lenses correct it well, but some people do not tolerate them.

LASIK on one eye only, or at different doses, can then restore the balance between the two eyes. In children, a large uncorrected difference can cause a lazy eye; in adults, laser does not correct a long-standing lazy eye, but it can improve visual comfort.

Many LASIK candidates have worn contact lenses for years and find they tolerate them less and less: red eyes at the end of the day, dryness, irritation, recurrent conjunctivitis. This intolerance is a common reason for seeking advice. However, long-term contact lens wear may have altered the eye surface and the shape of the cornea.

That is why stopping contact lenses before the assessment is essential, sometimes for several weeks for rigid lenses, and why dryness is carefully assessed. Once operated on, many former contact lens wearers appreciate no longer having to handle or care for them.

Dry eye often increases at menopause, linked to hormonal changes. Women in this age group who are considering LASIK must therefore have their tears carefully assessed. At this age, presbyopia is also present, which often points towards monovision or lens replacement rather than conventional LASIK.

Many candidates are in their twenties. For them, the main question is the stability of the prescription: myopia that has increased again in the past year is a reason to wait. The assessment compares prescriptions from recent years. University holidays are often chosen for the procedure, as they leave time for check-ups and for resting the eyes in the first few days, without exams to prepare for.

Some thyroid diseases, particularly those affecting the eyes, cause dryness, increased exposure of the eye surface and fluctuating vision. They may make LASIK inadvisable or require waiting for a stable period. Mention any thyroid disease during the assessment; the ophthalmologist will assess the eye surface and the position of the eyelids.

A history of eye injury, corneal surgery, retinal detachment or eye inflammation does not always rule out LASIK, but it requires an in-depth assessment and sometimes a specialist opinion. A corneal scar can make treatment unpredictable; a fragile retina must be examined and sometimes treated preventively. Bring all the reports on your eye history.

LASIK is not performed in children, whose prescription changes as they grow. Parents of short-sighted children can, however, take action to slow the progression of myopia: time spent outdoors, breaks from close work and, depending on the ophthalmologist's advice, specific spectacle or contact lenses, or low-dose drops. Lower myopia in adulthood will broaden the options, including possible LASIK.

Vision measurements

Precise refraction, with and without pupil dilation, to know the exact prescription.

Corneal topography and thickness

They rule out early keratoconus and check that enough cornea will remain after reshaping.

Pupil size

A large pupil at night can encourage halos.

Dry eye

It is assessed and treated before the procedure.

The back of the eye

The retina is examined, particularly in short-sighted people.

Stopping contact lenses

Contact lenses temporarily distort the cornea; they are stopped a few days to a few weeks before the assessment.

Topography draws a colour map of the curvature of the front surface of the cornea. Tomography goes further: it also analyses the back surface and the thickness at each point. These tests, performed in a few seconds in front of a device, without contact, are the most important in the assessment, as they detect a fragile cornea or early distortion that would contraindicate LASIK.

The devices calculate risk indices from these maps. A borderline result does not necessarily mean keratoconus, but it calls for caution: surface ablation, an implant, or simply monitoring before deciding. A reputable centre takes the time to analyse these images and show them to you.

These tests are also used to plan the treatment, particularly for astigmatism and customised treatments. They will be invaluable later: keep a copy, particularly for future cataract surgery.

A cornea is on average a little over half a millimetre thick at the centre. LASIK removes tissue under the flap; enough untouched tissue, called the residual stromal bed, must remain for the cornea to keep its strength. Surgeons apply safety thresholds, and also calculate the proportion of total thickness altered by the flap and the treatment.

If the margin is insufficient, surface ablation, which does not create a flap and therefore preserves more strength, or a phakic implant may be proposed. A naturally thin cornea is not a disease, but it requires this cautious choice. This is one of the points on which a good centre makes no concessions.

The prescription, or refraction, is measured in several ways: with an automatic device, then by having you read letters through different lenses, and often after drops that relax the eye's focusing, particularly in young people and long-sighted people. This last measurement avoids underestimating hyperopia or overestimating myopia.

The surgeon compares these measurements with your old prescriptions to check the stability of the prescription. They also determine your dominant eye, which is useful for monovision. These measurements are sometimes repeated at a second visit to make sure they are consistent before scheduling the laser.

For most young adults, the target is clear distance vision without correction in both eyes. For presbyopic or soon-to-be presbyopic people, the target may differ between the eyes, with monovision. Some patients prefer to keep very slight myopia, for example to read longer without glasses before presbyopia sets in.

This target is discussed according to your age, activities and priorities: driving, sport, reading, screen work. It is important to tell the surgeon what matters most to you. A poorly chosen target can disappoint, even if the procedure is technically perfect.

• Remove your contact lenses within the indicated timescales and come with your glasses.
• Bring your old glasses and contact lens prescriptions.
• Note your eye history, conditions and treatments.
• Arrange for someone to accompany you or use public transport if dilation is planned.
• Prepare your questions: technique, results, risks, price, touch-up.
• Think about your priorities: sport, night driving, reading, screens.

Before the procedure, intensive screen use can also skew the assessment by drying the eye surface and temporarily changing the measurements. In the days before the assessment, take regular breaks, use artificial tears if your eyes are dry and get enough sleep. These simple precautions improve the reliability of the measurements on which the laser will be programmed.

In refractive surgery centres, some of the measurements are carried out by optometrists or orthoptists, professionals trained in examining vision. The ophthalmologist, a specialist doctor, interprets these measurements, examines the eye, sets the indication, performs the procedure and provides medical follow-up. Your usual optician or optometrist can also guide you and provide your old measurements, which are useful for checking the stability of your prescription.

The day before, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and do not apply make-up, cream or lotion around the eyes in the evening. Prepare your sunglasses, your documents, the prescription if given in advance, and arrange the journey with the person accompanying you. If you notice unusual eye discomfort, redness or discharge, or if you are unwell, call the centre: it is better to postpone for a few days than to operate on an irritated eye.

If a worry keeps you awake, write down your last questions: the team will take the time to answer them before the procedure. Many patients say the day before was more stressful than the procedure itself, which lasts only a few minutes and takes place in a calm, reassuring atmosphere.

After an anaesthetic eye drop, a speculum holds the eyelids open. The laser creates the flap in a few seconds, then the excimer laser reshapes the cornea while you look at a light. The flap is put back. The whole process takes about ten minutes per eye, without pain, with a feeling of pressure. You go home accompanied, with eye drops and shields for the night.

In the morning, wash your face without cream or make-up, especially around the eyes, and avoid perfume and lotions. Eat lightly: there is no need to fast. Wear comfortable clothes and arrange for someone to accompany you and bring sunglasses for the journey home.

At the centre, your measurements are checked one last time, the procedure is explained and anaesthetic drops are applied. A mild sedative may be offered. In theatre, you lie down, the skin around the eye is disinfected and a small speculum holds the eyelids open. You look at a light; the team announces each step. For both eyes, time in theatre is often less than half an hour.

After the procedure, you stay in the recovery room for a while. The surgeon checks the position of the flap with the slit lamp, then you go home with shields, drops and written instructions.

LASIK takes place in a dedicated room under strict hygiene conditions: disinfection of the skin around the eyes, sterile drapes, sterile or single-use instruments, and control of the room's temperature and humidity, which affect how the laser works. The lasers are calibrated before each session to guarantee treatment precision.

These precautions, invisible to the patient, are part of a centre's quality. Facilities authorised by the canton are subject to hygiene and safety requirements. Do not hesitate to ask how laser calibration and maintenance are organised.

While the flap is being cut, the suction ring causes a feeling of pressure and vision darkens for a few seconds: this is normal. During the excimer laser, you hear a slight crackling and may notice a particular smell, caused by the vaporisation of tissue, without any pain. The fixation light becomes blurred when the flap is lifted; simply keep looking in its direction.

