Reasons for Undergoing Surgery
You might consider laser eye surgery or lens surgery to:
- Correct vision issues like astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia), or farsightedness.
- Treat eye conditions that may lead to vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy, post-cataract surgery complications, age-related macular degeneration, or glaucoma.
The specific type of surgery recommended will depend on factors such as your age and overall eye health.
Procedure Details
Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss:
- What to expect on the day of the procedure.
- Post-surgery care instructions.
- Steps to take in case of complications.
The surgery is typically performed in a hospital or eye clinic and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll usually receive a local anesthetic via eye drops or an injection, though some laser procedures may require general anesthesia.
During laser eye surgery, the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea (the outer layer of your eye). In lens surgery, an artificial lens is implanted in your eye. If surgery is needed on both eyes, they are often performed on the same day; however, for certain lens surgeries, the procedures might be scheduled on separate days.
Recovery Process
After surgery, you can generally return home the same day. To aid your recovery:
DO:
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your medical team.
- Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
- Wear non-prescription sunglasses or goggles for a short time afterward, if recommended.
DON'T
- Avoid driving home post-surgery and consult your doctor about when it's safe to drive again.
- Refrain from driving at night until your vision has fully recovered.
Potential Side Effects
Most individuals experience some side effects following laser eye or lens surgery. Common side effects include:
- Light sensitivity, including glare, halos, floaters, starbursts, and ghost images.
- Blurred vision.
- Discomfort in the eyes, resembling dry eye symptoms.
- Red patches on the white part of the eye.
These issues typically improve within a few months. If side effects persist, contact the hospital or clinic where you had the surgery.
Top Laser Eye Surgery Providers in the UK
The UK boasts numerous top-tier laser eye surgery clinics, making it easy to find highly-rated options nearby. When we refer to "top-rated," we focus on five key factors: the clinic’s quality, the expertise of surgeons, the surgery process, cost-effectiveness, and aftercare.
The leading laser eye surgery providers in the UK are known for maintaining clean, safe facilities, employing experienced surgeons, clearly explaining procedures, offering competitive pricing, and providing excellent aftercare. They also have received high ratings based on patient feedback.
Based on these criteria, the top 5 places for laser eye surgery in the UK include: Optical Express, Moorfields Private, the London Vision Clinic, Accuvision, and the Centre for Sight.
| Name | Features | Average cost of surgery (£) | Area of experties |
| Optical Express | The UK's most popular clinic. Thousands of operations performed every week. | 2,432 |
LASIK and LASEK surgery, corneal cross-linking, cataract surgery, lens replacement |
| Moorfields Private | The UK's most renowned laser eye surgeons. With over 200 years researcheing and providing world-class laser eye treatments. | 4,528 |
LASIK and LASEK surgery, glaucoma / cataract surgery, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) |
| the London Vision Clinic | Best laser eye surgery in London. Innovative vision correctiong and Laser Blended Vision | 4,832 |
ReLEx SMILE, LASIK and LASEK surgery |
| Accuvision | Specialists in laser eye surgery. Performed over 400,000 treatments and uses world-class Wavefront Technology. | 2,361 |
LASIK and LASEK surgery, cataract surgery, amblyopia (lazy eye) |
| The Centre for Sight | Best clinic experience. One of the largest private providers of laser eye treatment. Combines high quality lasers and implants. | 4,499 |
LASIK and LASEK surgery, implantable contact lenses, cataract surgery |
Common Questions About Laser Eye Surgery
- Is laser eye surgery safe?
Laser eye surgery is widely regarded as safe. While all surgical procedures come with risks, laser eye surgery boasts a high success rate. A 2017 report from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists indicated that fewer than 1 in 5,000 patients experience vision loss due to the procedure.
- How can you minimize the risk of complications?
You need to be awake during the procedure, so you can eat and drink normally beforehand. During the surgery, you can relax since most modern lasers track eye movements, allowing you to blink as needed. It's important to use prescribed eye drops and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Can you receive laser eye surgery on the NHS?
Unfortunately, free laser eye surgery on the NHS is quite rare, typically only available for those with serious medical eye conditions. It’s advisable to book a free consultation with an eye specialist to explore your options.
- What should you consider during the consultation?
Laser eye surgery is typically a quick procedure with a brief recovery period. However, no patient should be treated merely as a statistic or rushed through the process. Avoid consultations on the same day as the surgery, and ensure all your questions are addressed before making a decision.
- What is the cost of laser eye surgery?
On average, laser eye surgery costs between £1,195 and £2,875 per eye for common LASIK procedures. Lens replacement surgery can range from £1,995 to £6,500 per eye, depending on your prescription and the chosen clinic.
- Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, laser eye surgery is an effective treatment for astigmatism, with permanent results. Alternatives include glasses or contact lenses.
- What is the ideal age for laser eye surgery?
Most individuals seek vision correction between the ages of 20 and 40, but there is no strict age limit. Since eye development continues into young adulthood, most clinics won't perform LASIK on those under 18 and often recommend lens replacement surgery for those over 45.
If you're considering surgery, be sure to check your cancellation rights and don't feel pressured to make an immediate financial commitment. Laser eye surgery is a significant investment, so take your time to evaluate all options before proceeding.