The ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an intraocular lens implanted inside the eye, in front of the natural crystalline lens. Unlike laser techniques, no corneal tissue is removed or reshaped.

• Corrects myopia, even at high prescriptions, and astigmatism.
• It is an alternative when the cornea is thin or irregular and laser surgery is not possible.
• Because it does not modify the cornea, the procedure is reversible: the lens can be removed or exchanged.
• It preserves the patient's natural crystalline lens.

Candidacy is determined with studies that assess the prescription, the internal dimensions of the eye and the overall condition of the ocular structures.

The LASIK technique works in two steps. First a very thin layer is created on the surface of the cornea, called a flap. That layer is then lifted and the excimer laser is applied to the inner tissue (the stroma) to modify the curvature of the cornea and correct the refractive error. At the end, the flap is repositioned and adheres without sutures.

• Corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
• It is one of the refractive techniques with the fastest visual recovery.
• It usually causes little discomfort in the immediate postoperative period.

It requires sufficient corneal thickness. When the cornea is thin or has irregularities, the specialist may recommend another alternative.

Femtolasik follows the same principle as LASIK, with one important difference: the corneal flap is not created with a mechanical instrument, but with a femtosecond laser. The excimer laser is then applied to correct the refractive error. Hence the name "100% laser" or "bladeless".

• The laser makes it possible to plan the thickness, diameter and position of the flap with greater precision.
• Corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
• It can be an option for corneas where finer control of the flap thickness is sought.

As with all LASIK techniques, the indication depends on the thickness and shape of the cornea, as well as the prescription to be corrected.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a surface technique: no flap is created. The outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed.

• Corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
• Because no flap is created, it may be preferable for thin corneas or for patients exposed to blows to the eye, such as in contact sports.
• Visual recovery is more gradual.

Medium-term results are comparable to those of LASIK; the main difference is in the recovery process.

SMILE PRO is a minimally invasive technique performed in a single step and with a single femtosecond laser. Instead of lifting a flap, the laser carves a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, called a lenticule, which is extracted through a microincision only a few millimeters wide.

• Corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
• Because no flap is created, the surface of the cornea remains practically intact.
• Being minimally invasive, it is associated with less dry eye after surgery.

It is the latest-generation laser correction technique. Its indication depends on the prescription and on the characteristics of each patient's cornea.