Would you like to live without glasses or contact lenses? Are you still hesitant to see a doctor about laser eye surgery and to find out everything you need to know?

In this experience report, you’ll learn about the process—from the first steps to achieving clear vision. Here you’ll find all the essential information about laser eye surgery: everything from your first visit to the clinic to life without visual aids, and how you too can see more clearly thanks to modern laser eye technology!

Laser eye surgery – find out all the details!

Experience with laser eye surgery in Germany – video diary

Each year, around 120,000 people in Germany opt for laser eye surgery. Among them is Hitradio antenne1 morning show traffic editor Nico Auer. His story is not just one among many; it shows why laser eye surgery can be the right choice for many.

For more than 20 years Nico had worn glasses because of myopia. They were particularly bothersome in winter because they would fog up. Recently, he had also had trouble wearing a mask together with his glasses.

For some time now, his thoughts have been focused on laser eye surgery and the benefits it brings. The desire for a life without corrective lenses grew ever stronger, and month by month the dream became more of a reality. He chose treatment at the Bányai clinic in Leonberg, where he left his diopters behind and gained a new lease on life.

Nico shares his experience with laser eye surgery in this 3-part video series. From his first visit to the Bányai Clinic in Leonberg to several weeks of newfound zest for life without glasses, interesting, insight-filled minutes await you!

Consultation and Preliminary Examination – Part 1 of the Experience Report on Laser Eye Surgery

First of all, Nico’s eyes are thoroughly examined at the Bányai Eye Laser Centre in Leonberg during the preliminary examinations. Various tests determine whether his eyes are suitable for laser surgery.

Criteria include the thickness and elasticity of the cornea. Intraocular pressure is also measured. It turns out that for Nico’s eyes the ReLEx-Smile method is best suited. Other methods for laser eye surgery are the LASIK method, PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision, Advanced PRK, and LASEK.

The Day of Laser Eye Surgery – Part 2 of the Laser Eye Experience

“Bye-bye glasses” – today is Nico’s big day. After a final eye exam, he is informed about the eye-drop schedule and can ask the top doctors any remaining questions. After a detailed discussion of the steps ahead, he is finally allowed to take the big step.

We enter the OR, where Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai, as discussed, performs the ReLEx Smile procedure. In the second part of the video series, you can see how Nico fares after laser eye surgery.

One week after laser eye surgery – Part 3 of the experience report

“Totally euphoric” and “a different feeling about life” — with these words Nico describes his “new” life without glasses. He was already symptom-free 20 hours after the operation. He reports no dry or burning eyes, no other problems, and no pain.

Overnight, Nico is advised to wear an eye patch or a protective eye shield because he sleeps rather restlessly. On the morning after the laser eye surgery, Nico can remove his eye protection. A protective dressing is affixed to each eye to protect the eyes during the night.

Nico is obviously thrilled with the initial result, as are most patients. His reaction to his “new” eyes clearly shows how amazed and delighted he is with the outcome.

Two days after the procedure he’s allowed to play sports again, and Nico goes for a run. “No more fogged-up glasses — it’s really a completely different running experience, a whole new way of life. I’m totally euphoric! I never thought that after such a short time the result would already be this good…” Nico enthuses after his run.

One week after the procedure, Nico can have his results checked at the clinic. He is amazed at how much his vision has improved and how little time has passed since he last wore glasses. The eye drops he must use daily help ensure that everything heals.

In part 3 of the video, you’ll find out what master optician Ms. Biggy Stecher has to say about Nico’s eyes at the follow-up appointment a week later. Suffice it to say, laser eye surgery will correct your refractive error.

Which refractive errors can I have treated with laser eye surgery?

65 percent of Germans, i.e. about two out of three, are affected by refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia. These refractive errors are generally not considered pleasant; quite the opposite. People with more severe refractive errors, in particular, often suffer from poor vision.

To see clearly, people need to wear glasses or contact lenses with the appropriate diopter strength; sometimes soothing eye drops are also required. Because diopter values can change over a lifetime, this can result in high long-term costs for the appropriate visual aid. However, for many refractive errors there is already a simpler, permanent corrective solution: laser eye surgery.

Which refractive errors are suitable for refractive surgery, i.e., laser eye surgery?

Laser treatment for short-sightedness (myopia)
Laser treatment for long-sightedness (hyperopia)
Laser treatment for age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia)
Laser correction of corneal astigmatism (astigmatism or “Stabsichtigkeit”)
Higher-order refractive errors (aberrations)

Various eye laser methods, such as Femto-LASIK, the ReLEx SMILE method, and PRK/LASEK, can correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

Are you interested in laser eye surgery? Then you can find out here whether you are a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery by taking our online suitability test. Various factors, such as an excessively thin cornea, can make laser eye surgery more difficult.

