EyeSurgery

What is the procedure?

Laser eye surgery is designed to improve a person's sight so they no longer have to use glasses or contact lenses. The surgery takes around one hour and is carried out as an out-patient procedure under local anaesthetic. The procedure involves cutting a small flap in the cornea, which is then folded back so part of the central cornea can be removed by laser. Once the flap has been replaced, the patient needs to wear an eye patch for around 24 hours.

Who is it meant for?

Patients who undergo eye laser surgery have normally suffered from long- or short-sightedness because of the shape of their eye. The treatment, however, cannot be used for age-related loss of vision because this is generally associated with the eye becoming less flexible, rather than a misshapen cornea.

Benefits and risks

Complications are rare, though they do occur in around five per cent of cases. Short-term problems include dry eyes in the weeks after surgery, and some patients have reported extra glare from lights during the hours of darkness - especially where the eye has been subject to a higher level of sight correction. Many surgeons will recommend that the patient does not drive for up to two weeks after surgery.

Price range

Around £1,000 to £1,500 per eye.