Laser eye surgery has an amazing 96% patient satisfaction rate. The results speak for themselves – most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the procedure. You need proper preparation to get the best results. Your first laser eye surgery needs careful planning. Soft contact lens wearers must stop using them at least two weeks before the surgery. People with rigid gas permeable lenses need to wait three to four weeks. Your risk of post-surgery dry eyes drops by a lot when you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Knowledge about the procedure helps you understand what lies ahead. This becomes a vital factor because laser surgery can make your eyes more prone to dryness. Any corneal distortion might affect the measurement accuracy during your procedure. This detailed guide walks you through everything about your first laser eye surgery. We cover eligibility criteria, safety considerations and explain each step during and after the procedure. Let’s make sure you’re ready for this life-changing experience.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?
Laser eye surgery might be right for you, but several factors need careful review first. Looking to get your first laser eye surgery? Our experienced surgeons at Precision Vision London will guide you through each step. You’ll feel informed, relaxed, and ready. Book your consultation today!
Who is eligible and who should avoid it
Adults 18 and older with stable vision prescriptions make good candidates for laser eye surgery. Your prescription needs to stay unchanged for at least 12 months before surgery. The procedure works well for refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.
All the same, some conditions might rule you out as a candidate. These include:
- Thin or irregular corneas that could increase risk of complications
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active eye infections
- Glaucoma, keratoconus, or other specific eye conditions
On top of that, people with very high prescriptions (beyond -10.00 for short-sightedness or +5.00 for long-sightedness) might need different treatments.
Is laser eye surgery safe?
The safety record of laser eye surgery stands out. Serious complications are very rare. Blindness almost never happens—with about 1 case in 5 million. Minor issues show up in just 0.1% of treatments. Research shows that wearing contact lenses long-term might be riskier than laser surgery. Each year, about 1 in 3000 contact lens users develop serious corneal infections. Some even need corneal transplants.
Common myths and facts about LASIK
- Myth: Laser eye surgery is painful. Fact: Anaesthetic eye drops make sure you barely feel a thing.
- Myth: The laser burns your eyes. Fact: These lasers are cold and precise. You won’t feel any burning.
- Myth: Results wear off over time. Fact: Your corneal reshaping lasts forever, though your vision might change naturally with age.
- Myth: LASIK only corrects short-sightedness. Fact: Today’s procedures can fix long-sightedness and astigmatism too.
- Myth: Recovery takes a long time. Fact: Most people get back to their routine within 48 hours.
So, while laser eye surgery isn’t right for everyone, careful screening will give a clear picture of whether you can expect safe, effective results.
Preparing Your Eyes and Body for Surgery
Getting ready for laser eye surgery will give you the best possible results and smoother recovery. You’ll need to follow several steps to get the best outcome after deciding to go ahead with the procedure.
Stop contact lenses and switch to glasses
You need to stop wearing contact lenses before laser eye surgery. Contact lenses can alter your cornea’s shape, which might affect your pre-surgical measurements. The time you need to wait depends on the type of lenses you wear:
- Soft contact lenses: Stop wearing them at least one week before your evaluation and surgery
- Toric lenses (for astigmatism): Stop two weeks before evaluation
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These need longer periods without wear
Wearing glasses during this time lets your cornea return to its natural shape while you maintain clear vision.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine
Water plays a vital role since your eyes are 98% water. Women should drink 2.7 litres (11.5 cups) daily, while men need about 3.7 litres (15.5 cups).
You should avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours before surgery because it can:
- Dehydrate your body
- Affect medications given during the procedure
- Make your blood thinner
- Affect your sleep quality
You should also skip caffeine as it can leave you dehydrated and jittery during the procedure.
Use eye drops if prescribed
Your surgeon might recommend specific eye drops to prepare your eyes for surgery. These could include lubricating artificial tears that prevent dryness. Make sure you follow all instructions about timing and frequency.
Get enough rest before the procedure
Your body needs a good night’s sleep before surgery. Being well-rested helps you:
- Feel less stressed about the procedure
- Support your natural healing processes
- Stay alert for pre-surgical instructions
Wear comfortable clothes on surgery day and bring someone to drive you home since your vision might be blurry afterward. On top of that, it’s best to skip eye makeup, perfume, or any alcohol-based products 24 hours before your appointment.
What Happens During and After the Procedure
The laser eye surgery experience is straightforward yet precise. Each session takes just 30 minutes or less. A clear understanding of the process helps ease any concerns you might have.
Laser eye surgery: what happens step-by-step
Your surgeon starts by applying numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort. A lid speculum keeps your eyelids open during the procedure. LASIK procedures follow these steps:
- Your surgeon creates a small flap on your cornea using either a microkeratome blade or laser keratome
- The flap gets folded back to expose the corneal tissue underneath
- A programmed laser reshapes your cornea based on your vision needs
- The surgeon places the flap back in position, which heals naturally without stitches
You will need to focus on a light during the procedure to keep your eye positioned correctly.
Are you awake during laser eye surgery?
The procedure requires you to stay fully conscious. Your cooperation helps ensure precision. Here’s what makes the process comfortable:
- Anaesthetic eye drops prevent any pain
- Advanced eye-tracking technology handles tiny eye movements
- You can request a mild sedative tablet if you feel anxious
What to expect immediately after surgery
Your eyes might feel gritty, itchy or watery after the procedure. Most patients notice blurred vision at first, but it improves faster. LASIK patients see much improvement within 24 hours, while LASEK patients notice changes within a week.
