1. LASIK Preparation
Anaesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ-Keratomileusis) eye surgery is currently the most frequently performed elective procedure in the world.
LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective procedure that is suitable for most low, moderate and high prescriptions. Optical Express is the UK's No.1 provider of laser eye surgery and if you choose to have LASIK with us, you'll receive surgery from experienced professionals you can trust.
Book your free LASIK consultation today or request a call back.
LASIK vision correction procedure
LASIK surgery uses a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye. The entire LASIK eye treatment takes about 10 minutes and, unlike other laser correction techniques, LASIK eye surgery patients experience less discomfort after the procedure. Both eyes can be treated by LASIK simultaneously.
2. Flap Creation
A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.
3. Cornea Reshaping
Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of the cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to correct short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism impressions in your eye.
4. LASIK Completion
The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.
What conditions can LASIK surgery treat?
A number of eye conditions can be treated with the help of LASIK surgery, including:
- Myopia - short sightedness, when you find it difficult to see things at a distance
- Hyperopia - long sightedness, when you find it difficult to see things up close
- Astigmatism - a curving of the cornea that can make it difficult for sufferers to focus
Who is suitable for LASIK surgery?
If you suffer from any of these eye conditions, LASIK eye surgery could be a good option for you. However, everyone's eyes are completely unique and this means it's important that you have an individual assessment before deciding on LASIK surgery.
If you're under 18, you'll have to wait until after your 18th birthday to book LASIK surgery. Typically, the people most suitable for laser eye surgery have had a stable prescription for 12 months, but an Optical Express Laser Trained Optometrist will be able to make a decision based on the health of your eyes.
Diagnosis and tests prior to LASIK treatments
At your free consultation, a laser trained optometrist will spend some time testing your eyes to make a diagnosis and determine your suitability for LASIK surgery. These include:
- Determining the current strength of your glasses
- Reading the way light passes through your eyes
- Measuring eye pressure
- Measuring infractions in your eyes
- Measuring the size of your pupils in the dark
Your surgeon may carry out a number of other tests, more details of which can be found in our guide to your free laser eye surgery consultation.
What happens after LASIK surgery?
LASIK eye surgery patients often see a significant improvement in vision within a few hours of the procedure, and most patients are able to return to work after 48 hours.
Following LASIK eye treatment, your eyes may feel light sensitive, gritty and watery. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a rest. We recommend that you bring sunglasses with you to your LASIK eye surgery or purchase them on the day from our extensive range. You will also be given light transparent eye shields to take home and wear while sleeping for five nights after your LASIK surgery to provide protection.
Visual settling time is faster with LASIK than other laser eye surgery procedures. Occasionally however, some patients are not deemed suitable for LASIK and LASEK may be recommended.
Common questions about LASIK surgery
Q. Will I be suitable for LASIK eye surgery?
A. To ensure the best possible results, we treat most people over 18 years old who have had a stable prescription for 12 months. Prior to your LASIK eye surgery procedure, you will attend a consultation with an Optical Express specialist refractive optometrist, who will be able to determine your suitability for LASIK eye treatment based on your personal prescription, healing profile and expectations.
Q. Can I have both eyes treated at the same time with LASIK eye surgery?
A. With LASIK eye surgery both eyes are normally treated at the same time.
Q. Can I return to work and be able to drive following LASIK eye surgery?
A. Most people are able to drive and return to work within 48 hours after LASIK eye surgery, unless their work environment is very dusty or dirty.
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Prof. Jan Venter MD
Medical Director
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Medical Director
Ophthalmic Surgeon
I previously used the Nidek system but found that the results were less than optimal in many patients. Since using the STAR S4 IR™ Excimer Laser System at Optical Express, I say with confidence that this technology is the best and out-performs any other system, including the Nidek. The results are phenomenal.
