What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of laser vision correction procedure. It is the most common type of laser eye surgery. Other options include LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy), Trans-PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and ReLEx (laser lenticule extraction).
What can LASIK eye surgery correct?
LASIK can be used to correct the following conditions:
- Myopia (short-sightedness) – a condition in which your ability to see far away is affected
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness) – a condition in which your ability to see up-close is affected
- Astigmatism – a rugby ball shaped eyeball that can cause blurry vision
- Presbyopia – a condition in which your ability to read is affected
If you suffer from any of these refractive errors, speak to one of our consultant ophthalmologists (eye specialists) to discuss whether LASIK surgery may be the right treatment for you. Contact us for more information.
How is LASIK surgery performed?
LASIK eye surgery involves reshaping the cornea (the front surface of your eye). Before deciding on this treatment, we will need to assess your eyes to determine your suitability.
You will have a thorough consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your eye and general health. We also will explain the risks, possible complications and what to expect from the procedure.
Before the treatment
Before we begin, we will need to measure your eye to determine exactly what you need to correct your vision.
Contact lenses change the natural shape of your cornea, so you will need to stop wearing them for a few days to a few weeks before your procedure.
On the day of the surgery, we will place numbing eye drops in your eye before we start.
During the treatment
LASIK eye surgery is a flap-based treatment in which we create a flap that allows a laser to change the shape of your cornea.
Watch our video to learn how we perform LASIK surgery.
After the treatment
You won’t need any bandages after the procedure. We will give you a post-operative assessment, and then you will be able to go home.
You will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. We also advise to not do any strenuous activities or exercise for the next week, and you shouldn’t swim for two weeks. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes for at least a week.
Recovery is usually quick, and you should see significant results from the procedure within 24 hours. Your eyes may feel a little sore after the procedure, though this is normal.
Check our blog on the benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery.
How long does LASIK surgery last?
Most people who have LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision for years or decades after their procedure. The procedure has a high satisfaction rate with patients.
People with a higher prescription before surgery may find that their vision quality decreases slightly over time. We call this myopic regression. For these patients, we may recommend a second LASIK surgery. Your ophthalmologist will discuss your risk of this happening when you have your consultation.
Is there an age limit for LASIK eye surgery?
You must be at least over 18 to have LASIK eye surgery. At Oculase, we recommend that you are over 21 as you need to have a stable prescription.
After the age of 40, people often develop a condition called presbyopia, which can affect their suitability for this surgery. Presbyopia can be treated with blended-monovision LASIK.
There is no strict upper age limit, but after the age of 55, we may recommend a lens-based treatment, such as refractive lens exchange.
Is LASIK eye surgery safe?
We consider LASIK surgery to be a safe, pain-free procedure. LASIK has a low complication rate, and its side effects usually are uncommon and temporary.
Side effects of LASIK surgery
- Temporary dry eyes after the procedure. We will provide eye drops (artificial tears) to counter this.
- Glares or halos at night
- Sensitivity to light immediately after the procedure
- Small bruises on your eyes
- Risk of flap problems
- Vision loss. This is a rare side effect of LASIK, with severe vision loss being very rare.
Your ophthalmologist will discuss the possible risks before your procedure and will inform you of the likelihood of each, given your circumstances.
Cost
At Oculase, we offer FREE video consultations. Prices for the procedure can vary depending on its complexity, but laser eye surgery (LASIK/Trans-PRK/LASEK) starts from £1,900 per eye at our clinic. To discuss how you can pay at Oculase or arrange a free video consultation, contact our clinic.
Book an appointment
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, speak to a specialist at Oculase – The Eye Clinic for advice.
We offer a thorough consultation, provide treatment options, and work with you to decide the right course of treatment. If you are not suitable for LASIK, we will recommend the best alternative for you.
Our specialists are compassionate, experienced, and safe, they pride themselves on the high quality of their work. With their extensive experience, they can holistically manage complex eye conditions to deliver the best care for their patients.