These sensations are brief and well tolerated by the vast majority of patients, including the most anxious. Knowing in advance what is going to happen helps a great deal; do not hesitate to ask your questions before going into theatre.

In the first few hours, the eyes sting, water and are sensitive to light, and vision is hazy. The best thing is to go home, keep your eyes closed and sleep for a few hours with the shields on. Most patients notice a clear improvement in discomfort and vision on waking.

Start the drops according to the prescription. Avoid screens and reading that evening, do not rub your eyes and do not wear make-up. A simple painkiller can be taken if needed. Intense or increasing pain is not normal and requires a call to the centre.

On the morning after the procedure, most patients wake up with vision that is already clear, which is often a memorable moment. The eyes may be a little sticky; gently clean the eyelids with a damp compress, without rubbing. Remove the shields, use your drops and go to the first check-up, accompanied or by public transport. Do not hesitate to mention any unusual discomfort at this check-up.

Driving resumes after the check-up that confirms sufficient vision. Swimming pools, the sauna, eye make-up and contact sports wait one to several weeks according to the instructions.

The next day, at the first check-up, vision is generally already good. During the week, you continue the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, use artificial tears generously and wear the shields at night. The small red patches on the whites of the eyes gradually disappear.

Daily activities resume, avoiding dust, smoke, swimming pools, the sauna, eye make-up and intense sport. Vision may fluctuate slightly depending on the time of day and how moist the eye is. At the end of the week, another check-up verifies healing.

Eyelash extensions, glues and lash lifts can irritate the eye and encourage infection during healing. It is advisable to remove them before the procedure and not to have them refitted for at least two to four weeks. Recent permanent eyelid make-up should be mentioned. Conventional eye make-up resumes after about a week, with new products.

After LASIK, small red patches may appear on the white of the eye where the suction ring was placed. These are small bleeds under the conjunctiva, harmless to vision. They disappear within one to two weeks, sometimes turning yellowish. They require no particular treatment.

In the first few days, bright light, bright screens and headlights can be uncomfortable. This photophobia is linked to mild inflammation of the eye surface and decreases quickly. Sunglasses, dimmed lighting at home and reduced screen brightness improve comfort. After surface ablation, it is more marked and often lasts until the epithelium has healed.

It is common for one eye to see clearly the next day while the other remains slightly blurred for a few days. The two eyes do not heal at exactly the same pace, the correction may differ, and one eye may be drier than the other. In the vast majority of cases, the gap closes within a few days to a few weeks. If it persists, the surgeon looks for the cause at the check-ups.

• Showering: possible from the next day, avoiding water and soap running into the eyes.
• Hair: wash it with your head tilted back, as at the hairdresser's, for a week.
• Sleep: shields at night, preferably on your back.
• Pets: keep them from sleeping near your face in the first week.
• Gardening and DIY: to be avoided in the first week, then with protective glasses.
• Cooking: watch out for splashes of fat and steam; no particular danger.

Any touch-up is only discussed after stabilisation, generally from three months. Most patients no longer need any treatment after a few months.

In the first few weeks, many patients notice that their vision is excellent in the morning and slightly less sharp at the end of the day, or after a long period at a screen. This is almost always linked to dryness: the tear film becomes irregular and impairs the optical quality of the eye surface. A few drops of artificial tears are often enough to restore sharpness. It decreases as the dryness improves.

Visual acuity is measured by reading letters of decreasing size; in Switzerland, it is often expressed in tenths or as a decimal value, with an acuity of ten tenths (1.0) corresponding to normal vision. After successful LASIK, most patients reach this level without correction, and some exceed it. But acuity does not tell the whole story: quality of vision also depends on contrast, vision in dim light and the absence of halos.

That is why a patient can read the chart perfectly while finding their night vision less sharp in the first few weeks. These aspects generally improve with healing. The surgeon assesses all these parameters at the check-ups.

After LASIK, three types of drops are generally prescribed: an antibiotic for about a week, an anti-inflammatory in tapering doses for one to four weeks, and artificial tears for several weeks or months. The exact schedule varies between centres and techniques.

Wash your hands before each use, do not touch the eye with the tip, and wait five minutes between two different eye drops. A chart or reminder app helps you not to forget. Do not continue the anti-inflammatory beyond what is prescribed, as it can raise eye pressure.

Artificial tears are the main treatment for dryness after LASIK. Choose preservative-free products, in single-dose units or specific bottles, as preservatives irritate the eye with frequent use. Thicker gel formulas are good for the night but blur vision for a few minutes. Your centre will recommend a suitable product; do not hesitate to try several formulas to find the one that suits you.

• Three months before: first meeting, soft contact lenses stopped a week before the assessment.
• The assessment: two hours of tests, thick and regular cornea, stable prescription; LASIK proposed.
• The day: fifteen minutes in theatre for both eyes, fog and watering in the evening.
• The next day: check-up, clear vision without glasses, small red patches on the whites of the eyes.
• One week: back at the office, regular artificial tears, halos at night.
• Three months: stable vision, halos almost gone, slight dryness at the end of the day.

• The choice: slightly thin cornea and practises judo; surface ablation recommended.
• The day: ten minutes in theatre, bandage contact lens fitted.
• Days 1 to 3: pain, watering, sensitivity to light, rest in dim light with painkillers.
• Day 5: lens removed, vision still blurred but comfortable.
• Two weeks: back to screen work.
• Three months: stable vision without glasses, back to judo.

Many patients work at a computer and worry about returning to work. Screens can be used from the next day, but dryness makes vision fluctuating and tiring in the first few weeks. A few adjustments help: screen placed slightly below eye level, brightness suited to the room, slightly enlarged font, regular breaks to look into the distance and blink.

Use artificial tears preventively, for example every hour, rather than waiting for discomfort. A humidifier at the office and keeping away from air-conditioning or heating vents improve comfort. These measures are mainly useful in the first three months.

These intervals are longer after surface ablation, until the epithelium has fully healed.

Daytime driving often resumes after one to two days, once vision has been checked at the check-up. Night driving requires more caution in the first few weeks: halos and glare around headlights and street lamps are common, and dryness worsens fluctuating vision. Avoid long night journeys and driving in the rain at night at first.

A clean windscreen, artificial tears before setting off and good ventilation without air directed at the face improve comfort. If night-time difficulty persists beyond a few months, talk to the surgeon.

The clear shields, fixed with tape, protect the eye during sleep, when there is a risk of rubbing your eyes without realising. They are generally worn for the first week, sometimes longer. They must not press on the eye. Remove them in the morning, clean them according to the instructions and apply your drops. Put them on for naps too.

After LASIK, the eyes are often more sensitive to light for a few weeks. Good-quality, UV-filtering sunglasses improve comfort and protect the healing cornea, particularly in the mountains and by the water. In the long term, no longer wearing prescription glasses should not make you forget sun protection: ultraviolet light encourages cataract and certain diseases of the eye surface.

In Switzerland, many patients wonder when they can return to the mountains. Easy hikes are possible after a few days, with wraparound sunglasses. Skiing and snowboarding generally resume after one to two weeks, with goggles or protective glasses against wind, cold and falls. At altitude, dry air and glare worsen dryness and sensitivity to light: take artificial tears and protect yourself from ultraviolet light.

A trip can be considered after the first check-ups, generally a week after the procedure. Take your drops, plenty of artificial tears, your sunglasses and the operative report. Avoid swimming in the sea, lakes or swimming pools for two to four weeks, as well as very dusty environments. Dry air in aircraft cabins and air conditioning worsens dryness: moisten your eyes often.

