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SERVICES / LASER

Laser Eye Surgery

The modern, safe, and permanent solution for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Content
Laser Surgery
The modern, safe, and permanent solution
What does the laser correct?
What is keratoconus?
Are you a suitable candidate?
Preoperative Evaluation
LASIK or PRK – Which method is more suitable?
Results & Permanence
Why choose Athens Vision?

The modern, safe, and permanent solution for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive laser surgery is currently the most advanced and widely used method for correcting myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and, in selected cases, presbyopia.

Over 20 million people worldwide have already chosen refractive laser surgery (excimer laser or femtosecond laser), regaining clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

At Athens Vision, refractive surgery is a field where cutting-edge technology meets expertise. With years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, we offer personalized solutions that are tailored to the anatomy, needs, and unique characteristics of each eye.

What does the laser correct?

Laser eye surgery corrects refractive errors, meaning conditions in which the eye does not focus light properly:

  • Myopia
  • Astigmatism
  • Hyperopia
  • Presbyopia (in selected cases using specialized Presby-LASIK protocols)
Correction is achieved by precisely reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina.

Are you a suitable candidate?

Refractive laser surgery is indicated when:
  • you are at least (exceptions may be considered for candidates applying to military academies, law enforcement agencies, fire service academies, or similar institutions. In such cases, the decision is made on an individual basis, taking into account social and professional requirements, with parental consent required for patients under 18 years of age),
  • your vision has been stable for at least one year,
  • you have no corneal conditions (e.g., keratoconus), retinal conditions, or other serious eye disorders,
  • you are in good general health,
  • you are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
The final decision is made by the refractive surgeon following a comprehensive preoperative examination.

The Preoperative Examination — The Most Important Step

At Athens Vision, the preoperative examination is particularly thorough, because the safety and long-term stability of your vision depend on it. It lasts approximately two hours and includes:
  • A comprehensive examination by optometrists and ophthalmologists
  • Visual acuity measurement and contrast sensitivity testing
  • Corneal topography/tomography using Dual Scheimpflug/OCT/Pyramidal Analyzer technology
  • Optical and ultrasonic pachymetry
  • Dynamic pupil diameter measurement using infrared systems under photopic and scotopic conditions
  • Goldmann applanation and dynamic contour tonometry (GAT/Pascal) with ORA for a comprehensive evaluation of intraocular pressure
  • Wavefront analysis (total and corneal)
  • Fundus examination after mydriasis
  • Cycloplegic refraction

Why is it so important?

A comprehensive examination ensures:
  • the appropriate choice of surgical technique (PRK, Femto-LASIK, or SMILE Pro),
  • the identification of patients at risk of postoperative corneal ectasia or other corneal disorders,
  • the calculation of personalized ablation protocols,
  • the development of a safe and personalized surgical plan.

Before the examination:

  • discontinue wearing soft contact lenses for one week (semi-rigid lenses for four weeks),
  • bring your current glasses and any previous prescriptions, if available,
  • wear sunglasses after dilation.

Laser Surgery — Fast, Painless, Effective

Laser eye surgery is performed under topical anesthesia using eye drops, without injections or hospitalization. It takes only a few minutes and is performed in a fully controlled environment.
On the day of the procedure:
  • avoid makeup, perfume, and hair gel,
  • wear comfortable clothing,
  • have a light meal,
  • bring someone with you,
  • if you feel anxious, a mild sedative may be administered.

Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon will perform a postoperative examination and provide you with detailed postoperative instructions.

PRK, Femto-LASIK, or SMILE Pro — Which method is best for you?

Modern refractive surgery currently offers three main methods for correcting refractive errors at the corneal level: photorefractive keratectomy (PRK/ASA), Femto-LASIK (all-laser flap technique), and the newer stromal lenticule extraction technique (SMILE Pro / Lenticule Extraction). The three methods yield comparable final results in terms of visual outcomes, including visual acuity and refractive accuracy, but differ significantly in surgical technique, indications, speed of visual recovery, and safety profiles. At Athens Vision, we perform all three methods, and the most appropriate technique is selected individually for each patient following a comprehensive preoperative evaluation.
The advantages and characteristics of each method are presented below so that prospective patients can make a well-informed decision.

PRK / ASA (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

In PRK/ASA, the epithelium of the central cornea is removed, and then the excimer laser modifies the curvature of the underlying corneal stroma. The epithelium regenerates naturally within a few days under a protective contact lens.
  • No flap is created; therefore, none of the theoretical or documented risks associated with a flap (traumatic incision, epithelial ingrowth, intraoperative flap complications) are present.
  • The method preserves the integrity of the deeper corneal layers, providing a theoretical biomechanical advantage and reducing the postoperative risk of corneal ectasia, particularly in eyes with borderline corneal thickness or topographic findings.
  • It appears to provide better protection against postoperative dry eye compared to LASIK (known as “LASIK-related dry eye”).
Recent studies show that the visual quality of the surface ablation technique (high-order aberrations, irregular astigmatism) is at least equivalent—if not superior—to that of flap-based techniques.

