[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":976},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Flaser-eye-surgery":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":975},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":30,"anchors":44,"mainSectionCollection":62},"en-GB - Eye health - Laser eye surgery - Content page","Laser Eye Surgery",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Find out about laser eye surgery. Learn more about the surgical procedure, how it works and whether laser eye surgery is the right option for you.",true,null,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"title":22,"subtitle":23,"theme":24,"heroHeightVersion":25,"button":26},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"1he0wMYsD5QtMxDzTC1TI3","Laser eye surgery","Are you thinking of having laser eye surgery? It can be very effective. This guide explains what it is, how it works and the pros and cons.","Ellipse","Condensed",{"linkText":27,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an appointment","\u002Fbook\u002Flocation",false,{"__typename":31,"sys":32,"title":34,"body":35,"buttonsCollection":36},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":33},"fkTTrqXbtBwlZYYOQQpni","Get expert eye advice","If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.",{"items":37},[38,41],{"linkText":39,"linkUrl":40,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Contact your local store","\u002Fstores",{"linkText":42,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"See more eye conditions","\u002Feye-health",{"anchorLinksCollection":45},{"items":46},[47,52,57],{"anchorLabel":48,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":49},"Overview",{"sys":50},{"id":51},"245JeocXq3eNs4LTQEJZC4",{"anchorLabel":53,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":54},"Different types",{"sys":55},{"id":56},"119uMxIsBswzLqHaiXN3gc",{"anchorLabel":58,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":59},"FAQs",{"sys":60},{"id":61},"4MmOQ2dEeinwuQxABiphDt",{"items":63},[64,71,115,203,248,315,339,496,924,948],{"__typename":65,"sys":66,"linkEntries":67,"title":69,"body":70,"leftAligned":29},"Summary",{"id":51},{"items":68},[],"What is laser eye surgery?","Laser eye surgery is a very common kind of eye operation. In the UK, over 100,000 people have this kind of eye surgery done each year. While Specsavers doesn't offer laser eye surgery, many of our customers are interested in having it. This guide will give you an overview of the procedure.\n",{"__typename":72,"sys":73,"title":75,"subtitle":76,"hotspotConfigurator":77,"hotspotImageReference":113},"MediaHotspotCarousel",{"id":74},"36xvcIbtXPFwRF7xTrIBCl","Laser eye surgery explained","LASIK is the most common kind of laser eye surgery. Here's how it works:",{"assetId":78,"hotspots":79},"5eIWUsZ7Ym5chH4RZolEJa",[80,93,103],{"id":81,"theme":82,"label":83,"bodyCopy":84,"x":85,"y":86,"appImageWidth":87,"appImageHeight":88,"naturalX":89,"naturalY":90,"percentageX":91,"percentageY":92,"isValid":16},"ZSQZBrJskwao9sUsQBhPp","Light","Cornea","Slight variations in the shape of the cornea leads to vision problems.",420.8333435058594,379.6666564941406,879,586,718.1456373820126,647.8953182493867,47.87637582546751,64.78953182493868,{"id":94,"theme":82,"label":95,"bodyCopy":96,"x":97,"y":98,"appImageWidth":87,"appImageHeight":88,"naturalX":99,"naturalY":100,"percentageX":101,"percentageY":102,"isValid":16},"OT-3cGRUbS67JMR4c3rwj","Corneal flap","Using a laser, LASIK eye surgery cuts a small flap on the outer cornea, which is lifted up out the way.",494.83331298828125,143.6666717529297,844.4254487854629,245.16496886165476,56.29502991903086,24.516496886165477,{"id":104,"theme":82,"label":105,"bodyCopy":106,"x":107,"y":108,"appImageWidth":87,"appImageHeight":88,"naturalX":109,"naturalY":110,"percentageX":111,"percentageY":112,"isValid":16},"dLMNy-s0OL0cPixT2GSny","Laser ablation","Laser beams are sent towards the eye and this removes tiny amounts of tissue. This changes the shape of the cornea. At the end of the surgery, the corneal flap is put back in place and reattaches on its