FAQs on Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a common elective eye procedure that helps in correcting different vision problems. If you intend to know more about this procedure, the answers to the following frequently asked questions will help you understand laser eye surgery better.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a procedure that corrects vision problems using an excimer laser to reduce dependence on contact lenses or glasses. This procedure takes about ten minutes and involves using a laser to reshape the cornea to enhance unaided vision.

Different types of laser eye surgery treatments are available to correct vision depending on the patient's condition and needs, but the most common are LASIK and LASEK.

What is the difference between LASIK, LASEK and SMILE?

LASIK is the most undergone laser eye procedure. It requires using a femtosecond laser to create a flap which the surgeon will gently lift to reshape the cornea with the excimer laser. The nature of the LASIK procedure helps patients recover faster.

LASEK is another common laser eye surgery procedure but is more suitable for people with mild focusing problems. If you experience dry eyes or have thin corneas, you may be unsuitable for the LASEK procedure. This procedure does not require creating a flap, but the surgeon will loosen the cornea's surface and fold it back, then reshape it with the excimer laser.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) does not involve a flap creation, but the surgeon will reshape the cornea after removing a piece of corneal tissue using a keyhole procedure. SMILE is usually suitable for people with a higher prescription and those with thin corneas.

How long does laser eye surgery take?

Laser eye treatments are a quick and painless procedure. LASEK procedure usually takes 4 – 5 minutes per eye, and LASIK takes about ten minutes for one eye because of the time needed to create a flap, while the SMILE procedure lasts for about ten minutes per eye.

Can I treat both eyes at once?

Treating both eyes at once depends on you, and you would have to consider the ups and downsides of the procedure before making this decision. About 95% of LASIK and LASEK patients undergo the procedure for both eyes at the same time.

Is the result immediate?

Most people notice visual improvements almost immediately. Within 24 hours after the LASIK procedure, you can see without contact lenses or glasses, but visual improvement is slower with LASEK. However, by the fifth day after LASEK, you will notice improvements.

What happens if I move my eyes during the procedure?

The laser used for laser eye surgery has an eye tracker that tracks even the slightest eye movement. The laser is programmed to only work when your eye is perfectly positioned, so your eye movement does not affect the procedure. Most people find keeping their eyes steady easy by focusing on a target fixation light.

Are laser eye surgery procedures painful?

Laser eye surgery procedures are painless, but your eyes may feel like you have small objects in them a few hours after LASIK.

What if I was unsuitable for laser in the past due to the strength of my prescription?

Laser technology has advanced in the last couple of years and is now available to many people, including those with complex refractive errors.

During your consultation, you will have several tests to determine if you are suitable for laser eye surgery, which will help you decide the best procedure for you.

Which type of laser eye treatment is most suitable for me?

Different laser eye surgery procedures are available, and the most suitable for you will depend on several factors, including your refractive error prescription, lifestyle and age.

What is the cost of laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery costs vary, depending on different factors such as your location and type of treatment involved. During your laser eye surgery consultation, you will receive a quote for your treatment, including the cost of the treatment, post-operative care, follow-up appointments for about 12 months, and other enhancements.

For more information about laser eye surgery, you can contact Optimal Vision on 020 7183 3622. You can also visit here for laser eye surgery in London area.