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LASIK is the most commonly performed Laser Vision Correction procedure to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses; it can correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and blurred vision due to the shape of the cornea not being regular (astigmatism). A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin layer on the corneal surface, called the flap, which is lifted by the surgeon. An excimer laser is then used to sculpt the cornea, correcting the underlying refractive error. Finally, the flap is re-positioned and smoothed in place with no need for stitches.
5 - 10 Minutes per eye
Local anaesthetic (numbing drops)
1 - 2 Days
2 Days recommended
2 - 3 Days
Permanent
After the procedure you will be taken to your room to rest and the surgeon will check your eyes before your can go home. In the initial recovery period there may be a gritty sensation and sensitivity to light may be experienced, this typically lasts 24-48 hours. Care will be needed however for a longer period, e.g. no water in your eyes for 1 week, no swimming or heavy exercise or contact sports for a month.
Before discharge from the laser clinic, drops are given to help keep your eyes moist as well as prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to administer these at home for the next few weeks. You should arrange for someone to drive you home where you should rest for the remainder of the day.
You will return to the clinic within the first 24-48 hours following this procedure to check on your progress. Your Laser Vision Eye Centre surgeons, David or Aris, will conduct this check up. You will also have check ups at 1-2 weeks and 3 months.
If you are considering a loan for the procedure, Nuffield Health can offer a personal medical loan through a third party with 0% for 6, 10 or 12 interest-free monthly instalments are available at representative 0% APR. Longer term payment options are also available at 14.9% APR* with no added costs or admin fees. Once you know the price of your treatment, you can calculate your monthly payments.Â
Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK Eye Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks with laser eye surgery. However, the risk associated with LASIK eye surgery is small; studies have shown that the likelihood of poorer vision than before the procedure is under 1 in 1000 cases. One commonly quoted concern is that of dry eyes. Significant dry eye after LASIK is uncommon and in most such cases settles with more prolonged use of lubricant drops, typically for 3-4 months. If your surgeon detects dry eye at the consultation prior to LASIK, he may recommend an alternative procedure such as ReLEx SMILE which has been shown to be more protective for potential dry eye.
One of the most worrying complications of laser eye surgery is infection. Fortunately, this is very rare, in less than 1 in 5000 cases. The majority of cases still respond well to different antibiotic treatments and achieve good driving standards vision.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced eye surgeon before proceeding with LASIK surgery, as they can provide personalised insights into the eye surgery expectations. Post-operative care is essential, as the day after surgery marks the beginning of your recovery. Patients should follow post-operative instructions, such as washing their hands and avoiding water in the eyes the first week, to ensure the best results.
Many people wonder, “Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?” LASIK is a very comfortable procedure; in fact it is very rare for a patient to describe pain. On the day of your laser eye surgery, anaesthetic drops numb the surface of your eye, so you don’t feel pain. You will be asked to keep your eye still whilst the laser treatment is performed, which is easier than you may think.
You may experience a feeling of gentle pressure during the operation. Immediately after surgery, you may notice some heaviness of the eyes or minor discomfort, but with anaesthetic eye drops that you are provided with, the recovery is relatively painless. It is very uncommon for this to persist beyond the first day.
Different types of laser procedures, including LASIK, LASEK and ReLEx SMILE, are available, and your eye doctor will recommend the best option for you depending on your eyes and on what you would like to achieve. With the appropriate assessment, consultation and surgery the vast majority of people experience great success with refractive surgery, providing them with clearer vision and eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is a commonly performed laser procedure designed to correct refractive conditions of the eyes. The excimer laser reshapes the cornea to improve the refractive properties and thus focus the image sharply onto the back of the eye, the retina. Typically, patients experience improved vision just a few hours after the procedure.
The benefits to your vision and quality of life can last for many years; however, factors such as ageing of the lens of the eye with the development of presbyopia (need for reading glasses) or cataract may affect vision over time especially after the 5th decade of life.
There is no best age for laser surgery as it will largely depend on your individual circumstances, but patients should be at least 18 years old. This is because the eyes continue to change during adolescence, and refractive laser treatments are most effective when the refractive prescription has stabilised. For adults, laser eye surgery permanently corrects vision, making it a popular choice. A qualified refractive surgery team can assess your eyes to ensure you are a good candidate.
When considering LASIK, it is essential to consult with a professional who can determine if your vision and eye health are suitable for the procedure. The use of advanced laser technology ensures the surgery is precise and tailored to your specific needs, helping with the latest eye health developments to achieve the best results.
LASIK surgery is the most common elective procedure with very high satisfaction rates. While the majority of patients experience excellent results, it is important to note that no surgical procedure is entirely without risk. Complications can occur, such as dry eyes, glare and, in very rare cases, vision loss. Understanding the potential risks and benefits is essential for making an informed decision about whether LASIK is the right choice for enhancing one’s vision.
Many individuals considering LASIK surgery wonder if it can provide them with 20/20 vision. While the procedure is designed to correct common vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, achieving 20/20 vision is not guaranteed for everyone.
Factors such as the severity of the initial vision impairment, the specific characteristics of the eyes, and the skill of the surgeon can all influence the outcome.
Although a significant percentage of patients do attain 20/25 vision or better after LASIK, some may still require glasses or contact lenses for certain activities.
Ultimately, consulting with an experienced eye care professional can provide personalised insights into what one might expect from LASIK surgery.
After undergoing LASIK surgery, many patients experience a significant improvement in their vision, often achieving 20/25 vision or better. However, some individuals may still require glasses for specific activities, such as reading or driving at night. This is especially true for those who are older or have pre-existing conditions like presbyopia.
It’s important to understand that while LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses, it doesn’t guarantee perfect vision for everyone. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional can help monitor any changes and determine if additional corrective measures are necessary.
Ultimately, the need for glasses after LASIK varies from person to person and depends on individual vision needs and eye health. Many patients find that their lifestyle improves significantly post-surgery, even if they occasionally need glasses for certain tasks.
Free yourself from the hassle of contact lenses or glasses and begin your journey to 20|20 vision today.
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Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital
Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford,
Eastleigh, SO53 2DW
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