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What are the types of laser eye surgery?
Laser vision correction works by correcting the focus of the cornea. The different types of refractive eye surgery are: LASIK, LASEK, ReLEx SMILE. We are the only UK group to offer all these options, based on what is ideal for your unique vision correction needs.
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What happens in laser eye surgery?
At Optegra, we offer slightly different laser eye surgery procedures to reshape your cornea and correct the defects that affect the eye’s ability to see clearly
- LASIK: a femtosecond laser is used to send pulses to the cornea, producing tiny bubbles. This creates a flap which enables the surgeon to lift back the cornea’s outer layers to reveal the tissue below. The refractive error is then corrected using an excimer laser before the flap is replaced.
- LASEK: instead of creating a flap, the outer layer of the cornea is loosened with alcohol solution and folded back. The surface of the cornea is then reshaped to rectify the refractive error using an excimer laser. The outer layer of the cornea is returned to its position and a bandage contact lens is inserted to protect it during the healing process.
- ReLEX SMILE: with SMILE, no flap is created which allows for a quicker recovery after the procedure. A Zeiss VisuMax laser is used to send a series of pulses to the centre of the cornea, forming microscopic bubbles. These outline the tissue that needs to be removed to alter the shape of the cornea and correct the refractive error. The laser then creates a microscopic tunnel via which the surgeon removes the tissue.
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Who can have laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is ideal if you are affected by short sight, long sight or astigmatism. Short-sightedness can range from mild, where treatment may not be required, to severe, where objects will appear blurry.
In the long term, long-sightedness can significantly cause headaches and tiredness due to “over-focus” and lead to double vision. Depending on the seriousness of the problem contact lenses or glasses can be worn but some people may find it less of a hassle to have laser eye surgery.
How safe is laser eye surgery?
While all surgical procedures carry a very slight degree of risk, laser eye surgery is an extremely safe, common and effective procedure – over 40 million patients worldwide have had corrective eye surgery!
- See clearly without the need for glasses or contacts
- Significant cost savings on glasses & lenses
- 10 – 15-minute treatment, with no pain or discomfort
- Back to work within 48 hours
“Over 99% Of Our Patients Achieve 20/20 With Our Laser Eye Surgery”
Awarded top-rated surgeon by Doctify in 2018
Optegra laser eye surgery is very safe and effective. Over 99% of our customers achieved 20/20 vision or better on the next day after the treatment although it may take slightly longer for some patients.
World class laser eye surgeons
Our immaculate five star, dedicated hospitals provide the best possible setting for the very best care and outcomes for laser eye surgery. Our world class laser eye consultants are NHS-trained, as well as being Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or equivalent organisations. Our ophthalmic surgeons are the best in the industry so you can rest assured of their experience and expertise.
With hospitals and clinics throughout the country, an Optegra Eye Hospital is never far away.
How much is laser eye surgery?
While the treatment suitable for you will be determined according to your personal needs during our free initial consultation, we offer one clear set price for our laser eye surgery. We offer a range of helpful financing, including up to 24 months completely interest free. Our indicative price range is below:
LASEK
For people with less serious eye focusing problems, thin corneas or dry eyes.
LASIK
Our most popular and well-known type of laser eye surgery
ReLEx SMILE
The most advanced method of laser eye surgery using the latest keyhole technology.
Important Information:
Presbyond & Complex Laser are charged at £2,795 per eye. Interest free credit & finance options available.
Learn more about the cost of laser eye surgery
How long does laser eye surgery take to heal?
Aftercare is an extremely important part of our laser eye surgery treatment. Our well-rounded aftercare programme is designed to ensure that every patient gets back on their feet in no time at all. It starts right after the day of your laser eye surgery and is tailored to your individual needs. We will regularly check on your recovery to ensure that you get back on your feet in no time.
