Eye Laser

Eye Laser for Myopia & Hyperopia – Refractive Surgery

Written by Vasileios Kozobolis, founder of the Hellenic Center for Research & Therapy of Eye Diseases (ELKETHOP)

Full Medical Biography

Laser Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery includes all surgical techniques that have been used for many years to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These procedures aim to improve visual clarity by ensuring proper focus. Most of these surgeries are performed with eye lasers, are painless, safe, and do not require hospitalization.

At our eye center, a modern unit is dedicated exclusively to refractive procedures, providing comprehensive medical care and excellent results. The main laser methods for the eyes are PRK and LASIK.

Major Refractive Errors

Myopia

Myopia occurs when a person sees nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurred. It often coexists with other refractive errors like astigmatism and presbyopia.

Symptoms of Myopia

• Blurry distance vision
• Eye strain when focusing on distant objects
• Eye fatigue and headaches

Causes

Myopia can be inherited or acquired. It is often associated with prolonged computer use or watching TV from very close distances, a common habit in children.

Laser Treatment

Besides glasses or contact lenses, laser refractive surgery is recommended by ophthalmologists to permanently correct myopia.

Before surgery, patients undergo a thorough examination, including specialized diagnostic tests, to determine the degree of the refractive error and the most suitable laser technique.

Requirements for Laser Surgery

• Age 18 or older
• No eye or systemic conditions that contraindicate surgery
• Women should not be pregnant or breastfeeding

LASIK Surgery: The most common type of laser surgery for myopia. The procedure takes 10–20 minutes, with the laser active for about one minute.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Unlike LASIK, PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea rather than the inner layers. It is chosen for thin corneas or corneas with specific irregularities.

The cost of myopia laser surgery is reasonable and tailored to each patient.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia is when a person cannot clearly see nearby objects. Light focuses behind the retina, causing blurred vision.

Causes

• Short anterior-posterior axis of the eye
• Weak refractive power of the cornea or lens
• A combination of both

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on age and severity. Some patients may experience eye strain, headaches, or excessive tearing. In children, hyperopia can cause strabismus, which must be treated promptly to prevent amblyopia.

Laser Treatment

Two main laser procedures for hyperopia:

• Transepithelial PRK: The laser reshapes the cornea painlessly, and a therapeutic lens protects the surface during healing. Full recovery occurs within three days.
• LASIK with Femtosecond Laser: A flap is created in the cornea for laser reshaping. Vision is typically restored within hours.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has irregular curvature in multiple axes. It usually does not worsen over time but can cause eye strain after prolonged computer use or reading. Astigmatism can be corrected with laser alone or in combination with myopia, hyperopia, or cataract surgery.

Correcting Refractive Errors

Glaucoma Laser Eye Center Athens is one of the leading centers for modern refractive surgery, offering individualized treatment for optical imperfections.

• Experienced medical and nursing staff
• Advanced, certified medical technology (Femtosecond & Excimer Lasers)
• Safe and precise results for every patient

LASIK Method

Developed by Greek doctors around 2000, LASIK offers advantages over other laser procedures by working under the cornea’s protective tissue layer, minimizing inflammation and eliminating the risk of postoperative blurred vision. Vision is usually excellent by the next day.

Surface Ablation Procedures (PRK – LASEK – Epi-LASIK)

Ideal for mild myopia with or without astigmatism and for hyperopia. PRK reshapes the cornea’s surface with computer-guided laser in just a few minutes. Full visual recovery occurs within a few days. Local anesthetic eye drops make the procedure painless.

Non-Laser Refractive Options in Special Cases

• Multifocal intraocular lenses
• Adaptive intraocular lenses
• Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL)
• Removal and replacement of the crystalline lens

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