Facts about Laser Eye Surgery
| Treatment Methods | RELEX SMILE, FEMTO LASIK, LASEK |
|---|---|
| Who is it suitable for? | For individuals with visual impairments; personal suitability is determined through a preliminary examination |
| Treatment Duration | Approximately 10–25 minutes for both eyes |
| Anesthesia | Locally numbing eye drops |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient procedure |
| Aftercare | Protect your eyes (duration depends on the treatment method), avoid swimming pools and saunas in the first few weeks, follow-up examination a few days after the procedure |
Your Options at a Glance
Almost everyone with a visual impairment knows the feeling — glasses and other visual aids can be inconvenient in certain situations. Whether it's during sports, at work, or in leisure time, many people find themselves having to plan their lives around their vision problems.
Freedom from Glasses Again
Laser eye procedures have been available for over 35 years and offer the opportunity to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for visual aids. The most common and safest types of laser eye surgery are ReLEx SMILE, Femto-LASIK, and LASEK.
While LASIK and LASEK are methods that require a larger part of the cornea to be opened, the SMILE method is distinguished by its minimally invasive incision. This makes it the gentlest form of laser eye surgery, allowing for faster recovery.
Dirisamer Luft Priglinger is one of Europe’s leading centers for laser eye surgery and lens procedures, offering patients the best possible outcomes with maximum safety and precision.
Book your laser eye consultation now in Linz or Vienna:
Am I a candidate for laser eye surgery? Which method is right for me?
Every person is different – and so is every eye. Our vision depends on many factors and changes over time due to our individual life circumstances. Some people are born with visual impairments, but by the age of 40, everyone's eyes begin to change. Sooner or later, almost everyone will need glasses. For many, wearing glasses can become a burden, especially when it affects daily life, work, or leisure activities. That’s when many people start considering an alternative.
During the preliminary examination, your exact visual impairment and its severity are carefully assessed, and your eye pressure is measured. An important factor in determining eligibility for laser eye surgery is the thickness and condition of the cornea. If the cornea is too thin or irregularly shaped, laser treatment may not be possible. In such cases, lens implants can be a suitable alternative to achieve freedom from glasses.
Not everyone is a candidate. There can be very individual reasons, such as insufficient corneal thickness or the onset of cataracts. However, in most cases, people are suitable for either laser eye surgery or lens implantation.
What are the chances of success with laser eye surgery?
Our team is among the best trained in the field of ophthalmology and refractive surgery. That’s why we can confidently say that the chances of achieving the desired positive outcome through laser eye surgery are very high.
However, a thorough preliminary examination is essential. We invite you to discuss your concerns with us in person. We’ll be happy to explain all options and potential risks in detail.
How much can we improve vision with laser eye surgery in Linz / Vienna?
In laser eye surgery, the range of correctable diopters depends on the specific laser technique used. With the first-generation surface treatment, the limit is typically up to -6 diopters for nearsightedness and up to -5 diopters for astigmatism. The second-generation procedure, Femto-LASIK, allows correction of up to -8 diopters for nearsightedness, +3 diopters for farsightedness, and up to -5 diopters for astigmatism. The third-generation method, ReLEx SMILE, offers similar correction limits as Femto-LASIK for nearsightedness and astigmatism. If your vision exceeds these values, there are excellent alternatives to laser techniques: implantable contact lenses (implantable collamer lenses).
At our eye clinics, we prioritize comfort and service, and we hold ourselves and
our team to the highest professional standards in the best interest of our patients.
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Priglinger
We are your experts for laser eye surgery in Linz and Vienna.
A high level of quality and the highest standards are a given for us. That’s why we have chosen to specialize exclusively in the most modern, safest, and most promising methods. Only in this way can we offer our patients the best possible options for these important decisions. Below is a brief overview of the most common treatment options.
ReLEx SMILE
The most advanced and gentle form of eye laser surgery
A quick procedure, highest safety, and fast healing – just a few of the advantages offered by the most modern generation of eye laser technology. The ReLEx SMILE method corrects vision errors without fully opening the cornea.
