Laser Eye Surgery Fact Sheet

The objective

Laser eye surgery is used to correct eyesight problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism through using a computer-controlled laser beam to correct the shape of the cornea (the part of the eye which is responsible for bending the light rays that enter the eye to produce our vision).

The procedure

The procedure is carried out using local anaesthetic drops in the eyes and takes up to one hour. You may have one eye treated at a time, sometimes both. You will need to undergo a number of tests to assess suitability.

After applying anaesthetic drops, the ophthalmologist will use a special frame to keep the eyes open to prevent blinking. A precise tool called a microkeratome will be used to make an ultra-thin flap in the cornea. The flap is opened so that the computer-controlled laser can be passed underneath to shape the cornea. The laser (excimer laser) will take about 30 seconds to remove precisely the right amount of corneal tissue and the flap will be repositioned to bond to the rest of the cornea within minutes.

Antibiotic eye drops will be placed in the eye to prevent against infection.

The outcome

Following surgery, the eyes will be covered for 24 hours. Vision may be blurred and there may be some discomfort. You will need to avoid allowing anything to get into the eye such as water, shampoo, make-up, or any other products for a number of days.

Normally, you can leave the clinic one hour after the procedure but should not drive. You can usually return to work when your vision has stabilised after 1-2 days, and resume most activities within a few days.

Within realistic expectations, you can expect your eye sight to be improved as a result of this procedure, depending on the extent of correction that could be carried out, with long-lasting rather than permanent results.

The risks

Complications associated with laser eye surgery include infection, dry eyes and problems with night-vision (such as glare around light). These problems usually last a few days but rarely, can be permanent.

Wound-healing problems of the cornea may lead to a need for further surgery to correct it and a further, though rare, complication is ‘corneal ectasia’, where fluid pressure builds up on the eye resulting in a need for a corneal transplant to correct the condition. The operation may have under- or over-corrected short-sightedness.

In a small number of cases, complications can lead to reduced vision or blindness.

Laser eye surgery cannot correct or prevent the natural ageing of the eyesight and so sight may continue to naturally deteriorate.

The costs

There are several types of treatments available. In the UK, expect to pay from around £500 - £2000 per eye. Abroad, expect to pay from around £200 - £300 per eye (Turkey).

The availability

Laser eye surgery procedures are widely available at private cosmetic surgery clinics and specialist eye care clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Laser eye surgery is popular amongst people over 21 years of age who are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and who have eyesight prescriptions within a safe range. Not all people who have poor sight are suitable for this type of surgery.