Frequently asked questions

Answers to help you prepare for discussions with your ophthalmologist.

Refractive surgery

At what age should refractive surgery be considered?

Age alone does not determine eligibility. The preoperative assessment evaluates your prescription, cornea and expectations before discussing a possible procedure.

What does PRK mean?

Photorefractive keratectomy is a surface laser treatment. The epithelium is removed before the laser is applied, then heals. No corneal flap is created.

What does LASIK mean?

LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser beneath a corneal flap, which is then replaced. The assessment allows this technique and its alternatives to be discussed.

Is surgery possible for presbyopia?

It may be considered depending on your assessment and visual needs. It compensates for presbyopia without restoring natural accommodation; glasses may still be necessary.

Will I be free from glasses permanently?

This outcome cannot be guaranteed. Additional correction may still be necessary and vision may change over time. Benefits, limitations and risks are discussed before surgery.

What is presbyLASIK?

This is an adaptation of LASIK treatment to compensate for presbyopia. The compromises between near and distance vision must be assessed with your surgeon.

Further reading: SFO: laser refractive surgery (2026) · CHU de Bordeaux: presbyopia.

Consultation and follow-up

How often should I see an ophthalmologist?

The frequency of follow-up is tailored to your age, medical history, treatments and eye condition. Ask your ophthalmologist when to schedule your next check-up; no single interval suits everyone.

When should a child's vision be checked?

Screening begins during follow-up examinations in the first years of life: attention to vision should not wait until school age. The child's doctor refers to an ophthalmologist if necessary. Strabismus or unusual visual behaviour warrants a medical opinion.

Can an ophthalmologist operate on eyelids?

Some ophthalmologists perform eyelid surgery. The procedure may address a functional problem or a cosmetic concern. The assessment determines the indication, technique and risks; different situations require different procedures.

Further reading: French health insurance (Assurance Maladie): children’s vision · SFO: eyelid surgery.

Cornea

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is thinning and progressive deformation of the cornea that may impair vision. Management depends on the assessment and progression: optical correction, monitoring and, depending on the case, specific treatments.

What are the main types of corneal transplant?

A transplant can replace the full thickness of the cornea or only the affected layers. Partial transplants involve the anterior part or the posterior layer, called the endothelium. The choice depends on the disease and the tissues to be replaced.

What are intracorneal ring segments used for?

These segments placed within the cornea can make its shape more regular in some cases of keratoconus. They are not suitable for every eye and do not necessarily remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Further reading: Reference centre: keratoconus PNDS · CHU de Bordeaux: corneal transplants.

Preparing for your visit

Find practice addresses and ways to contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

Refractive surgery

Consultation and follow-up

Cornea

Preparing for your visit

Our practices

Annecy-Argonay

Faverges

Rumilly

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