Femto LASIK
Proven and highly precise
Femto-LASIK is a gentler advancement of the first-generation LASIK, which previously involved mechanical (blade) techniques. In this method, a highly precise laser procedure is used to create a so-called flap in the cornea. The cornea is then treated with a femtosecond laser, and the flap is carefully “folded back” into place.
LASEK
Laser eye surgery even with thin corneas
LASEK is one of the oldest laser procedures but has been continuously refined in recent years to meet modern treatment standards. This method is primarily used when SMILE or LASIK are not possible due to anatomical reasons.
Treatment Process:
Laser Eye Surgery in Linz and Vienna
Every laser eye surgery in Linz and Vienna basically follows the same fundamental procedure. Here is an overview of the three main steps:
1
Preliminary Examination
Thorough preliminary examination –
Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?
During a detailed preliminary examination, refractive errors and possible suitability for a laser eye procedure are assessed. In an extensive consultation, you will receive all the details about treatment options tailored specifically to you. Of course, you will also be informed about all the opportunities and risks associated with laser eye surgery.
To ensure precise examination results, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing contact lenses before the examination: please avoid soft contact lenses for at least 7 days before the preliminary exam and hard contact lenses for 3 weeks.
2
Treatment
Examination and treatment at one location
The laser eye surgery itself takes place in our in-house treatment room. We have access to the most modern technology to provide you with a gentle and comfortable treatment experience. We recommend bringing a trusted person with you so you can return home calmly and avoid driving immediately after the procedure.
3
Follow-up Care
Your new vision after laser eye surgery in Linz or Vienna
Improved vision is noticeable immediately after laser eye surgery in Linz or Vienna. Nevertheless, we invite you for a follow-up check a few days after the treatment to monitor the healing process and confirm the success of the procedure. Immediately after laser eye surgery, we recommend protecting your eyes carefully. The duration and level of care depend heavily on the type of laser treatment: from 1–2 days for a ReLEx SMILE procedure up to several weeks for LASEK. In the first weeks following the procedure, please also avoid swimming pools and saunas. After that, nothing stands in the way of your completely new visual experience.
How much does laser eye surgery cost in Linz and Vienna?
This is a question on everyone’s mind – and we believe in full transparency: Depending on the method, laser eye surgery in Linz and Vienna starts at €2,000 per eye. During a personal consultation, we will determine together whether and which treatment methods are suitable for you. Afterwards, we will gladly provide you with an individual and transparent cost estimate for your laser eye treatment in Linz or Vienna.
FAQ: Before Laser Eye Surgery in Linz and Vienna
Can I claim an eye laser surgery with my health insurance?
Currently, eye laser surgery is not covered by standard health insurance providers. If you have supplementary insurance, it must be clarified individually in advance whether additional benefits are included. We can support this process by providing the medical report and cost estimate.
I have the Goethe-Blick and probably need treatment on only one eye. Do I still have to pay for both?
No, with us you only pay for the eye that is actually treated.
It is important to us that our prices are transparent and fair. They include the latest technology, the highest hygiene standards, and a very high level of experience and skill. For these reasons, we do not offer a “volume discount” for treating both eyes.
What if I’m not suitable for laser eye surgery?
In some cases, the pre-examination reveals that laser treatment is not suitable. Fortunately, there are other options available, such as lens implants, which ultimately provide the same comfort as laser eye surgery.
Can I still have laser eye surgery after wearing contact lenses for many years?
Yes, laser treatment is possible even if you wear contact lenses. Although contact lenses do affect the shape of the cornea, if you stop wearing them, these changes will gradually reverse after a few weeks and the eye will return to its normal condition. Only then can the treatment be performed.
How are the eyes numbed during a lens treatment?
This is done using eye drops that are highly effective at providing local anesthesia even with a single application. Before the procedure, the drops are applied 2–3 times to ensure complete painlessness. The eye drops act on the cornea and conjunctiva and can sometimes cause a slight numb sensation. However, this usually wears off after a few hours. Right before the treatment, it is carefully checked once again to make sure the anesthetic is working well.
What if I am too nervous before the treatment?
