Eye laser surgery—your questions answered

What is eye laser surgery?
You are short- or long-sighted because the lenses in your eyes don't focus light properly. You can correct this using additional lenses—glasses or contact lenses. Another option is to change the shape of the cornea, the first lens in the eye, using surgery. Surgeons use a computer-controlled laser to create a precise shape. This is eye laser surgery.

Can eye laser surgery improve my sight?
Eye laser surgery can help most people get rid of their glasses and contact lenses. The information below should help you decide if it's right for you, but you'll need an assessment from a eye laser surgery clinic to be sure.

Short-sightedness—eye laser surgery can give normal vision in both eyes. It works best on prescriptions up to -9.0.

Long-sightedness—eye laser surgery can give normal vision in both eyes. It works best on prescriptions up to +6.0.

Astigmatism—eye laser surgery can treat astigmatism, but each case is different. You'll need an expert assessment from an eye laser surgery clinic.

I've read about Lasik, Lasek, PKR—what do all these different names mean?
Surgeons can use different methods to reshape your cornea, all of which have different names. Currently Lasik has the fastest healing time and is the most popular. Your eye laser surgery clinic will advise you on the right treatment for your eyes, and can explain exactly what each treatment involves.

Will I be awake during the eye laser surgery?
Yes—but the surgeon will put local anaesthetic drops in your eyes so you won't feel any pain.

What happens if my eyes move during the surgery?
Nothing. Eye laser surgery uses a computer to track your eye movements. If you blink or look away the laser stops instantly.

Is there any risk with eye laser surgery?
All surgery has risk, and eye laser surgery is no exception. Make sure your clinic explains the risks to you before you make your decision.

What are the after effects?
There may be some side effects after eye laser surgery. The most common is dry eyes—this is usually temporary and can be treated with eye drops.

How much does eye laser surgery cost?
Prices vary between clinics—some will charge a few hundred pounds per eye, others a couple of thousand. Remember, you only have one pair of eyes—it's worth paying more for an eye laser surgery expert you trust.