Excimer Laser Eye Surgeries
Femto-LASIK: A New Approach to Laser Vision Correction
The S.V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center has 13 years of experience in laser vision correction. Since 2002, over 6,000 laser procedures (PRK, LASIK) have been performed at the Center.
In 2010, Dr. Elena Malayan, Head of the Diagnostic and Laser Treatment Department, was the first in Armenia to perform LASIK vision correction. LASIK is a relatively new refractive surgery technique, known for its high effectiveness and favorable recovery. In March 2014, the Center introduced the advanced Femto-LASIK method, particularly beneficial for patients with thin corneas or complex refractive errors.
Thanks to Femto-LASIK, it also became possible to correct astigmatism in keratoconus patients using intrastromal corneal rings. This method retains all the advantages of traditional LASIK while offering major improvements. Unlike standard LASIK, Femto-LASIK uses a laser beam—not a mechanical blade—to create the corneal flap. The FS200 WaveLight femtosecond laser creates an ultra-thin flap within seconds, with precise control over thickness, diameter, and positioning.
Unlike other models, this laser allows highly accurate focusing at any corneal depth. It also requires the shortest flap creation time of any femtosecond laser on the market. The FS200 is integrated with the Center’s excimer laser, forming a unified system. Its sharp-angled flap edges promote faster healing and fewer complications.
The absence of mechanical impact is a key benefit, significantly reducing surgical risks and post-op complications.
Femto-LASIK Benefits:
High effectiveness with minimal side effects and fast recovery
Patient comfort during the procedure with no blackout or vision loss
Rapid visual recovery, with no incisions during flap creation
Correction for patients with thin corneas
Clear vision in low light conditions (twilight, night, rain, fog)
Surgeons at the Center follow global advancements and regularly adopt new treatments to help more patients achieve excellent vision. The Center continues to lead in treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism with cutting-edge techniques.
Femto-LASIK is speed, reliability, precision — and the future of laser vision correction.
Dr. Elena Malayan shared insights about the newly introduced laser system in an interview:
Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism Treatment via LASIK
Initial full eye evaluations are completed in one day using the latest equipment from ALCON, operated by highly qualified specialists. This device is unique in Armenia and was manufactured in 2011.
In 2011, Dr. Elena Malayan performed Armenia’s first LASIK procedure with this system. Hundreds of patients have since been successfully treated, with up to 100% visual correction achieved.
LASIK is the most common procedure for myopia correction, but it’s also highly effective for astigmatism and hyperopia. As the most advanced vision correction method, LASIK combines microsurgery with excimer laser technology. It’s the most tissue-sparing and effective method, preserving the corneal layer structure. It has virtually no limitations for correcting all degrees of refractive errors and astigmatism.
Why is LASIK so popular?
Return to work and normal life the next day
Extremely short recovery time — vision often improves within hours
No damage to corneal surface layers
Local anesthesia via drops, well tolerated by patients
Painless post-op period
No corneal haze after surgery
High safety standards using next-generation laser equipment
FAQ
– First and foremost, it is important to organize your workday properly. This is especially relevant for people who spend the whole day writing, reading, or working at a computer. Whether or not a person has eye problems, it is not recommended to sit in front of a screen for hours—eyes need rest. Reading in poor lighting conditions should be avoided. Regular preventive eye examinations are also advised.
– Young people, in particular, have become more conscious of their health and appearance. Previously, people with good vision would visit an ophthalmologist only in rare cases of minor discomfort. Today, such visits are significantly more frequent. Public awareness of healthcare has increased, and there is a growing number of patients with myopia and hyperopia, as life has become more intense—for example, due to the rise in computer users and drivers.
– Yes, this is definitely arranged. Last year, I underwent advanced training at the Excimer Clinic in Moscow and at the Gem Golts Ophthalmology Center. Our specialists are continuously trained; otherwise, the new equipment cannot operate at its full potential.
– We have a significant number of patients from abroad, mainly Armenians living overseas. Similar surgery is much more expensive abroad.
– Not only in laser surgeries but in ophthalmology overall, Armenia is on par with international advancements. Today, there is no surgery that we cannot perform. The laser field, as you noticed, is developing at a very rapid pace. It is an extremely precise procedure—perhaps the only one where we can accurately predict a patient’s vision after the surgery. I would also add that complications during laser surgery have been reduced to zero. Thanks to its many advantages, it has gained worldwide recognition. The number of patients in Armenia is increasing day by day. Many, many people want to get rid of wearing glasses.
– Laser correction is performed for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In the near future, the new device will also allow us to perform surgery for keratoconus. This condition is common among older adults and is quite prevalent in Armenia. Previously, patients with this diagnosis were not allowed to undergo laser surgery, but thanks to the new device, it is now possible.
– We have been performing surgeries with this device for about two months, while, in general, we have been conducting laser surgeries since 2006. In both cases, the postoperative period proceeds similarly; the new device is unique medically and also helps prevent future risks.