Flow3 Technology explained
Flow3 is a touch-free, cut-free surface procedure: no incision and no flap are made in the cornea. Recovery takes about a week, the eye keeps its natural strength, and your chosen package comes with a guarantee of up to 10 years.
Flow3 is a touch-free surface procedure performed entirely with the Schwind Amaris 1050RS laser, without making any cuts to the eye. Recovery is natural and smooth, allowing you to quickly return to your normal active lifestyle.
In 2016, KSA Vision Clinic updated the Flow3 procedure with SmartSurfACE and SmartPulse technologies, developed by Schwind EyeTech. In 2018, we introduced the Schwind Amaris 1050RS laser with SP6.1 software and the Intelligent Thermal Effect Control (ITEC) system, which made surface laser treatments safer and more precise. From 2025, procedures are performed with the latest Schwind Amaris 1050RS model.
From 25 October 2026 KSA's operating suite runs on the SCHWIND Signature Line — Schwind's newest package built around the same Amaris 1050RS platform: a redesigned user interface, advanced presbyopia planning modules, enhanced Foresight, therapeutic TheraCare and connected data management through ATRIUM. The procedure itself stays the same incision-free surface treatment. From the same date, KSA's Presbyopia Project starts together with Schwind's application specialists.
Recovery takes about a week. KSA Vision Clinic's 24/7 patient support is there for you throughout, and lifestyle restrictions after the procedure end on day 5–8, so Flow3 also suits people with an active lifestyle.
Is Flow3 right for your eyes? The Flow3 eye exam will tell you.
What makes the procedure safe
The laser and planning software we use for your Flow3 procedure.
The only one in the Baltics · 25.10.2026This system connects exam results and treatment planning into one safe network. SCHWIND Signature Line makes preparing for the procedure comfortable.
A new laser, and the suite around it
KSA is receiving a new SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS in the Signature Line configuration; the current laser is being replaced. The Signature Line is not only the machine but the package around it: a redesigned user interface, advanced presbyopia planning modules, connected data management and a new patient bed. The procedure itself stays the same touch-free Flow3 surface treatment. In this configuration the system is the only one in the Baltics.
- SCHWIND Signature Lineeye-tech-solutions.com, manufacturer product page
- SCHWIND FORESIGHTeye-tech-solutions.com, treatment planning module
- SCHWIND ATRIUMeye-tech-solutions.com, data management
All features (Signature Line on SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS)
- Clear, intuitive user interface
- Advanced presbyopia planning options
- Enhanced SCHWIND Foresight for corneal visualization
- SCHWIND TheraCare capability for customized therapy
- SCHWIND ATRIUM integration for automated data transfer
- Consistent interface across all suite components
- Ergonomic patient bed (SCHWIND Patient Bed EVO)
- Neutral modern design suited to clinical interiors
Source: eye-tech-solutions.com, SCHWIND Signature Line product page (read 14.10.2026). The manufacturer notes that product and service availability may vary by region.
The only one in EstoniaThis laser corrects vision without cutting or touching the eye. SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS works entirely on the surface of the cornea.
SmartSurfACE / Flow3 — touch-free surface treatment
No incisions or flaps are made on the cornea. The laser reshapes vision through the surface layers of the cornea in a single smooth step, preserving the eye's natural structural strength.
- One-year visual and refractive outcomes of SmartPulse technology in TransPRKMargarit et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
- TransPRK outcomes using SmartPulse technologyAslanides and Kymionis, Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, 2017
- SmartSurfACE animation: how the touch-free procedure worksSchwind eye-tech-solutions, official technology video
All features
- High-speed excimer laser for refractive and therapeutic corneal surgery
- Fast ablation (1.3 sec per diopter) supports patient safety
- 7D eye tracking system
- SCHWIND CAM software for custom treatment planning
- Incision-free SmartSurfACE technology
- Swivelling laser arm and motorized patient bed
- ITEC (Intelligent Thermal Effect Control) temperature monitoring
- AFLA (Automatic Fluence Level Adjustment) for smooth corneal surfaces
- Integrated slit lamp and corneal cross-linking (CXL) lamp
- Built-in smoke evacuation and air filtration
- Automatic video recording of procedures
- CustomEyes® personalized treatment plans based on wavefront data
Source: eye-tech-solutions.com, SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS product page. *LASIK, no astigmatism, 12.5 mm HSA, 6 mm optical zone — Schwind's own measured figure.
