Refractive surgery · Montpellier
Refractive surgery includes corneal and intraocular procedures designed to change the eye’s optical correction. The choice between PRK, LASIK, SMILE or an ICL can only be made after a complete assessment.
Summary
Dr Clair-Florent Schmitt-Bernard has performed refractive surgery for 25 years. The preoperative assessment includes refraction, topography, tomography, pachymetry and the anatomical parameters required for the procedure under consideration.
Medical information
PRK reshapes the corneal surface with an excimer laser after removal of the epithelium. It does not create a flap. Initial recovery is more gradual than with LASIK, and suitability depends on the correction and corneal characteristics.
Explanatory video · ZEISS Medical Technology
A corneal flap is prepared with a femtosecond laser, after which the stroma is reshaped with an excimer laser. Visual recovery is generally rapid. Corneal thickness, shape and biomechanical stability determine eligibility.
Explanatory video · Animation Carl Zeiss Meditec
A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the cornea, which is removed through a small incision without a LASIK flap. The technique is intended for selected myopic and astigmatic corrections.
Explanatory video · ZEISS Medical Technology
In selected fragile corneas or those with borderline parameters, cross-linking may be combined with a refractive procedure. This is not routine: the indication is based on the complete assessment, and available evidence does not support systematic use.
An ICL is a flexible phakic lens placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, without removing corneal tissue. It may correct selected myopia and astigmatism when ocular anatomy allows. The assessment includes anterior-chamber and endothelial measurements.
Explanatory video · EVO ICL by STAAR Surgical
Assessment and appointments
Preoperative assessments and refractive-surgery procedures are performed at Clinique de la Vision Montpellier.
Sources
Questions
PRK reshapes the corneal surface without a flap, LASIK combines a femtosecond flap with excimer ablation, and SMILE removes a lenticule created within the cornea through a small incision. The choice depends on the correction, cornea and preoperative assessment.
The preoperative assessment is performed at Clinique de la Vision Montpellier. It includes refraction, an ophthalmic examination, corneal topography, tomography and pachymetry.
A phakic ICL may be considered for selected myopia or astigmatism when ocular anatomy allows, including when corneal laser correction is not selected. The assessment includes anterior-chamber and endothelial measurements.