Everything you need to know before getting laser eye surgery

Published on 16th August 2019

Laser eye surgery has changed the lives of so many of our patients, and once you’ve had it done, the potential benefits are boundless. But before you book your treatment, there are a number of things you may wish to speak to your ophthalmologist about.

Are you eligible for laser eye surgery?

Laser eye correction is suitable for a wide range of people, but in order to be eligible for treatment, there are some criteria you need to meet. Firstly, you must be at least 18 years old to be considered for treatment, and you should have a stable sight prescription.

Check if your prescription is suitable for treatment, and see a list of medical conditions that may impact your eligibility here.

And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, we’d advise you to wait, as hormonal changes could affect your eyesight.

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for laser eye surgery, or if you would like to discuss anything that you think may affect your eligibility, book a consultation at our Bolton clinic and we will carry out a detailed assessment of your eyes to make sure.

Which type of laser eye surgery is best for you?

Visualase offer both LASIK and SURFACE laser eye correction. Your surgeon will talk you through each procedure at your consultation and advise you on which would be most effective for you.

Who will perform your laser eye surgery?

We understand just how important it is to build a relationship with your surgeon prior to treatment. That’s why as a Visualase patient you’ll enjoy a no-obligation, one-to-one initial consultation with the ophthalmologist who will perform your laser eye correction.

Our surgeons have performed over 50,000 successful surgeries, and in our annual patient survey 100% of patients said they would recommend Visualase to family and friends.

How much will it cost?

Laser eye surgery is a big enough decision to make without the further concerns about the cost.

We offer transparent, fixed pricing with absolutely no hidden extras. All laser eye surgery at Visualase is £1,495 per eye, regardless of your prescription. We also offer a range of interest-free payment plans to spread the cost.

And for a limited time only, all bilateral laser eye surgery at Visualase is only £995 per eye. Find out about our Summer offer here.

How to prepare for your consultation and treatment

Ahead of your initial consultation, it is a good idea to get a copy of your prescription from your latest eye test. This will help our team establish how stable your prescription is.

If you typically wear contact lenses, be sure not to wear these before your consultation or treatment.

If you wear soft lenses, then you must not wear them for three full days prior to your treatment. If you wear hard, gas permeable lenses, then don’t wear them for at least four weeks before treatment.

Can you have laser eye surgery before going on holiday?

A spectacle-free holiday is up there on most of our patients’ wish list, but if you’re planning to have your eyesight correction done before going on holiday, you must allow at least 2 weeks’ recovery time after treatment. You will need to come back to the clinic for a check-up the day after your treatment and again within the next 10 - 14 days.

Your eyes may also feel sensitive after treatment so it’s best if you are home during this initial recovery period. This will also make sure that if you have any concerns during recovery, that you are able to access the clinic if you need to.

You can find out about our laser eye surgery aftercare here.

Considering laser eye surgery?

If you’re ready to say goodbye to your glasses, or if you want to find out if laser eye surgery is the right option for you, book a no-obligation consultation with our surgeon today.

Our easy to reach central Bolton clinic is open 6 days a week, with appointments available at a time that’s convenient for you - including evenings and weekends. And our friendly, expert team are always here to advise you on any aspect of laser eye treatment.

So if you are considering laser eye surgery, and would like to meet with an ophthalmologist to assess your eligibility and find out which treatment is right for you, call Visualase on 01204 387467 or complete the form below to book a consultation.

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.