What Does Laser Eye Surgery Do and Is It Right for Me?

If you’ve worn glasses or contact lenses for years, you may have wondered whether laser eye surgery could be the answer to hassle-free, clear vision. With millions of procedures performed worldwide, it’s one of the most trusted and effective forms of vision correction available today. But what exactly does laser eye surgery do, and how do you know if it’s the right option for you?

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure designed to correct refractive errors – problems with the way light bends inside your eye. These errors affect your ability to focus clearly and may include:

• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea)

The treatment involves using a highly precise excimer or femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea – the clear front surface of your eye – so that light is properly focused onto the retina. The result? Sharper, clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

At Centre for Sight, we offer several types of laser eye surgery to suit different eyes, prescriptions, and lifestyles:

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

One of the most popular options, LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. It’s suitable for most prescriptions and offers quick recovery and minimal discomfort.

2. PRK / LASEK / TransPRK

These surface laser treatments are ideal for patients with thinner corneas or those unsuitable for LASIK. Instead of creating a flap, the laser reshapes the outer surface directly. Recovery may take slightly longer, but the results are comparable.

3. Supracor LASIK

Supracor LASIK is an advanced type of laser eye surgery that is designed to treat presbyopia. By reshaping the cornea, we can enhance vision across both near and far distances. Supracor LASIK can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses or contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is suitable for most adults with stable vision and healthy eyes. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are aged 18 or older with a stable prescription for at least 12 months
• Have a refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
• Are in good general health
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

At Centre for Sight, every patient undergoes a thorough assessment and diagnostic testing to determine suitability. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to ensure the treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs.

Find out here if you are suitable for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery offers a range of benefits, including:

• Improved vision – Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
• Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Long-lasting results – Most patients enjoy stable vision for many years
• Fast recovery – Many people return to work and daily activities within a few days
• Better quality of life – Greater convenience, freedom, and confidence

It’s important to note that while laser eye surgery can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses, it doesn’t prevent age-related conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts. However, these can be addressed through other treatments offered at Centre for Sight.

Choosing where to have laser eye surgery is just as important as deciding to have the treatment itself. At Centre for Sight, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional clinical outcomes in a private, patient-focused setting.

• Consultant-led care – All consultations and procedures are carried out by highly experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeons.
• Three UK locations – Choose from our purpose-built facilities in East Grinstead (Sussex), Oxshott (Surrey), and Harley Street (London).
• Advanced technology – We use the latest diagnostic and surgical systems to deliver personalised, precise results.
• Transparent pricing – Our fixed fees include assessments, treatment, and follow-up care.
• Trusted by professionals – Our surgeons are often referred to by other eye care specialists and GPs.

With over 25 years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients, Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s most respected independent eye hospitals.

Your laser eye surgery journey at Centre for Sight begins with a comprehensive consultation, where we assess your eye health, prescription, corneal thickness, and pupil size. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and explain your options in detail.

Should you decide to proceed, your surgery will be carried out by one of our consultant surgeons. Most procedures take less than 15 minutes per eye, and recovery is quick and straightforward. You’ll return for follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.

Nutrition and Vision: Eat Well for Healthy Eyes

Are Your Contact Lens Habits Harming Your Eyes?

Back Behind the Wheel: Thanks to Life-Changing Laser Eye Surgery

For many people, laser eye surgery is a life-enhancing decision – not only improving their vision but also their confidence and daily convenience. It can be especially beneficial for those who find glasses restrictive or contact lenses uncomfortable.

If you’re curious about whether laser eye surgery could be right for you, the best place to start is with a professional consultation.