How does vision correction work?

You may be wondering if vision correction is a new technology.

While the lasers and lenses we use are innovative and state-of-the-art, we use similar procedures that eye surgeons have used to remove cataracts since the 1950s.

The truth about laser eye surgery

Vision correction surgery has been performed for over 70 years and is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. ¹Blum, M. et al. (2016a) Five-year results of small incision lenticule extraction (Relex Smile), British Journal of Ophthalmology.Our lenses are made from the latest materials and are designed to provide you with better vision than ever before.

The ZEISS Visuamax 800 is the fastest SMILE laser on the market and the SCHWIND AMARIS is the only laser with smart pulse technology and 7D tracking. This means it provides the smoothest treatment and detects even the smallest movement in real-time. This ensures the treatment is placed exactly in the precise location of your eye.

We offer many other vision correction treatments, such as LASIK. We also offer effective alternatives to laser eye surgery, such as lens replacement and cataract surgery.²Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015

How vision correction helps

Vision correction works by changing the way light focuses on the retina. If you have a refractive error—like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism—it means the shape of your eye prevents light from landing in exactly the right place. This can make things appear blurry or out of focus.

Our procedures help by changing the shape of the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or replacing the lens inside the eye. By reshaping or replacing these structures, we help light focus properly again, so your vision becomes clearer.

What’s the difference between laser and lens-based options?

Laser vision correction

Laser vision correction uses advanced lasers to gently change the shape of the cornea. This corrects how the eye focuses light and helps reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Depending on the type of procedure, the laser may work directly on the surface of the eye or under a flap. In LASIK, for example, the laser creates a flap before reshaping the tissue underneath. In SMILE, a small disc of tissue called a lenticule is removed through a keyhole incision. Other treatments, like SmartSurfACE (also called TransPRK), apply laser energy directly to the surface – no flap, no incision.

These procedures are highly accurate and can correct most refractive errors safely and effectively.

Lens-based options

For patients who aren’t suitable for laser procedures, or who are over 50, lens replacement may be recommended. In this treatment, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with a new one that corrects focus—just like in cataract surgery.

There are also lens implants like ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which work like permanent contact lenses inside the eye.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Not all eyes are the same. We always check your eye health, prescription, corneal thickness, and other factors before recommending a treatment. If you have certain eye conditions, you may need a different approach.

We’ll also check for signs of dry eye, which is common in people who wear contact lenses for many years. Some procedures may be better for people with dry eye symptoms, depending on their needs.

What are the side effects?

As with any surgical procedure, there can be some side effects.

• Mild side effects can include:
• Dry eye, especially in the early weeks after surgery
• Glare or halos at night
• Slight over- or under-correction that may require a refinement treatment

These are usually temporary and improve as the eyes heal. Serious side effects are rare, and we use detailed scans and safety checks to reduce risks.

Discover whether you’re a candidate for vision correction. Take our quick 1-minute self-test to see if you qualify.