Which treatment plan fits your eyes? We work it out at the Flow3 eye exam.
Equipment we use for eye examinations
For eye exams we use digital measuring instruments. They give accurate, consistent results.
Diagnostic deviceThis device measures the front of the eye in one second. SCHWIND SIRIUS+ maps the shape and thickness of the cornea for treatment planning.
Scheimpflug + Placido combination
Combining both technologies provides precise detail for both corneal surfaces, detecting subtle structural irregularities that surface topography alone cannot show.
- Diagnostic accuracy in detecting keratoconus (Sirius Scheimpflug–Placido)ScienceDirect, 2026
- Repeatability of higher-order corneal aberration measurementsEye and Vision (Springer Nature), 2022
All features
- Measures pachymetry, elevation, curvature, and power for front and back corneal surfaces
- Complete anterior segment diagnosis in one step
- Transfers cyclotorsion correction data to Schwind Amaris lasers
- Keratoconus screening module
- Ray-tracing IOL (intraocular lens) calculation
- Glaucoma screening and pupillography (pupil diameter analysis)
- Dry eye analysis (tear film, meibomian glands, tear meniscus)
Clinical use at KSA (Dr Ants Haavel)
- The Scheimpflug camera images the entire anterior segment in cross-section — from the cornea to the lens — in a single acquisition.
- Scheimpflug lens images help assess the state and progression of cataracts.
- We use it to diagnose dry eye and track treatment outcomes over time, not just for a single snapshot assessment.
Source: eye-tech-solutions.com, SCHWIND SIRIUS+ product page. Manufacturer: CSO S.R.L., Italy.
Refraction systemA digital system finds your exact glasses prescription quickly and comfortably. NIDEK TS-310 replaces the traditional wall chart and trial frame.
5.7-inch touchscreen control box
Optometrists control the entire exam from a color touchscreen, simplifying test navigation and reducing exam time.
All features
- Prescription range: Sphere -19 to +16.75 D, Cylinder 0 to ±6 D, Axis 0–180° (0.25 D step)
- Red-green (duochrome) test for prescription fine-tuning
- Astigmatic clock dial to determine cylinder axis
- Phoria test with fixation point for eye teamwork
- Contrast sensitivity test at 4 levels (100%, 25%, 12.5%, 6%)
- 6 chart types (letters, numbers, Tumbling E, Landolt C, pediatric symbols, ETDRS)
Source: nidek-intl.com, TS-610/310 specifications brochure (TS-310 model figures).
Retinal 3D scannerThis scanner images the layers of the retina to spot changes early. Canon OCT-HS100 shows the state of your retina and optic nerve.
70,000 A-scans per second
A high scanning speed completes exams in under two seconds, minimizing motion blur and keeping the experience comfortable.
- Repeatability comparison with automatic tracing: Canon OCT-HS100 and Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 5000PLOS ONE, 2016 — independent comparative study
All features
- Macula 3D analysis for macular health
- Glaucoma 3D analysis (measures NFL, GCL, and IPL layer thickness)
- Optic nerve head (ONH) parameter analysis
- Automatic retinal layer boundary recognition
- Exam comparison over time to track changes
In use at KSA
- Both clinics (Tallinn and Tartu) use the OCT-Angio HD add-on module to visualize retinal and choroidal blood vessels without dye injection.
Source: canon.co.nz, OCT HS100 product page.
Children's vision screeningThis device finds vision problems quickly without touching the eyes, in children and adults. Plusoptix S20 measures both eyes from about one metre away.
From 5 months to adulthood
Suitable for young infants who cannot read charts, requiring only a brief glance toward the device from a distance.
All features
- Detects refractive errors, eye alignment issues, and media opacities
- Portable battery operation requires no wall outlets or dark rooms
- Rapid measurement suited for pediatric screenings
Source: Plusoptix (Nuremberg, Germany) and the device's official distributor product pages.
4-in-1 rapid measurementThis device takes four basic measurements in one go. Topcon TRK-2P measures eye pressure and corneal thickness.
4 measurements in one device
Measures prescription, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, and corneal thickness in one touch.
All features
- Fully automated rotatable touchscreen control panel
- Rotary Prism Technology for accurate single-touch measurements
- IOP results adjusted for corneal thickness
- Compact ergonomic footprint
Source: Topcon Healthcare, TRK-2P product page specifications.
