Table of contents. 5 Swiss precision for clear vision. 6 What types of defective eyesight are there? 8 What is refractive eye surgery?

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Maryann Hodge
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3 Table of contents 5 Swiss precision for clear vision 6 What types of defective eyesight are there? 8 What is refractive eye surgery? 9 Which procedure is an option for me? 10 Laser procedures 10 > Femto-LASIK 12 > LASEK > SmartSurface 13 > Wavefront treatment 16 Lens procedures 16 > Supplementary lenses 16 > Lens exchange 18 Your journey to a life without glasses 19 Monitored. Certified.

5 Swiss precision for clear vision. Nowadays refractive eye surgery offers many people an alternative to conventional vision aids. Every day, worldwide, thousands of people have an operation to correct their defective eyesight. This increases their quality of life enormously. We are delighted that you are finding out about the latest options regarding refractive surgery from LASER VISTA. We offer you a wide range of surgical procedures to correct defective eyesight and our aim is to explain the various treatment options to you, thus granting you the possibility to increase the quality of life through best surgery. LASER VISTA has been successfully working in the field of refractive eye surgery for over 20 years. Our methods have proved themselves when assessed against scientific criteria and offer outstanding results also as compared internationally. We place great emphasis on state-of-the-art equipment and proven investigative and treatment methods so that we can offer you the highest possible standards. Thanks to the close association between LASER VISTA and the renowned Vista Clinic and Vista Diagnostics, we can cover the entire spectrum of ophthalmology. This brochure is intended to give you an initial insight into the various aspects of refractive surgery. Our specialist team is pleased to advise you individually after a quick check or a more detailed preliminary assessment about the relevant options. More detailed information about individual procedures is available on our website at We would be delighted to welcome you to a personal consultation at LASER VISTA! 5

$What types of defective eyesight are there? Normal vision (emmetropia) The refraction and length of an eye with normal vision are coordinated.$

6 What types of defective eyesight are there? Normal vision (emmetropia) The refraction and length of an eye with normal vision are coordinated. The incoming light is focussed in such a way that it forms a focal point on the retina. This is how objects are perceived to be clear. Science differentiates between normal vision (emmetropia) and various types of defective eyesight (ametropia). With normal vision, in other words with unimpaired eyesight, we see objects clearly at diverse distances and in different light conditions. The sharp image occurs because the rays of light that meet the eyes are focussed accurately on the retina. If these rays merge before or after the retina, then we perceive an image as blurred this is known as defective eyesight. 6

Short-sightedness (myopia) People who are short-sighted usually have eyes that are too long. The incoming rays of light are not focussed on but in front of the retina.

The incoming rays of light are not focussed on but behind the retina. This means that an unclear or blurred image occurs.

7 Short-sightedness (myopia) People who are short-sighted usually have eyes that are too long. The incoming rays of light are not focussed on but in front of the retina. This means that objects in the distance are unclear, but those that are closer are clear. Far-sightedness (hyperopia) People who are far-sighted generally have eyes that are too short. The incoming rays of light are not focussed on but behind the retina. This means that an unclear or blurred image occurs. Far-sightedness means that one can see close objects less well than those in the distance. Corneal irregularity (astigmatism) With a corneal irregularity, also known as astigmatism, the cornea is not round, instead more likely to be oval. This means that the rays of light are broken down irregularly and are focussed insufficiently. As a result, a distorted or blurred image is created. People with high astigmatism perceive close objects and those in the distance unclearly. Age-related defective vision (presbyopia) From the age of about 45 the natural lens increasingly loses its elasticity. This means that the ability to focus on close objects the socalled accommodation decreases. For this reason many people need reading glasses once they reach the age of 45. 7

8 What is refractive eye surgery? Refractive surgery is understood to mean operations to correct defective eyesight, thus leading to normal, unimpaired vision. These change the anatomical structure of the eye so that optical refraction powers either increase or decrease, resulting in incoming rays of light once again falling directly on the retina. This change in the optical refraction power can be achieved either on the cornea or, alternatively, using an intraocular contact lens. Consequently a distinction is made between corneal and lens procedures. With corneal or laser procedures the optical refraction power of the cornea is changed with the laser. The following operation methods are used: > Femto-LASIK > LASEK > SmartSurface With lens procedures, the optical refraction power of the eye is altered through inserting an artificial lens into the eye. The following operation methods are used: > supplementary lenses (implantable contact lenses) > lensexchange (clear lens exchange) In special cases, both procedures can be combined: > Bioptics 8

9 Which procedure is an option for me? Short-sightedness myopia Far-sightedness hyperopia Laser procedures up to -8 dpt Lens procedures up to -20 dpt Laser procedures up to -8 dpt Lens procedures up to -20 dpt Femto-LASIK up to -8 dpt page 10 Supplementary lenses page 16 Femto-LASIK up to +3 dpt page 10 Supplementary lenses page 16 LASEK up to -6 dpt page 12 Lens exchange (all dioptre strenghts) page 16 LASEK up to +1 dpt page 12 Lens exchange (all dioptre strenghts) page 16 SmartSurface up to -6 dpt page 12 A corneal irregularity can be treated both with laser and lens procedures. 9

> Laser procedures Femto-LASIK Femto-LASIK is now the latest and safest laser procedure to correct defective eyesight.

