Laser Eye Surgery in Moorfields, London
Live your full potential
LASIK, trans-PRK and
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
Book a consultationLaser vision correction changes the focus of the eye by reshaping the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The main methods of laser eye surgery are flap based (LASIK), surface based treatments “no flap, no touch” (transPRK), and “keyhole LASIK” (lenticule extraction). The final visual results are the same but with slightly different healing and visual recovery times.
These can correct shortsightedness (myopia), longsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Mr Alex Day will discuss the options available to you at your consultation.
What are the different types of laser eye surgery?
LASIK is the most common type of laser vision correction with a fast visual recovery and minimal discomfort in the first 24 hours after surgery. Modern LASIK (femto-LASIK) uses two lasers and the surgery typically takes about 20 minutes for the treatment of both eyes. Most patients can return to work within 48 hours.
transPRK (no-flap, no-touch PRK/LASEK) is the 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.
Lenticule extraction is a newer technique than LASIK and PRK in which a femtosecond laser of the same type used to create a LASIK flap, is used to make a lens shaped piece of tissue (termed a lenticule) that is then removed by the surgeon through a small incision to correct focus. This is like LASIK without the LASIK flap, but the thickness of tissue removal is slightly greater, and the tissue is typically removed from slightly deeper in the cornea. Lenticule extraction is known as SMILE™ (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) when using a Zeiss laser and SILK (Small Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis with a Johnson & Johnson laser.
Does Laser Eye Surgery Permanently Fix Eyes?
Laser eye surgery permanently reshapes the cornea – the clear front surface of your eye – to correct how light is focused onto the retina. This means that the structural changes made during the procedure are permanent. For most patients, the improvement in vision is long-lasting and can significantly reduce or even remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.
However, while the results of laser eye surgery don’t “wear off,” your eyes can still change naturally over time. Factors such as age, hormonal changes, or the development of presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects) can affect your vision years after surgery. These changes are not due to the laser treatment itself but to the normal ageing process of the eye.
Many people continue to enjoy excellent vision for decades after their procedure. In some cases, a small “touch-up” treatment may be recommended later to fine tune results if your vision changes.
What Are The Results Of Laser Vision Correction?
The vast amount of patients achieve normal vision (“20/20”) and the treatment is highly effective in eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of surgery, and many describe it as life changing.
Most LASIK patients are 20/20 within 48 hours, for transPRK and SMILE the visual recovery is slower typically taking a couple of weeks with most being able to drive after a week.
Frequently asked questions
LASIK, trans-PRK and
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery £5,440 (Both Eyes)
Am I Suitable For Laser Vision Correction?
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.
Which Laser Eye Surgery Technique Is Best For Me?
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.
Are There Any Side Effects from Laser Eye Surgery?
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.
What Are The Risks Of Laser Vision Correction?
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.
What Laser Platforms Does Mr Alex Day Use?
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.
When Can I Wear Make-Up Before and After Laser Eye Surgery?
It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked!
To protect your eyes and support healing, we recommend avoiding mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow for 2 weeks after your laser eye surgery. This helps prevent irritation, infection, or accidental contact with the healing surface of your eye.
You can usually continue wearing face and lip make-up a few days after treatment – just take care to keep all products away from your eyes.