Short-Sightedness
LASIK is especially well established for myopia. Flattening the cornea brings distant objects into focus, which can make driving, sport and watching television much easier without glasses.
LASIK · Newcastle upon Tyne
LASIK Eye Surgery in Newcastle upon Tyne
LASIK is one of the most widely performed types of laser eye surgery, and Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle offers it to suitable patients across Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East. It corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, and most people notice a real improvement in their eyesight within a day or two.
If you are tired of glasses steaming up, contact lenses drying your eyes or the cost of replacing both, LASIK could be the answer. Start with a free, no-obligation quote and find out whether your eyes are suitable.
- Flap-based laser correction
- Fast visual recovery
- Free, no-obligation quote
About LASIK
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It changes the shape of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, so that light focuses properly on the retina and your vision becomes clearer.
How LASIK Works
A very thin flap is created in the cornea and gently folded back. An excimer laser then reshapes the tissue underneath to match your prescription, and the flap is returned to its original position, where it settles without stitches.
Why LASIK Recovery Is Quicker
Because the outer surface of the eye is largely left intact, healing is faster and usually more comfortable than with surface treatments such as LASEK and PRK. For many people, that quick turnaround is the main reason they choose LASIK.
Conditions treated
What Can LASIK Correct?
LASIK treats the three most common refractive errors. Your assessment will confirm whether your prescription is within the range that can be corrected safely.
Long-Sightedness
Mild to moderate long-sightedness can often be treated by steepening the central cornea. Your age and the strength of your prescription affect what can be achieved, and your surgeon will discuss this openly with you.
Astigmatism
An uneven corneal curve causes blurred or distorted vision at every distance. LASIK can smooth this out, and astigmatism is usually corrected at the same time as any short- or long-sightedness.
Suitability
Is LASIK Right for You?
LASIK suits many adults, but not everyone. Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle arranges a detailed assessment before any treatment is recommended, so the decision is based on your own eyes rather than a general rule.
Good Candidates for LASIK
You may be suitable for LASIK if you:
- are 18 or over and have had a stable prescription for at least a year
- have corneas of sufficient thickness and a regular shape
- have healthy eyes, without significant dry eye or active eye disease
- want a quick visual recovery and can follow your aftercare advice
When LASEK or PRK May Be Better
If your corneas are on the thin side, or you play contact sports or work in a job with a higher risk of eye injury, a surface treatment that avoids a flap may be the better choice. Your surgeon will explain the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Treatment day
What Happens on Your LASIK Treatment Day
LASIK is a day procedure, so you go home the same day. The laser treatment itself is quick, but allow time for preparation and checks before and afterwards.
Before Treatment
Your treatment plan is checked against your measurements. Anaesthetic drops are applied to numb your eyes, and a small clip holds your eyelids gently open.
During Treatment
The flap is created and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea, usually within seconds for each eye. You may feel some pressure and see bright lights, but the procedure should not be painful.
After Treatment
Your eyes are examined before you leave, and you are given eye drops and clear aftercare instructions. You will need someone to drive you home.
Recovery
LASIK Recovery and Aftercare
Fast recovery is one of the biggest advantages of LASIK over surface treatments such as LASEK and PRK, although everyone heals at a slightly different pace.
The First 24 Hours
Watering, grittiness and light sensitivity are common for the first few hours. Resting your eyes and getting some sleep helps, and many people wake the next morning with noticeably clearer sight.
The First Week
Most people return to office work within a day or two. Keep water, dust and make-up away from your eyes, avoid rubbing them and use your drops exactly as directed.
Follow-Up Checks
Follow-up appointments make sure the flap has settled and your vision is improving as expected. Only drive again once your clinician confirms that your eyesight meets the legal standard.
Making an informed choice
Benefits and Risks of LASIK
Why People Choose LASIK
Quick visual recovery, minimal discomfort and much less reliance on glasses or contact lenses are the main attractions. If your corneas turn out to be on the thin side, LASEK offers similar long-term results with a slower recovery. For many people, everyday activities such as swimming, exercising and travelling become far simpler.
Possible Risks
Dry eyes, glare, halos and fluctuating vision can occur and usually improve over the following weeks or months. Less commonly, flap problems, under-correction, over-correction or infection may need further treatment. Serious complications are rare, and your surgeon will explain them fully before you decide.
Pricing
How Much Does LASIK Cost in Newcastle?
LASIK prices vary with your prescription and whether one or both eyes are treated. Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle gives every patient an individual written quotation, so you know the full cost before you commit.
Your initial LASIK quote is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. A detailed written quotation follows your assessment. Routine laser vision correction is not normally funded by the NHS, so treatment is paid for privately.
What Your LASIK Quote Includes
Your quote sets out what is covered, such as:
- your consultation and detailed eye measurements
- LASIK surgery for one or both eyes
- prescribed eye drops and medication
- follow-up appointments after treatment
If further treatment might be needed in future, ask how it would be charged so you can compare quotes fairly.
Common questions
LASIK Eye Surgery FAQs
Is LASIK permanent?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea. Your eyes can still change naturally with age, however, and most people eventually need reading glasses in their forties or fifties whether or not they have had surgery.
Does LASIK hurt?
Numbing drops mean the procedure itself should not hurt. Mild discomfort or grittiness for a few hours afterwards is normal and soon passes.
How soon will I see clearly after LASIK?
Many people notice a big improvement within 24 hours, and vision continues to sharpen over the following weeks as the eyes settle.
Should I choose LASIK or LASEK?
It depends mainly on your corneal thickness, prescription and lifestyle. Our LASEK vs LASIK guide explains the differences, and your assessment will show which is better for your eyes.
Compare treatments
Other Laser Eye Surgery Options
Next step
Request Your Free LASIK Quote
If LASIK sounds like the right fit, the next step is simple. Send your details to Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle for a free, no-obligation quote, and we will arrange your suitability assessment.