LASER VISTA was the first laser eye centre in Europe to operate a Femtosecond laser and therefore has many years of experience in the use of this technology.

In doing so, the laser penetrates the outermost layer of the cornea until it has exactly reached the pre-defined depth.

10 > Laser procedures Femto-LASIK Femto-LASIK is now the latest and safest laser procedure to correct defective eyesight. This procedure makes extremely precise and safe treatment possible with a short healing period and high level of comfort for patients. LASER VISTA was the first laser eye centre in Europe to operate a Femtosecond laser and therefore has many years of experience in the use of this technology. The Femto-LASIK procedure With the Femto-LASIK procedure, a thin flap is cut into the cornea using a Femtosecond laser. In doing so, the laser penetrates the outermost layer of the cornea until it has exactly reached the pre-defined depth. There, it produces very small air bubbles that separate the tissue in the desired layer. The laser penetrates the outermost layer of the cornea. The flap that occurs can now be folded over to the side. The actual defective eyesight can then be corrected with the Excimer laser. The Excimer laser is used to re-model the exposed layer of cornea and alter its refraction. Whilst doing so, the laser registers the smallest of eye movements and automatically corrects them (so-called eye-tracking system). At the end of the treatment the flap is placed back in position. It now protects the operation wound just like the body s own plaster. The laser produces minute expanding air bubbles at a precisely defined depth. As a result there is generally no pain after the operation. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and both eyes can be operated on the same day. This creates an even flap. 10

> Laser procedures The flap ist folded to the side The Excimer laser carries out the individual correction Why Femto-LASIK? > The Femto-LASIK method leads to extremely accurate and safe results.

> Thickness and diameter of the corneal flap are determined individually. The thickness of the flap can be controlled accurately.

11 > Laser procedures The flap ist folded to the side The Excimer laser carries out the individual correction Why Femto-LASIK? > The Femto-LASIK method leads to extremely accurate and safe results. > The preparation of the corneal flap with the laser is safe (no errors in cut ting with a blade) and more accurate (lower spread of the flap thickness) than with a mechanical cutting instrument. > Thickness and diameter of the corneal flap are determined individually. The thickness of the flap can be controlled accurately. Even people with a rather thin cornea can be treated safely with the Femtosecond laser. > The healing phase after the intervention is largely pain-free, apart from a foreign-body sensation and tears that last a few hours. > The eye recovers very quickly, as the corneal flap protects the operation wound like the body s own plaster, and the acuteness of vision therefore rapidly returns to normal. > In general you can continue with your usual activities on the day after the intervention. > Vision is stable after approx. 4 8 weeks. 11

12 > Laser procedures Surface procedures The LASEK and SmartSurface procedures have evolved from the earliest type of refractive laser eye surgery - so-called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). PRK laser eye surgery has been performed since the mid-80s. This type of surface treatment does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. The LASEK procedure In the LASEK procedure the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is loosened using a diluted alcohol solution and temporarily folded back. The exposed cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser (as in the Femto-LASIK method). At the end of the operation, the epithelium is repositioned over the treated corneal surface. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the cornea while the wound is healing, which can take several days. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. The SmartSurface procedure: touch-free laser treatment In the SmartSurface procedure the superficial regenerative cells of the cornea are removed using the laser. This type of treatment is also referred to as the touch-free method, since manual intervention on the eye is minimal. SmartPulse technology uses a sophisticated geometric model based on a fullerene (dome-shaped) structure. This three-dimensional model is ideal for treating astigmatism because it describes the curvature of the cornea very accurately and the fullerene structure makes it possible to position the pulses more closely than before. The result is a smoother corneal structure than can be achieved with conventional technologies. 12

13 > Laser procedures Some facts about treatment procedures > Surface treatment can be carried out on patients with thin corneas. > Surface treatment is just as safe and efficient as other laser procedures but, in the first few weeks, patients may experience greater postoperative discomfort. > During the first few days a foreign body sensation may be felt. For this reason, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the cornea until the wound heals a few days after the operation. The advantages of SmartSurface > The duration of treatment is shortened and the patient generally feels more comfortable during the operation. > Healing takes place more rapidly, thanks to the smoother surface of the cornea. Wavefront treatment The overall refractive defect of the optical system can be shown graphically using so-called wavefront measurements. By correcting short-sightedness, far-sightedness and corneal irregularities, most eyesight image defects can be corrected. Additional wave-front treatment makes it possible to develop a treatment profile developed to meet your individual needs and wishes, as well as improve contrast sensitivity and twilight vision. In addition to defective eyesight, other deviations (aberrations) of the optical system, which cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, can also be corrected through this personalised treatment. There is the option of combining this treatment with any of the other laser procedures offered. 13

