Laser Eye Surgery

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.

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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“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!”