Patients often describe the same regained freedom: waking up and seeing the time, swimming and skiing without glasses or contact lenses, doing sport without fogging, no longer looking for glasses, no longer managing stocks of lenses and solutions. Some also discover a wider field of vision than with glasses, without the edges of the frame.

It does, however, take a few days to lose certain reflexes, such as reaching for your glasses on the bedside table. And bear in mind that with age, reading glasses will become necessary: LASIK frees you from glasses for many years, but not forever.

For many people, glasses are part of how they see themselves. Some enjoy removing them and discover a more open face; others continue to wear non-prescription frames or sunglasses for style. LASIK changes how you see yourself day to day, and it is worth thinking about before the procedure, especially if glasses have been part of your identity since childhood.

LASIK performed at twenty-five corrects myopia for many years. At around forty-five, presbyopia will appear and reading glasses will become necessary. Later, at around sixty-five or seventy, a cataract may develop and will be operated on as for everyone, with an implant that can also correct any small residual error. In the meantime, distance vision generally remains stable.

Knowing this trajectory helps you make the decision with full awareness: LASIK does not stop time, but it often offers twenty years or more without glasses for distance vision.

After the check-ups in the first few months, LASIK requires no particular follow-up. Regular eye examinations remain recommended, as for everyone: every two to three years before forty, more often afterwards, to screen for glaucoma, retinal diseases and cataract. Always tell the ophthalmologist about your procedure, as it changes the measurement of eye pressure and the calculation of a future implant.

• Is the flap well positioned and healed?
• Does my correction match the target?
• Is the dryness normal at this stage, and how should it be treated?
• When can I resume swimming, contact sport and make-up?
• Will the halos I see decrease?
• Is a touch-up possible if necessary?

• Pre-operative measurements: refraction, topography, tomography, corneal thickness.
• The operative report: technique, laser, flap depth, correction applied.
• Prescriptions and check-up results.
• The contact details of the centre and the surgeon.

These documents are invaluable for any touch-up, for interpreting eye pressure and, later, for calculating the implant during cataract surgery.

After LASIK, most patients no longer need contact lenses. If a small residual correction persists and a touch-up is not wanted, contact lenses can be worn, but fitting is sometimes more delicate, as the cornea has changed shape. An experienced fitter generally finds a solution, often with specific soft lenses. Light glasses remain the simplest option for an occasional small correction, for example for night driving.

For patients who live far away, some centres offer to carry out some of the later check-ups with an ophthalmologist near home, with results passed on, or to discuss the progress of symptoms remotely. The first check-ups, particularly the one the next day, must, however, take place at the centre, as they require a microscope examination. Ask in advance what arrangements are possible.

On the day of the procedure, the person accompanying you takes you home and makes sure you rest. In the first few hours, your eyes will be watery and sensitive to light; a dimly lit room and a little quiet are enough. The next day, you will need to go to the first check-up. Those close to you can help you use your drops and remind you not to rub your eyes.

Family and friends often worry about the idea of eye surgery. Explaining the procedure, how quick it is, anaesthesia with drops and the expected results reassures them. Their help is invaluable on the day and the next day, for the journey and the first drops. Their questions are also an opportunity to check that you have properly understood the risks and recovery.

• "Does it hurt?" Not during the procedure, with some discomfort in the first few hours.
• "Were you scared?" Often a little, but the procedure is very short.
• "Can you see perfectly?" Usually from the next day, with some halos at night at first.
• "How long does it last?" The correction is stable; presbyopia will come with age.
• "How much does it cost?" It is at the patient's expense, sometimes with a contribution from supplementary insurance.

Living alone is not an obstacle. You simply need to be taken home on the day of the procedure and be able to get to the check-up the next day, possibly by public transport or taxi. Prepare a simple meal for the evening in advance, keep your drops within reach and keep the centre's phone number to hand.

Dry eye

Common in the first few months, it is treated with artificial tears and generally decreases.

Halos and glare

Mainly at night, they usually fade within a few weeks to months.

Imperfect correction

Slight residual myopia or astigmatism may persist; a touch-up is possible.

Flap complications

Wrinkles, displacement after a blow, rarely inflammation or cell growth under the flap; they can be treated.

Ectasia

Progressive distortion of the cornea, rare, prevented by the assessment; that is why thin or irregular corneas are excluded.

Infections

Rare; a very red and painful eye requires urgent consultation.

A sudden drop in vision or significant pain after the procedure requires urgent medical attention; call 144 if necessary.

Ectasia is the most feared complication of refractive surgery. The cornea, weakened by the treatment, gradually becomes distorted and bulges, causing reduced vision, irregular astigmatism and distorted vision, sometimes months or years after the procedure. It almost always occurs in patients who had a fragile cornea before the operation, sometimes undetected early keratoconus.

Its frequency has fallen sharply thanks to tomography, risk indices and safety margin rules. Risk factors are a thin cornea, abnormal topography, young age, high correction and eye rubbing. If it occurs, cross-linking can stabilise the cornea, and rigid contact lenses often restore good vision.

This complication explains why a good centre sometimes refuses to operate, and why LASIK should never be chosen without a complete tomographic assessment.

The flap can cause rare complications: wrinkling of its surface — fine folds that impair quality of vision and are corrected by smoothing or repositioning the flap; displacement, often linked to rubbing in the first few days; more rarely, an incomplete cut, now exceptional with femtosecond lasers.

Another complication is the growth of surface cells under the edge of the flap, more common after a touch-up. Usually minimal and without consequence, it sometimes requires cleaning if it progresses towards the centre. These complications are monitored at the check-ups and are treated well when detected early.

If you suffer a violent blow to the eye after LASIK, for example in an accident or during sport, see an ophthalmologist promptly and mention your procedure, as the flap can shift even years later. Treatment linked to an accident falls under accident insurance or basic insurance depending on your situation. Keep your operative report, which will be useful for the ophthalmologist who examines you.

In the days after the procedure, inflammation can develop at the interface between the flap and the cornea, in the form of fine granular deposits visible with the slit lamp. It can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light. It is generally linked to a reaction of the cornea, not an infection.

Detected at the first check-ups, it is treated effectively by intensifying the anti-inflammatory drops and, in more marked forms, by rinsing the interface. This is one of the reasons why the check-ups the next day and in the first week are essential, even if you can see well.

Infection after LASIK is rare, thanks to disinfection, antibiotics and precautions in the first few days. It shows as increasing pain, redness, discharge, reduced vision and sensitivity to light, generally in the days after the procedure.

It requires urgent treatment, with samples and intensive antibiotic treatment. To prevent it: do not rub your eyes, do not swim in a pool, lake or jacuzzi for at least two weeks, avoid dust, use new make-up and follow the drops. Owners of a cat or dog that sleeps on the bed should also pay attention to hygiene in the first few days.

Halos are rings of light around light sources, and glare consists of streaks or starbursts around headlights. They are common after LASIK, especially in the first few weeks, while the cornea heals and the eye surface is dry. They are also linked to the size of the treated area relative to the pupil, which dilates in the dark.

In the vast majority of patients, they diminish markedly within three to six months, as the cornea stabilises and the brain adapts. If they persist, treatment of dryness, drops that reduce the pupil at night, or a customised touch-up can help. It is wise to avoid long-distance night driving in the first few weeks.

In the dark, the pupil widens to let in more light. If it becomes wider than the optical zone treated by the laser, some light passes through the cornea outside this zone, which can create halos. The assessment measures pupil diameter in different lighting conditions, and the surgeon adapts the size of the treated zone accordingly, within the limits allowed by corneal thickness.

This is one of the reasons why very high corrections, which sometimes require a smaller optical zone to preserve the cornea, are more likely to cause night vision problems. Young patients, who often have large pupils, are particularly concerned by this assessment.

