Refractive Surgery
Laser and lens correction, recommended only when your eyes are suited to it.
Overview
Laser vision correction is quick, comfortable and highly predictable in a suitable eye. The most important part of the process is therefore the assessment that determines whether your eye is suitable.
Every assessment therefore starts with detailed corneal scans, measurements of thickness and pupil size, and a healthy tear film. Where the cornea is thin, irregular or shows early signs of instability, laser treatment is not offered and lens-based options are discussed instead. That decision is made before any date is booked, and explained to you on your own scans.
When to seek assessment
- Depending on glasses or contact lenses for everyday life
- Contact lenses becoming uncomfortable, dry or repeatedly infected
- Work, sport or travel that makes eyewear impractical
- A prescription that has been stable for at least a year
- Age eighteen or above, with realistic expectations
Diagnosis
How the assessment is made
Suitability assessment
Corneal mapping, thickness measurement, stability testing and a full prescription check with dilating drops — the most important appointment in the whole process.
Night vision measurement
Your pupil size in dim light and the fine optical characteristics of your eye are measured, since together they predict the quality of your night vision afterwards.
Preparing the surface
Any dryness is treated first. Operating on a dry surface gives unstable measurements and a more uncomfortable recovery.
Treatment
Options and what each one is for
LASIK
A thin layer of the cornea is lifted with a laser, the tissue beneath reshaped, and the layer replaced. Vision recovers quickly — most people see well the following morning.
Surface laser treatment (PRK)
Reshaping performed on the surface without lifting a layer, suited to thinner corneas and to contact sports. Recovery is slower and more uncomfortable, with an equally good final result.
Implantable lenses
A slim lens placed in front of your natural lens for strong prescriptions or corneas unsuited to laser. It can be removed again if ever needed.
Lens replacement
For patients past fifty who already need reading glasses, replacing the natural lens with an implant — the same operation as cataract surgery, performed before a cataract forms.
Recovery
What to expect afterwards
First 24 hours
After LASIK: watering and light sensitivity for a few hours, then clear vision. After surface treatment: three to five days of soreness under a protective contact lens.
First month
Drops on a reducing schedule. No swimming, rubbing or contact sport. Haloes around lights at night are common early on and settle.
Three to six months
Vision and comfort settle completely, and the final result is confirmed at around three months.
Questions
Frequently asked
If your question is not answered here, it is welcome in consultation — or by message before you book.
You will be told directly, with the reason shown on your own scans. Around one in five people assessed is better served by a lens-based option, or by keeping their glasses.