Laser Eye Surgery

Overview  |  Video FAQs  |  Comparison  |  Procedure  |  Benefits  |  Suitability

 

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction, eliminates the need for wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Using advanced laser technology, laser eye surgery is a simple corrective procedure used to treat short/near-sightedness (myopia), long/far-sightedness (hyperopia), reading vision (presbyopia) and astigmatism.

There are two common types of laser eye surgery, both of which involve reshaping the cornea:

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

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

LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery worldwide. A thin flap is created on the cornea after a suction ring is applied to the eye to secure it. The laser is then applied to reshape the cornea to correct your vision. The flap is gently re-positioned at the end of the procedure.

Trans-PRK and LASEK both involve laser treatments applied directly to the surface of the cornea (no flap is created). In Trans-PRK, the laser is applied directly to the surface of the cornea to reshape it. Trans-PRK is best described as a no-touch technique for laser vision correction – no cutting, no touching, no flaps. Mr. Ayoub prefers trans-PRK over LASEK for all his patients.

How does laser eye surgery work?

When a person has perfect vision, light rays travel through their eyes and sit on the retina. If there are bumps, making the cornea uneven, the light bends.

These imperfections cause vision problems such as short/near-sightedness (myopia), long/far-sightedness (hyperopia), reading vision (presbyopia) and 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 improves your vision. Your vision will become sharper and clearer.

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?

The benefits of laser eye surgery are:

  • Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
  • Ability to play sports more easily
  • No more expensive prescription
  • Free from the risk of contact lenses
  • Fast results
  • Long-term solution
  • Pain-free procedure

Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

We will discuss your suitability for laser eye surgery with you during your consultation. At your first visit, you will have a complete assessment of your eyes including eye scans and an eye health check.

You may want to read our in-depth blog answering the question “Do you need vision correction surgery?”

Depending on the results of these, Mr Ayoub will advise you on whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery (LASIK or Trans-PRK) or a different procedure such as ICL surgery or RLE surgery.

laser eye surgery

Book an appointment

Laser eye surgery offers freedom from glasses and contact lenses. 

Our experienced eye specialists use advanced laser technology to correct your ocular imperfections.

Book a consultation today to discover what we can do for you.

Keep reading to go through our FAQs, such as what the recovery from laser eye surgery entails.

FAQs

    Suitability is dependent on:

    • Your glasses prescription
    • Your eye examination
    • Results of eye scans performed at your consultation
    • Thickness of your cornea
    • Your lifestyle
    • Your work and hobbies

    During your consultation, Mr. Ayoub will discuss whether LASIK or Trans-PRK is suitable for you depending on your personal circumstances.

    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.

    The surgery is generally pain free as anaesthesia in the form of drops is used during the surgery to numb the eye.

    After Trans-PRK/LASEK, the eyes may be painful for 2-3 days after surgery. However, you will be given drops and tablets to alleviate any pain

    LASIK: most people can return to work after 2-3 days

    Trans-PRK/LASEK: most people can return to work after 4-5 days

    However, heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. Mr. Ayoub will discuss your personal circumstances with you during your consultation.

    Driving can be resumed when the legal standard is met, typically one week after surgery. Mr. Ayoub will discuss your personal circumstances with you 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. You will have several follow up appointments in that time to ensure you get the best results.

    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 
    • Weight lifting – 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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The Care Quality Commission (CQC)

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