Can I get flap-free, touch-free laser eye surgery at VSON Laser Vision Specialists?

If you’ve been thinking about laser eye surgery but feel unsure about having a flap cut in your eye or worry about instruments touching the surface, you’re not alone. Many people are searching for a treatment that offers vision correction with less physical contact and fewer steps.

At VSON Laser Vision Specialists, we understand these concerns. That’s why we offer a form of laser vision correction known as TransPRK (also called SmartSurface), which is both flap-free and touch-free. This type of procedure is designed with patient comfort and safety in mind and for many, it’s an ideal solution.

Let’s break down what this means, how it works, and whether it might be suitable for you.

What does “flap-free and touch-free” mean?

Traditional LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the surface of your eye. This flap is lifted so the laser can reshape the cornea underneath. While LASIK is very safe and effective, not everyone feels comfortable with the idea of a flap.

TransPRK is different. There’s no flap at all. And no instruments touch your eye directly.

Instead, the laser removes the surface layer of cells (called the epithelium) and reshapes the cornea, all in one step. The treatment is done entirely by the laser. There are no blades. No suction. No cutting.

Why does this matter?

For some people, especially those with thinner corneas or active lifestyles, a flap-free approach is preferred. Without a flap, there’s no risk of flap-related complications and no need to worry about dislodging the flap during recovery.

A touch-free procedure also means the surface of your eye isn’t handled manually during treatment. This may help reduce anxiety for those who are nervous about eye procedures.

Is flap-free, touch-free laser eye surgery safe?

Yes. TransPRK has been used for over 20 years and continues to evolve with modern technology. It’s widely recognised as a safe and effective method of vision correction for suitable patients.

At VSON, we use the latest excimer laser technology to perform this procedure. Every patient undergoes a detailed pre-treatment assessment to make sure the procedure is right for them.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks. But these are rare when care is taken in patient selection and the treatment is delivered by experienced professionals. Your safety is our top priority.

What is recovery like after TransPRK?

Because the outer layer of the eye is gently removed during treatment, it takes a few days to grow back. This means the initial healing phase is a bit longer than with LASIK.

You may experience:

• Mild discomfort for 3–5 days
• Blurry vision for the first week
• Gradual improvement in vision over the following weeks.

We provide protective contact lenses to help the surface heal, along with eye drops and aftercare instructions. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

How long does it take to see results?

Most people notice significant improvement in the first 1–2 weeks. For some, it may take a little longer to achieve their final vision result, often around one to three months.

The good news? Once healing is complete, the results are comparable to LASIK. Many patients enjoy clear, glasses-free vision and feel they’ve made a positive choice that fits their lifestyle.

Who is a good candidate for flap-free, touch-free laser eye surgery?

You may be suitable for TransPRK if:

• You have a thinner cornea
• You lead a very active lifestyle
• You want to avoid the risk of flap complications
• You prefer a no-touch approach
• You’ve been told LASIK may not be suitable

But the only way to know for sure is to have a proper assessment. We offer a free suitability test that helps us understand whether this procedure is right for your eyes and your goals.

Why choose VSON Laser Vision Specialists?

At VSON, laser eye surgery isn’t something we take lightly. We specialise in procedures like TransPRK and have a team of highly trained professionals who focus solely on vision correction.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• A careful assessment to determine your suitability
• Individualised treatment plans based on your needs
• Ongoing care from a team who understands your concerns

We use advanced technology, but we never forget the human side of care. Our focus is on helping you feel informed, confident, and supported.

Take the first step today

If you’ve been wondering whether flap-free, touch-free laser eye surgery is right for you, don’t wait. Take our 2-minute suitability self-test and find out whether you might be a candidate.