Both CLEAR and LASIK correct myopia (nearsightedness) by reshaping the cornea, but they use different techniques.

CLEAR is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small disk-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, from within the cornea using a single femtosecond laser. This is done through one or two tiny incisions, with no need for a corneal flap. LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea with a femtosecond laser. After lifting the flap, a second laser (excimer) is used to reshape the cornea. The flap is then replaced, and protective contact lenses may be needed during healing.

In short, CLEAR is a flapless procedure, while LASIK relies on a corneal flap. Both have their merits and your eye care specialist will be able to advise which is best for you.

Your doctor will do a full diagnostic analysis of your eye prior to recommending any eye procedures. Doctors have a range of values they must consider prior to recommending CLEAR over another procedure such as LASIK. Sometimes patients are candidates for both CLEAR and LASIK. CLEAR is often a choice for individuals with active lifestyles that include running, action sports or combat sports as there is no flap created with CLEAR.

CLEAR produces great visual accuity, however vision continually improves over days and weeks where as LASIK could have faster next day results. For those with less active lifestyles who require faster visual improvement for work then a doctor might recommend LASIK over CLEAR. 

Your doctor will apply drops that will numb your eye to ensure you have the most comfortable treatment possible. The laser utilizes a suction to hold your eye in place during the laser procedure. Some patients have said they feel a slight pressure from the suction. Unlike other laser eye surgeries, CLEAR is a single laser procedure and it's fast, bladeless, flapless and gentle. The upper layers of the cornea is minimally disturbed and this means your nerves are less affected compared with other procedures, thus potentially reducing the incidence of dry eye after the procedure. Your doctor will still provide eye drops to relieve any discomfort you might have after the procedure.

The laser aspect of the CLEAR procedure takes just 30 seconds or less and from start to finish the entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes. The healing process starts immediately after the procedure.

Every individual will heal at different rates. In most cases, visual acuity is very good one or two days after the operation and stabilizes within one week. Normally, you will be able to drive, work and participate in sports within a few days.

CLEAR is developed in Switzerland by Ziemer and gained CE approval in 2020. CLEAR is therefore one of the most modern lenticule extraction procedures in the world.  CLEAR is developed to be used with the Ziemer Z8 lasers that are renowned for their low energy use. Low energy means there is less energy directed at your eye and this aides in creating a smooth overlapping laser beam profile.  The result of Ziemers unique beam profile are smooth incisions and smooth lenticule creation. A smoother incision and lenticule could improve patient comfort and recovery as both the structure of the cornea is smoother and nerves less disturbed when compared to lasers used in other lenticule extraction procedures. Being the most modern lenticule extraction technique means Ziemer was able to improve upon procedures of the past and deliver a more modern and advanced lenticule technique to patients.