Nearsightedness or myopia, is a certain form of optical ametropia in the human eye. Those who affected can see clearly at close range. However, they can only perceive far objects only blurred. Depending how severe is ametropia, this can result in considerable visual impairment in everyday life.
Myopia occurs when the eye’s shape causes light rays to focus in front of the retina, rather than directly on it. This can be due to the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature. The result is clear vision for objects up close but distant objects, such as road signs or a presentation screen, appear fuzzy and out of focus. This common refractive error is not a disease, but a structural imperfection that affects how the eye processes light. Understanding this is the first step toward exploring effective treatment methods, such as laser eye surgery.
Myopic patients (nearsightedness) generally have clear near vision but experience blurred distance vision. Conversely, hyperopic patients (farsightedness) can often see distant objects clearly, though their near-point vision tends to diminish over time. Hyperopia (farsightedness) is caused by a mismatch between the axial length of the eye and its refractive power. Consequently, the relaxed eye fails to focus images on the retina, focusing them behind it instead. Hyperopia is frequently associated with symptoms such as headaches, ocular soreness, and easy fatigability.
The diagnosis of nearsightedness (myopia) is carried out as part of an eye examination at EuroEyes. The ophthalmologist determines the exact degree of ametropia with the help of refraction measurements, which determine the refractive power of the eye. The measurement result provides the value of the refractive index that a lens must have to correct myopia. After the detailed and personal consultation, the preliminary examination will determine how severe the ametropia is and which procedure you are suitable for.
If you suffer from nearsightedness and you would like to get a treatment that corrects your ametropia, we may recommend lasering myopia for you. Today, laser technology is a modern treatment method that has already been successfully used for this purpose around the world. It is valued not only by patients who wish correction of their ametropia, but also by those who find wearing contact lenses or glasses uncomfortable. Glasses and contact lenses can also prove to be a hindrance in certain professional activities or in sports.
SMILE Pro is the latest treatment method in laser eye surgery, offering a minimally invasive solution for vision correction. SMILE Pro uses femtosecond laser technology to reshape the cornea through a tiny incision, ensuring faster recovery times and minimal discomfort. SMILE Pro is good for correcting myopia and astigmatism, delivering results with enhanced safety and accuracy.
LASIK is one of the most popular and effective laser eye surgery treatments, known for its precision and quick recovery. Using excimer laser technology, LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure involves creating a thin corneal flap, which allows for rapid healing and minimal discomfort.
ICL provides an good alternative treatment for near-sighted patients with a dioptre higher than -8 and for farsighted patients with a dioptre higher than +3 – even if the refractive error is combined with astigmatism.
Presbyond LBV is a laser eye surgery specifically designed to address presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. This laser surgery blends refractive corrections with a unique depth-of-focus approach, enabling seamless vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. By creating a tailored solution for your visual needs, Presbyond LBV helps reduce dependence on reading glasses, allowing you to enjoy a more natural visual experience.
Millions of people look at a screen every day in Hong Kong, regardless of whether it is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Constantly focusing on screens has a negative impact on the eye, since the person concerned is in close-up mode. The healthy balance, the view into the distance, is missing in most cases. The eyes rarely have the opportunity to “recover”. Due to the constant focus on the screens of cell phones or tablets, the eyeball elongates and the focus of vision shifts. While in a case of “healthy” eye vision the light rays are focused exactly on the retina, however in case of myopia – in front of the retina. The result is increasing myopia. As long as the eye is still growing, we recommend that children and teenagers exercise for at least one hour in daylight.
Choosing the right myopia treatment method can feel overwhelming, especially when each procedure has its own strengths, recovery profile and ideal patient type. To make things clearer, we’ve created a simple visual comparison that shows how SMILE Pro, Femto-LASIK, ICL and Presbyond LBV perform where it matters most: comfort, recovery, night vision, dry eye suitability and overall visual outcomes. This quick guide helps you understand your options at a glance, so you can walk into your consultation feeling informed and confident.
Patients visiting our Hong Kong eye center to seek for laser eye surgery often ask about the difference between SMILE Pro and LASIK. Both are laser eye surgery options, but they work differently.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) Pro is the latest technology for laser eye correction. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap. The laser creates a thin, lens-shaped disc of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny keyhole incision. This makes SMILE Pro a minimally invasive laser eye surgery. Because there is no flap, the cornea retains more of its structural integrity. For Hong Kong laser eye surgery patients who lead active lifestyles, play contact sports, or work in professions where eye trauma is a risk, SMILE Pro is a good laser eye surgery option.
When you consult with us for laser eye surgery, we use diagnostic scans to determine which method suits your corneal thickness and lifestyle.
A common misunderstanding we frequently encounter is that laser eye surgery is a procedure reserved only for young people looking to correct myopia or astigmatism. As we reach our 40s and beyond, virtually everyone begins to experience the frustrating effects of presbyopia. Suddenly, reading a menu, checking a text message, or seeing a price tag requires holding it at arm’s length. This is presbyopia, a natural, age-related process where the eye’s internal lens loses its youthful flexibility, making it difficult to focus on near objects.
