Femto LASIK Vision Correction Surgery

Laser eye surgeries have become widely popular thanks to their high effectiveness, faster recovery time, and fewer post‑operative complications. In the years following the initial development of laser techniques, further advances appeared, including Femto LASIK vision correction.

Femto LASIK is one of the most advanced, highly accurate, computer‑guided refractive surgery techniques. It is a type of LASIK used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with laser energy.

Traditional LASIK used to rely on a mechanical blade (microkeratome) to create a flap on the surface of the cornea, after which an excimer laser was used to reshape the cornea so light could be properly focused on the retina for clearer vision. Because it involved a mechanical blade, this method could sometimes produce irregular flaps or incomplete cuts, leading to post‑operative complications and irregular astigmatism.

Femto LASIK—also known as bladeless LASIK or all‑laser LASIK—eliminates the use of a blade. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap, and an excimer laser corrects the refractive error. Thanks to the high precision and safety of Femto LASIK, ophthalmologists can tailor the procedure to the unique corneal structure and visual needs of each patient.

Overview of Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Femtosecond laser–assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto LASIK) is one of the main types of laser eye surgery. It is often performed alongside other refractive procedures to reshape the cornea and address various vision problems.

The concept of sculpting or reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors dates back to 1948, when surgeons used a small oscillating‑blade instrument known as a microkeratome. This early mechanical method was called anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK). In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the technology behind these procedures improved significantly.

In the early 1990s, the femtosecond laser was introduced, allowing surgeons to create the corneal flap needed for LASIK using laser energy instead of a mechanical cutting tool. After the laser treatment, the flap is repositioned without stitches, promoting faster healing.

During Femto LASIK, the ophthalmologist uses two different lasers: a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser. The femtosecond laser emits ultra‑short pulses to create a thin, precise flap in the cornea and prepare its surface for the next step.

Visual correction is then performed using the excimer laser. At Bangkok Hospital’s LASIK Center, for example, the advanced VisuMax® femtosecond laser from ZEISS—a global leader in optics and optoelectronics—has been used successfully.

This innovative system employs a high‑performance femtosecond laser with exceptional cutting precision, speed, and gentle tissue handling. It has gained popularity because it overcomes previous limitations in patients with more challenging corneas—for instance, thin or flat corneas, abnormal curvature, or irregular corneal shape.

Different Types of Femto LASIK

Femto LASIK Pricing

Currently, there are two main categories of laser refractive surgery used to reshape the cornea:

Steps of the Femto LASIK Vision Correction Procedure

On the day of your Femto LASIK surgery, the following steps are typically performed:

The entire procedure usually takes no more than 30 minutes per eye. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after Femto LASIK.

The Difference Between LASIK, Femto LASIK, and SMILE

The main difference between conventional LASIK and Femto LASIK lies in how the corneal flap is created: Femto LASIK uses a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical blade.

The key difference between LASIK and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is that LASIK requires making a flap in the corneal tissue, while SMILE does not involve a flap at all. Because SMILE is flap‑less, it is associated with a lower risk of dry eye and flap‑related complications.

There are several types of refractive surgeries, each with distinct characteristics. All of them share a common goal: reshaping the cornea with a laser to correct vision problems. How the surgeon accesses the cornea varies from one technique to another.

Advantages of Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Femto LASIK

Both conventional LASIK and Femto LASIK have their own pros and cons depending on the individual patient. LASIK is still the more commonly performed procedure, but there are specific situations where Femto LASIK is more appropriate. Ultimately, the best choice depends on each person’s eye condition, lifestyle, and expectations from surgery.

Glasses and contact lenses can be uncomfortable and may reduce the amount of light reaching the eye. Laser vision correction gives patients the freedom to see clearly without depending on glasses or contacts. These procedures are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Femto LASIK offers many benefits, which is why it has become one of the most popular vision correction procedures. It is a fully bladeless laser surgery that can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted so an excimer laser can reshape the corneal tissue underneath. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres and heals quickly on its own.