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16 > Lens procedures Supplementary lenses and lens exchange (implantable contact lenses) (clear lens exchange) Inserting artificial lenses offers an alternative to the laser procedures. This generally corrects cases of serious defective eyesight. Supplementary lenses > Short-sightedness up to 20 dioptres > Far-sightedness up to +12 dioptres > High level of corneal irregularity Lens exchange > Short-sightedness (all dioptre strengths) > Far-sightedness (all dioptre strengths) > Age-related defective vision The correction achieved is extremely stable and the intervention can be reversed if necessary. The cornea is not altered with the lens procedures. Supplementary lenses With this method, an «implantable contact lens», also known as a «phakic lens», is inserted into the inside of the eye in addition to the natural lens. The natural lens is not altered by this. This has the advantage that the short focus of one s own lens remains intact and it continues to be possible to read without reading glasses. These phakic lenses can be inserted into the anterior or posterior eye chamber. So-called toric models are also available for this, which make it possible to correct the corneal irregularity. We work out which type of lens is best suit-ed to your individual situation in each individual case during the in-depth examination and during the personal consultation. Treatment takes place under local anaesthetic. The second eye can generally be operated on two weeks after the first. 16

17 > Lens procedures Lens exchange With this method, one s own natural lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an artificial lens with the required strength. As a result of the change in refraction with the new lens, the defective vision of the eye can be balanced out. However, the eye s short focus is lost through this so that in general reading glasses are required. Nevertheless various types of lens are available that can also correct age-related defective vision or a corneal irregularity. Bioptics procedure With a very high level of defective eyesight, lens implants and laser procedures are combinable. This means that most of the defective eyesight is treated with one lens. Laser treatment on the cornea can subsequently provide accurate refinements. This can successfully improve the quality of sight. Why lens procedures? > Lens procedures offer accurate corrective options and therefore safe and stable results. > This method can also be used to treat cases of high levels of defective eyesight. It therefore expands the treatment spectrum of refractive eye surgery. > The lens implants used are characterised by their excellent biocompatibility in the inside of the eye. The lens materials have been tested over decades. > The insertion of phakic lenses can be reversed if necessary. 17

18 Your journey to a life without glasses Information events We would like to invite you to one of our information events focussing on eyes. Here you find out more about the function of the eye, the effects of defective eyesight and the various corrective options available. The events are free of charge and our eye specialists are available afterwards to answer any individual questions you might have whilst we treat you to a drink. Find out where and when our information events are taking place on our website Quick check You would like to know whether refractive eye surgery is an option for you? We can offer you a quick check to find out and through special measurements we will soon determine whether your eyes are suitable for refractive treatment.please allow 30 minutes for the quick check. Preliminary examination The preliminary investigation lays the foundations for successful treatment. A team of eye specialists and optometrists work hand in hand to offer you an individual solution for your defective eyesight. What action is important before the preliminary examination? > Hard contact lenses must not be worn for 3 weeks and soft contact lenses for 4 days before the examination. > Please bring your glasses or contact lens prescription for the last three years with you. > After the consultation you will not be able to drive for approximately hours, as your pupils will be dilated with drops for the preliminary examination. > The preliminary examination takes about two hours. Conditions for a preliminary examination or treatment: > Minimum age: 20 years > Stable defective eyesight values during the last two years > Not pregnant/breastfeeding 18

19 Monitored. Certified. Maximum quality and safety Laser operations on the eye are a matter of trust. There are a large number of laser eye centres in Switzerland and abroad. What are the differences? Patients recognise which laser eye centres maintain the highest standards in terms of quality management, specialist medical knowledge and also hygiene through the SQS certification. More information about the SQS certification is available at Seeing without glasses or contact lenses: a new feel to life The experienced specialist team at LASER VISTA, led by Dr. med. Eduard Haefliger, has been correcting defective eyesight using state-of-the-art development and the latest laser technology for over 25 years; with excellent treatment results. Good reasons for choosing LASER VISTA Highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art technology Swiss quality and attitude to health issues Competent all-round care in emergencies Easy access to laser eye surgery, thanks to our three centrally located clinics We are pleased to answer any questions you may have you can reach us on the freephone number and further detailed information is available at Costs: The costs of laser and lens procedures are not covered by the standard health insurance. An up-to-date overview of costs can be consulted at: 19

LASER VISTA Steinentorberg 18 CH-4051 Basel Tel. +41 61 426 50 00 Fax +41 61 426 50 01 laservista.basel@vista.ch LASER VISTA Limmatquai 2 CH-8001 Zürich Tel.

20 LASER VISTA Steinentorberg 18 CH-4051 Basel Tel Fax LASER VISTA Limmatquai 2 CH-8001 Zürich Tel Fax laservista.zuerich@vista.ch LASER VISTA Bahnhofstrasse 15 CH-8808 Pfäffikon SZ Tel Fax laservista.pfaeffikon@vista.ch

Rediscover quality of life thanks to vision correction with technology from Carl Zeiss. Patient Information

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