A Quick Guide to Laser Eye Surgery

Professor Sunil Shah, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Midland Eye, discusses laser eye surgery with us.

Laser eye surgery involves surgeons using incredibly precise lasers to modify the cornea’s shape to change how light enters the eye. This helps to correct various vision problems that might currently have you reaching for your glasses or contact lenses.

Usually taking 15-30 minutes for both eyes, it has become one of the most common elective surgeries in the UK.

Some eye conditions require entirely different types of treatment. For instance, refractive laser eye surgery can’t help with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or severe diabetic eye disease (although other lasers are available for those conditions).

Considering every option

While laser eye surgery is an effective treatment for those with moderate prescriptions who don’t need reading glasses, refractive lens exchange can prove a longer-lasting solution for many patients. Not only can refractive lens exchange fix severe vision issues, but it can also help with reading issues in older patients. It also ensures that you’ll never suffer from cataracts as you swap a natural lens for an artificial one.

This is why a thorough consultation is so important; it helps ensure you have realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot achieve and a full range of options for your particular situation. The best eye surgery is the one that is right for you long-term, not the one that solves an issue temporarily.

Recovery

The recovery journey after laser eye surgery is usually straightforward, but it varies depending on your procedure. Most people feel uncomfortable for the first few hours after surgery – rather like having a grain of sand in their eyes. This is completely normal and usually eases quickly.

Your vision will typically be a bit blurry, like looking through a steamy window, but this gradually clears over the first few days. You’ll need to use eye drops regularly during this time to help with healing and keep your eyes comfortable. Many people are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can return to their daily routine, though taking things easy for the first few days is wise.

While laser eye surgery has an excellent safety record and high satisfaction rates, it’s still a surgical procedure. Take time to weigh up your options, and don’t feel rushed into making a decision.

About the Author

Professor Sunil Shah is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Midland Eye. Midland Eye was founded by four ophthalmic surgeons who wanted to provide patients with a comprehensive, specialist service for diagnosing and treating all eye conditions.