Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism: LASIK, SMILE or ICL lenses

Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism) can now be corrected with sub-micron precision, but not every technique suits every eye. The choice depends on corneal thickness and topography, prescription strength, pupil diameter and stability of the error over the past two years.

LASIK reshapes the corneal stroma after creating an epithelial flap and offers very fast visual recovery. SMILE removes a lenticule through a micro-incision with no flap, better preserving corneal biomechanics, which appeals to athletes and borderline corneas. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) lenses are implanted inside the eye and solve extreme prescriptions or thin corneas, with the advantage of being reversible.

Around 98% of patients reach the planned visual acuity. Common risks are transient dry eye, halos and night glare during the first weeks, and with ICLs the need for periodic intraocular pressure and endothelial monitoring. Presbyopia is not prevented: it will still appear with age.

Spain concentrates historic, pioneering ophthalmology institutions in Europe. Turkey and Colombia have invested aggressively in femtosecond laser platforms and offer procedures at a fraction of US costs. The range is EUR 1,000 to 3,000 for both eyes, with three to five day stays to complete the post-operative review.

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