For years, the only solutions were reading glasses or bifocals. At our eye clinic in Hong Kong, we offer the solution for presbyopia: Presbyond Laser Blended Vision (LBV). This laser eye surgery technique is specifically designed to counteract the effects of presbyopia, providing a seamless range of vision. Presbyond LBV is a highly sophisticated and customized procedure. It subtly adjusts the focus of each eye: your dominant eye is fine-tuned for distance vision, while your non-dominant eye is adjusted to focus on near and intermediate tasks, like using a computer or smartphone. The true genius of Presbyond LBV lies in the “blend zone” created between the two eyes. Unlike traditional, cruder “monovision” techniques that could feel jarring, this method creates a smooth transition between focal points. Your brain then neuro-adapts, automatically merging the two images into a single, clear, and continuous visual field. The result is a remarkable depth of focus that allows you to see clearly at all distances without conscious effort. This liberates you from the constant frustration of searching for your reading glasses or the limitations of bifocals. If you are over 40 and investigating the laser eye surgery, it is crucial to ask about Presbyond LBV.
Embarking on a laser eye surgery journey can be nerve-wracking. Here is what you can expect when you choose EuroEyes Hong Kong for your laser eye surgery experience.
Your laser eye surgery journey begins with a detailed eye exam. This is not a standard optician’s check-up. We use the Pentacam and other mapping tools to analyze the topography of your cornea. This data is crucial for planning your laser eye surgery. We also discuss the laser eye surgery price and financing options during this stage, ensuring you have all the information needed.
On the day of your laser eye surgery, you will spend roughly two hours at our clinic, though the procedure itself takes only minutes. We use numbing drops, so the laser eye surgery is virtually painless. Whether you are having SMILE Pro or LASIK, our team guides you through every second. Our Hong Kong eye center staff are fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring clear communication.
Following your laser eye surgery, we provide a comprehensive aftercare plan. This includes detailed recovery guidelines, necessary eye drops, and a series of scheduled follow-up appointments—typically at one day, one week, and one month post-surgery. These visits are included in our surgery package price, so there are no additional costs. These check-ups are vital for monitoring your recovery progress and ensuring long-term visual stability.
As EuroEyes is a global ophthalmic group, we can also accommodate your travel needs. For patients who undergo surgery at the EuroEyes Hong Kong Eye Clinic, we can arrange follow-up care across our global network. Whether in Mainland China or throughout Europe—including Germany, Denmark, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—we can coordinate your post-operative care at any local EuroEyes center.
Hong Kong is one of the regions with the highest incidence of myopia in the world
Myopia prevalence among children: Studies have shown that the myopia rate among 12-year-old children in Hong Kong exceeds 80%, which is strikingly higher compared to Western countries
Trend of early onset:Myopia is not only widespread but also occurring at increasingly younger ages. The earlier a child develops myopia, the faster the degree of progression usually is, ultimately leading to higher severity and more serious vision problems
High myopia： Currently, a significant proportion of the population (including younger age groups) has already reached the level of high myopia (typically defined as -6.00 diopters or higher)
This alarming trend in Hong Kong is closely linked to modern lifestyles. The combination of intense academic pressure, prolonged hours spent on digital devices for work and leisure, and a corresponding decrease in time spent outdoors has created a perfect storm for myopia development. The “near-work” hypothesis suggests that sustained focus on close objects strains the eyes, encouraging the eyeball to elongate over time. For many professionals and students in our vibrant city, this has made clear distance vision a daily challenge, driving a significant demand for reliable and permanent solutions like laser eye correction in Hong Kong. This is why exploring laser eye options has become a priority for so many.
Living in Hong Kong presents unique challenges for glasses and contact lens wearers, making laser eye surgery a highly attractive option in Hong Kong.
Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the eye grows too long, preventing light from focusing correctly on the retina. This leads to blurry distance vision while near objects remain clear. In Hong Kong, increased screen time, digital work lifestyles, and reduced outdoor activity have contributed to a rise in myopia, especially among younger generations.
Yes, laser eye surgery (such as SMILE, LASIK, and PRK) can eshape the cornea to correct myopia. The procedure depends on factors like age, prescription strength, and corneal thickness.
If you have high myopia, laser surgery may not be the best option. Instead, Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) could provide a long-term solution.
Modern myopia treatments, including laser eye surgery and lens-based surgeries, are safe, with success rates above 98%. Potential side effects, such as dry eyes or night glare, are usually temporary.
In most cases, laser surgery provides correction, but myopia can continue to progress if surgery is performed too early (before vision stabilises). This is why we recommend waiting until your prescription has remained stable for at least two years before undergoing surgery.
A minimum age of 18 years is required for laser eye treatment.
Your values should be stable for about one year before laser eye treatment. If in doubt, come to us and we will check your visual acuity conscientiously.
As a rule, the day after the procedure you can already see 80-90% of what you could see before with your visual aids and within 3 days you will have full visual acuity.
EuroEyes pays the utmost attention to maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene, as a result, the rate of complications during laser vision correction is extremely low. Real complications are extremely rare. In order to achieve an optimal healing process, it is very important that patients conscientiously keep their follow-up appointments. It is also essential to follow the drop schedule and the instructions given to the patient by the staff for the time after the treatment. The side effects that can occur during laser vision correction are usually short-term and harmless and treatable until full recovery.
About two weeks after laser eye treatment, endurance sports are possible again without restrictions. Eye make-up, swimming or sauna are recommended in moderation, after about three to four weeks.
