Does laser eye surgery work?

Does Laser Eye Surgery Work? A Look at Vision Correction

Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses? Laser eye surgery might be the solution you've been looking for. With a success rate of over 99%, this revolutionary procedure has transformed the lives of millions worldwide.

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What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a quick, painless procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct vision problems such as:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism

The Procedure: Quick and Painless

Laser eye surgery typically takes only 5-10 minutes per eye. Here's what to expect (LASIK example):

  • Numbing eye drops are applied
  • A laser creates a thin flap in the cornea
  • Another laser reshapes the cornea
  • The flap is replaced, acting as a natural bandage

Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?

While laser eye surgery boasts impressive success rates, it's not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates are:

  • Over 18 years old
  • In good general health
  • Have a stable prescription for at least two years

Recovery and Results

Most patients experience improved vision within hours of the procedure. Full recovery usually takes a few days, but in some cases, it can take up to a few weeks. During this time, you may experience:

  • Dry eyes
  • Slight discomfort
  • Temporary visual disturbances

These side effects are typically mild and resolve quickly.

Cost

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

  • Free initial consultation
  • 1 year of follow-up appointments
  • 15 year aftercare guarantee

From

£1,995

Per Eye

Indicative Finance From

£25* p/m

Per Eye

See finance options

Get a quote

Take the First Step Towards Clear Vision

Don't let glasses or contact lenses hold you back any longer. Book your FREE consultation today and discover how SmartSight™ laser eye surgery at OCL Vision can change your life. Embrace the freedom of clear vision with the UK's leading experts in eye care.

BENEFITS OF LASER EYE SURGERY

Numerous Benefits for Those with Vision Concerns

  • Laser eye surgery commonly corrects short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism and reading vision problems (presbyopia).
  • Different laser eye surgery techniques are used to correct each condition.
  • Laser eye surgery corrections are achieved through the use of a laser which reshapes the cornea (the transparent part) and adjusts the focus of the eye.
  • Laser eye surgery at our London and Hertfordshire clinics is a brief and painless procedure due to the application of anaesthetic drops.

Laser eye surgery FAQ's

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.

How long is the recovery from laser vision correction?

Most people experience a dramatic change within 24 hours post-surgery. This rapid recovery allows you to return to your normal daily activities with minimal downtime. The results are long-lasting, normally providing clear vision for many years, and in many cases, for a lifetime.

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 between -10D and +7.25D.

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?

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.

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

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.

Is it safe to have laser eye surgery during pregnancy?

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.

LASER EYE SURGERY USEFUL INFORMATION

Laser eye surgery aftercare

Considering laser vision correction? Here is some guidance that will answer some of your questions.

Shower

After 24hrs

Shower/Wash hair

Do not wet your eyes directly for 1 week.

Drive

48 hrs

Drive / work

Do not drive until your vision has cleared.

Swim

2 weeks

Swim

Wear goggles for 4 weeks.

Eye Shield

2 nights

Eye shields

Wear your eye shields at night.

Make up

3 days

Make-up

Do not wear eye make up.

contacts

3 days

Contact lenses

Remove contact lenses, take surgeons advice.

Exercise

After 2 days

Light exercise

Full exercise 5 days after treatment.

Fly

1 week

Fly

Take advice from your surgeon.

Time

3hrs

Time in clinic

On day of surgery.

WHY CHOOSE OCL VISION

Discover the OCL Vision Difference:

1

Freedom from Glasses and Contacts

Say goodbye to the inconvenience of corrective eyewear and embrace a life of clarity.

2

Expert Surgeons You Can Trust

Our team comprises some of the UK's best and most trusted surgeons, renowned for their expertise and commitment to patient care.

3

Tailored Treatment Plans

We offer a FREE comprehensive consultation to assess your vision and create a personalised treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

4

Advanced Technology for Optimal Results

Utilising the latest advancements in laser technology, we ensure precision, safety, and outstanding outcomes.

5

Flexible Payment Options

Our flexible payment plans start at just £37 per eye per month, making it easier than ever to invest in your vision.

6

Book your FREE consultation

Book your FREE consultation today to find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery.

*Representative example per eye based on 50% deposit over 60 months interest bearing. 9.8% APR Representative. We are a credit broker, not a lender. Credit provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, trading as Novuna. Subject to status and affordability. Minimum spend and deposit required. T&Cs apply.

Locations

Our locations across London and Hertfordshire deliver the highest class eye care treatment delivered by the worlds best surgeons. 

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