Key advantages of Femto LASIK vision correction include:

Pre‑Operative Steps for Femto LASIK at Al Batal Complex in Saudi Arabia

Femto LASIK works in a very similar way to conventional LASIK. In both procedures, a thin corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser. This laser delivers extremely short pulses of energy, precisely focused on microscopic areas within the cornea.

After the flap is lifted, an excimer laser is used to remove a carefully measured amount of corneal tissue. This reshapes the cornea so that light can be focused correctly onto the retina. The excimer laser works by breaking molecular bonds and ablating tissue at the micrometer level.

The final step is to reposition the flap and allow it to heal. Compared to traditional LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome, Femto LASIK typically offers a shorter recovery time, less post‑operative discomfort, and a reduced risk of complications.

If you are considering Femto LASIK, you should discuss all potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Femto LASIK is a safe and effective way to improve vision, but it is not suitable for everyone. At Al Batal Specialized Center, many Femto LASIK procedures are performed by highly experienced ophthalmologists in the dedicated Al Batal Eye Center.

Post‑Operative Advice From Al Batal Complex After Femto LASIK

Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Like conventional LASIK, Femto LASIK carries certain risks, and some patients with specific eye characteristics or medical conditions may not be good candidates. In addition, some professions may restrict or require special approval for refractive surgery because of limited long‑term outcome data.

As with any surgical procedure, Femto LASIK is associated with some risks. Every LASIK‑type procedure carries the possibility of:

There are also several limitations when it comes to Femto LASIK. At Al Batal Specialized Center, refractive correction is only offered after a comprehensive, detailed examination. Patients are strongly advised not to skip or rush this step because of its importance. Another key limitation is age: Femto LASIK is generally reserved for patients 18 years or older, partly because long‑term data in younger patients is still limited.

Candidates for Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Femto LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It can be performed on patients aged 18 or older who have had a stable eyeglass prescription for at least two years.

Femto LASIK is considered a very safe and highly effective procedure with a high success rate. The risk of serious complications is very low, and the vast majority of patients experience a marked improvement in their vision after surgery.

If you are considering Femto LASIK, it is important to consult an experienced ophthalmic surgeon to determine whether you are a good candidate. During your consultation, the surgeon will perform a thorough eye examination to assess your suitability for the procedure.

If you are found to be an appropriate candidate, your surgeon will design a personalized treatment plan based on several factors, including the severity of your refractive error, your age, and your overall health.

Anyone considering LASIK or Femto LASIK may achieve excellent results with these procedures. At Al Batal Specialized Center, the ophthalmologist will determine whether you are eligible for surgery based on your degree of myopia and other ocular measurements.

Side Effects of Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Femto LASIK has some specific potential complications, which may include:

Best Femto LASIK Surgeon in Saudi Arabia

Femto LASIK is a highly precise and very safe form of laser vision correction. It can treat a wide range of refractive errors, and its outcomes are often superior to those of traditional LASIK. The risk of complications is very low. If you are looking for the best surgeon for Femto LASIK in Saudi Arabia, the ophthalmologists at Al Batal Specialized Center are an excellent choice.

Reasons for Surface Laser (PRK) Vision Correction

Although LASIK is the primary laser vision correction procedure at Al Batal Specialized Center, there are certain cases in which an experienced eye surgeon may instead recommend PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Common reasons for choosing surface laser (PRK) include:

The Importance of Surface Laser Vision Correction (PRK)

The Importance of Surface Laser Vision Correction

Surface laser vision correction, or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), is a type of refractive eye surgery commonly used to treat mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

PRK is similar to LASIK in that it aims to improve long‑term vision and may reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription glasses, reading glasses, or contact lenses. However, PRK is generally recommended for patients with issues such as chronically blurred vision, dry eyes, or thin corneas, where creating a flap (as in LASIK) may not be ideal.

