Does laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?

Yes, laser eye surgery can effectively correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve focus. SmartSight, LASIK, and LASEK/PRK are all advanced laser treatments that can treat astigmatism. If you have high astigmatism, our expert ophthalmologists will assess your suitability at OCL Vision.

Is laser eye surgery painful?

Laser eye surgery is generally not considered painful. During the procedure, you are given numbing eye drops to ensure comfort, and most report feeling only mild pressure rather than pain. The entire surgery typically takes just a few minutes per eye, and discomfort is minimal. Post-surgery, some people may experience mild irritation or a gritty sensation in their eyes for a few hours to a couple of days, but this is manageable with eye drops that we give you to take away.

Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

Most people with short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism are suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. A consultation with one of our leading refractive surgeons will determine your eligibility based on your prescription, corneal thickness, and eye health.

What is the best type of laser eye surgery for me?

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW132134411 BCX0"> There are different types of laser eye surgery available: </div> <div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW132134411 BCX0"> <ul> <li class="Paragraph SCXW132134411 BCX0">LASIK – The most common procedure with quick recovery. </li> <li class="Paragraph SCXW132134411 BCX0">LASEK (PRK) – Suitable for those with thinner corneas or active lifestyles.</li> <li class="Paragraph SCXW132134411 BCX0">SmartSight – A flapless, minimally invasive laser procedure that can correct astigmatism and short-sightedness. </li> </ul> Our expert team will recommend the best laser eye treatment for your vision needs. </div>

How long does laser eye surgery take?

The laser eye surgery procedure itself takes around 5-10 minutes per eye, with the actual laser treatment lasting less than a minute. You’ll be at the clinic for about 90 minutes in total, including pre-surgery preparation and post-procedure checks.

How long is the recovery time after laser eye surgery?

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within 24-48 hours after LASIK surgery. With LASEK or PRK, recovery takes a little longer, typically 4 to 7 days. SmartSight offers a flapless technique, meaning a faster recovery with minimal discomfort. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions by our London and Hertfordshire laser eye specialists.

Who is suitable for laser eye surgery?

People considering laser eye surgery should be at least 18 years old with stable vision and good overall eye health. Your prescription should be stable, ideally unchanged within the last two years, to ensure that the surgery will be effective. Laser eye surgery is most straightforward in people with a prescription range <a href="https://www.oclvision.com/blog/what-do-the-numbers-mean-on-your-prescription/">between -10D and +7.25D</a>. The procedure is effective for correcting myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (reading vision problems), your comprehensive initial consultation with OCL Vision will determine your suitability for eye laser surgery. Pregnant or nursing women should postpone the consultation for 3 months as hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to fluctuations in vision, making it difficult to determine the correct prescription for laser eye surgery. These changes can also affect the cornea's shape and thickness, potentially altering the surgery's effectiveness and the stability of the results.

How long does laser eye surgery last?

<div data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">Laser eye surgery provides permanent changes to your cornea, but your vision may still change over time due to natural ageing processes, like developing presbyopia. For most people, the results of laser eye surgery remain satisfactory for at least 10+ years. However, some individuals may require a retreatment after this period if their eye condition progresses.</div>

Is laser eye surgery safe?

Yes, laser eye surgery is one of the safest elective medical procedures, with over 99% patient satisfaction rates. At OCL Vision, we use the latest state-of-the-art laser technology to ensure precise and effective results, performed by experienced laser eye surgeons.

Will I need reading glasses after laser eye surgery?

If you are over 40-45 years old, you may still need reading glasses due to presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). However, treatments like monovision LASIK or blended vision can reduce dependence on glasses for reading.

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

The cost of laser eye surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and clinic. At OCL Vision, prices start from £25* per eye per month as we offer tailored pricing based on your individual needs, with interest-free finance options available (* Representative example per eye based on 50% deposit over 60 months interest bearing. 9.8% APR Representative). Our top laser eye surgeons provide world-class treatment at competitive prices.

Can I have laser eye surgery if I have dry eyes?

<div data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">Having dry eyes doesn't necessarily disqualify you from laser eye surgery, but it's an important factor to consider. Your eye surgeon will assess the severity of your dry eye condition during your consultation. In some cases, they may recommend treating the dry eye symptoms before proceeding with laser surgery. It's crucial to discuss this with your surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.</div>

Is it safe to have laser eye surgery during pregnancy?

<div data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose">It is generally not recommended to have laser eye surgery whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your vision and the shape of your cornea, potentially leading to inaccurate surgical results. Additionally, some medications used during and after the procedure may not be safe for pregnant women. It's best to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to consider laser eye surgery.</div>

Can I get laser eye surgery on the NHS?

Laser eye surgery is usually not available on the NHS as it is considered an elective procedure. Private London eye clinics like OCL Vision offer the highest standards of care with cutting-edge technology and personalised treatment plans.

Where can I get the best laser eye surgery in London?

At OCL Vision, we offer leading laser eye surgery in London and Hertfordshire, performed by highly experienced refractive surgeons. Our clinics provide state-of-the-art LASIK, LASEK, and SmartSight treatments with exceptional patient care. Book a consultation today to find out if you’re suitable and meet our surgeons.

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