Considering life without glasses or contact lenses? LASIK is a quick, safe, and effective treatment that could transform your vision in just minutes.
At Oculase, we specialise in personalised, consultant-led treatment with one of London’s top LASIK surgeons, Mr Tariq Ayoub. We blend holistic treatment with traditional procedures so you can get the most out of your treatment journey and achieve better vision.
Book your free online LASIK consultation here.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser vision correction procedure and the most common type of laser eye surgery. Other options include LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy), Trans-PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and ReLEx (laser lenticule extraction).
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea – the clear front part of the eye – to improve how light is focused onto the retina. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted, and a laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue with extreme precision. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches.
What can LASIK correct?
LASIK can be used to correct the following conditions you may experience:
- Myopia (short-sightedness) – this a condition in which your ability to see far away distances is affected
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness) – this a condition in which your ability to see up close is affected
- Astigmatism – this is a condition that can cause you to develop a rugby ball-shaped eyeball that can cause you to develop blurry vision
- Presbyopia – this a condition that can affect your ability to read visually
If you suffer from any of these refractive errors, speak to one of our consultant ophthalmologists (eye specialists) to discuss whether LASIK surgery may be the right treatment for you.
What does LASIK eye surgery cost?
At Oculase, we offer FREE video consultations to help you explore your options with no upfront commitment. The cost of LASIK eye surgery can vary depending on your individual prescription and the complexity of the treatment. However, prices for LASIK start from £1,900 per eye.
To learn more about pricing, payment options, or to book your free video consultation, get in touch with our expert team today.
How long does LASIK take?
The LASIK procedure itself is very quick – it typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes per eye. The laser is only used for a matter of seconds during this time to reshape the cornea. Including preparation and post-treatment checks, you can expect to be at the clinic for about 1 to 2 hours in total.
How is LASIK surgery performed?
LASIK eye surgery involves reshaping the cornea (the front surface of your eye). Before deciding on this treatment, we will need to assess your eyes to determine your suitability.
You will have a thorough consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your eye and general health. We will also explain the risks, possible complications, and what to expect from the procedure.
Preparing for LASIK eye surgery
Before we begin, we will need to measure your eye to determine exactly what you need to correct your vision.
Contact lenses change the natural shape of your cornea, so you will need to stop wearing them for a few days to a few weeks before your procedure.
On the day of the surgery, we will place numbing eye drops in your eye before we start. You will be awake during the procedure. General anaesthetic is not commonly used due to the risks it can cause during surgery.
We will use an eyelid speculum (a device that holds the eyelids apart) to ensure you don’t blink during the procedure. The laser machine is also programmed to stop immediately when there is movement. This means if you do blink or sneeze, for example, you will be safe.
During LASIK surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a flap-based treatment in which we create a flap that allows a laser to change the shape of your cornea.
Watch our video to learn how we perform LASIK surgery.
What to expect after LASIK eye surgery
After LASIK surgery, you won’t need any bandages. We will give you a post-operative assessment, and then you will be able to go home.
You will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. We also advise you not to do any strenuous activities or exercise for the next week, and you shouldn’t swim for two weeks. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes for at least a week.
How long is LASIK recovery time?
Recovery after LASIK is typically quick and straightforward. Most people notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours, and many are able to return to work and normal daily activities the very next day. Mild side effects, such as dryness, light sensitivity, or slight visual fluctuations, are common during the first few days but usually settle within a week or two. However, it can take up to three months to recover fully and return to all sporting activities, including contact sports.
To support a smooth recovery, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions and attend any follow-up appointments with your surgeon. At Oculase, we provide comprehensive aftercare to ensure your eyes heal safely and your vision reaches its full potential.
Check our blog on the benefits of LASIK laser eye surgery.
What results can I expect from LASIK surgery?
You can achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK surgery.
This will allow you the freedom to do your day-to-day activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or playing your favourite sport without any hassle. LLASIK surgery can also help you achieve the precision vision required to become a pilot.
Watch our patient testimonials to hear more about patients’ experiences and results of LASIK surgery.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is considered a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. It has an excellent track record, with millions of successful treatments performed worldwide and a high level of patient satisfaction. Complications are rare, and most side effects, such as dry eyes or temporary visual disturbances, are mild and resolve on their own.
At Oculase, your safety is our priority. We use advanced diagnostic technology and perform thorough assessments to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK.
What are the possible side effects of LASIK surgery?
Your ophthalmologist will discuss the possible risks before your procedure and inform you of the likelihood of each, given your circumstances, but possible side effects include:
- Temporary dry eyes after the procedure – we will provide eye drops (artificial tears) to counter this
- Glares or halos at night
- Sensitivity to light immediately after the procedure
- Small bruises on your eyes
- Risk of flap problems
- Vision loss – this is a rare side effect of LASIK, with severe vision loss being very rare
Read our blog, ‘Is laser vision correction surgery safe?’, to learn more about the risks of LASIK and whether it is safe.
How long does LASIK last?
Most people with LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision for years or decades after their procedure, and the procedure has a high satisfaction rate with patients.
People with a higher prescription before surgery may experience myopic regression. This is when your vision quality decreases slightly over time. During your initial consultation, your ophthalmologist will discuss your risk of this happening.
If your eyesight has deteriorated over time due to natural ageing and you need glasses again, you may be wondering whether you can have LASIK surgery for a second time. In most cases, further treatment is possible, even longer than a decade or two after the initial laser vision. Your surgeon will tell you which procedure is safest to have.
Contact us if you’re interested in having a second laser eye surgery, and we can advise you on the best treatment plan.
Is there an age limit for LASIK eye surgery?
At Oculase, we recommend that you be over 21, as you need a stable prescription before committing to the procedure. In general, you must be at least over 18 to have LASIK eye surgery.
After the age of 40, you may be more prone to developing a condition called presbyopia. This can affect your suitability for this surgery. Presbyopia can be treated with blended-monovision LASIK.
There is no strict upper age limit. After 55, we may recommend a lens-based treatment instead, such as refractive lens exchange.
Book an appointment
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, speak to a specialist at Oculase for advice.
We can offer a thorough consultation, provide treatment options, and work with you to decide on the right course of treatment. If you are not suitable for LASIK, we will recommend you the best alternative.
Our specialists are compassionate, experienced, and safe. They pride themselves on the high quality of their work. With their extensive experience, they can holistically manage complex eye conditions to deliver the best patient care.
Frequently asked questions
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