own.",497.5,250.33331298828125,848.9761092150171,427.1899539049168,56.59840728100114,42.718995390491685,{"url":114},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5eIWUsZ7Ym5chH4RZolEJa\u002F6b51f4772433f95ccb05d489e807ccf9\u002F2600200__UKROI-OPT__-_Bynder_image_illustration_new_1500x100px_72dpi_RGB__1_.jpg",{"__typename":116,"sys":117,"theme":119,"genericTextComponent":120},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":118},"1N3ZlZS2HTqOt9s1gSxFuN","Mono White",{"json":121,"links":200},{"nodeType":122,"data":123,"content":124},"document",{},[125,134,142,162,169,176,193],{"nodeType":126,"data":127,"content":128},"heading-3",{},[129],{"nodeType":130,"value":131,"marks":132,"data":133},"text","What does laser eye surgery involve? ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":136,"content":137},"paragraph",{},[138],{"nodeType":130,"value":139,"marks":140,"data":141},"There are a few different types of laser eye surgery available in the UK, and we'll explore them in more detail below. They all use a laser (a very concentrated beam of light) to alter the shape of the cornea. The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped structure on the outer part of the eye that covers the iris and the lens. The laser destroys some of the tissue in the cornea to change its shape. ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":143,"content":144},{},[145,149,158],{"nodeType":130,"value":146,"marks":147,"data":148},"Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":151,"content":153},"hyperlink",{"uri":152},"\u002Feye-health\u002Flong-sightedness",[154],{"nodeType":130,"value":155,"marks":156,"data":157},"long-sightedness",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":160,"data":161},".",[],{},{"nodeType":126,"data":163,"content":164},{},[165],{"nodeType":130,"value":166,"marks":167,"data":168},"Why change the shape of the cornea? ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":170,"content":171},{},[172],{"nodeType":130,"value":173,"marks":174,"data":175},"For you to see an object, light must bounce off it and pass through your cornea. The light reaches the back of your eye, where it meets a tissue called the retina, which turns light signals into electric signals. These are sent to your brain, which processes them into images. In an eye with perfect vision, the cornea helps focus light straight onto the retina. However, if the cornea is too flat, too pointy or misshapen, this affects how light reaches your retina. These issues cause things like short-sightedness or long-sightedness. By changing the shape of the cornea, laser eye surgery aims to 'fix' these problems. ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":177,"content":178},{},[179,182,190],{"nodeType":130,"value":146,"marks":180,"data":181},[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":183,"content":185},{"uri":184},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fastigmatism",[186],{"nodeType":130,"value":187,"marks":188,"data":189},"astigmatism",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":191,"data":192},[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":194,"content":195},{},[196],{"nodeType":130,"value":197,"marks":198,"data":199},"\n",[],{},{"entries":201},{"block":202},[],{"__typename":116,"sys":204,"theme":206,"genericTextComponent":207},{"id":205},"2wy7XEmwgQh5r2J4bKNLON","Cool Blue",{"json":208,"links":242},{"nodeType":122,"data":209,"content":210},{},[211,219,226,235],{"nodeType":212,"data":213,"content":214},"heading-2",{},[215],{"nodeType":130,"value":216,"marks":217,"data":218},"What to do if you're concerned about your vision",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":220,"content":221},{},[222],{"nodeType":130,"value":223,"marks":224,"data":225},"What to do if you're concerned about your vision. If you've noticed any problems with your sight, the most important first step is to get your vision problems diagnosed. Specsavers optometrists are highly skilled and can diagnose all kinds of sight problems. ",[],{},{"nodeType":227,"data":228,"content":234},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":229},{"sys":230},{"id":231,"type":232,"linkType":233},"7LVlKnw0P7kN3T1LzG9EEh","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":135,"data":236,"content":237},{},[238],{"nodeType":130,"value":239,"marks":240,"data":241},"",[],{},{"entries":243},{"block":244},[245],{"__typename":232,"sys":246,"linkText":247,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":231},"Book