CLEAR Laser Eye Surgery with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 | Dr Mark Deist

CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction) is a modern, minimally invasive laser vision-correction procedure that can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses for suitable patients with short-sightedness and astigmatism. Dr Mark Deist performs CLEAR at Sandhurst Eye Centre in Sandton using the advanced Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser platform.

What Is CLEAR Eye Surgery?

CLEAR is a form of lenticule extraction. Rather than creating a corneal flap as in LASIK, the femtosecond laser shapes a small, disc-like layer of tissue—called a lenticule—inside the cornea. The surgeon then removes this lenticule through one or two tiny laser-made incisions, gently reshaping the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina.

CLEAR is designed to correct:

• Myopia (short-sightedness): difficulty seeing distant objects clearly

• Myopic astigmatism: blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea

Published clinical use and Ziemer's CE-marked indications describe correction of myopia from approximately -0.50 to -10.00 dioptres and astigmatism up to -5.00 dioptres, subject to a full individual assessment.

CLEAR With the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8

At Sandhurst Eye Centre, CLEAR is performed with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8, a low-energy femtosecond laser platform designed for precision refractive, therapeutic, and cataract surgery. The Z8 uses a very high repetition rate with very low pulse energy and a liquid interface, supporting precise corneal treatment.

CLEAR planning on the Z8 platform allows the surgeon to tailor important treatment parameters, including incision position and size, cap depth and rim, optical zone, target refraction, and energy settings. This individualised planning helps match the procedure to your corneal anatomy and visual needs.

Why Patients Choose CLEAR

• No corneal flap: CLEAR does not require a LASIK-style flap.

• Tiny incisions: The lenticule is removed through one or two very small incisions.

• Minimally invasive approach: The procedure preserves much of the cornea's natural structure.

• Rapid treatment: Ziemer states that the laser portion may take 30 seconds or less, with the overall procedure commonly taking about 10-15 minutes.

• Fast visual recovery: Many patients have very good vision within one to two days, with stabilisation often within about a week.

• Precision technology: The Z8's low-energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser is designed for accurate lenticule creation and removal.
  

Is CLEAR Right for You?

CLEAR may be suitable if you are an adult with a stable prescription, adequate corneal thickness, healthy corneas, and realistic expectations about laser vision correction. Because CLEAR is particularly used for myopia and astigmatism, it may appeal to patients who want a flapless alternative to LASIK.

A comprehensive assessment with Dr Mark Deist is essential. Suitability depends on your refraction, corneal shape and thickness, pupil size, tear film, eye health, previous surgery, general health, and lifestyle requirements.

CLEAR may not be appropriate if you have an unstable prescription, keratoconus or an irregular cornea, very thin corneas, corneal scarring, significant dry eye, active eye disease or infection, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, pregnancy-related prescription changes, or other risk factors identified during assessment.

What Happens on Treatment Day?

CLEAR is performed under topical anaesthetic drops, so you remain awake but comfortable. You may feel brief pressure when the eye is stabilised, and you may notice changes in your vision or hear the laser during treatment.

1. Preparation and numbing: Anaesthetic drops are applied, and the eye is carefully positioned and centred.

2. Laser lenticule creation: The Ziemer Z8 creates the personalised lenticule within the cornea and makes the small access incision or incisions.

3. Lenticule removal: Dr Deist gently separates and removes the lenticule through the tiny incision.

4. Immediate post-operative checks: The eye is examined, protective measures are explained, and eye drops are prescribed.
   

Most patients can go home shortly after the procedure, although you will need someone to accompany you and should not drive yourself on the day of surgery.

Recovery After CLEAR

Vision often improves quickly, and Ziemer notes that many patients experience good visual acuity within one or two days, with stabilisation commonly within a week. Individual healing can vary.

To support safe healing:

• Use all prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops exactly as directed

• Do not rub or press on your eyes

• Attend your scheduled post-operative reviews

• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and dusty environments until advised

• Avoid eye makeup and contact-lens wear until cleared

• Wear protective eyewear as recommended, particularly during sleep and sport

• Follow Dr Deist's guidance before returning to driving, work, gym, and contact sports
  

Temporary dryness, light sensitivity, glare, halos, or fluctuating vision can occur during recovery. These symptoms usually settle as the eye heals, but they should always be discussed at your follow-up visit.

CLEAR vs Femto-LASIK

Feature	CLEAR	Femto-LASIK
Corneal access	No flap; lenticule removed through tiny incision(s)	Thin laser-created flap is lifted
Main correction	Myopia and myopic astigmatism	Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
Surgical approach	Lenticule extraction	Excimer laser reshaping beneath a flap
Recovery	Often rapid, with good vision commonly within 1-2 days	Often rapid, with vision improving within the first day
Best suited to	Selected myopic/astigmatic patients with suitable corneas	Selected patients requiring a broader range of refractive correction

Neither procedure is universally "better." The safest option depends on your corneal structure, prescription, dry-eye profile, healing risk, and visual goals.

Why Choose Dr Mark Deist?

Dr Mark Deist offers personalised laser vision correction at Sandhurst Eye Centre, 53 Saxon Road, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196. Your CLEAR assessment includes detailed corneal imaging, refraction, tear-film assessment, and a discussion of whether CLEAR, Femto-LASIK, PRK, or another vision-correction option is safest for your eyes.

Contact Dr Mark Deist

• Phone: 011 217 7520

• Email: deist@icon.co.za

• Website: www.drmarkdeist.com

• Address: Sandhurst Eye Centre, 53 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196
  

Book a CLEAR Assessment in Sandton

If you are short-sighted or have astigmatism and want to explore flapless laser vision correction, book a CLEAR assessment with Dr Mark Deist. We will determine whether CLEAR with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 is suitable for your eyes and explain the expected results, recovery, and alternatives.

This article is intended for general patient education and does not replace a comprehensive eye examination or individual surgical advice.