Femto-LASIK (all-laser technique with a flap)

Modern LASIK is almost exclusively Femto-LASIK or the all-laser technique (All-Laser LASIK): a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the anterior cornea with micrometer precision, which is temporarily lifted so that the excimer laser can reshape the underlying corneal stroma. The flap is repositioned immediately afterward, without sutures, and adheres naturally. The mechanical (microkeratome-assisted) creation of the flap—which was widely used prior to 2005—has been virtually abandoned internationally and replaced by the femtosecond technique, which offers significantly greater precision and safety.
  • Significantly faster recovery of vision compared to PRK/ASA—with the majority of patients returning to their daily routine as early as the first postoperative day.
  • Virtually no postoperative pain, with minimal need for eye drops and far fewer accompanying symptoms during the first week (watery eyes, photophobia, blurred vision).
  • With the use of a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical microkeratome, the probability of corneal ectasia is now significantly lower than 1 in 3,000 eyes, as estimated in earlier studies from the 2000s—thanks to stricter preoperative screening, a smaller range of refractive correction, and the exceptional precision of the femtosecond laser flap.
  • In cases of residual refractive error (on average 1–2% in Athens Vision data based on DATAGRAPH statistical analysis), retreatment can be performed early, 4–8 weeks after the initial procedure, since the flap can be lifted again. In PRK/ASA, retreatment usually requires a waiting period of at least 6 months.

SMILE Pro / Lenticule Extraction

Stromal laser ablation is the newest and most advanced technique in refractive laser surgery, conceptually distinct from all previous methods. No epithelium is removed, no flap is created, and no excimer laser is used at all.


A femtosecond laser uses micrometer-level precision to create a three-dimensional lenticule within the thickness of the stratified cornea, which is then removed by the surgeon through a very small 2–4-millimeter lateral incision at the edge of the cornea.
  • Minimally invasive technique: an incision of just 2–4 mm, compared to the more than 20-mm flap incision of Femto-LASIK. This preserves the biomechanical integrity and corneal innervation to a significantly greater extent.
  • Greater biomechanical stability of the cornea compared to Femto-LASIK, with a theoretical benefit for patients with an active athletic lifestyle, where the risk of ocular trauma is increased.
  • Virtually zero risk of flap complications (there is no flap to displace, tear, or develop epithelial ingrowth).
  • Comfortable postoperative experience, with minimal pain and rapid return to normal activities—comparable to Femto-LASIK.
The choice of the appropriate method is tailored to each patient based on their refractive error, corneal thickness and topography, age, lifestyle, occupation, and priorities.

How is the appropriate method selected?

The choice of the appropriate method for laser eye surgery is tailored to each patient based on:

  • Refractive Error
  • The thickness and topography of the cornea
  • The age
  • The way of life
  • The profession
  • The desired recovery rate
  • The presence of dry eye
  • Sports Activities and the Risk of Injury

Our team will guide you in choosing the method that ensures the highest possible safety and long-term stability.

Laser Eye Surgery: Cost and Factors That Affect It

The cost of laser eye surgery can vary depending on the method chosen, the type and severity of the refractive error, the required preoperative evaluation, and each patient’s specific needs.

The final choice of method and the associated cost are determined following a detailed suitability assessment and a personalized evaluation by the ophthalmic surgeon.

Postoperative Follow-up

Recovery depends on the method but is generally rapid.
The standard follow-up schedule includes:
  • a check-up on the first postoperative day,
  • a check-up during the first postoperative week,
  • a check-up at three months.
During the first two weeks:
  • do not rub your eyes,
  • avoid swimming,
  • avoid strenuous exercise, tanning beds, and dusty environments.

Results & Permanence

Results are considered permanent when:
  • there is appropriate preoperative assessment,
  • there are no future ocular or systemic conditions (e.g., cataracts, diabetes),
  • regular annual eye examinations are performed.
Some patients may require enhancement surgery (1–10%), depending on the extent of the initial refractive error and the individual healing response—always at no additional cost during the first 12 months.

Possible Postoperative Discomforts — Usually Temporary

  • Mild dry eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Mild glare or halos around lights at night
  • Mild discomfort during the first few days (mainly after PRK)
Serious complications are extremely rare, especially when surgery is performed using modern equipment and thorough preoperative evaluation.

Why choose Athens Vision?

Athens Vision is one of the most modern and well-organized ophthalmology centers in Europe. Its advantages include:

  • A surgical team with over 20 years of experience
  • Continuous active participation in Greek and international conferences, continuing medical education, and participation as speakers and trainers.
  • Continuing Education
  • Participation of physicians as speakers and instructors
  • Latest-generation Excimer Laser
  • High-Frequency Femtosecond Laser
  • Comprehensive and personalized preoperative evaluation
  • Fully controlled operating room conditions
  • Ability to handle complex situations

Latest-generation Excimer Laser

8th-generation excimer laser featuring:
  • the fastest ablation rate,
  • the most accurate eye tracker (5D/6D),
  • corneal thermal control,
  • full wavefront- and topography-guided personalization.

High-Frequency Femtosecond Laser

Fully integrated femtosecond laser platform for:
  • creation of a micrometer-precision flap in Femto-LASIK,
  • creation of an intrastromal lenticule in SMILE Pro, operating at 2 MHz, with a lenticule creation time of under 10 seconds per eye,
  • treatment of a wide range of refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia) and corneal thicknesses.

Comprehensive, highly personalized preoperative evaluation

Precise topography, pachymetry, corneal biomechanics assessment, wavefront analysis, dynamic tonometry, and evaluation of the entire visual system.

Fully controlled operating room conditions

  • controlled temperature and humidity,
  • HEPA filtration,
  • specially designed environments to ensure consistent results.

Ability to handle complex situations. Such as:

  • irregular astigmatism,
  • corneal transplantation,
  • previous ocular surgery,
  • corneal scars or trauma.
Our commitment to safety and cutting-edge technology makes us one of the leading destinations for refractive surgery in Europe.