LASIK

Laser correction of short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. A thin flap is lifted, the cornea reshaped underneath, and the flap replaced without stitches.

Who it suits

A stable prescription for at least a year, adequate corneal thickness and healthy eyes. If your corneas are thin, a surface procedure such as PRK or a lenticule extraction may be safer. The assessment on the day decides this, and being told you are not a candidate is a good outcome rather than a wasted trip.

What the procedure involves

Around ten minutes per eye, awake, with anaesthetic drops. Both eyes are usually treated in the same session.

Recovery and what to expect

Vision is often usable the next day. Dryness and night-time haloes are common for weeks to months and usually settle. Drops are used for several weeks; swimming and eye rubbing are avoided.

Honest expectations

The aim is to reduce dependence on glasses, not to guarantee you never need them. Reading glasses will still arrive with age exactly as they would have.

What we arrange around it

Under a week, with a review before you fly.