After LASIK, the corneal nerves cut by the flap grow back over several months; during this time, the cornea is less sensitive, we blink less and tears are less abundant. In most patients, dryness improves within three to six months. In a minority, it persists, with burning, a foreign-body sensation and fluctuating vision.

Several treatments exist: preservative-free artificial tears, night-time gels, eyelid care, specific anti-inflammatory eye drops, punctal plugs and omega-3 supplements in some cases. Follow-up by an ophthalmologist specialising in the eye surface may be useful. Aggravating factors, such as screens, dry air or smoking, also deserve to be addressed.

Regression is the partial return of the original correction, usually in the first few months. It is more common after correction of high myopia and hyperopia, because the corneal surface partly remodels. Slight regression may not be bothersome; if it is, a touch-up is considered.

A touch-up is often performed by lifting the flap again, even several years later, and applying additional laser, provided corneal thickness allows. Surface ablation on the flap is another option. The decision is made once vision is stable, after at least three months. Ask about touch-up conditions, particularly financial, before the procedure.

A touch-up is discussed when the residual correction is bothersome and vision has been stable for several months. The surgeon repeats the assessment, particularly the measurement of corneal thickness. If it is sufficient, the flap is gently lifted and additional laser applied; the procedure is even quicker than the first. If the flap is old or the cornea thinner, surface ablation may be preferred.

Recovery is similar to that of the first LASIK, with quick recovery. The risk of cell growth under the flap is slightly higher after a touch-up, which justifies careful check-ups.

Outside opening hours, call the emergency number provided by the centre, or go to an eye emergency department, mentioning your procedure.

After LASIK, the cornea is thinner and more flexible, which skews the usual measurement of eye pressure: it appears lower than it really is. This can delay the diagnosis of glaucoma years later. It is therefore essential to inform any ophthalmologist you consult about your refractive surgery.

Keeping your pre-operative measurements, particularly corneal thickness and initial pressure, allows ophthalmologists to correct their interpretation. Regular glaucoma screening remains recommended after forty, as for everyone.

Decades after LASIK, a cataract will probably develop, as in most older people. The operation proceeds normally, but calculating the implant power is more delicate, as the usual formulas rely on a natural corneal shape. Specific methods exist, and results are generally good.

Measurements from before the LASIK, if you have kept them, greatly improve the precision of this calculation. Keep them with your important documents and give them to your cataract surgeon when the time comes. See our page on cataract surgery.

Refractive surgery is offered by specialist centres and eye clinics in the major cities, as well as by some university clinics. Basic insurance does not cover it; some supplementary insurance policies contribute to the costs. Check the ophthalmologist's title in the MedReg register, what the price includes and who provides follow-up.

In French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva and Lausanne have most of the refractive surgery centres, with a full range of techniques. Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Sion also have equipped centres; patients from Jura and the Bernese Jura often go to Neuchâtel, Biel/Bienne, Bern or Basel. Central Valais is served by Sion, while Upper Valais tends to look to Bern.

In German-speaking Switzerland, Zurich offers the widest range of centres, followed by Bern, Basel and Lucerne. St. Gallen serves Eastern Switzerland, Chur serves Graubünden. In Ticino, Lugano and Bellinzona offer refractive surgery with consultations in Italian. In the small cantons of Central Switzerland, patients generally consult in Lucerne, Zug or Zurich.

As check-ups are concentrated in the first week, distance matters less than you might think: a centre an hour's drive away is quite reasonable, provided you organise the journey for the next day.

In Switzerland, most LASIK procedures are performed in private centres specialising in refractive surgery, which have the lasers and a dedicated team. Some university and cantonal hospitals also offer refractive surgery, often for particular situations or as part of private practice. The procedure remains at the patient's expense in both cases.

The choice depends mainly on the quality of the assessment, the surgeon's experience and how follow-up is organised. A hospital may be worthwhile if you have a complex eye situation requiring other expertise on site.

If you live far from the centre, organise the journey for the day of the procedure and the check-up the next day, possibly with a night nearby. Later check-ups can sometimes be carried out by your usual ophthalmologist, provided they receive the report and the centre remains reachable. Ask what arrangements are possible before choosing the centre, especially if you live in an Alpine valley or a small canton.

These differences are indicative: they vary according to the technique, what is included in the price and each centre's policy. Details appear on our price page.

• The assessment includes corneal tomography and an evaluation of dry eye.
• You meet the surgeon who will operate on you before the day of the procedure.
• Several techniques are available, and the choice is explained to you.
• The centre is willing to advise against the procedure when it is not suitable.
• Follow-up is organised and an emergency number is provided.
• The quote specifies what the price includes and the touch-up conditions.

Be wary of limited-time promotions, promises of guaranteed results or no risk at all, and centres that offer to schedule the procedure at the first visit. Refractive surgery is a medical procedure that deserves time for reflection.

Patients often mention the same reassuring elements: having been able to ask the surgeon all their questions, having had their own corneal maps explained, knowing exactly what would happen in theatre, having a contact number in case of problems, and having received a clear quote. Conversely, sales pressure and evasive answers are warning signs. A good centre takes the time needed, even for a procedure lasting a few minutes.

• Which technique do you recommend for me, and why not the others?
• Does my cornea present any particular risk?
• What result can I expect, and how likely is a touch-up?
• What will happen to my near vision in a few years?
• What are the most common risks in my case?
• How many LASIK procedures do you perform each year?
• Who provides follow-up, and how can I reach you if there is a problem?

A second opinion is particularly useful if you are advised against LASIK, if you are offered a technique you do not understand, or if you are hesitating between laser and an implant. Ask for a copy of your measurements: they can be passed on to the second centre, which will often repeat some tests. Two concurring opinions are reassuring; two differing opinions deserve an explanation.

Before the procedure, you receive written information on the technique, the expected results, the risks and the alternatives, and you sign a consent form. Take the time to read it at home and ask your questions. A period of reflection between the assessment and the procedure is the rule for elective surgery. You can withdraw up to the last moment.

Refractive surgery requires a good understanding of the options, risks and consent. In French-speaking Switzerland, everything takes place in French. In the major German-speaking centres, many ophthalmologists see patients in French or English; ask when booking. In Ticino, consultations are held in Italian. Do not hesitate to ask for explanations to be repeated or rephrased.

• 1. Clarify what you expect: freedom for sport, driving, work, reading.
• 2. Have a complete assessment at a reputable centre.
• 3. Understand the proposed technique and its alternatives.
• 4. Accept the trade-offs: temporary dryness, halos, presbyopia to come.
• 5. Choose the timing: stable prescription, a quiet period, no pregnancy planned.

• It does not prevent presbyopia from appearing.
• It does not prevent cataract, glaucoma or retinal diseases.
• It does not correct a long-standing lazy eye.
• It does not remove the need for regular eye follow-up.
• It does not guarantee vision without any correction in every case.

Large published studies on LASIK show that the vast majority of patients achieve uncorrected distance vision sufficient for driving, and a high proportion obtain vision equal to or better than what they had with glasses. Satisfaction rates are high. The most common side effects, dryness and halos, generally decrease within a few months.

These results concern well-selected patients. They underline the importance of the assessment, which rules out higher-risk situations, and of information about temporary effects.

LASIK aims to greatly reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses for distance vision. Most patients achieve this. But it does not give perfect vision in all circumstances: slight night-time difficulty, dryness at the end of the day or a small residual correction may persist, especially at first. And it does not protect against ageing of the eye.

Expressing your expectations clearly during the assessment allows the surgeon to tell you whether they are realistic in your case. The most satisfied patients are often those who had fully understood these limitations before the procedure.

A small minority of patients are disappointed, most often because of troublesome dryness, persistent night halos, a residual correction or expectations that had not been sufficiently discussed, for example about reading after forty. Most of these situations improve with time, suitable treatment or a touch-up.

