Laser Eye Surgery
Surgery types, recovery, NHS vs private options, and FAQs
Overview
Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction, is a group of refractive procedures that use precisely controlled laser energy to reshape the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — to correct common vision problems. The goal is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses for short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and age-related reading difficulty (presbyopia).
Since its introduction in the 1990s, laser eye surgery has become one of the most commonly performed elective procedures worldwide, with over 100,000 procedures carried out each year in the UK. Modern techniques are highly refined, with patient satisfaction rates consistently above 95%. The vast majority of patients achieve driving-standard vision (6/12 or better) without glasses, and many achieve 6/6 (perfect) vision.
Laser eye surgery is a private procedure in the UK — it is not available on the NHS except in very rare circumstances. Choosing a reputable clinic with experienced surgeons, advanced technology, and comprehensive pre-operative screening is essential for the safest and best outcomes. A thorough suitability assessment, including detailed measurements of your corneal thickness, shape, and pupil size, will determine which type of laser surgery is most appropriate for your eyes.
Symptoms
- Dependence on glasses or contact lenses for distance vision (myopia)
- Difficulty seeing objects at arm's length without glasses (hyperopia)
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances (astigmatism)
- Difficulty focusing on close-up tasks after age 40 (presbyopia)
- Contact lens discomfort or intolerance
- Desire for greater freedom from corrective eyewear for sport, travel, or lifestyle reasons
When Surgery is Needed
Laser eye surgery is an elective procedure — it is chosen by the patient rather than being medically necessary. However, it can significantly improve quality of life for people who are dependent on glasses or contact lenses. You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You are aged 18 or over (ideally 21+, when your prescription is more likely to have stabilised)
- Your glasses or contact lens prescription has been stable for at least 12 months
- You have healthy eyes with no active eye diseases such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, glaucoma, or cataracts
- Your corneas are thick enough for the laser treatment (determined by pre-operative measurements)
- You understand the potential risks and have realistic expectations about the outcome
Laser eye surgery is not suitable for everyone. You may not be eligible if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune condition affecting healing, have very high prescriptions beyond the treatable range, or have corneas that are too thin. A comprehensive suitability assessment is the essential first step.
Types of Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)
The most popular type of laser eye surgery worldwide. A thin flap is created on the corneal surface using a femtosecond laser, the flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. The flap is then repositioned and heals naturally without stitches. LASIK offers rapid visual recovery — most patients see clearly within hours — and minimal discomfort. It corrects myopia up to approximately -10.00D, hyperopia up to +4.00D, and astigmatism up to 6.00D.
LASEK/PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
The surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed or loosened, and the excimer laser reshapes the exposed corneal surface. No flap is created, making LASEK/PRK suitable for patients with thinner corneas or those involved in contact sports. Recovery is slower than LASIK — vision typically stabilises over 1 to 3 weeks — and there is more discomfort in the first few days. The final visual outcome is comparable to LASIK.
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
A newer, minimally invasive technique that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny keyhole incision of just 2-4mm. No flap is created, preserving more corneal biomechanical strength and reducing dry eye risk. SMILE is currently approved for myopia and astigmatism correction. Recovery is faster than LASEK and comparable to LASIK.
Presbyond Laser Blended Vision
A modified LASIK procedure designed for patients over 40 who need reading glasses (presbyopia). The dominant eye is corrected for distance vision while the non-dominant eye is adjusted for near vision, with an overlap zone that the brain blends seamlessly. This avoids the need for both distance and reading glasses. Approximately 97% of suitable patients adapt to blended vision successfully.
Recovery
Recovery from laser eye surgery depends on the technique used. With LASIK, most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within a few hours of the procedure. You may experience some dryness, mild discomfort, and light sensitivity for the first 24-48 hours, but most people return to work within 1-2 days. Vision continues to refine over the following weeks.
With LASEK/PRK, recovery is slower. You will wear a bandage contact lens for 4-5 days while the surface epithelium heals. There may be more discomfort, watering, and light sensitivity during this period. Vision typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to stabilise, and you may need 3-5 days off work. The final visual outcome is comparable to LASIK.
With SMILE, recovery is similar to LASIK, with most patients seeing well within 24-48 hours and returning to normal activities within a day or two.
All patients should use lubricating eye drops for several weeks after surgery and avoid swimming, contact sports, and eye make-up for at least 2-4 weeks. You will have follow-up appointments at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-operatively. Most patients achieve their final stable prescription within 3 to 6 months.
NHS vs Private
Laser eye surgery is almost exclusively a private procedure in the UK. The NHS does not fund refractive laser surgery except in very rare circumstances where there is a significant medical indication and glasses or contact lenses cannot be used.
Costs vary depending on the type of procedure, the technology used, and the clinic. Typical UK pricing is:
- LASEK/PRK: from £1,495 per eye
- LASIK: from £1,995 per eye
- SMILE: from £2,595 per eye
- Presbyond: from £2,895 per eye
Most reputable clinics offer interest-free finance plans over 12-24 months and free initial consultations or suitability assessments. When comparing clinics, consider the experience of the surgeon, the laser technology used, the comprehensiveness of pre-operative screening, and the aftercare programme — not just the headline price.
Private medical insurance rarely covers laser eye surgery as it is considered a cosmetic or elective procedure, though some insurers may cover it in specific occupational circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for laser eye surgery?
Is laser eye surgery permanent?
What are the risks of laser eye surgery?
How do I choose between LASIK and LASEK?
Can laser eye surgery correct reading vision (presbyopia)?
Surgery Providers
Specialists offering laser eye surgery treatment:
Considering surgery?
Start with an eye test to assess your options. Book yours today.
Book an Eye TestRelated Conditions
Need eye surgery?
Our preferred partner Newmedicaoffers NHS and private eye surgery at 39 clinics across England — with a 99% patient recommendation rate.
Find your nearest clinicClinics
NHS
“The whole experience at Newmedica was excellent. From consultation to surgery day, I felt completely reassured and well looked after.”
Margaret T.
Bristol