You must be 21 years old or more, and have a stable glasses prescription. This is defined as no change greater than 0.5 units (0.5D) in the last two years.

Laser vision correction can typically correct up to -7.00D of myopia or shortsightedness, up to +5.00D of hyperopia or long sightedness and up to ±6.00D of astigmatism.

For higher corrections, lens implantation techniques such as implantable contact lens (ICL) or refractive lens exchange (RLE) may be preferable. However, ICL or RLE may also be preferable for some patients with lower prescriptions too for example, patients with dry eyes or thin corneas.

The vast amount of patients achieve normal vision (“20/20”) and the treatment is highly effective in eliminating need for glasses or contact lens.

Most LASIK patients are 20/20 within 48 hours, for transPRK the visual recovery is slower typically taking a few weeks with most being able to drive after a week.

The final visual outcomes of all methods of laser vision correction (LASIK, transPRK and SMILE) have been shown by research to be the same. Mr Alex Day will discuss the options available to you at your consultation.

LASIK is the most common type of vision correction with fast visual recovery and minimal discomfort in the first 24 hours after surgery. Most patients can return to work within 48 hours. Modern LASIK (femto-LASIK) uses two lasers and the surgery typically takes about 20 minutes for the treatment of both eyes.

transPRK (no-flap, no-touch PRK/LASEK) is latest surface laser vision correction technique and is the method of choice for those with thinner corneas, higher prescriptions, or certain corneal abnormalities. It is also the preferred method for those in the military or who play contact sports or martial arts and are at risk of facial trauma.

Newer techniques such as SMILE or SILK are lenticule based techniques and are again for preferred in certain patients. As Moorfields is a tertiary referral centre and teaching hospital, Mr Alex Day has access to multiple laser platforms so he can chose to use that which is most appropriate for his patients’ individual needs.

Side effects are minimal after laser vision correction, however there are some that are common to all methods.

Most patients experience some mild glare or halos in the first few weeks after laser vision correction, particularly those who have treatment for higher spectacle prescriptions.

All patients will have some dry eye symptoms and some variability in their vision for the first few months after surgery and need to use artificial tear drops in this period.

Laser vision correction is a low risk, but not zero risk, surgical procedure and permanent serious loss of vision is rare after laser vision correction.

One in 100 patients or less may require some form of additional surgery in order to achieve the very best result.

Most complications occur within the first few weeks and therefore it is important not to plan holidays in this period after surgery.

Mr Alex Day uses the Schwind 1050RS excimer laser and the Zeiss Visumax 800 femtosecond laser, which are the latest, state-of-the-art lasers for advanced vision correction.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions!

In brief, please do not wear mascara, eye-liner or eye shadow for 10 days following treatment.

Please see here for a comprehensive article explaining all.