Laser Eye Surgery FAQs

We offer a range of different laser eye treatments including LASIK, LASEK and SMILE.

LASIK is the most well known form of laser eye surgery performed. A femtosecond laser creates a flap which is gently lifted so that the cornea can be reshaped using an excimer laser. This gives patients a rapid visual recovery.

LASEK is suitable for people with less serious eye focusing problems, thin corneas or dry eyes who may not be able to have LASIK. Instead of creating a flap, the fine surface of the cornea is loosened and folded back; the cornea is then reshaped using the excimer laser.

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. In this procedure, no flap is created; the cornea is reshaped through the removal of a piece of corneal tissue through a keyhole procedure. His procedure is suitable for higher prescriptions and ideal for patients with thin corneas.

This decision always rests with the patient after considering the pros and cons. LASIK and LASEK is performed bilaterally simultaneously in approximately 95% of the patients we treat (i.e. both eyes same day).

Most people start noticing an improvement in vision almost immediately. After LASIK you will normally be able to see without glasses or contact lenses within twenty four hours. With LASEK the visual recovery is slower but by day 5 most patients are seeing well.

The procedure itself is painless. However, the eyes may feel a bit gritty after LASIK for a few hours, but there is no pain. 

There are various types of laser vision correction, and the right procedure is always determined based on a number of factors including your age, refractive error prescription and lifestyle.