Laser vision correction with cutting-edge technology
Touch Free PRK treatment - a modern, contact-free vision correction solution
Touch Free PRK is the most modern version of PRK: the upper layer of the cornea is also removed by a laser, making the procedure completely touch-free. This provides a more comfortable, gentle experience and is an ideal solution even for thin corneas.
100% contactless process
Shorter recovery time than classic PRK
10 year retreatment guarantee
Who is the Touch Free PRK treatment recommended for?
Touch Free PRK is ideal for those who want to enjoy everyday life without glasses or contact lenses and who value a gentle, touch-free procedure.
We recommend it if:
- Turned 18
- Myopia between -1 and -12 diopters
- Struggling with astigmatism between +4 and -4 diopters
- There has been no change in visual acuity in the past year.
- Your eyes can no longer tolerate wearing contact lenses.
- You want to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses
When is Touch Free PRK surgery not recommended?
For safety reasons, Touch Free PRK may not be a suitable solution. In such cases, our doctors will recommend another treatment.
Most common reasons for exclusion:
- Some autoimmune diseases
- Certain wound healing problems
- Severe blurred vision
- Presence of cataracts
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding period
- Irregularly shaped cornea
- Previous herpes infection of the eye
- Severe dry eye problem
- He only wears reading glasses.
If you are unsure whether you are suitable for Touch Free PRK treatment, a detailed eye examination will provide a definitive answer. In case of exclusion, our doctors will recommend another safe solution, such as: ICL artificial lens implantation.
Process
This is how the Touch Free PRK laser vision correction treatment works step by step
Every step of Touch Free PRK is pre-planned and safe. We walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect.
At the first appointment, a detailed, gentle examination will be performed to ensure that we offer you the best solution. Our clinic is located on Bécsi út, where we welcome you in a discreet and premium environment.
Period: ≈ 60–90 minutes
More information
The aptitude test will include the following:
- Corneal map (topography)
- Accurate measurement of diopters, cylinder and corneal thickness
- Tear film and pupil examination
- Slit-lamp anterior segment and fundus examination
- Medical consultation
Practical information:
- It is recommended to remove soft contact lenses 3 days before the examination, and hard lenses 3 weeks before.
- Blurred vision may occur for 2–3 hours after mydriasis, so do not drive.
- Bring your previous ophthalmological findings with you.
The surgery is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist using local anesthetic eye drops. The difference compared to classic PRK is that the removal of the epidermis is also performed by a laser, so the entire process is contact-free.
Period: ≈ 15–20 minutes for both eyes
More information
Steps in brief:
- Preparation, disinfection, application of an eyelid splint.
- Activate eye tracking; the system tracks even the slightest eye movement.
- Non-contact epilation with laser.
- Excimer laser correction (average ~1.4 sec/diopter).
- Short rest, observation, then return home with an escort.
Please note this:
- Do not use makeup, perfume, or hair products containing alcohol 3–4 days before surgery.
- Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before and 48 hours after surgery.
- Bring UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Arrange for transportation home.
Touch Free PRK is a gentler version of PRK, so recovery is usually shorter and more comfortable. Vision improvement is felt more quickly, but full stabilization may take a few weeks.
Period: ≈ 24-72 hours
More information
The first 24–72 hours:
- Mild tearing, sensitivity to light, and a foreign body sensation may occur – these are normal.
- Rest with your eyes closed for the first few hours after surgery.
- Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as prescribed.
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Avoid the screen or use it only for short periods, with artificial light.
Return to daily routine::
- Work: for office work usually after 1 week.
- Management: 2 weeks after surgery
- Sports: light exercise after 1 week, swimming and sauna after about 2 weeks.
- Eye makeup: usually after 3 weeks.
You can count on our team even after the surgery! We will monitor the healing process with check-ups.
Period: ≈ 1-3 months
More information
Mandatory controls:
- 72-hour control: We check the beginning of healing in the first few days.
- 1 month: monitoring the development of vision.
- 3 months: checking the stabilization of visual acuity.
- 6 months: long-term outcome, final examination.
Follow-up:
Dry eyes, light sensitivity or slight blurring may occur temporarily, but are well managed. The result gradually stabilizes, usually in a few weeks.
All of this is guaranteed by Saint James with a 10-year retreatment guarantee.
Results
What results can you expect after Touch Free PRK?
Touch Free PRK offers a more comfortable experience due to the no-touch nature, and most patients see significant improvement within a few days. Long-term results are just as durable as with classic PRK.
Touch Free PRK combines the safety of PRK with the convenience of touch-free technology.
Touch Free PRK laser eye surgery is one of the safest technologies worldwide, providing a more comfortable experience due to its touch-free nature, and most patients experience significant improvement within a few days.
- Long-lasting, stable vision improvement
- Gentle, touch-free procedure
- Shorter recovery time
- 10 year retreatment guarantee
I was able to go back to work the next day and I can see more clearly than ever. I don't even know why I waited so long to have the surgery.
— Our patient's feedback —
Reviews
Our patients' opinions about the Touch Free PRK laser vision correction procedure
The greatest comfort is often not in the numbers, but in the experiences of other patients. Learn their stories and hear how clear vision has changed their everyday lives.
"It's worth it financially in every way, it pays for itself in 3-4 years, but the comfort it provides is worth five times as much!"
The story of Ádám Kiss's Touch Free PRK laser vision correction, honestly, from the first examination to the experience of seeing without glasses.
At Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center, not only technology but also care is top-notch. Our doctors and the entire team work every step of the way to ensure you enjoy clear vision safely and with satisfaction.
Contactless treatment
How does the Touch Free PRK treatment work?
During Touch Free PRK, the upper layer of the cornea is also removed by a laser, making the entire process touch-free. The excimer laser then corrects the refractive error in a completely personalized way, based on the individual eye's own data. The procedure is completely safe and precise, providing stable results in the long term.
Touch Free PRK is especially recommended for those who are looking for the most modern, touch-free procedure, even for thin corneas.
The guarantee of insight
Unique 10-year retreatment guarantee
At Saint James Clinic, we are the first in Hungary to offer a 10-year re-treatment guarantee for our laser eye surgeries. If your vision is worse than expected after surgery or deteriorates in the following years, we will perform the correction free of charge. Our more than 15 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful surgeries are the guarantee that you will see clearly in the long term.
Focus on safety
Safety and potential risks
Touch Free PRK is a globally recognized, safe and modern procedure. As with all medical procedures, there may be temporary side effects, but most of them are mild and easily manageable.
At Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center, every step is carried out with the strictest safety protocols so that you can begin your treatment with peace of mind.
Occasional, temporary symptoms may include:
- Dry eyes or tearing
- Sensitivity to light, glare at night
- Short-term foreign body sensation
- Slight blurring in the first few days of recovery
What we do for safety:
- Modern diagnostic and laser equipment (FDA and CE approved)
- Experienced ophthalmologists who have performed thousands of surgeries
- Strict hygiene and surgical protocols
- Regular check-ups until full recovery
In Budapest, the WaveLight Refractive Suite, one of the fastest and most modern laser units in the world, is available only at Saint James Clinic. This guarantees precise and safe treatment.
Prices and financing
Transparent treatment prices, without hidden costs
Price of Touch Free PRK treatment:
229,000 HUF / piece
- This price includes the surgery and mandatory check-ups.
Discounts:
- For our rural patients 5000 HUF travel allowance
- With student ID 10,000 HUF extra discount we cover the cost of the surgery
Financing options:
We offer several financing options to make treatment more planable:
Instalment payment
Myear 9 542 HUF / month / eye, with a term of 12 months
- Opening paragraph: 114 500 HUF / piece
- One-time contract fee: 30 000 HUF
Health fund settlement
Available for the full amount
For detailed information, see Instalment payment menu.
About us
Our doctors and team – professional experience, personal care
The Touch Free PRK treatment is performed at Saint James Clinic by experienced ophthalmologists who bring their domestic and international experience to the service of patients. In addition to professional knowledge, personal attention and care are also our core values.
Dr. Kristóf Perényi, chief physician and clinic director
He is an ophthalmologist who graduated from Semmelweis University and acquired the most modern laser techniques through training abroad.
Mission: to provide a safe, natural vision experience for all of its patients.
Security and support throughout the entire process
The key to success is not only the expertise of the doctor, but also the cooperation of the entire team – from assistants to coordinators to colleagues performing follow-up examinations. This is how we ensure that all our patients feel safe and supported at every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Touch Free PRK Surgery
We have collected the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the Touch Free PRK laser vision correction process.
How is Touch Free PRK different from classic PRK?
In classic PRK, the epidermis is removed by a doctor, while Touch Free PRK is completely touch-free: both the epidermis and the refractive error are treated with a laser. This is a gentler, more precise procedure.
Is the surgery painful?
The procedure is completely painless with local anesthetic eye drops. A slight stinging sensation or sensitivity to light may occur in the days following the surgery, but this is temporary.
How long is the recovery time?
Most patients can return to office work after 3–7 days. Vision gradually improves, and full stabilization may take a few weeks.
When can I drive again?
It depends on the individual, but it is usually possible 10-14 days after the surgery.
What control tests are necessary?
Mandatory check-ups: 72 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months. These ensure monitoring of healing and early detection of potential problems.
What side effects can I expect?
Temporary dry eyes, tearing, sensitivity to light, or mild blurred vision may occur. These are easily treated and will resolve within a few weeks.
How long do the results last?
Touch Free PRK is a permanent solution, the diopter remains stable in the long term. At Saint James Clinic, a 10-year re-treatment guarantee ensures safety.
Are there any discounts?
Yes. We provide a travel subsidy of HUF 5,000 for our rural patients, and a HUF 10,000 discount on the price of the surgery for students.
Book an appointment
Take the first step towards insight with us.
The first step of the Touch Free PRK treatment is a detailed, painless suitability assessment. This will give you an accurate answer as to whether the procedure is right for you.
Online appointment booking for the aptitude test
Complete an online aptitude test
We provide the opportunity to complete an online suitability test, during which you can find out which type of treatment is the most ideal choice for you.
The test will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
- 1034 Budapest. Bécsi út 68-84.
- recepcio@stjameshospital.hu
- +36 1 788 2927
Location and approach
Location and access to Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center
Saint James Clinic is located in 1034 Budapest, Vienna Street 68-84. You can find it in an easily accessible location.
Whether you are coming from Budapest or from another part of the country, we welcome you in a discreet and premium environment, in comfortable and relaxed conditions.
Access and parking:
- Private parking in the clinic's underground garage (prior arrangement required, parking is subject to a fee)
- Easily accessible by public transport (bus and tram stops nearby)
- We provide detailed guidance and travel assistance for those arriving from outside the city.
