Clear vision: Eye lasers for cycling - "Would do it again in a heartbeat"

There are several laser eye surgery procedures available today, which differ mainly in how the cornea is modelled and for which forms of defective vision they are suitable. The classic method is LASIK. A microkeratome or femtosecond laser is used to prepare a thin corneal flap, which is then opened up. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea so that light falls correctly on the retina again. LASIK is suitable for many short-sighted and long-sighted people as well as for astigmatism (astigmatism) - provided the cornea is sufficiently thick.

>> The alternative: visual aids such as glasses or contact lenses

New vs. proven methods

A further development is Femto-LASIK, in which both the flap and correction are performed entirely by laser. This increases precision and shortens the healing time. PRK/LASEK is often an option for people with thin corneas or dry eyes. No flap is created here, instead the top layer of cells is removed and the corneal surface is lasered directly. Healing takes longer, but is gentler on the corneal structure. The most modern procedure is SMILE. In this procedure, a tiny, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) is detached from the inside of the cornea and removed. SMILE is considered to be particularly stable and is particularly suitable for myopia and astigmatism. Which procedure is suitable depends on the thickness of the cornea, defective vision, age and individual risks. A thorough preliminary examination by a specialist is therefore essential.

Interview: Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor

BIKE editor Laurin Lehner has worn contact lenses ever since he got his driving licence. Now he has opted for laser eye surgery and is happy with his decision.

TOUR: Laurin, you had your eyes lasered a year ago. Would you do it again?

Laurin Lehner: Immediately. My quality of life has improved significantly, I'm more flexible now.

How exactly can you explain this in more detail?

With minus four and a half dioptres, I am practically blind. I tolerate contact lenses well and changing to glasses in the evening hardly bothered me in everyday life. Then came the key experience on a bikepacking tour in the mountains: a thunderstorm surprised me on a summit at night and I had to clear my bivouac half-blind and descend into the valley in the dark. Everything had to be done very quickly, there was no time for contact lenses and my glasses were no help in the rain.

There are sports glasses with an integrated visual aid. Was that an option for you?

No, that wasn't an option for me. Daily contact lenses are very comfortable to wear and for a long time this was the best solution for me. However, this is very individual. I know some people who get dry or itchy eyes from contact lenses after just a few hours.

How did you inform yourself and what did you learn?

The first step was to find out from various providers in Munich whether laser treatment was possible in my case. Keyword corneal thickness, which method is suitable, and so on. A consultation costs around 50 euros and takes around four hours. Numerous tests are carried out. Every case is different and must be assessed individually. It is important that the visual acuity is stable and no longer changes. This is usually the case from around 30 to 35 years of age. The reason: if the eye continues to deteriorate after correction, the result can be impaired in the long term.

And what happened next?

At the end of the appointment, the doctor discusses the possible procedures if the eyes are suitable - this is not always the case. In my case, only the PRK procedure was an option. This is the oldest and cheapest procedure with good chances of success, but with more pain and a significantly longer healing phase. I paid around 2,800 euros for both eyes. As a general rule, the higher the dioptre value, the more expensive the procedure.

When were you able to get back on your bike?

That takes time. First of all, you should plan at least a week's holiday. Driving is often only permitted again after several weeks. The eyes have to be dripped regularly for many weeks, initially every hour. In the first few days I was in a lot of pain and could hardly see anything. The PRK procedure can take up to six months before the final result is achieved. It was similar for me. I was fit for everyday life, at least with sunglasses, after about a week and a half.

Didn't you have any concerns about the risks?

Of course, it's a matter of eyesight and a residual risk remains. During my research, I came across downright horror stories in forums from those affected who are still struggling with dry eyes years later. However, in such forums, it is mainly those who have not had an optimal outcome who speak up. Overall, the chances of a good end result are very high and that's why I decided to go for it.