To the laser eye suitability test

Which eye condition can I have treated with laser eye surgery?

Eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment occur in various parts of the eye.

Some develop rapidly and at a young age, while others only appear later in life. Regardless of the eye disease, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.

Using the LENSAR femtosecond laser, gentle cataract surgery can be performed.

In addition, we will inform you about the individual treatment options for macular degeneration, glaucoma, or dry eye disease during a personal consultation at one of our five practice locations.

The following eye conditions can be treated with laser eye surgery:

Laser cataract surgery
Secondary cataract
Laser treatment for glaucoma (glaucoma)
Laser treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Laser treatment for retinal holes and retinal detachment
Laser treatment for keratoconus

To prevent eye diseases from progressing, it is important to discuss follow-up appointments, preventive examinations, and treatment options with your ophthalmologist.

During a consultation, we can discuss personalized treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to your visit to the Bányai Laser Eye Centre!

Book your consultation now

Online eligibility test – free and takes just a few minutes

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to only have to wear sunglasses occasionally, instead of constantly relying on bothersome prescription glasses? Could laser eye treatment be an option for me?

Use Nico as a role model and complete the online suitability test now as the first step toward a new lease on life. You can also learn more about the costs of laser eye surgery; some of our other posts cover additional laser eye methods. Incidentally, a procedure at the eye laser centre can take only a few seconds — you’ll learn more about this shortly.

Learn about laser eye surgery now and perhaps soon see the future with new eyes. Start now with our free online laser eye surgery suitability test!

Laser eye surgery at the Bányai Eye Laser Center

Are you already familiar with SMILE® pro? The SMILE® pro procedure is the most innovative and advanced method for correcting refractive errors in refractive surgery and places only minimal strain on the cornea. The laser application itself takes only about 10 seconds per eye. The SMILE eye-laser method has already been used successfully millions of times worldwide.

Laser eye surgery, diagnostics & consultations in ophthalmology at the Bányai Laser Eye Centre in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe– your Doctor-medic Liliana Bányai and our experienced team

Book your personal consultation online now—no obligation—and learn more about SMILE® pro!

For the consultation appointment

FAQs about experiences with laser eye surgery

Kann man durch Augenlasern blind werden?

The chance of being blinded by laser eye surgery is virtually zero. The likelihood of a deterioration in vision is 1 in 30,000.

Ist eine Augenlaserbehandlung schmerzhaft?

No, laser eye surgery is not painful. Special eye drops are used to numb the eyes. How painful the procedure is, of course, depends on each person’s individual sensitivity. If pain does occur, it is usually mild, such as itching or dry eyes after the procedure, or a feeling of pressure during the procedure.

Wie lange hält das Augenlasern?

In principle, the effects of laser eye treatment last a lifetime.

Ist es gefährlich, sich die Augen lasern zu lassen?

The risk associated with laser eye surgery is low. There is a risk, but it is very small. The likelihood of vision deterioration following laser eye surgery is 1 in 30,000. Most symptoms after the procedure are mild, such as dry or burning eyes.

Ab und bis zu welchem Alter sollte man sich die Augen lasern lassen?

Laser eye surgery can be performed from the age of 18. Laser eye surgery is also possible for patients in their 50s or 60s. For more details, see Laser eye surgery for older eyes.

Wie lange nach dem Augenlasern ausruhen?

After laser eye surgery, you should rest and protect your eyes—avoid watching TV or reading. Recovery usually takes only a few hours, so be patient and allow your eyes to rest.

Übernimmt die Krankenkasse das Augenlasern?

In principle, the costs of laser eye surgery for a refractive error are not covered by statutory health insurers. Nevertheless, it depends on the type of refractive error and eye condition. For example, statutory health insurers usually cover the cost of cataract surgery.

Welche Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten gibt es für eine Augenlaser-Behandlung?

Many clinics offer interest-free installment payments to ease the financial burden. At Bányai Neue Augen, for example, interest-free installments over 24 months are available.

Welche Kosten sind mit einer Augenlaser-Behandlung verbunden?

Costs vary depending on the chosen method and the individual’s refractive error. At Bányai Neue Augen, prices start at €990 per eye. For detailed information, a personal consultation is recommended.

Wie sind die Erfahrungen von Patienten mit den Kosten beim Augenlasern?

Many patients initially view the cost of laser eye surgery as a significant investment, but in hindsight report that it was entirely worthwhile. Transparent pricing, the option of interest-free installment payments, and above all the lasting results are convincing at the Bányai Eye Centre. Patients particularly appreciate that there are no hidden costs and that the quality of the treatment matches the price. For many, laser eye surgery is therefore not just a medical procedure, but a decision for a better quality of life.