Interested in info sessions for yourself, your company or organisation?

We can organise tailor-made info evenings for groups of around 15 people or more.

You can pop into our Centre for advice at any time while you're on holiday.

Flexible payment
options available!

Frequently asked questions

Is the laser surgery painful?

NO. The eye is anesthetized (local anesthetic) several times with eye drops prior to the procedure.

Will I have pain after the laser treatment?

In the first hours after the LASIK treatment you may feel slight grittiness in the eye. The initial sensitivity to glare and the watering of the eye normally disappears after 2 to 4 hours. You may experience pain after PRK/LASEK treatment until the corneal epithelium, i.e. the upper layer of the cornea, is healed up. A feeling of grittiness and pressure will remain due to a contact lens that will be placed as a "transparent bandage" on the cornea for 2 or 3 days. During this time you may need to use artificial tear replacement drops repeatedly for comfort.

How long does the laser treatment with LASIK or PRK/LASEK take?

With the ultra-modern, extremely precise and high-speed laser technologies available today the actual surgery is only a matter of seconds! The entire treatment for both eyes will take about 15 minutes.

What are the success rates for LASEK or PRK/LASEK?

According to worldwide statistics 97% of patients no longer require vision aids after undergoing treatment. Results differ from one surgeon to the next. However, the success of the procedure directly correlates with the skill of the surgeon and the technological standard of the laser clinic. Our clinic uses one of the most advanced laser technologies available in the world today.

What are the long-term results for laser treatments?

The Excimer laser procedure has been performed in surgical eye treatment around the world since 1981.

To date there is no evidence of any long-term risk from the Excimer laser that would adversely affect the health of the eye. The increased dryness of the eyes always disappears after a certain period.

Can I go blind due to the treatment?

NO. There is no risk of blindness. Blindness results from alterations in the retina or the optic nerve that lie in the rearmost section of the eye and are not touched by laser treatment. The laser only affects the uppermost corneal layers in the micrometer range.

How is my vision affected after the laser treatment?

Your vision may be blurry and hazy during the initial hours after surgery, but this will gradually go away. Most patients notice their vision restored from 80% to 100% on the first day after the treatment. Vision may vary from day to day during the first few months until it eventually becomes stable.

How soon can I drive?

In most cases patients will regain the visual acuity required for driving after 1 or 2 days following surgery.

How long before I can return to work after surgery?

Most patients return to work after 1-2 days. The postoperative eye drop treatment during the work hours however is a prerequisite.

When can I start playing sports?

Moderate sports, including jogging can be resumed after only a few days. Wearing sunglasses is recommended. Ball sports and weight lifting should be avoided for about 4 weeks.

Are there any risks involved with the laser treatment?

No surgery comes without risks. The chance for complications with laser vision correction has been documented to be less than 1% and is therefore very low.

When can I start using make-up?

You can start using make-up after 2 weeks.

When can I wash my hair?

During the first 3 to 4 days it is necessary to avoid getting shampoo into the eyes. If this can be guaranteed you can wash your hair on the first day after treatment.

Dr. med. Beate Steinhorst will be available for any additional questions when you visit one of our evening information events (see right for dates) or during the hours of our telephone consultation service every Thursday between 1 and 2 P.M.

You can also send us an email and we will be happy to answer your questions as quickly as possible.