LASIK: The leading choice in laser eye surgery
If you are researching laser eye surgery, you have almost certainly come across LASIK. It is the most established and widely performed procedure for correcting shortsight, farsight and astigmatism, and for most patients, it is the natural starting point. A smaller number of patients are better suited to an alternative called LASEK, but how the right treatment is chosen for your eyes always comes down to a proper clinical assessment.
At Centre for Sight, the UK’s longest established doctor-led eye centre, we were the first clinic in the country to perform LASIK and remain the longest running private provider of the procedure, with over 30 years of experience behind every recommendation we make.
How LASIK works
LASIK, short for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, involves two steps. First, a thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea. At Centre for Sight, this is done using IntraLASIK, an all-laser, blade-free technique that gives greater accuracy than older microkeratome methods and has a lower risk of flap-related complications.
The flap is gently folded back, exposing the corneal tissue beneath. An excimer laser then reshapes this tissue with high precision, correcting the refractive error causing blurred vision. The flap is then repositioned, where it bonds back naturally without the need for any stitches.
Why LASIK suits most patients
The biggest advantage of LASIK is how quickly patients recover. Because the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is preserved within the flap rather than removed, the eye heals fast and discomfort is usually mild.
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within 24 hours of treatment. The day after surgery usually brings clear vision and only minor sensitivity. Many people return to desk-based work within two to three days, and driving is usually possible in a similar timeframe once vision has stabilised. Strenuous exercise and swimming are generally avoided for a short period, and eye drops are used for several weeks to support healing.
This speed of recovery, combined with decades of proven outcomes, is why LASIK remains the procedure of choice for the majority of people exploring vision correction. According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, laser refractive surgery performed in accredited settings is among the most clinically studied elective procedures available.
What determines whether you are suitable for LASIK
Suitability for LASIK depends on detailed measurements taken during a pre-treatment assessment. Corneal thickness is the most significant factor, since LASIK removes tissue from a deeper layer of the cornea, and there must be enough remaining tissue to maintain structural integrity.
Pupil size, corneal curvature, the degree of refractive error and the overall health of the eye’s surface are also assessed. Dry eye is considered carefully too, since LASIK can temporarily affect the corneal nerves involved in tear production. For the large majority of patients with healthy, sufficiently thick corneas, LASIK is the recommended option. If you are not sure where you stand, our Am I Suitable tool is a useful starting point before booking a full assessment.
When LASEK is the better fit
A smaller group of patients is better suited to LASEK rather than LASIK. This typically applies to those with thinner corneas, flatter corneal profiles, or a higher risk of eye trauma through work or sport, such as contact sports participants or those in physically demanding roles.
LASEK works on the surface of the cornea rather than creating a flap, with the epithelial cells gently moved aside, treated, and then repositioned. Recovery is generally slower, with comfortable vision typically established over several days to a week, rather than within hours, and full stabilisation can take longer.
LASEK is not a lesser option. It delivers comparable long-term visual outcomes, but is reserved for the eyes that need a different approach rather than being offered as a general alternative.
The decision always starts with an assessment
Most patients who come to us expecting LASIK have that expectation confirmed once their assessment is complete. Where a patient’s corneal profile indicates LASEK instead, that recommendation is based on protecting the long-term health and stability of the eye and not a downgrade in the outcome.
This is why the right choice is never something to self-diagnose from reading alone. It is a clinical decision made using precise measurements of your eyes.
Book Your LASIK Assessment
If you are ready to explore whether LASIK is right for you, the next step is a comprehensive consultation with one of Centre for Sight’s experienced refractive surgeons. You can book a consultation on the Centre for Sight website, or call the team directly on 01342 306020.
