Refractive Surgery in Fez: LASIK, PRK, SMILE — Price, Eligibility and Procedure

Are you considering refractive surgery in Fez — LASIK, PRK or SMILE — to stop depending on your glasses or contact lenses? This guide answers the questions patients ask us most often at the practice: which technique for which eyes, who can have surgery, how the procedure works, how much it costs and what to know about reimbursement.

LASIK, PRK, SMILE: what are we talking about?

Refractive surgery brings together the laser techniques that reshape the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The goal: to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The three main techniques:

• LASIK : the most performed technique in the world. A corneal flap is lifted, the laser reshapes the cornea, the flap is repositioned. Very fast visual recovery: vision is generally clear by the next day.
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) : the laser is applied to the surface of the cornea, without a flap. It is the preferred technique for thinner corneas and certain patient profiles. Recovery is more gradual (a few days), for a comparable final result.
• SMILE : a more recent technique, without a flap, by micro-incision. Its suitability depends on the type and degree of correction.

Which technique for your eyes? You don’t choose, your corneas do: it is the preoperative work-up (corneal topography, corneal thickness, complete examination) that determines the safest and most effective technique for your case.

Who can have surgery? (and who can’t)

Refractive surgery is generally for people who:

• are over 18 (ideally 21 and over);
• have a stable prescription for at least 1 year ;
• have a sufficiently thick and regular cornea ;
• have no progressive eye disease (keratoconus, uncontrolled glaucoma, severe dryness…).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are temporary contraindications. And if LASIK is not indicated for your eyes, PRK or another technique often can be: only a complete work-up can tell.

How does the procedure work?

1. The preoperative work-up : a thorough examination (about 1 hour) to confirm your eligibility and choose the technique.
2. The day of the procedure : the operation is done under local anesthesia with drops, without a hospital stay. The laser treatment lasts a few tens of seconds per eye; allow about 15 to 20 minutes in total for both eyes. You leave the same day, accompanied.
3. Recovery : after LASIK, discomfort (gritty sensation, watering) is usual in the first few hours and vision improves by the next day. After PRK, the discomfort lasts 2 to 4 days and vision stabilizes gradually over a few days to a few weeks. In both cases, eye-drop treatment is prescribed and check-up visits are scheduled.

When can you return to normal life?

• Screen work : generally within 24 to 72 hours for LASIK, a few days for PRK.
• Driving : as soon as vision is deemed sufficient at the check-up.
• Sport : gradual resumption; avoid swimming and contact sports for several weeks.
• Eye makeup : to be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks.

How much does refractive surgery cost in Morocco?

It is the most common question — and it is normal to want a clear answer. As an indication, for both eyes:

• PRK: 10,000 to 12,000 dirhams
• LASIK: 16,000 to 20,000 dirhams

The exact fee is confirmed after the preoperative work-up, as it depends on the technique suited to your eyes and your correction.

As for reimbursement: refractive surgery is most often considered by insurers as elective surgery, so it is generally little or not reimbursed by AMO. Some complementary and private insurers contribute in part: ask your insurer about its conditions — the practice gives you all the documents needed for your file.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

The final visual result is comparable. The difference is in the method (with or without a corneal flap) and the recovery: almost immediate for LASIK, gradual over a few days for PRK. PRK is often preferred for thin corneas.

Does it hurt?

The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthetic drops. Temporary discomfort is usual: a few hours after LASIK, 2 to 4 days after PRK.

Are both eyes operated on the same day?

Yes, in the great majority of cases, both eyes are treated in the same session.

Is the result permanent?

The correction provided is lasting. Vision can, however, change with age, as in anyone: presbyopia, for example, appears naturally after age 40-45.

What happens if I’m not eligible?

Other options (change of technique, implants) can be considered depending on your case. The work-up makes it possible to discuss them together, with no obligation.

Review your case

Each eye is different: the only way to know whether you can benefit from refractive surgery — and which — is a complete work-up at the practice. Dr Oulehri Hassan’s practice is located at 1 Rue Abdelkrim Benjelloun, Espace Marina, in Fez.

For any question or appointment request : call 0532-023012, or message us on WhatsApp at 0615-557141 — our reception answers during opening hours.