15 Questions About Flow3 Laser Eye Surgery

15 Questions About Flow3 Laser Eye Surgery

Considering laser eye surgery but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Every week, our team at KSA Silmakeskus answers the same thoughtful questions from patients weighing up their options.

We've pulled together the 15 most common questions about Flow3 procedure — what it actually involves, what recovery looks like, and why our own clinical team chose it for their own eyes.

By the end of this article, you'll have a clear picture of whether Flow3 is right for you.

1. What exactly is Flow3?

Flow3 is a flapless surface laser procedure. There's no cut, no flap — just precise laser reshaping of your cornea using the SCHWIND Amaris 1050RS, one of the world's most advanced excimer lasers. It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, letting you ditch glasses and contact lenses for good.

2. Who can have Flow3?

You're a candidate if:

• You're between 18 and 45 years old
• Your prescription has been stable for at least one year
• Your eyes are otherwise healthy
• You genuinely want to be free of glasses or contacts

A thorough eye examination and consultation at our Tallinn clinic will confirm whether Flow3 is your best option.

3. Does it hurt?

No. We use advanced numbing eye drops, so you won't feel pain. The strangest sensation most patients report? A cool drop of liquid running down the cheek. That's honestly the most uncomfortable part.

4. How long does the procedure take?

The laser itself runs for just 20–30 seconds per eye. The entire procedure — from prep to finish — takes about 10–15 minutes. You'll be in the clinic for roughly an hour total. We use that time to verify your correction, let you pick out sunglasses, and if you'd like, offer you tea, coffee, or a smoothie.

5. Will my vision be perfect straight away?

Not immediately. Your vision will be slightly blurry at first, which is why we ask you not to drive that day. Within a few days to a week, most patients reach the same sharpness they had with glasses. Full 20/20 vision develops gradually as your cornea settles and heals.

6. How long is the recovery?

Most people see real improvement by day three. Full recovery — meaning when you can stop using prescribed drops — usually takes about seven days. During this time, avoid bright sunlight, swimming, and heavy exercise.

7. Can I go back to work tomorrow?

Not at screens. We recommend avoiding computers and phones for the first 3–4 days, though many patients prefer a full week off. Our advice: take the time. Rest. Spend time outside. Fresh air genuinely helps your eyes heal faster.

8. When can I exercise?

Gentle activity — walking, stretching, easy yoga — is fine a few days after your procedure. Once your protective contact lenses come out (usually around day 7), you're cleared for all normal exercise, including sports. This is where Flow3 really shines compared to traditional LASIK: because there's no flap, your eye is structurally stronger. Your cornea is more resilient for contact sports, swimming, and intense training.

9. How long before I can swim?

Wait at least a week. After that, you're free to swim, though many patients prefer to give it another few days just to feel completely confident. No special precautions needed after full healing.

10. Will my eyes feel dry after Flow3?

Dryness is rare with Flow3. Because we don't create a flap, the corneal nerves heal more completely and tear production returns to normal faster. Some patients experience mild dryness in the first week — easily managed with the drops we prescribe.

11. What if I need reading glasses later?

Flow3 corrects distance vision. If you're over 45 and develop presbyopia (age-related difficulty reading up close), reading glasses will help — just like they do for everyone else eventually. Many patients over 40 choose monovision correction during their procedure, where one eye is set slightly for near vision.

12. Can both eyes be done on the same day?

Yes. Most patients have both eyes treated in the same appointment. You'll have fantastic depth perception restored immediately.

13. What if my prescription was wrong and I need a touch-up?

It happens rarely, but if your vision doesn't reach the target we discussed, a simple enhancement procedure can be done. We include one free touch-up in our pricing.

14. What if I'm not suitable for Flow3?

If your corneas are too thin, your prescription too high, or you have certain eye conditions, you may be better suited for ICB lens replacement — where we replace your natural lens with a precision-crafted artificial one. It's not "second choice." For the right candidate, it's sometimes the smarter solution. That's what our consultation is for.

15. Why should I trust KSA?

We've performed over 55,000 procedures. Dr. Ants Haavel, our founder and lead surgeon, has 20+ years of experience. And here's what matters most: our entire clinical team chose Flow3 for their own eyes. That's not marketing. That's genuine confidence.

We're based in Tallinn and serve patients from Estonia, Russia, and across Europe.

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Still have questions? Book a free consultation. No pressure. Just honest advice about what will work best for your eyes.