All Optegra patients have access to the professional advice of our team of fully NHS trained surgeons and staff to answer any of your questions on eye health or procedure
The Difference To Finally Being World #1
Optegra gave me the extra 5% I needed – and that made all the differenceJudd Trump
World #1 Snooker Champion
About our immaculate eye hospitals
Optegra eye hospitals are dedicated only to laser eye surgery, eye treatments and eye care. Our services include laser eye surgery, lens replacement and cataract surgery and treatment for other medical eye conditions including glaucoma.
Our hospitals and clinics provide a modern, calm and comfortable environment in which our patients can feel relaxed and well cared for through a patient-led, personalised treatment plan.
As centres of eye excellence, we offer facilities with the most advanced surgical and technical equipment. Each location is staffed by a professional clinical team with leading NHS-trained consultant laser eye surgeons who are all Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) at each hospital ensures compliance with the best clinical practice.
As well as purpose-built Optegra hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, London, North London, Manchester, Surrey and Yorkshire, we have conveniently located outreach eye clinics in Leeds, Maidstone, Newcastle and Uttoxeter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Laser eye surgery takes 15 minutes to perform, but the actual laser takes a very small part of this time. However, we would advise that you allocate 2-3 hours during the day for a correct preparation and initial aftercare steps to take place. At Optegra, we have invested in state-of-the-art advanced laser eye technology to ensure the best possible results for our patients, meaning our patients’ experience is quicker and more comfortable.
Most patients will see the results of laser eye surgery 1-2 days after their surgery. Since everyone is different, some patients enjoy a rapid visual recovery after laser eye surgery and can notice improvements in their vision immediately.
After a patient has had laser eye surgery, they can usually return to work within 24 hours after LASIK or SMILE laser eye treatment, and within a few days after LASEK laser eye treatment. However, every individual is different and it is important that all patients take as much time as they need to recover. Our laser eye surgeons, or a member of our team, will be on-hand to provide any advice or reassurance during the recovery period. In general, most patients are able to go back to work and drive after 48 hours.
Effectively, by reshaping the cornea, laser eye surgery will permanently correct a patient’s vision. LASIK, LASEK and SMILE Laser eye surgery treatments are considered a permanent cure for most refractive errors, however some patients may find they need reading glasses at a point in their lives as the eye naturally ages. This condition is also known as presbyopia.
The three main types of laser eye surgery are LASIK, LASEK and ReLEx SMILE.
LASIK is the most popular type of laser eye surgery. A laser creates a flap which is gently lifted so the cornea can be reshaped. This treatment has a rapid visual recovery time for some patients.
LASEK is best suited for patients with less serious eye focusing problems, specifically patients with thin corneas or dry eyes who may not qualify to have LASIK. Instead of creating a flap, the fine surface of the cornea is loosened and folded back, then the cornea is reshaped.
ReLEx SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, and is the least invasive laser eye treatment compared to LASIK and LASEK. There is no need to create a flap; instead the cornea is reshaped through a keyhole procedure which means some patients usually benefit from a short recovery period.
Yes. Our specialist Monovision technique can help correct reading vision difficulties caused by presbyopia. However, LASIK, LASEK or SMILE surgeries may not always be suitable for people who need strong prescriptions to read. In this case an alternative treatment may be suggested.
If you are unsure whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our laser eye surgeons, and see how we can help you.
Each laser eye surgery treatment is suited to different individuals with different eye health needs. LASIK is best suited to patients with hyperopia or myopia, whereas LASEK is suitable for individuals with thin or flat corneas.
ReLEX SMILE is suitable for individuals with or without astigmatisms. At Optegra, we understand that everyone is different. During your free consultation with one of our expert laser eye surgeons, you will undergo an in-depth assessment to determine which laser eye treatment is best suited to you.
Yes, we offer a variety of financing options including interest free for up to 24 months.
By Author: Amir Hamid
Mr. Amir Hamid is our Medical Director for Vision Correction and an expert refractive surgeon, based in London.
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