PRK is not a painful procedure. You may feel slight pressure during treatment, but it is usually well tolerated. General anesthesia or sedation is not required, making PRK a safer option than some other types of refractive surgery.

The main reason PRK is considered safer in certain cases is that the surgeon does not create a corneal flap as in LASIK. Therefore, there is no risk of flap‑related complications such as infections or flap dislocation.

In fact, post‑operative discomfort after PRK is usually mild and can be easily managed with over‑the‑counter pain relievers. Most patients report only slight discomfort during the first day or two after surgery. Fear of pain should not prevent you from considering PRK, which underscores the importance and value of surface laser vision correction.

Cases Eligible for PRK at Al Batal Center in Jeddah

As mentioned earlier, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of refractive surgery that uses an excimer laser to correct visual problems caused by refractive errors. A refractive error occurs when the eye does not bend (refract) light properly.

During PRK, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This improves the way light is focused onto the retina. PRK can be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

The goal of PRK is to improve your vision by correcting the underlying refractive error. In many cases, PRK can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

Candidates and typical cases for PRK at Al Batal Center in Jeddah include:

How Conditions Are Diagnosed at Al Batal Complex in Saudi Arabia

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), also known as surface laser vision correction, is designed to reshape the cornea using a computer‑guided excimer laser.

Contact lenses work by altering how light is focused onto the retina; PRK achieves a similar effect by permanently reshaping the cornea itself.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, PRK usually takes about 10 minutes to perform. Numbing eye drops are applied, and a lid speculum is used to gently hold your eyelids open.

You will be asked to look at a fixation light during the procedure. There is no need to worry about small eye movements, because the laser is equipped with a computerized eye‑tracking system that monitors and adjusts for eye position more than 1,000 times per second. You should not feel pain during the procedure.

Your doctor will remove a thin layer of surface cells (the epithelium) from the central two‑thirds of the cornea. The excimer laser is then applied to reshape the cornea based on precise measurements taken prior to surgery.

You may undergo wavefront‑guided PRK, wavefront‑optimized PRK, or topography‑guided PRK. All of these approaches yield excellent outcomes, with more than 98% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better with both eyes open.

Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Surface Laser (PRK)

Without glasses or contact lenses, an estimated 90–95% of PRK patients achieve 20/40 vision or better. However, you may still need glasses for reading or night driving, and vision naturally changes with age.

PRK offers the same long‑term benefits as LASIK. Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK—for example, those with thin corneas—may be better suited for PRK. PRK is also an excellent option for athletes, since LASIK involves a corneal flap that can potentially be dislodged or injured by trauma.

Key advantages that set PRK apart include:

As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Potential complications of PRK may include scarring, infection, corneal haze, and “halo” effects around lights. There is also a chance of overcorrection or undercorrection, which may sometimes require glasses, contact lenses, or enhancement surgery.

In some cases, vision may regress over time after PRK. Initial healing tends to be slower than with LASIK. Many patients notice visual improvement within a few days, but the epithelium may take several days to fully regenerate, and it can take up to three months for vision to stabilize.

Common side effects include:

Cost of Surface LASIK (PRK) at Al Batal Complex

Cost of Surface LASIK at Al Batal Complex

Both PRK and LASIK are safe, effective procedures that can dramatically improve vision. Unless you have particular eye conditions that clearly favor one over the other, the choice between them can be challenging. Your doctor may recommend PRK if you have thin corneas or certain visual limitations.

Because PRK is considered an elective (non‑emergency) surgery, it is unlikely to be fully covered by insurance, just like LASIK. Some pre‑operative evaluations or diagnostic tests may be partially covered by vision insurance, but the surgery itself is typically not included. You should speak with your insurance provider to understand what aspects of PRK, if any, might be reimbursed.

As with other laser eye surgeries, the cost of PRK depends on the surgeon’s expertise, geographic location, and type of practice. Surgeons with decades of experience who have successfully treated tens of thousands of patients may charge higher fees, especially if they practice in advanced, high‑tech surgical centers. Regardless of the cost, Al Batal Specialized Eye Center aims to offer competitive pricing along with proven expertise. Geographic location is often one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost of PRK and similar elective eye surgeries.

