Questions and Answers on Refractive Surgery Techniques: TransPKR, PKR, Lasik or Femtosecond Laser
How much does TransPKR cost?
From 2,200 euros, with the SmartPulse option on the Amaris 1050 RS laser.
Preoperative consultation: 75 euros (not reimbursed by Social Security, but potentially covered by your mutual insurance company, depending on the terms of your contract). You will be given an invoice for this.
Is TransPKR really a contactless technique?
Yes, absolutely. The treatment is performed remotely, without any instrument coming into direct contact with the eye, making the procedure painless. In some cases, it is even possible to avoid the eyelid retractor, an often-dreaded feature.
It is also the only truly "contactless" technique. Conversely, the femtosecond laser, sometimes wrongly referred to as "100% laser", involves direct manipulation of the eye.
Is Femtolasik really contactless?
No. FemtoLasik systematically involves direct contact steps, regardless of the machine used:
- Placement of an eyelid retractor,
- Application of the femtosecond laser head in contact with the eye, with suction to immobilize it,
- Lifting the corneal flap using a metal cannula.
We are therefore far from a contactless technique. That said, in certain cases, the femtosecond laser can offer proven medical benefits.
What are the complications associated with femtosecond laser?
Les complications potentielles incluent :
- Ectasies post-Lasik
- Haze (scar veil), normally limited to surface treatments like PKR, but sometimes seen with femtosecond
- Transient photophobia: rainbow-like glare, probably related to light diffraction through the treated corneal interface
Other complications specific to the femtosecond exist: difficulties in lifting the hood, gas bubbles, luminous halos, etc.
Although some believe these effects may be lessened with newer versions of lasers, our experience shows that some complications are specific to femto technology and are not present with conventional LASIK or surface treatments.
If TransPKR is so interesting, why doesn't it replace all other techniques?
- It is not suitable for all visual defects.
- It is painless during the procedure, but can be painful in the following hours, especially the first night.
- Visual recovery is slower: several days are necessary to obtain optimal vision.
For those wishing to return to work or driving the next day, Lasik remains more suitable.
However, TransPKR has proven, in our experience and in numerous studies, to be clearly superior to other surface techniques (classic PKR, epi-Lasik, Lasek).