It is important to express your disappointment at the check-ups rather than waiting. The surgeon can look for the cause, propose solutions and, if necessary, refer you to an eye surface specialist. A second opinion is also possible.

Fear of having your eyes touched is natural and common. It often concerns three points: pain, moving during the laser and the risk of losing your sight. Anaesthetic drops make the procedure painless; a speculum holds the eyelids and the laser follows eye movements, stopping if there is a large movement; and serious complications are exceptional.

Visiting the centre, meeting the team, asking all your questions and knowing exactly what is going to happen greatly reduce apprehension. A mild sedative may be offered on the day. Most anxious patients say afterwards that the procedure was much simpler than they had imagined.

• Choosing a centre solely on price or a promotion.
• Accepting a procedure without corneal tomography.
• Not stopping your contact lenses early enough before the assessment.
• Keeping quiet about dryness, an allergy or a general illness.
• Rubbing your eyes in the first few weeks.
• Swimming in a pool or lake too soon.
• Forgetting to keep your measurements and the report.

LASIK is an elective procedure: nothing obliges you to have it, and there is no hurry. Glasses and contact lenses remain excellent solutions. If you decide to have the operation, do it for yourself, knowing the benefits, limitations and risks, after a complete assessment and calm reflection. That is the best guarantee of being satisfied with the result.

Before signing, review your priorities: why do you want to stop wearing glasses, which activities would benefit most, which trade-offs are you prepared to accept? Check that you have understood the proposed technique, the alternatives, the risks and the check-up schedule. If any doubt remains, take the time for a second appointment.

• First contact: information meeting, often quickly booked.
• Stopping contact lenses: from a few days to a few weeks depending on the type.
• Complete assessment: measurements, tomography, retinal examination, discussion with the surgeon.
• Proposal: recommended technique, target correction, written quote.
• Reflection: a few days to a few weeks, possibly a second opinion.
• Procedure: half a day at the centre, accompanied home.
• Check-ups: next day, one week, one month, three months.

In total, allow one to two months between the first contact and the procedure, longer if rigid contact lenses must be stopped for a long time or if dryness must first be treated.

Choose a period when you can rest for a day or two and attend the check-ups in the first week, without a long trip, important exam or sports competition. Avoid the pollen season if you are allergic. Scheduling the procedure on a Thursday or Friday often allows you to return to work on Monday. If you wear rigid contact lenses, allow time to stop them before the assessment.

In Switzerland, winter is a popular time for refractive surgery, as the sun is less intense and swimming is not on the agenda. But heating dries indoor air, which worsens dry eye after LASIK. A humidifier in the bedroom and office, regular breaks, good hydration and more frequent artificial tears offset this drawback. Outdoors, protect your eyes from the cold wind with glasses.

In summer, light is intense and the temptation to swim strong. If you schedule your LASIK in this season, plan to give up swimming pools, lakes and the sea for two to four weeks, and always wear sunglasses. Pollen and air conditioning can also irritate the eyes. Summer remains possible, provided you plan your holidays accordingly.

A cold, conjunctivitis, a stye or an allergy flare-up can justify postponing the procedure, as an eye infection or inflammation increases the risks. Ask about postponement and cancellation conditions when booking, as well as any deposit. It is better to move the date by a few days than to operate on an irritated eye.

If your driving licence states that you must wear glasses or contact lenses, this note remains valid after LASIK until it is changed. Once your vision has stabilised and meets the requirements without correction, an eye test allows you to ask your canton's road traffic office to remove the note. Find out about the cantonal procedure.

Check that the price includes the assessment, both eyes, the check-ups and any touch-up. Details on our page on LASIK prices in Switzerland.

A clear quote allows offers to be compared on an equivalent basis. A low price that excludes the assessment, check-ups or touch-up may end up costing more.

The price of the procedure is sometimes supplemented by the assessment, medicines, artificial tears for several months, travel for check-ups and good-quality sunglasses. On the other hand, LASIK eliminates recurring spending on glasses and contact lenses, which offsets part of the cost within a few years for contact lens wearers.

Also think about the future: at around forty-five, reading glasses will become necessary, and cataract surgery, covered by basic insurance, will probably take place decades later.

Over ten years or so, the cumulative cost of contact lenses and their solutions can approach that of LASIK, depending on the type of lenses. The choice nevertheless remains above all medical and personal.

Basic insurance does not reimburse LASIK. Some supplementary insurance policies contribute to the cost of refractive surgery, often as a lump sum or a capped percentage, sometimes linked to benefits for glasses and contact lenses. Conditions vary greatly from one policy to another.

Before the procedure, ask your insurer for written confirmation of what it will cover, and check whether a minimum membership period or waiting period applies. Possible employer contributions, in some professions, can also be explored.

• Visual acuity: the ability to distinguish detail, measured on a scale.
• Dioptre: the unit of measurement of correction.
• Epithelium: the surface layer of the cornea.
• Excimer laser: the laser that sculpts the cornea.
• Femtosecond laser: the laser that cuts the flap or lenticule.
• Lenticule: a small disc of tissue removed in the small-incision technique.
• Pachymetry: measurement of corneal thickness.
• Topography: a map of the curvature of the cornea.
• Ectasia: progressive distortion of the cornea.
• Monovision: setting one eye for distance and the other for near.

• LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, astigmatism and low hyperopia.
• The assessment, and above all corneal tomography, is the key to safety.
• Recovery is quick, but dryness and halos are common at first.
• High corrections and thin corneas often call for another technique.
• Presbyopia will appear with age, with or without LASIK.
• The procedure is at the patient's expense in Switzerland.

Medespoir Suisse helps you find out whether LASIK suits your situation, understand the alternatives and find a reputable refractive surgery centre in your region and your language. We also help you compare quotes on an equivalent basis.

LASIK allows many people to free themselves from glasses and contact lenses for the long term, with quick recovery and an excellent level of safety when the indication is right. The quality of the assessment, the centre's honesty about the limitations of the technique and following the post-operative instructions are the best guarantees of a good result. For an overview, see our guide to eye surgery in Switzerland.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page LASIK: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Cataract surgery in Switzerland
• Intraocular lenses in Switzerland

Our guides

• Eye surgery guide for Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequent questions about LASIK. For an overview, see our guide to eye surgery.

Understanding LASIK

What is LASIK? LASIK, short for laser in situ keratomileusis, corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear lens at the front of the eye. A laser first cuts a very thin flap in the cornea; the surgeon lifts it, a second laser sculpts the tissue underneath according to the calculated correction, then the flap is put back. It adheres on its own, without stitches, within a few minutes.

Which problems does it correct? LASIK corrects short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and long-sightedness (hyperopia), alone or combined. It does not strictly correct presbyopia, but it can partly compensate for it with a monovision strategy. Nor does it treat eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma or retinal diseases.

Up to what level of myopia? The limits depend mainly on the thickness and shape of the cornea rather than a fixed figure. In practice, LASIK is suitable for low to moderate myopia, often up to about eight to ten dioptres depending on the cornea. Beyond that, or if the cornea is thin, an implant placed in the eye often gives better quality of vision and preserves corneal strength.

Does LASIK correct presbyopia? Not directly: presbyopia comes from the lens, which loses its flexibility, not from the cornea. LASIK can, however, compensate for it with monovision, setting one eye for distance and the other for near or intermediate vision. This solution suits many presbyopic people, after a prior trial with contact lenses. After fifty-five, lens replacement is often preferred.

What is a femtosecond laser? It is a laser with ultra-short pulses that cuts tissue with great precision, creating tiny bubbles within the thickness of the cornea. In LASIK, it is used to cut the flap, replacing the small mechanical blade used in the past. It allows precise control of the thickness, diameter and position of the flap.

