Soft Lenses
Usually need to be left out for a period before your assessment. You will be told exactly how long.
Consett · Derwentside
Laser Eye Surgery for Consett: Cyclists and Lens Wearers
Sitting high above the Derwent Valley, Consett is on the C2C route and at the top of the Derwent Walk, so plenty of people here spend their weekends on a bike. Glasses that steam up on a climb and contact lenses that dry out in the wind on the descent are familiar problems.
Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle offers LASIK, LASEK and PRK for suitable adults. A free, no-obligation quote leads to a full eye assessment and a detailed written quotation. Appointment locations and aftercare are confirmed before you book.
- Consett & Derwentside
- Advice for cyclists
- Free, no-obligation quote
Cycling
When Can I Ride Again After Laser Eye Surgery?
Your clinician will give you specific advice, but Consett cyclists generally need to think about three things: wind, grit and the risk of a fall.
Indoor Cycling First
A static bike or turbo trainer is often fine within about a week, as long as sweat is kept out of your eyes.
Road and Off-Road Riding
Wind, dust and flying grit can irritate healing eyes. Wraparound cycling glasses help, and most people wait a little longer before riding outdoors, especially after surface treatments.
Mountain Biking
A fall onto the face is a real risk on rough trails. Discuss this at your assessment, as it may affect which treatment is recommended.
Before your assessment
Contact Lens Wearers: What You Need to Know
If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to leave them out before your measurements. Lenses gently change the shape of the cornea, and it needs time to return to its natural shape.
Rigid or Gas Permeable Lenses
Typically need a longer break, because they affect the shape of the cornea more.
Plan Around Your Glasses
During the break, you will need to wear glasses. Make sure your prescription is up to date so you can see well enough to work and travel.
Treatments
Choosing the Right Treatment
All three procedures reshape the cornea to correct how light focuses. The right one depends on your eyes and how you live.
LASIK and Trail Riding
The fastest visual recovery. The thin flap it creates is worth discussing if you ride technical trails or play contact sports.
LASEK With a Week to Recover
A surface treatment without a deep flap. Recovery takes about a week.
PRK for Riders Who Risk a Fall
No flap at all, so it is often favoured by people who risk knocks to the face.
Travel
Getting There Without a Railway
Consett has no railway station, so most people travel to Newcastle by car on the A692 or A694, or by bus. That is fine for most appointments, but you must not drive after surgery, and drops used during the assessment can blur your vision for hours. Arrange a lift with a friend or relative for those days. We confirm the location of every appointment before you book, so you can plan travel in good time.
Suitability
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
Age and Prescription
You must be at least 18, with a prescription that has been stable for a year or more.
The Shape of Your Cornea
Measurements of corneal thickness and shape decide which treatments are possible.
Years of Lens Wear and Dry Eye
Long-term lens wear can contribute to dry eyes, so your tear film is checked carefully.
Pricing
Cost and What to Expect
Prices depend on the procedure, your prescription and whether both eyes are treated. A written quotation follows your assessment.
Laser eye surgery to reduce reliance on glasses is not usually available on the NHS.
Comparing With Contact Lens Costs
Some people compare the price with years of lenses and solution. Make sure your quote states what aftercare and follow-up appointments are included.
How it works
What Happens After You Enquire
Send Your Details
Send us your details and we will be in touch to talk through your options.
Assessment and Quotation
Your eyes are measured in detail and you receive a written quotation.
Surgery and Check-Ups
A day procedure under numbing drops, followed by check-ups until your vision settles.
Weather and your eyes
Winters on the Hill Top
Consett's height means it often feels the cold and wind more than the valley below. That is worth bearing in mind when choosing a treatment date.
Cold Wind
Biting wind dries the eyes quickly. In the early weeks, wraparound glasses protect healing eyes on walks and rides.
Central Heating
Warm, dry indoor air can make eyes feel gritty. Lubricating drops, if recommended, and a bowl of water near the radiator can help.
Low Winter Sun
Glare is common on winter drives and rides. Sunglasses help, and light sensitivity after treatment usually settles within weeks.
Areas we cover
Covering Consett and Derwentside
Around Consett, we hear from people in Blackhill, Shotley Bridge, Leadgate, Delves Lane and Moorside, as well as Medomsley, Ebchester and Lanchester. You can also read about Chester-le-Street and Hexham, or browse every area we cover.
- Blackhill
- Shotley Bridge
- Leadgate
- Delves Lane
- Medomsley
- Lanchester
Nearby areas we cover
FAQs
Questions From Cyclists and Lens Wearers
How long do I need to stop wearing contact lenses?
It depends on the type of lens. You will be told exactly how long before your assessment.
Can I ride to my appointments?
Not on treatment day or after an assessment with dilating drops. For other check-ups, ask your clinician first.
Will I still need cycling glasses?
Yes, for protection from wind, grit and insects, but they will not need a prescription.
Is winter a good time to have treatment?
It can be, as there is less bright sun and fewer outdoor events to plan around. Just allow for cold wind and dry indoor air while you heal.
Can I use a static bike while I wait to ride outside?
Often yes, after the first week, as long as sweat stays out of your eyes. Keep a towel to hand and stop if your eyes feel sore. Your clinician will tell you when outdoor riding is safe.
Next step
Ride Without Glasses or Lenses
Request a free, no-obligation quote from Consett or anywhere in Derwentside. We will explain which treatments may suit you and arrange your assessment.