What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery uses highly accurate and precise lasers to reshape the front surface of your eye, also known as the cornea. This helps you to focus better and treat all common refractive errors including myopia (short sight), hyperopia (long sight) and astigmatism (curved cornea/lens).
There are two different types of laser eye surgery: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) and LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy). The main difference between the procedures is how the cornea is opened to allow access for the laser. The most appropriate method depends on the current thickness of your cornea.
Ready to book now? Get in touch to discuss your needs and decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Ready to book now? Get in touch to discuss your needs and decide on the best course of treatment for you.
The benefits of laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery has become increasingly popular due to it being a quick, painless procedure, usually lasting less than 10 minutes per eye. The results are rapid, with many patients often seeing well the next day.
Additional benefits of laser eye surgery include:
- Clinically proven treatment – research indicates that 92-98% of patients achieve their desired vision after LASIK treatment and complete satisfaction End-to-end laser technology
- Bladeless surgery
- No requirement for stitches
- Allows for future adjustment to the eyes if needed to correct vision
What can I expect during laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a very safe procedure, with patients going home the same day. Most people who have laser eye surgery will have both eyes treated on the same day.
During the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie on your back in a reclining chair. Local anaesthetic eye drops are then applied to both eyes and a device to help keep your eyes wide open is gently positioned. The laser is then used to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is gently lifted, and the laser is then used to reshape the cornea as required. The flap is then gently replaced and aligned back into its original position. The flap will heal naturally and no stitches are required.
The procedure is painless, with only some pressure felt at the start of the process lasting around 30 seconds.
Recovery from laser eye surgery
After surgery, the majority of patients will be able to go home the same day.
Gentle low impact exercise can be resumed after a few days of rest, but high impact activity such as running should be avoided for at least two weeks. Swimming should be avoided for a month to avoid infection.
Driving can be resumed as soon as you feel comfortable, as long as you can read a standard car number plate in daylight from 20 metres distance. Many people return to work after a few days, however if you work in non-office environment that is dusty or dirty, then it may be slightly longer before you can safely return.
The majority of patients won’t feel any pain afterwards, some may experience a gritty sensation in the eyes for a few days afterwards. Eye drops will be prescribed for the first 4 weeks following the surgery to prevent infection and inflammation and you may find you need lubrication drops for a couple of months afterwards.
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your specialist team one to two days after surgery to check healing and identify any risk of complications.
Complications
As with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks and complications including a mild, gritty discomfort after your procedure, infection, under or over-correction, night vision problems, corneal haze, corneal dryness, corneal ectasia (weakening of the cornea).
Any risks will be discussed with you during an initial consultation with your eye doctor to assess suitability.