Laser eye surgery (or myopia treatment)

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a form of treatment in which doctors will use lasers to reshape the surface of your eye in order to correct eyesight problems, as well as treat conditions that can lead to sight loss.

Who can have laser eye surgery?

There are a number of factors that go into assessing your suitability for laser eye surgery. Firstly, laser eye surgery is usually an option for more mild eyesight problems, such as short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism.

Your eyes can also still be growing leading up to the ages of 18-21, so doctors often suggest if you’re under that age, laser eye surgery may not be the right option just yet. Similarly, it is quite common for your prescriptions for short-sightedness or far-sightedness to fluctuate. Laser eye surgery is only recommended if your prescription has not changed significantly for 12-18 months.

Short-sightedness (myopia)

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common condition in which you cannot see objects far away clearly. This occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to bend or refract, causing light to focus before it reaches the retina. Myopia is usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but laser eye surgery can be a more permanent solution.

Far-sightedness (hyperopia)

Hyperopia, or far-sightedness, is the opposite of myopia, meaning you cannot see objects close to you clearly and occurs when the eye’s refractive power is too weak to focus your sight. Again, this can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common condition in which the shape of the eye is slightly abnormal causing blurry or distorted vision.

Age-related short-sightedness (presbyopia)

Presbyopia is the natural deterioration of your eyesight as you age. As you get older, your eyes may not be able to focus on close objects, which often results in the need to wear glasses or contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.

Who is unsuited to laser eye surgery?

If you suffer with a thin cornea, you may not be suitable for laser eye surgery. This is because the lasers used to reshape your eye in surgery cause a thinning of your cornea which could make the condition worse.

It is also recommended that if you have an unstable prescription, laser eye surgery may not be a suitable option for you. This is because if surgery was performed, the effects would not last if your prescription were to change further.

How is laser eye surgery performed?

Before the procedure

Before you surgery, your doctor will explain to you exactly what will happen during the procedure and the potential risks associated with laser eye surgery. They will then apply anaesthetic to your eye, usually in the form of drops, in readiness for your treatment.

During the procedure

A thin flap is then created on the surface of your eye, or the cornea. This flap is gently lifted, and the laser is used to reshape the layers underneath depending on your prescription.

Once the cornea is reshaped, your surgeon will place the flap back which will then heal naturally without stitches.

How long does laser eye surgery take?

The procedure is quick, typically taking about 10-15 minutes per eye, with minimal discomfort.

Recovery

How long does recovery take?

After having laser eye surgery, you can usually go home the same day. Depending on the type of laser eye surgery you have, some people start to notice an improvement in their sight within 24-48 hours.

You will be able to return to your daily activities within a few days, although it’s recommended to avoid more strenuous activities and swimming for a about a week after your surgery.

Although you will get back to normal life quickly, your eyesight won’t stabilise fully for a few weeks while your eyes heal fully, so it is important to follow the aftercare that your doctor gives you.

Risks and complications

Potential risks and complications include infection, under or over-correction, night vision problems, corneal haze, corneal dryness, corneal ectasia (weakening of the cornea). All of these would be fully explained at an initial outpatient consultation to consider suitability for treatment.

Is laser eye surgery safe?

Major complications with laser eye surgery are very rare. Although, like with all surgery there will be risks. However, your doctor will discuss these and explain everything to you before your treatment.