Post-surgery care and follow-up visits
Your recovery results depend on proper post-operative care. Here’s what you need to do:
- See your doctor 1-2 days after surgery
- Apply prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation
- Sleep with protective eye shields during the first week
- Keep water away from your eyes and avoid rubbing them
- Stay out of swimming pools for at least two weeks
- Avoid strenuous sports for at least four weeks
Most patients return to their normal activities within 48 hours, though complete visual stabilisation takes 3-6 months.
Understanding Costs and Choosing the Right Clinic
show significant variation, ranging from £595 to as much as £3,450 per eye. The key lies in understanding what these costs actually cover.
Laser eye surgery price breakdown
Most patients should expect to pay between £1,800 and £2,800 per eye for quality treatment. The quoted price should cover aftercare, consultations, and any enhancement procedures needed later.
Precision Vision London’s payment structure
Precision Vision London believes in clear pricing without surprises:
- Advanced Wavefront LASIK: £2,200 per eye
- Advanced Wavefront LASEK: £2,200 per eye
- Blended Vision and Specialist Surgery: £2,400 per eye
Patients pay a £100 refundable consultation deposit, which gets deducted from the final cost after proceeding with treatment. The complete package has pre-operative assessment, the procedure, one month’s prescription drops, and one year of aftercare.
Why choose Precision Vision London?
Precision Vision London’s steadfast dedication to advanced technology and customised treatments makes them unique. Their independence from manufacturers results in unbiased treatment recommendations based on patient needs.
Real patient experiences and reviews
A satisfied patient shared: “My vision has improved beyond belief and now have 20/20 vision in both eyes”. Another patient added: “If I had known it was so easy and painless, I’d done it ages ago”.
These reviews highlight the clinic’s exceptional patient support. Experienced eye specialists deliver outstanding care through personalised treatment plans.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery is a chance to break free from glasses and contact lenses. This piece outlines the significant steps you need for proper preparation, from checking eligibility to post-operative care. You should stop wearing contact lenses at least one week before evaluation for soft lenses and longer for other types. This helps get accurate measurements for your procedure.
Your recovery depends heavily on proper hydration and rest before surgery. Daily water intake lowers the risk of post-operative dry eyes. Staying away from alcohol and caffeine helps prevent dehydration that could affect your procedure.
The surgery takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients see better vision within 24-48 hours after LASIK. Anaesthetic eye drops keep you comfortable throughout the procedure while you’re awake. Your optimal healing depends on following your surgeon’s guidance about eye drops, protective shields, and activity restrictions.
The advertised prices usually apply to straightforward prescriptions. Quality treatment costs between £1,800 and £2,800 per eye. Precision Vision London provides clear pricing with complete packages that include pre-operative assessment, prescription drops, and a full year of aftercare.
The right clinic will give a substantial difference to your laser eye surgery experience. Precision Vision London’s steadfast dedication to innovative technology and personalised care ensures treatments that match your specific needs. Their exceptional patient support shows why many patients wish they had done the procedure sooner. This knowledge helps you approach your laser eye surgery confidently, knowing exactly what to expect at every stage of this life-changing procedure.
Key Takeaways
Preparing properly for laser eye surgery is crucial for achieving optimal results and ensuring a smooth recovery experience.
- Stop wearing contact lenses 1-2 weeks before surgery (longer for rigid lenses) to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape for accurate measurements
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking 2.7-3.7 litres of water daily and avoid alcohol 24-48 hours before surgery to prevent complications and support healing
- The procedure takes just 30 minutes with you awake throughout, using anaesthetic drops for comfort and achieving 20/20 vision for most patients within 24-48 hours
- Budget £1,800-£2,800 per eye for quality treatment, as advertised low prices typically apply to only 23% of patients with simple prescriptions
- Choose a reputable clinic offering transparent pricing, advanced technology, and comprehensive aftercare packages including follow-up visits and prescription drops
Most patients achieve excellent results when properly prepared, with 96% reporting satisfaction and many wishing they had undergone the procedure sooner.
FAQs
Q1. How should I prepare for laser eye surgery? Stop wearing contact lenses at least a week before surgery, use prescribed eye drops, stay well-hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Get plenty of rest, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and avoid wearing eye makeup or perfume on the day of surgery.
Q2. What are the risks associated with laser eye surgery? Laser eye surgery is generally very safe, with major complications being extremely rare. The risk of blindness is estimated at approximately 1 in 5 million cases. Minor complications occur in only 0.1% of treatments. However, it’s important to discuss potential risks with your surgeon during the consultation.
Q3. How long does the laser eye surgery procedure take? The actual laser eye surgery procedure typically takes about 30 minutes or less per session. You’ll remain awake throughout, but anaesthetic eye drops ensure you feel no pain. Most patients experience improved vision within 24-48 hours after LASIK.
Q4. What should I expect during the recovery period? Immediately after surgery, your eyes may feel gritty or watery, and your vision might be blurry. Most patients can return to normal activities within 48 hours. However, you’ll need to use prescribed eye drops, wear protective shields while sleeping for the first week, and avoid rubbing your eyes or getting water in them.
Q5. How much does laser eye surgery typically cost? The cost of laser eye surgery in the UK can range from £1,800 to £2,800 per eye for quality treatment. However, prices can vary depending on the clinic and the complexity of your prescription. It’s important to choose a reputable clinic that offers transparent pricing and includes aftercare in their package.
