Laser Eye Surgery

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a simple procedure that is used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), presbyopia (reading vision) and astigmatism (rugby ball-shaped eyes). It uses advanced laser technology to eliminate the need for wearing glasses or using contact lenses.

There are three common types, all of which involve reshaping the cornea:

LASIK (flap-based treatments)
Trans-PRK/LASEK (surface-based treatments)
ReLEx (lenticule extraction treatments)

We also call these laser vision correction procedures.

How does laser eye surgery work?

When a person has perfect vision, light rays travel through their eyes and sit on the retina (the back of the eye). If the cornea (the front of the eye) is uneven, the light bends and does not focus correctly on the retina. These imperfections cause refractive errors (a type of vision problem), such as astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery uses a laser beam to correct these imperfections. This makes the cornea smooth, so the light sits on the retina rather than bending, which sharpens your vision.

What is the difference between LASIK and Trans-PRK/LASEK?

LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery worldwide. During LASIK, we apply a suction ring to the eye to secure it and create a thin flap on the cornea. We use a laser to reshape the cornea and correct your vision then gently reposition the flap at the end of the procedure.

Trans-PRK and LASEK involve applying laser treatments directly to the cornea’s surface to reshape it. We don’t create a flap during this procedure. Trans-PRK is best described as a no-touch technique for laser vision correction – there’s no cutting, no touching, and no flaps. Our specialists prefer Trans-PRK over LASEK for their patients.

Is the surgery painful?

The surgery is generally pain-free as we use anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. After Trans-PRK/LASEK, the eyes may be painful for 2-3 days after surgery. However, we will give you drops and tablets to alleviate any pain. Learn more about this here: Does laser eye surgery hurt?

Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

When considering laser eye surgery, it is important to determine if you are a suitable candidate. During your consultation, our ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes thoroughly.

We will assess:

Your age – most people over 18 are suitable for laser eye surgery
Your glasses prescription
Your eye examination
Eye scan results – we may perform and review these scans during your consultation
The thickness of your cornea
Your lifestyle, work, and hobbies

Based on the results of your evaluation, our specialists will advise you on whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery. If you are not, they may suggest an alternative procedure to improve your vision, such as implantable contact lens (ICL) or refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery. We discuss these further in our blog: Do you need vision correction surgery?

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?

The main aim of laser eye surgery is to correct your vision and allow you to live without relying on glasses and contact lenses.

Additional benefits include:

Ability to play sports more easily
No more expensive prescriptions
Free from the risk of contact lenses
Long-term solution
Pain-free procedure
High success rate
Fast results

Our blog – What are the benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery? – discusses these benefits in more detail.

Risks and side effects

After the procedure, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as red marks on your eyes, glare or halos, double or blurred vision. Your eyes may also feel gritty, dry or sore. These may last a couple of days to a few weeks.

Speak to one of our specialists if you have any concerns after the procedure. They are happy to answer your questions and provide reassurance.

The complication rate of laser eye surgery is low as it is a safe and effective procedure.

Recovery

Most people can return to work two to three days after LASIK and four to five days after Trans-PRK/LASEK. However, we recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for two weeks after surgery. Our specialists will discuss your circumstances with you and how long your recovery may take during your consultation.

It can take up to three months to recover fully from laser eye surgery and to be able to return to all sporting activities, especially contact sports. In that time, you will have several follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results.

Watch one of our testimonial videos to hear from those who have had laser eye surgery at Oculase.

Costs

At Oculase, we offer FREE video consultations for laser eye surgery. Prices for the procedure can vary depending on its complexity, but at our clinic, laser eye surgery (LASIK/Trans-PRK/LASEK) starts from £1,900 per eye. A complex prescription may start at £2,450 per eye. To discuss how you can pay at Oculase or arrange a free video consultation, contact us today.

Book an appointment

Laser eye surgery improves your vision using advanced laser technology and provides freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Book a consultation today to discover what we could do for you.

Keep scrolling to read through our frequently asked questions.

FAQs

This procedure is designed to correct your vision forever. However, a change in the shape of the eyeball is possible as we grow older. Additionally, ageing–related changes will lead to presbyopia later in life. Therefore, you may eventually need glasses for certain activities such as reading.

You may be unsuitable for laser eye surgery if you have thin or irregular corneas, an unstable prescription, or certain conditions. These include keratoconus, macular degeneration, and blindness or partial sightedness in one eye.

The alternatives to laser eye surgery are implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE).

Yes, you will have both eyes done on the same day.

Driving can be resumed when the legal standard is met, typically one week after surgery. Our specialists will discuss your personal circumstances with you during your consultation.

Here’s a quick guide to when you can resume specific fitness activities after laser eye surgery:

Jogging – 1 week
Aerobic exercise – 1 week
Yoga/Pilates – 1 week
Weightlifting – 2 weeks
Sauna/steam room – 1 month
Swimming – 1 month
Football, non-contact martial arts – 1 month
Skiing, tennis, squash, cricket – 3 months
Scuba diving >30ft – 3 months

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“I have just had my final check-up, 6 months after my laser eye surgery and I have 20:20 vision, I couldn’t be happier! I have worn glasses since the age of 9 and hated wearing them. I moved onto contacts but was always conscious of dry eyes and infections from wearing them which is why I opted for laser eye surgery. My whole
experience with Dr. Tariq Ayoub, from the start of understanding the procedure, right through to all the check-ups was amazing, I would highly recommend him. The support via his clinic was also brilliant, with flexibility on appointments as I travelled into London from Buckinghamshire. The support after the procedure was very considerate and caring. I never felt I was asking a silly question and had a brilliant overall experience. I wish I had done the surgery sooner and I am just so happy with the results!”