VR visual field testVirtual reality glasses test your side vision. Rexxam FIELDNavigator helps detect and monitor glaucoma.
Eye tracking up to 240 frames per second
An integrated VR camera tracks gaze position 240 times per second and adjusts stimulus points automatically.
All features
- Automated gaze tracking for hands-free exams
- Reduces false-positive results
- Compact and portable
- Standard industry format results (30-2, 24-2, 10-2)
- C-Peri software for monitoring visual field changes over time
- Manual button mode available for specialized patient needs
Source: Rexxam, official FIELDNavigator brochure and product page.
Dry eye therapyThis device relieves dry eye symptoms and helps tissues recover. Rexon-Eye works through closed eyelids, without touching the eyes.
Contact-free electrodes in a mask
Treatment is delivered through a lightweight mask worn over closed eyes, providing a comfortable, painless experience.
All features
- Treats evaporative, aqueous-deficient, and mixed dry eye forms
- Stimulates natural tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation
- Contact-free electrodes over closed eyes
- Long-lasting symptom relief
In use at KSA
- Part of KSA's dry eye diagnostic and therapy program. The 4-session protocol provides significant relief for approximately 80% of treated patients.
Key highlights: rexoneye.com (Resono Ophthalmic). At KSA: KSA Vision Clinic's own clinical experience.
Want to know the exact condition of your eyes? These devices are used in the Audit eye examination.
What we are looking for with these devices
Every measurement answers a specific question about your eye health. Here you can see what each device checks.
- SCHWIND SIRIUS+, corneal topographykeratoconus
- OCT and visual field testingglaucoma and eye pressure
- Scheimpflug imaging of the lenscataracts
- Rexon-Eye and tear film analysisdry eye
- Flow3 and the Amaris 1050RSmyopia
- Corneal curvature measurementastigmatism
Additional information
No, it is painless. Numbing drops go in before the treatment starts. You spend about 15 minutes in the room and the surgeon talks with you throughout.
About a week. Sport and swimming are fine once the protective contact lenses are removed. Restrictions end on day 5–8.
People aged 18–45 with confirmed myopia. Whether it suits your eyes is decided at the Flow3 eye exam.
The operation is the same in every package; the difference is the guarantee and the aftercare: Flow3 Solo €2490 (1-year guarantee), Flow3 €2990 (7-year guarantee), Flow Signature Line €5990 (10-year guarantee). If needed, a repeat procedure is free during the guarantee; about 2.9% of patients need one.
KSA's operating theatre starts working with a new SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS laser. It replaces the current laser. The procedure stays the same cut-free treatment.
Usually only 5–10 seconds. For higher prescriptions it can be 20–30 seconds. The procedure is quick and painless.
The laser delivers over a thousand light pulses per second. This keeps the procedure very short. The eye does not dry out during treatment.
About 15 minutes. The laser works for only a few seconds per eye. It is painless throughout and the surgeon talks with you.
Yes. In one independent study, active eye tracking cut the need for retreatment from 8.2% to 2.2%. The Amaris 1050RS tracking works on the same principle.
The laser follows the eye continuously. If you move your eye or blink, the laser stops automatically. It then resumes from exactly the same spot.
The tracker registers even tiny movements and places every pulse correctly. This keeps the treatment safe and the result reliable.
Only a very thin layer. It is many times thinner than a human hair. The procedure is gentle and precise.
The correction is planned precisely for your eye. It matches the eye's natural optics. The result is clear, stable vision.
Every eye is unique – that’s why every Flow3 procedure begins with a detailed corneal map and precise measurements, allowing us to customise the laser pattern specifically to your eyes. The result is accurate and personalised vision correction.
KSA Vision Clinic is the only clinic in Estonia using the Schwind Amaris 1050RS together with SmartSurfACE technology. This means a precise, short procedure and recovery in about a week.
Unlike traditional methods that require a corneal incision or mechanical lens removal, Flow3 is completely touch-free. The cornea retains its natural strength and heals naturally, making it suitable for people with an active lifestyle and for those with thinner corneas.
Do you want to know if Flow3 laser eye surgery is right for your eyes?
Book an eye examination – it’s the first step towards clarity and a life without glasses. The examination will give you a clear answer on whether your eyes are suitable for myopia correction with Flow3.