What is an excimer laser? It is the laser that corrects vision. It emits ultraviolet light that vaporises very thin layers of corneal tissue with micron-level precision, without heating neighbouring tissue. Guided by a system that tracks eye movements, it sculpts the cornea according to a profile calculated from the assessment measurements.

Is LASIK painful? Not during the procedure, thanks to anaesthetic drops: you feel pressure while the flap is cut and vision briefly darkens. After the procedure, a gritty feeling, burning and watering last a few hours. A simple painkiller and sleep are generally enough; the next day, the discomfort has often almost gone.

How long does the procedure take? The treatment itself takes a few minutes per eye, including less than a minute of excimer laser for most corrections. With preparation, positioning and post-operative monitoring, you generally spend one to two hours at the centre. You must be accompanied home.

Are both eyes operated on the same day? Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The risk of infection is very low and recovery quick, which allows both eyes to be treated in the same session. It also avoids a period of imbalance between a corrected eye and an uncorrected one. In some particular situations, the surgeon may prefer to operate on one eye at a time.

Is the result permanent? The correction obtained is stable in the vast majority of patients, as the sculpted cornea does not return to its original shape. Slight regression is possible, especially for high corrections and hyperopia. The eye does, however, continue to age: presbyopia will appear at around forty-five, and a cataract later in life, as in everyone.

Does the flap heal? The flap adheres quickly thanks to the cornea's natural suction, then its edges heal within a few days. However, it never fully knits back together in depth: a very violent blow to the eye could displace it, even years later. This is rare, but it is one of the reasons why a flapless technique is advised for people very exposed to impacts.

What is surface ablation? In surface ablation, no flap is created: the thin surface layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed, then the laser corrects the surface directly. The epithelium grows back within three to five days under a bandage contact lens. The first few days are more painful and vision takes longer to stabilise, but the cornea retains more strength.

What is the small-incision technique? The femtosecond laser cuts a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, whose thickness corresponds to the correction, then the surgeon removes it through an opening of a few millimetres. There is neither a flap nor an excimer laser. This technique mainly corrects myopia and astigmatism, with quick recovery and fewer corneal nerves cut.

Which technique should I choose? The choice depends on the thickness and shape of the cornea, the prescription, dry eye, your activities and your preferences. LASIK offers very quick recovery; surface ablation suits thin corneas and contact sports; the small-incision technique avoids a flap. The surgeon explains why they recommend one rather than another in your case.

Is LASIK suitable for athletes? Yes, for most sports. It frees you from glasses and contact lenses, which is welcome for swimming, skiing or running. For combat sports, ball sports with a risk of impact to the face or certain exposed occupations, a flapless technique is often preferred, as it eliminates the rare risk of the flap shifting after a violent blow.

Does LASIK correct astigmatism? Yes. Astigmatism, which comes from a cornea that is more curved along one axis than the other, is corrected well by laser at the same time as myopia or hyperopia. The laser sculpts the cornea asymmetrically to make it more regular. Iris recognition systems ensure that the correction is properly aligned.

Can LASIK be performed after other eye surgery? It depends on the procedure. After cataract surgery, laser can correct a small residual error. After a corneal transplant, cross-linking or glaucoma surgery, the situation is more complex and requires a specialist opinion. Always mention any previous eye surgery during the assessment.

Will I need reading glasses? If you are under forty, not immediately. But presbyopia will appear at around forty-five, as in everyone, and reading glasses will then become necessary. A short-sighted person over forty who used to read by taking off their glasses will, after LASIK that fully corrects their myopia, need reading glasses: this is important information to factor into the decision.

Does LASIK change the appearance of the eye? No. The flap and the treated cornea are invisible to the naked eye. In the first few days, the white of the eye may show small red patches, caused by the suction ring, which disappear within one to two weeks. Many patients even find that their eyes look more open without glasses.

How long has LASIK been performed? LASIK has been performed since the early 1990s and is among the most studied refractive surgery procedures in the world. Lasers have evolved considerably since: flap cutting by femtosecond laser, eye-movement tracking, personalised treatment profiles. Results and safety have improved markedly with each generation of equipment.

Being a candidate

Am I too young? LASIK is generally performed from eighteen to twenty, once the prescription has been stable for at least a year. In young short-sighted people, myopia often progresses until the early twenties; operating too early would risk myopia returning. Monitoring the prescription over a few years helps choose the right time.

Am I too old? There is no strict age limit, but after forty-five presbyopia changes the picture: a laser that perfectly corrects distance vision no longer allows you to read without glasses. Monovision is then discussed. After fifty-five, or if a cataract is starting, lens replacement is often more suitable than laser, as it avoids future cataract surgery.

My cornea is thin: what can be done? A thin cornea limits the amount of tissue that can be safely removed. Depending on thickness and prescription, surface ablation, which better preserves corneal strength, or a phakic implant, which does not touch the cornea, may be proposed. The assessment determines the safest option.

I have keratoconus: can I have LASIK? No. Keratoconus is a weakness of the cornea, which gradually becomes distorted; LASIK would weaken it further and could accelerate the distortion. Cross-linking can stabilise the cornea, then suitable contact lenses, intracorneal ring segments or, in some cases, an implant can improve vision.

I have dry eyes: is that a problem? Mild dryness does not prevent the procedure, but it must be treated beforehand, as LASIK temporarily worsens it by cutting corneal nerves. Severe dryness may lead to another technique being preferred, or refractive surgery being advised against. Artificial tears, eyelid care and sometimes other treatments often improve the situation within a few weeks.

I wear contact lenses: what should I do before the assessment? Contact lenses temporarily distort the cornea and skew the measurements. They must be removed before the assessment and the procedure: generally a few days to a week for soft lenses, two to four weeks for rigid lenses. Your centre will tell you the exact interval. Wear glasses during this period.

I am pregnant: can I have surgery? It is recommended to wait until the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormones can temporarily change the prescription and tear quality, which would skew the measurements and could affect the result. Some eye drops used after the procedure should also be avoided. Surgery is generally postponed until a few months after breastfeeding has ended.

Is diabetes compatible? Well-controlled diabetes without retinal involvement does not always rule out LASIK, but it requires a careful assessment. Poorly controlled diabetes makes the prescription fluctuate, slows healing and increases the risk of infection. The ophthalmologist examines the retina and may ask the opinion of the doctor managing the diabetes.

Are autoimmune diseases a problem? Some autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and some immunosuppressive treatments impair corneal healing and increase the risk of dryness. Depending on the disease and its activity, LASIK may be advised against or performed with precautions. Mention all your conditions and treatments during the assessment.

My vision is still changing: should I wait? Yes. If your prescription has changed significantly over the past year, it is better to wait until it stabilises. Operating on an eye whose myopia is progressing would risk a relapse. Your old glasses prescriptions help the ophthalmologist judge this stability; bring them to the assessment.

I have large pupils: is that a problem? Large pupils, especially in the dark, can increase the risk of halos and glare at night if the area treated by the laser is smaller than the pupil. Current lasers treat larger areas and this problem has become less common. Pupil diameter is measured during the assessment and taken into account in the treatment plan.

Can I have surgery if I have glaucoma? Well-controlled glaucoma does not always rule out laser, but it requires careful assessment. LASIK subsequently skews the measurement of eye pressure, and the cortisone drops used after the procedure can temporarily increase it. The decision is made with the ophthalmologist managing the glaucoma.

Are highly short-sighted people candidates? High myopia can sometimes be treated by laser if the cornea is thick, but the risk of regression, night vision problems and corneal weakening increases. A phakic implant, placed in the eye without removing the lens, often gives better quality of vision. Highly short-sighted people should also have their retina, which is more fragile, examined.

Are specific tests needed? Yes: precise measurement of the prescription, with and without drops that relax focusing, corneal topography and tomography, measurement of corneal thickness, tear assessment, measurement of the pupils and eye pressure, and a complete examination of the retina. These tests are painless.

