LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery used to correct vision problems. Find out more about what it is and what it involves below.

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.

Book a consultation today.

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, our specialists will discuss whether LASIK or Trans-PRK is suitable for you depending on your personal circumstances.

After your consultation, our specialists will discuss your treatment options with you. If you are not suitable for laser eye surgery, we may suggest alternative options to help your vision problems.

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.

Driving can be resumed when the legal standard is met, typically one week after surgery. Our consultants 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
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 just had my 1 year check up after laser eye surgery with Dr. Ayoub. I really could not have asked for a more perfect experience for my now perfect vision!

The whole team was professional, patient, and supportive – always available to answer any of my questions. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about getting LASIK!

I had mono vision laser surgery with Oculase and attended my yearly review today! Post my surgery I was able to read and see in the distance perfectly, in fact I am better than 20:20 vision

For anyone experiencing difficulty in reading in addition to being shortsighted and are considering laser surgery I highly recommend Tariq Ayoub at Oculase. Excellent patient care and follow up throughout.