What is Laser Eye Surgery?

A surgical procedure used to improve vision with a laser, altering the shape of the cornea which helps the focus of the eye.

How much does it cost?

LASIK and Epi-LASIK Surgery costs £800 to £1300 per eye.

PRK and LASEK Surgery costs £500 to £1300 per eye.

Wavefront LASIK costs £800 to £1600 per eye.

LASIK IntraLase Wavefront costs over £1700 per eye.

What does it entail?

Before surgery, the area around the eye will be cleaned and an anaesthetic dropped in to numb the eye itself. Then, a surgical device called a lid speculum will be used to keep the lid open throughout the surgery. A suction ring is used on the cornea. A blade is attached to the suction ring. Your vision will dim, and you may experience some discomfort while the suction is on.

You will then be asked to fix your stare to where a light is shone. Should a patient be unable to do this for a minimum of sixty seconds, then the procedure is unsuitable for them. Once the patient’s stare is fixed, the laser is activated, and a computer is used to control the laser. The laser will make a ticking sound, and patients have reported of being able to smell something similar to burnt hair as the corneal tissue is removed. The laser is programmed based on the initial evaluation allowing the laser to vaporise the corneal tissue; once this is done the flap is put back in place.

Treatments last fifteen minutes per eye.

Since there are no stitches to hold the eye in place, an eye patch should be used which would also prevent there from being any possible contact.

What are the treatments currently available?

There are three kinds of Laser Eye Surgery:

LASEK - Unlike LASIK Surgery the layer on the eye’s surface is preserved by lifting it before the laser reshapes the eye, it is then placed back.
PRK – Unlike the LASEK treatment the layer of the cornea is removed completely.
Both allow healthy corneal cells to grow in the treated area.
LASIK - A thin layer is cut from the cornea, a flap is folded out of the way, and then corneal tissue is removed using a laser, correcting vision by reshaping the eye.

There are two types of LASIK Surgery:

Epi-LASIK – This is gentler on the eye, using a less invasive plastic blade. However, for thinner or unusually shaped corneas recovery time is longer and there is discomfort.

IntraLase - IntraLase treatment is far more precise, reducing the chances of induced distortion or complications. IntraLase is scarce to find because it is relatively new.

LASEK is better for patients whose cornea is too steep or too thin, creating flaps that are thinner than LASIK offers. LASEK needs a longer recovery time and receives the most complaints, meaning doctors prefer PRK or LASIK.

Wavefront LASIK Surgery uses a mapping system. An evaluation and diagnosis is made to map out visual defects in the lens so that this information can be used in enhancing treatment. Standardised LASIK or LASEK treatments only use the optical prescriptions, whereas with Wavefront a device called an aberrometer is used to measure the defects that need repair.

Who are the most suitable for such treatments?

As long as you are over eighteen, have consulted with your employer and your doctor, are aware of the cost and haven’t had problems with fluctuating vision you would be suitable. Regular participants in contact sports are usually unsuitable.

Is there anything I need to do before the procedure?

Refrain from using perfume, cream, lotions, and makeup since these products plus any debris that can be found on the eye lash may increase the possibility of infection.

Since you may be given medication before and after the procedure and your vision will be impaired, it is important to arrange transportation both to and from surgery and also the follow up visit.

Are there any post-operative problems?

Take time off work to recover. Post op symptoms should subside within a few days. If they don’t and you find that your vision hasn’t improved after this time, or if you are in pain, contact your doctor. After the treatment, your vision may be blurred and you may feel irritation or discomfort in your eye for which a mild pain killer would be recommended. Resist the temptation to touch the eye since this may dislodge the flap which would require further surgery. It will take time for your eyes to work in sync possibly causing tension headaches. You might also have bloodshot eyes, and may be sensitive to light, haloes around light, starburst and glare.