How long does the assessment take? Allow one to two hours. If your pupils are dilated to examine the retina or measure the prescription without accommodation, vision remains blurred and sensitive to light for a few hours: do not drive, and bring sunglasses. The assessment can sometimes be split over two appointments.

Can I drive after the assessment? No, if drops have been used to dilate the pupils: vision remains blurred and dazzled for several hours. Come accompanied or use public transport. Without dilation, driving is possible, but check with the centre beforehand.

Can my request be refused? Yes, and it is a sign of a reputable centre. A centre may advise against LASIK if the cornea is too thin or irregular, the prescription is not stable, an eye disease is present or expectations seem unrealistic. It will then propose, where appropriate, a suitable alternative such as surface ablation or an implant.

Is a second opinion needed? It is not mandatory, but it is useful if you are hesitating, if you are offered a technique you do not fully understand, or if you have been advised against the procedure and want confirmation. The assessment measurements can generally be passed on to another centre.

Is smoking an obstacle? Smoking does not prevent LASIK, but smoke irritates the eyes and worsens dryness, which is already common after the procedure. It is advisable to avoid smoking and smoky environments in the first few weeks, and in general for the health of your eyes.

Does my job matter? Yes. Some occupations have particular visual requirements or rules about refractive surgery, notably in aviation, the police, the army or professional driving. Others are exposed to impacts, dust or prolonged screen use. Mention it during the assessment; the choice of technique and timing may depend on it.

Recovery

When will I see clearly? On leaving, vision is often already much better, although a little hazy. The next day, most patients see clearly without glasses. Quality of vision continues to improve for a few weeks, particularly at night and in low light. Slight fluctuation in sharpness during the day is common at first, often linked to dryness.

When can I go back to work? For office work, often the next day or the day after, if vision is comfortable. Jobs exposed to dust, smoke, chemicals or impacts generally require a week. If you work a lot at a screen, plan breaks and use artificial tears.

When can I drive? Not on the day of the procedure. Driving is often possible after one to two days, as soon as your vision meets the legal requirements and the ophthalmologist has checked it at the first check-up. Night driving may be impaired by halos in the first few weeks: be careful and avoid long night journeys at first.

When can I use screens? In moderation from the next day. Screens do not harm the result, but we blink less when looking at them, which worsens dryness and fatigue. Take regular breaks, look into the distance, blink deliberately and use the prescribed artificial tears.

When can I resume sport? Walking and gentle activities resume the next day. Jogging and fitness with no risk of impact after about a week, with protective glasses against sweat and dust. Swimming after two to four weeks, with swimming goggles. Contact sports and ball sports with a risk of impact to the face after a month or more, with protection.

Should I wear eye shields at night? Yes, generally for a few nights to a week, to avoid rubbing the eyes in your sleep and displacing the flap. They are fixed with tape, without pressing on the eye. Some centres also recommend wearing them for naps.

When can I wear eye make-up? Wait about a week, until the flap has healed well. Then use new products, particularly mascara, eyeliner and eye pencil, to limit the risk of infection, and remove make-up gently without rubbing or pulling on the eyelids.

Can I rub my eyes? No, especially in the first month: rubbing can displace the flap or wrinkle its surface. If your eyes itch or sting, use artificial tears. In the long term, avoid repeatedly rubbing your eyes, a habit that is harmful to the cornea.

Are halos normal? Yes, halos and glare around lights at night are common in the first few weeks. They are linked to corneal healing and dryness. They gradually diminish over a few weeks to a few months in most patients. If they persist and are bothersome, mention them at the check-ups.

Does dryness last long? Dryness is common in the first three to six months, as corneal nerves have been cut and reflex tear production decreases. It generally improves as the nerves grow back. Preservative-free artificial tears bring relief. In a minority of patients, it lasts longer and requires suitable treatment.

How many check-ups are needed? Generally a check-up the next day, then at one week, one month and three months. Some centres add a check-up at six months or a year. The first check-up verifies the position of the flap and the absence of infection; the following ones check the stability of the correction and dryness.

Can I fly? Flying is possible after a few days, once the first check-up is over. Cabin air is very dry: take artificial tears and use them regularly. Avoid travelling far before the first check-ups, and keep the centre's contact details in case of problems.

Can I go to the mountains? Yes, after a few days. At altitude, the air is dry and the light intense: wear good UV-filtering sunglasses and use artificial tears. Avoid skiing and activities with a risk of falling for the first few weeks, and protect your eyes from the wind.

Can I go to the sauna? It is advisable to avoid the sauna, steam room and hot baths for about two weeks, because of the heat, steam and risk of infection. After that, they are possible, bearing in mind that dry heat can worsen dry eye.

When is vision stable? Usually after one to three months. Sharpness is generally excellent from the first few days, but slight fluctuations may persist, particularly at the end of the day or in dim light. Any touch-up is only discussed once vision has stabilised.

Is a touch-up possible? Yes. If a small residual correction persists after stabilisation, the flap can be lifted again for additional laser, or surface ablation can be performed, if corneal thickness allows. Touch-ups concern a minority of patients. Ask about the conditions, particularly financial, before the procedure.

Are the eye drops essential? Yes. Antibiotic drops prevent infection, anti-inflammatory drops limit inflammation and promote good healing, and artificial tears protect the surface of the eye. Follow the schedule scrupulously, even if the eye feels fine. Wait a few minutes between two different eye drops.

Can I read straight away? Yes, in moderation from the next day. If you are under forty, near reading is normal. After forty, if both eyes have been set for distance, reading may require glasses. In the first few days, prolonged reading tires and dries the eyes: take breaks.

Should I avoid dust? Yes, for at least a week. Dust, smoke, pollen and wind can irritate the eye and increase the risk of infection while the flap heals. Wear protective glasses or sunglasses outdoors, and avoid gardening, dusty DIY and smoky environments.

Will those close to me see anything? In the first few days, they may notice small red patches on the whites of the eyes, caused by the suction ring, and slightly watery eyes. These patches disappear within one to two weeks. After that, nothing is visible except the absence of glasses.

Risks

Is LASIK safe? LASIK is one of the most studied surgical procedures, with an excellent safety profile when the patient is well selected and the assessment complete. Serious complications are very rare. Minor side effects, such as dryness and halos, are common at first and usually improve. No surgery is, however, risk-free.

What are the main risks? The most common are dry eye, night halos and glare, under- or over-correction, and partial regression. More rarely, flap problems, inflammation under the flap, infection or cell growth under the flap. Ectasia, a progressive distortion of the cornea, has become very rare thanks to patient selection.

Can I lose my sight? Serious, permanent loss of vision after LASIK is exceptional. It could result from a serious untreated infection or a very rare complication. Seeking help immediately in the event of significant pain, reduced vision or increasing redness allows most complications to be treated before they leave lasting damage.

What is ectasia? It is a progressive distortion of the cornea, which thins and bulges after refractive surgery, causing blurred and distorted vision. It mainly occurs when the cornea was fragile before the procedure, hence the importance of topography and tomography during the assessment. It is treated with cross-linking and suitable contact lenses.

Can the flap move? Rarely. The flap can shift in the first few days if the eye is rubbed, or later after a violent blow. It causes reduced vision and discomfort and must be corrected quickly by the surgeon, who repositions the flap. Wearing the shields at night and not rubbing greatly reduce this risk.

Can halos persist? In most patients, halos diminish markedly within a few months. In a minority, they persist, particularly with large pupils, high corrections or dryness. Treating dryness, drops that reduce pupil size at night or a touch-up can improve them.

Can dryness become chronic? In a minority of patients, especially those who already tended to have dry eyes, it can persist beyond six months. It is treated with artificial tears, eyelid care, anti-inflammatory eye drops or punctal plugs. Treating dryness before the procedure reduces this risk.

