What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery covers the procedures that correct focusing errors — short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia — to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. It works by reshaping the cornea with a laser or by implanting a lens inside the eye.
Available techniques
Excimer laser: LASIK and PRK
The best-known techniques. The laser reshapes the curvature of the cornea with micrometre precision. LASIK is the most common option thanks to its fast recovery; PRK is preferable for thin corneas or certain professions. The choice is always made after the assessment.
Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL)
For very high prescriptions or corneas that are not suitable for laser, a lens can be implanted between the iris and the natural lens, which is preserved. It is a reversible and very precise technique in selected cases.
Refractive lens exchange
From around 50–55 years of age, or when an early cataract is already present, it can make sense to replace the natural lens with a premium intraocular lens that corrects both the prescription and presbyopia at the same time.
Am I a good candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for refractive surgery, and this is something I am firm about. Some conditions for considering surgery:
- Minimum age of 21, with a stable prescription for at least a year.
- A cornea of suitable thickness and shape (keratometry and pachymetry within safe ranges).
- No active eye disease (severe dry eye, keratoconus, uncontrolled glaucoma, etc.).
- Compatible general health.
Pre-operative assessment
The assessment includes, among other tests:
- Corneal topography and tomography (a map of the cornea).
- Pachymetry (corneal thickness).
- Refraction with and without cycloplegic drops.
- Tear film assessment.
- Dilated fundus examination to rule out retinal disease.
- Biometry if lens surgery is being considered.
Recovery
With LASIK, visual recovery takes hours to days. With PRK, there is about a week of discomfort and a few weeks until vision is stable. With phakic lenses or lens exchange, a few days. There is always a schedule of check-ups (24 h, one week, one month, 3 and 6 months) and post-operative eye drops.
Presbyopia surgery
Presbyopia ("ageing eyes") appears from 40–45 years of age and limits near vision. There are several ways to correct it: multifocal or trifocal intraocular lenses, extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, laser monovision, etc. The choice depends on your lifestyle, profession and expectations.
Coming from abroad
Before you book a trip, an online consultation lets us look at your current prescription and any previous corneal scans, explain which techniques could suit you and plan the visit. The final decision is always taken after the full assessment in Santander: if the tests show that surgery is not safe for you, I will tell you honestly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the surgery hurt?
It is performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and is painless. For the first few hours there may be mild discomfort, a gritty feeling and watering.
How much does laser eye surgery cost in Spain?
The price depends on the technique and, if applicable, the lens chosen. You always receive a written quote with all options before making any decision. See the prices page.
Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before the assessment?
Yes. Soft lenses should be removed at least 3–7 days before the assessment, and rigid gas-permeable lenses 2–3 weeks before, so they do not distort the measurements.
How long should I stay in Santander?
It depends on the technique. The exact plan — assessment, surgery and check-ups — is agreed with you in advance so you can book your travel with confidence.