Surprising Facts You Might Not Know About Laser Eye Surgery

If you’re considering Laser Eye Surgery, you may well have done a fair bit of research on the topic already. On the other hand, you might have only just begun to look into the treatment and are looking to find out more. Either way though, we’re sure there are a number of facts about Laser Eye Surgery that you didn’t know.

That’s because we spend a lot of our time dispelling myths and setting the record straight about this potentially life-changing treatment. The truth is, that not everything you read online or in tabloid papers is fully representative of the truth.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some surprising facts you may not know about Laser Eye Surgery. But first, a bit of background.

An Extremely Common Procedure

Laser Eye Surgery has grown to become the most popular elective procedure in the world since its introduction over 30 years ago. It is estimated that around 100,000 Laser Eye Surgery procedures are performed every year in the UK alone.

It was designed to permanently change the shape of the cornea, effectively editing how light is directed into the eye, to correct refractive errors such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism. Later developments in the form of PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision also made it possible to correct age-related vision deterioration (presbyopia).

To date, tens of millions of people around the world have achieved improved vision with Laser Eye Surgery. So, let’s take a look at some facts.

There is less than a 0.1% chance of a minor visual complication

For many people, it is the thought of something going wrong that deters them from considering Laser Eye Surgery. However, the risk of this is much smaller than most people realise. Of course, the true risk can vary depending on your chosen clinic and surgeon, but the procedure is still generally considered exceedingly safe.

In fact, one study even named LASIK as the “safest, most successful procedure in the world”. The procedure has a complication rate of approximately 0.1% – and such complications can often be resolved by your surgeon!

The laser used in Laser Eye Surgery cannot burn you

We’ve all seen an abundance of sci-fi films featuring laser guns that can burn not only through human skin but also through buildings. Thankfully, these are a far cry from the lasers used in Laser Eye Surgery.

Laser corrective surgery involves two types of laser: the femtosecond laser and the excimer laser. The first is employed to remove an area of epithelium in PRK/LASEK or to create the corneal flap in LASIK or the keyhole incision in ReLEx SMILE. The excimer laser is then used to remove areas of the corneal bed.

Neither of these lasers employs heat. Instead, they use ultraviolet light to break down bonds in the tissue, allowing a pre-determined area of tissue to be removed. Moreover, eye-tracking technology ensures the laser is only active when pointed at the treatment area, so it doesn’t matter if you blink, sneeze, or even fall off the bed during the procedure!

It is a speedy procedure – with a speedy recovery

Many patients are surprised to learn how fast the Laser Eye Surgery procedure actually is, with the treatment being completed in just a matter of minutes. Moreover, the laser itself is only active for a few seconds!

But you may also be surprised to learn that you could be back to work just 24 hours after your surgery (for LASIK and ReLEx SMILE). That’s thanks to the incredible healing power of the eye, which begins its recovery almost immediately after the treatment is completed. For LASEK, it is recommended that you take four days off work.

There is no upper age limit for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery can be an effective solution to refractive errors for everyone over 18. While some believe the procedure has an upper age limit, this is simply not the case. Many older people undergo Laser Eye Surgery, including after having cataract surgery. In fact, we have treated patients over the age of 90!

It can correct reading vision (AKA Presbyopia)

What’s more, Laser Eye Surgery can effectively treat presbyopia – an age-related refractive error that affects near or reading vision. Our founder and expert surgeon, Professor Dan Reinstein, pioneered laser treatment for presbyopia (PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision) and we have offered it at our Harley Street clinic since 2009.

Ninety-six per cent of our patients achieve 20/20 vision

Depending on your prescription and where you go, your chances of achieving 20/20 vision — the common standard of visual acuity — will vary. At the top clinics, a typical patient will achieve 20/20 or 20/16. And even those with high prescriptions or conditions like dry eye can reach such outcomes.

As you can see, there is more to Laser Eye Surgery than you might have known. So, if you’d like to find out if you could be suitable for this life-changing treatment (around 97% of people are!), then get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators, or Book a Consultation today!