A little nervousness before a procedure is completely normal and to be expected. When you come in for your treatment, you will be welcomed and cared for by our team. We will review all the details again and thoroughly examine your eyes. In most cases, this helps to ease any concerns.
If you are still feeling nervous, we can offer you a calming tablet upon request.
Which laser do we use for eye laser treatment in Linz and Vienna?
We have chosen the VisuMax from the renowned company Zeiss. This eye laser is currently one of the safest and most advanced available. Additionally, as the only laser center in Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Vienna, we can offer the ReLEx SMILE procedure using this precision device.
Our many years of experience with it have been very positive and align perfectly with our commitment to working at the highest level.
FAQ: Process of Laser Eye Surgery in Linz and Vienna
How long does laser eye surgery take in Linz and Vienna?
Your comfort is important to us! That’s why we make every effort to make your visit as pleasant as possible. You should plan for about one hour for the entire procedure: from arrival, through the patient consultation, the surgery itself, and the immediate follow-up examination. After that, our patients can already leave the clinic.
Are both eyes treated in one appointment, or do you have to come twice?
Normally, due to the short treatment time, both eyes are operated on the same day.
What will I see during the treatment? Will I see the laser beam during the procedure?
This varies individually. To expose you to as few visual stimuli as possible, we darken the room during the treatment. Our patients usually find this very comfortable. Additionally, the eyes are covered sterilely.
Hygiene is an important factor.
You cannot see or feel the laser. We use one of the best and most modern devices from the renowned company ZEISS. This ensures safety and surgical success at the highest level.
What is an eye tracker?
The eye tracker, also called an eye-tracking device, is an ingenious piece of technology used during our laser surgeries. Focused on the pupil, the tracker monitors even the tiniest movements of the eye and, if necessary, corrects or stops the laser. This ensures the highest precision and safety.
Is laser eye surgery in Linz or Vienna painful?
We perform laser eye surgery in Linz and Vienna exclusively using anesthetic eye drops. Before the procedure, we apply anesthetic drops two to three times at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes, so you will not feel any pain during the operation.
FAQ: After Laser Eye Surgery in Linz and Vienna
When can I see clearly again after laser eye surgery in Linz and Vienna?
Your vision will be somewhat blurry during the first few hours after laser eye surgery in Linz or Vienna. However, your new visual clarity will be fully developed after one to two days.
Can bleeding occur during an eye laser treatment?
No, it cannot. Since the human cornea has no blood vessels and at Smile Eyes Linz and Vienna we only use the most modern minimally invasive methods, there is no risk of bleeding.
How long does the healing process take after a laser treatment?
Depending on the treatment method used, the healing process lasts between 1 and 5 days. After laser eye surgery in Linz or Vienna, you will receive recommendations to support the healing. During the usual follow-up examination, the positive progress is monitored.
Is the correction of vision impairment permanent?
The correction of a vision impairment is usually permanent. However, there can be so-called regressions. In a very small degree (0.5 - 1 diopter), it is possible that some nearsightedness or another vision impairment may reoccur.
Can I go mountain climbing after an eye laser treatment?
If it is a mountain climb in our local regions, such as the Alps, there are no objections. However, if you plan to climb a higher mountain, we recommend waiting for 4 weeks. UV exposure and dry air may potentially have a negative effect.
Can I still work with a VR headset after an eye laser treatment?
Yes, especially after an eye laser treatment, working with a VR headset becomes much more comfortable. You can completely do without glasses and contact lenses afterward, which can be very bothersome with today’s VR models.
Can complications occur during later surgeries after an eye laser treatment?
No. Based on many years of experience, we know that complications due to a laser eye surgery are unlikely. Of course, it is important to thoroughly examine each patient and evaluate every case in detail to rule out all eventualities.
CONTACT
Ophthalmology Clinic Linz
Weissenwolffstraße 13, 3rd Floor
4020 Linz
Office Hours
Phone Consultation Hours
MON, WED, THU 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TUE 09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRI 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Appointment Days
By appointment only
Ophthalmology Clinic Wien
Habsburgergasse 10, 4th Floor
1010 Wien