Do you need vision correction surgery?
Mr Tariq Ayoub - 29 Jun 2022
If you wish to live a life without glasses or contact lenses, you may consider vision correction surgery. Read our blog to learn the different types of vision correction surgery, the risks, and whether you are suitable.
What is vision correction surgery
Vision correction surgery is as simple as it sounds – surgery to correct your vision. We also call this refractive surgery. There are two types of vision correction surgery: laser eye surgery and lens surgery.
Each of these procedures is safe and effective. Your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can help you determine which is right for you. Book an appointment with our consultant ophthalmologist to discuss your options.
Do you need vision correction surgery?
Your suitability for either surgery will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing.
Common symptoms that might improve with vision correction surgery:
- Glare
- Squinting
- Headaches
- Straining your eyes
- Haloes around lights
- Prolonged double vision
- Blurry, cloudy, or hazy vision
- Struggling to focus while reading
We will also consider your age, eye health, general health and lifestyle.
Laser eye surgery
During laser eye surgery, we use lasers to reshape your cornea (front surface of the eye) to improve your vision.
Watch Mr Tariq Ayoub, our Consultant Ophthalmologist, to learn more about laser vision correction.
What are my options?
You could have a flap-based treatment or a surface-based treatment.
- LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)
- LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy)
- Trans-PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
LASIK is a popular choice for correcting vision problems. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of LASIK in our blog: What are the benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery?
Am I suitable?
As Mr Ayoub explains in his above video, your suitability depends on a few factors.
Laser vision correction can treat:
- Short-sightedness (Myopia)
- Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
To learn more about laser eye surgery for presbyopia, read our blog: Presbyopia treatment: Laser vision correction and refractive lens exchange.
How long does it last?
Laser vision correction should be permanent. Though, you may have a returning prescription later in life due to the side effects of ageing. Mr Ayoub explains more in his video: How long will the effects of laser eye surgery last?
What are the risks?
Vision correction surgery offers a number of side effects which can commonly occur.
Common side effects include:
- Redness
- Dry eyes
- Discomfort
- Blurred vision
- Glare from lights
These symptoms are usually temporary, and your ophthalmologist will explain how long you can expect to experience each.
Read our blog to learn more: Is laser vision correction surgery safe?
Lens surgery
Lens surgery is another option for reducing your reliance on glasses and contact lenses. During lens surgery, we implant an artificial lens into your eye. Some lens surgeries involve removing your natural lens, while others don’t.
What are my options?
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
- Cataract surgery (Basic, Refractive or Complex)
- Phakic intraocular lens implantation (PIOL)
We offer a variety of lens options, such as trifocal, EDOF, monofocal plus and toric lenses.
Am I suitable for lens surgery?
If you’re not suitable for laser surgery, then lens surgery may be a suitable alternative in people with thin corneas or dry eyes. The option we recommend for you will depend on your prescription, your age, the health of your eye, your eye scan results and your lifestyle and visual needs.
Lens surgery can correct:
- Short-sightedness
- Long-sightedness
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
- Cataracts
How long does it last?
Lens surgery is also usually permanent though we can replace your lens with a new one. Most patients do not experience complications that lead to this.
What are the risks?
You may have visual side effects for a few weeks after your surgery.
Side effects:
- Tenderness
- Blurred vision
- Halos and glares
- Irritable, red eyes
- Infection (rare)
There is a slightly higher risk of complications with lens surgery over laser as it’s more invasive. But, it is still a very safe procedure.
Can I correct my vision without surgery?
There are methods to prevent certain problems with your eye health, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding injuries. But, once they develop, you usually need surgery if you want a permanent fix.
However, many people are happy with glasses and contact lenses. Though, you may need to get a stronger prescription from time to time.
Book an appointment
If you’re concerned about your vision and want vision correction surgery, don’t suffer from poor vision. Book an appointment with our ophthalmologist.
We will give you a complete assessment of your eyes and recommend any necessary eye scans before beginning your treatment.
We will discuss your treatment options at length so you can make an informed decision about your eye health. Feel free to ask any questions, as we want you to feel confident in your next steps.
