What are the benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery?
Mr Tariq Ayoub - 16 Mar 2022
If you’re experiencing a refractive error, you may be looking for a permanent solution. Our article covers the disadvantages and benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery. Read now to find out more.
What is LASIK laser eye surgery?
LASIK laser eye surgery is a refractive surgery for vision correction.
Watch our Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr Tariq Ayoub, describe the aim of laser eye surgery in this short video.
During LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) will use lasers to correct any corneal irregularities causing problems with your vision. The cornea is the front surface of your eye.
With a refractive error, light doesn’t travel through your cornea to focus on your retina as it should. Refractive errors are common, which is why you should keep to regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.
Refractive errors include:
Refractive errors can cause blurry vision, problems focusing while on a computer or reading, glare or halos around bright lights, and eye strain. LASIK laser eye surgery counters these symptoms.
Disadvantages of LASIK surgery
Temporary dry eyes
You may experience dry eyes for a few weeks after the procedure due to less tear production. We can counter this with artificial tears in the form of eye drops.
Glares and Halos
Glares and halos can be a temporary side effect of LASIK laser eye surgery, though they often last a few days up to a few weeks.
It isn’t suitable for everyone
LASIK surgery may not be suitable for people who already suffer from dry eyes, though this will depend on what is causing your dry eyes. Watch our video to learn more: Can I have laser eye surgery with dry eyes?
You may also be unsuitable if you are pregnant, nursing, have advanced glaucoma or poorly controlled diabetes. To ensure a stable prescription, we do not offer LASIK laser eye surgery to people under 21 at Oculase.
Risk of flap complications
Flap complications are rare but can include:
- Dislocation
- Folds or wrinkles
- Epithelial ingrowth
- Irregular astigmatism
- Inflammation under the flap
These complications can cause blurry, distorted or double vision. Speak to your ophthalmologist if you experience any of these symptoms after surgery.
Benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery
Fast improvement in your vision
You should see results immediately after the procedure, though your eyes may be blurry or dry for a short time. Over 24-48 hours, you should see significant improvement in your vision.
Quick recovery time
Discomfort in your eyes should only last a couple of hours after the surgery and other side effects, such as dry eyes and blurry vision, are usually temporary. Usually, there is no need for bandages or stitches after LASIK eye surgery.
High success rate
LASIK laser eye surgery is a very effective surgery, with more than 90% of patients attaining 20/20 vision. Most of the time, you will not need glasses or contact lenses after the LASIK procedure.
However, with age, you may experience changes in the shape or length of your eye, which can slightly affect your vision quality.
No pain
We use numbing eye drops before the procedure to prevent any pain, though your eyes may feel uncomfortable after the procedure.
Further adjustments
If your eye shape or length changes as you age, affecting your vision quality, LASIK surgery allows the option to re-operate on your eyes to fix these later issues.
Book an appointment
LASIK laser eye surgery can restore vision quality and counter the symptoms of refractive errors. Experience freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
Contact our ophthalmologists for expert advice. Mr Tariq Ayoub is a highly-skilled ophthalmologist who has won many awards in ophthalmology. He is the founder and director of Oculase, consulting patients privately at various locations in London and Birmingham.
Book a consultation today.
