12 interesting facts about laser eye surgery

Published on 12th June 2017 by Dr Stephen Doyle

Laser eye surgery is ever increasing in popularity, and with more and more people opting to have the surgery it's important to know the facts and dispel the myths surrounding this procedure.

Our Bolton based laser eye surgery clinic has an expert team of eye care professionals and over 16 years’ experience. During this time we have performed thousands of procedures and always pride ourselves on high levels of patient care.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery or are just wanting to find out more information, read our 12 facts below:

• • Laser eye surgery is one of the most common medical procedures, with 15,000 people in the UK alone opting to have the procedure every year.
  • Laser eye surgery has successfully treated 30 million people worldwide and as the technology, safety and effectiveness continues to increase so does its popularity.
  • The first laser eye surgery procedure was performed in 1985 by Theo Seiler, a German ophthalmologist who is considered to be one of the pioneers of vision surgery!
  • LASIK and LASEK are two of the most common laser eye surgery procedures. Both procedures are used to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In LASIK, laser eye surgeons use an instrument to form a thin corneal flap on the surface of the eye which is thinner than a human hair. In LASEK surgery the surface layer of cells, known as the epithelium are displaced rather than creating a flap.
  • Anyone aged over 18 can have laser eye surgery and there is no upwards age limit. However, it is not usually advisable to undergo laser eye correction once you are aged between 70 - 80 as there is an increased chance of developing a cataract.
  • Recovery time for LASIK laser eye surgery patients is quick, your eyes start to heal immediately after the treatment.
  • Laser eye surgery is performed on each eye separately and quickly. It can take less than 10 minutes to treat each eye. Find out more information here
  • Despite common belief, the laser used in the process cannot burn your eyes or the surrounding skin. Lasers used in laser eye surgery are not hot. In fact, they are cold!
  • Patients notice significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours as your eyes recover and continue to heal.
  • Improved understanding on how the eye responds and heals after LASIK laser eye surgery means that most patients are back to work and driving within 24 hours after having the procedure.
  • Laser eye surgery is one of the safest medical procedures out there and chances of any complications are rare.
  • Laser eye surgery could save you money in the long term. Money spent on glasses (frames and lenses) and contact lenses during a lifetime could be more than the cost of the laser eye surgery itself.

If you’d like to make an appointment or discuss laser eye surgery, please click here.

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.