Can there be over- or under-correction? Yes, healing varies from person to person and the correction obtained may deviate slightly from the target. A small residual error is often not bothersome. If it is, a touch-up can be performed once vision is stable. This risk is higher for high corrections.

Which signs should alert me? Pain that increases instead of decreasing, a significant drop in vision, increasing redness, discharge, or extreme sensitivity to light in the days after the procedure. In these cases, contact the centre immediately, even at the weekend, or go to an eye emergency department.

Does LASIK prevent a future cataract? No. The lens continues to age and a cataract may develop decades later. It is operated on normally, but implant calculation is more delicate after LASIK. Keep your pre-operative measurements safe: they will improve this calculation.

Do screens damage the result? No. Screens do not change the correction obtained. They tire and dry the eyes, which can make vision less comfortable at the end of the day, especially in the first few months. Breaks, good lighting and artificial tears are enough.

Are complications covered? As LASIK is an elective procedure, its cost, including that of its complications, is in principle borne by the patient, with rare exceptions. Some centres include treatment of complications and touch-ups in their package for a given period. Check precisely what the quote covers and ask your insurer.

Who should perform the procedure? An ophthalmologist with a specialist title, trained in refractive surgery, who regularly performs these procedures. Tests may be carried out by optometrists or orthoptists, but the indication, the procedure and follow-up are the ophthalmologist's responsibility. Check their title in the MedReg register.

Can the result regress? Slight regression is possible, especially in the first few months and for high myopia or hyperopia, as the corneal surface partly remodels. It is often minimal. If it is bothersome, a touch-up can be considered. Myopia that increases years later may also indicate an early cataract.

Can night vision be worse? In the first few weeks, night vision is often worse than daytime vision, with halos and glare. In most patients, it becomes satisfactory again within a few months. Lasting difficulty is more common in patients with large pupils or high corrections; the assessment takes this into account.

Can you be allergic to the eye drops? It is possible, especially to the preservatives in some eye drops. Redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids after starting the drops should be reported. Preservative-free eye drops can then be prescribed.

Is LASIK suitable for anxious people? Yes, in most cases. The procedure is very short and painless, and the team explains each step as it goes. A mild sedative may be offered beforehand. You simply have to look at a light for a few seconds; the laser follows small eye movements and stops automatically if there is a large movement.

Is a blow to the eye dangerous after LASIK? A violent blow to the eye can, even years later, displace the flap, which requires prompt medical attention. Small everyday knocks are not a problem. People exposed to frequent impacts, such as those who practise combat sports, often prefer a flapless technique.

Are protective glasses useful? Yes, in the first few weeks to protect against dust and wind, and in the long term for sports with a risk of impact, DIY or some occupational activities. Sunglasses are also recommended, as the eyes may remain more sensitive to light for a few weeks.

How can the risks be reduced? Have a complete assessment, choose an experienced ophthalmologist, treat dryness before the procedure, be honest about your medical history, follow the drops scrupulously, wear the shields at night, do not rub your eyes, avoid dust and water in the first few weeks, and seek help promptly at any warning sign.

Organising in Switzerland

Where can I have LASIK in Switzerland? LASIK is mainly offered in private refractive surgery centres and some clinics, concentrated in the major cities, notably Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Lugano. Some university hospitals also perform refractive surgery. Patients from small cantons generally travel to the nearest city.

Is LASIK reimbursed? No, basic insurance does not cover LASIK, which is considered an elective procedure. Some supplementary insurance policies contribute, often up to a ceiling; check your policy. Rare medical exceptions, such as a very large difference in prescription between the two eyes with contact lens intolerance, can be discussed.

How much does LASIK cost? The price depends on the centre, the technique, the prescription and what is included: assessment, procedure, medicines, check-ups, any touch-up. We express it in relative indices on our price page. Compare offers that include the same services, and be wary of headline prices that exclude the assessment or follow-up.

What should the price include? Ideally the complete pre-operative assessment, the procedure on both eyes, medicines, eye shields, all check-ups in the first few months and the conditions for any touch-up. Some centres charge for the assessment separately and deduct it if you have the operation. Ask for a detailed written quote.

Should I compare several centres? It is useful. Compare the quality of the assessment, the techniques offered, the surgeon's experience, the time spent on explanations, how follow-up is organised and what the price includes. A centre that takes time to explain why a technique suits you, or why none does, is a good sign.

Are waiting times long? In general, the assessment can be obtained within a few weeks and the procedure scheduled a few weeks later. The wait may be longer because contact lenses must be stopped before the assessment, particularly rigid lenses. Plan your project accordingly.

Can I be treated in my own language? In French-speaking Switzerland, everything takes place in French. In the major German-speaking cities, many centres see patients in French or English; ask when booking. In Ticino, consultations are in Italian. It is important to understand the explanations and the consent form fully.

How many days off are needed? For office work, one to two days are often enough, scheduling the procedure on a Thursday or Friday. For a physical job or one exposed to dust, allow a week. If you work a lot at a screen, a gradual return is comfortable.

Do I need someone with me? Yes, on the day of the procedure, as you will not be able to drive and your vision will be blurred and sensitive to light for a few hours. For the first check-up the next day, someone accompanying you is also advisable, unless you use public transport.

What is the best time? There is no mandatory season. Avoid periods of heavy pollen allergy if you are affected, and the weeks before a long trip or a sports competition. Autumn and winter are popular to avoid intense sun and swimming, but heating dries the air; a humidifier helps.

Can I pay in instalments? Some centres offer staggered payment or financing. Ask about the conditions and any fees, and compare with the cash price. Also check the conditions in the event of cancellation or postponement.

Is the consultation free? Some centres offer a free first information meeting. The complete assessment, with all the measurements, is generally charged, sometimes deducted from the price of the procedure. Ask in advance what is included and charged.

Should I keep my measurements? Yes, absolutely. Ask for a copy of your pre-operative measurements, particularly topography and prescription, and of the operative report. These documents will be very useful for any touch-up and, decades later, for calculating the implant during cataract surgery.

Can my usual ophthalmologist provide follow-up? Often, yes, after the first check-ups carried out by the centre that operated on you. Give them the report and your measurements. For any question about a touch-up, the operating centre remains the preferred contact.

Do hospitals perform LASIK? Some hospital and university eye departments perform refractive surgery, often for particular cases or as part of their private practice. Most LASIK procedures are, however, performed in specialist private centres. In all cases, the procedure remains at the patient's expense.

Can I have surgery near home? If you live in a major city, probably. In small cantons, you often have to travel to the neighbouring city, as refractive lasers are concentrated in a few centres. The journey poses no problem, but remember the check-ups the next day and during the first week.

What should I do if there is a problem at the weekend? Before the procedure, ask the centre for the number to call outside opening hours. In the event of intense pain, significant loss of vision or increasing redness, and if the centre cannot be reached, go to an eye or general emergency department, mentioning your recent procedure.

Can presbyopia compensation be tested beforehand? Yes. Before laser monovision, a trial with contact lenses, one set for distance and the other for near, for a few days to a few weeks, checks that you tolerate this difference between the eyes. This is a strongly recommended step.

Does age affect the price? Age itself does not affect the price, but it does affect the technique proposed. After forty-five, monovision or, later, lens replacement may be discussed, with different costs. The price depends mainly on the technique and the services included.

How can I get a personalised opinion? You can send us your age, current prescription or glasses prescription, eye history and expectations. We will direct you to a centre suited to your situation, in your region and your language. Only a complete assessment at a consultation can then confirm that LASIK suits you.

Tell us your age, current prescription, whether you wear contact lenses and your expectations. We will direct you to a suitable assessment. Free and without obligation.