My Experience With Surface Laser Vision Correction at Al Batal Center in Jeddah

One patient who underwent Femto LASIK at Al Batal Specialized Center shared the following experience:

“Before surgery, I stopped wearing my contact lenses so they wouldn’t affect the shape of my eyes, and I had a series of updated prescriptions leading up to the day of the procedure.

A friend drove me to the surgery at Al Batal Specialized Center. There, they took additional measurements of my eyes. I was given half a tablet of Valium and several types of eye drops, some of which were numbing, and I felt a cold, icy sensation.

I went into the operating room, where they used the laser to perform the procedure. On the first eye, I began to feel the laser, which was quite uncomfortable, but for the second eye they gave me more numbing drops. The entire surgery took about 10 minutes. I was given a care kit to take home and post‑operative instructions.

I was told to keep my eyes closed as much as possible and that it would be best to go home and sleep to help my eyes heal.

My companion woke me up for dinner, but I went back to sleep afterward. My eyes were extremely sensitive to light. I was given protective shields to wear while sleeping and dark sunglasses to wear even indoors. My eyes were so sensitive after the surgery that even dim rooms seemed very bright.

My companion drove me to the follow‑up appointment the next day. Everything looked good. I was instructed to continue keeping my eyes closed as much as possible and to keep using the prescribed eye drops—some for pain and others to support healing.

Over that first weekend, I kept my eyes closed as much as I could and listened to podcasts and audiobooks. If you’re planning to have this surgery, I strongly recommend having access to audiobooks because you won’t be able to read or watch TV. Every morning I woke up expecting to open my eyes and see clearly.

My eyes healed, and I eventually achieved excellent vision by carefully following all instructions. I’m not sure whether the stress of my father’s illness and passing affected my recovery time, but now I have 20/10 vision in one eye and 20/30 in the other. The results I achieved at Al Batal Specialized Center are truly remarkable.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Femto LASIK Vision Correction

Is Femto LASIK suitable for everyone?

Almost everyone with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism is potentially eligible for Femto LASIK, provided their eye health and corneal thickness meet safety criteria determined during the pre‑operative exam.

When is SMILE better than Femto LASIK?

Both SMILE and Femto LASIK can significantly improve visual quality under photopic (daytime) conditions. SMILE may offer better visual quality in patients with larger pupil diameters, which can be an advantage for night vision.

What is the ideal corneal thickness for Femto LASIK?

Most surgeons create a corneal flap of about 160 microns. Suitable candidates typically have a total corneal thickness of approximately 450–550 microns. Exact measurements are determined during your LASIK consultation using corneal topography and pachymetry.

Is Femto LASIK medically safe?

Modern laser eye procedures—including LASIK, Femto LASIK, PRK, and SMILE—are considered very safe. Serious complications are rare, and when they do occur, they are often manageable with additional treatment.

Will my vision return to normal after LASIK?

Many patients notice significant visual improvement within 48 hours, although for some, it may take up to a week to feel completely comfortable. Early post‑operative symptoms such as glare, halos, or mild fluctuations in vision are usually temporary and tend to resolve over time.

Any symptoms of decreased vision or eye problems require careful evaluation and proper treatment by a skilled ophthalmologist using effective, modern equipment. Whatever condition is affecting your eyes, you can book an appointment at Al Batal Specialized Center for a comprehensive examination and an individualized treatment plan, no matter how complex your case may be.

At Al Batal Specialized Center, we offer Femto LASIK using the highest standards of precision and safety under the supervision of board‑certified ophthalmologists: Dr. Issa Baaissa, Dr. Baraa Faham, and Dr. Saud Al‑Johani. Our experience and state‑of‑the‑art technology help ensure excellent outcomes and a comfortable recovery. Book your consultation now with one of our experts.