an eye test",{"__typename":249,"sys":250,"guideVideo":17,"title":251,"subtitle":252,"guideType":253,"theme":254,"guideItemsCollection":255},"GuideContainer",{"id":56},"Types of laser eye surgery in the UK","There are different types of laser eye surgery, each working differently.","Stepped","White",{"items":256},[257,270,289,302],{"itemBody":258,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":269,"imageAltText":17},{"json":259},{"data":260,"content":261,"nodeType":122},{},[262],{"data":263,"content":264,"nodeType":135},{},[265],{"data":266,"marks":267,"value":268,"nodeType":130},{},[],"This is the most common. It uses two lasers. The first creates a flap on the front of your cornea that's lifted up. The second one removes a piece of the cornea below. The flap is then smoothed down. ","LASIK eye surgery",{"itemBody":271,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":288,"imageAltText":17},{"json":272},{"nodeType":122,"data":273,"content":274},{},[275,282],{"nodeType":135,"data":276,"content":277},{},[278],{"nodeType":130,"value":279,"marks":280,"data":281},"One laser is used to directly reshape the outer surface of the cornea. It's as effective as LASIK, but can leave the outer surface of the eye more sore during recovery.",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":283,"content":284},{},[285],{"nodeType":130,"value":239,"marks":286,"data":287},[],{},"Surface laser treatments (PRK and TransPRK)",{"itemBody":290,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":301,"imageAltText":17},{"json":291},{"nodeType":122,"data":292,"content":293},{},[294],{"nodeType":135,"data":295,"content":296},{},[297],{"nodeType":130,"value":298,"marks":299,"data":300},"This is a newer form of laser eye surgery. The laser makes a tiny slice in the side of the cornea, and a disk-shaped piece of the cornea called a lenticule is removed to correct vision. ",[],{},"Lenticule extraction (SMILE, CLEAR, SmartSight, SILK)",{"itemBody":303,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":314,"imageAltText":17},{"json":304},{"nodeType":122,"data":305,"content":306},{},[307],{"nodeType":135,"data":308,"content":309},{},[310],{"nodeType":130,"value":311,"marks":312,"data":313},"Alcohol is used to remove the outermost layer of the cornea, then a laser reshapes the cornea below. The outer layer ('epithelium') then needs to grow back after. ",[],{},"LASEK eye surgery",{"__typename":116,"sys":316,"theme":119,"genericTextComponent":318},{"id":317},"EO6yrEf0bvrk2pMSu9v37",{"json":319,"links":336},{"nodeType":122,"data":320,"content":321},{},[322,329],{"nodeType":126,"data":323,"content":324},{},[325],{"nodeType":130,"value":326,"marks":327,"data":328},"Intraocular lens (IOL) surgery ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":330,"content":331},{},[332],{"nodeType":130,"value":333,"marks":334,"data":335},"IOL surgery is another kind of eye surgery that can significantly improve sight. It's different to laser eye surgery, because it doesn't use a laser. Instead, a small incision is made into your eye, and the lens is removed. The surgeon implants an artificial lens that helps you see better. IOL is the main treatment for cataracts. It's also a good option for people who can't have laser eye surgery.",[],{},{"entries":337},{"block":338},[],{"__typename":116,"sys":340,"theme":206,"genericTextComponent":342},{"id":341},"6EUG3iR0oDjh5apn7ouSoi",{"json":343,"links":493},{"nodeType":122,"data":344,"content":345},{},[346,353,360,418,425,432,487],{"nodeType":212,"data":347,"content":348},{},[349],{"nodeType":130,"value":350,"marks":351,"data":352},"Who could benefit from laser eye surgery? ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":354,"content":355},{},[356],{"nodeType":130,"value":357,"marks":358,"data":359},"Millions of people around the world have had laser eye surgery. It could be a good option for you if you are: ",[],{},{"nodeType":361,"data":362,"content":363},"unordered-list",{},[364,375,397],{"nodeType":365,"data":366,"content":367},"list-item",{},[368],{"nodeType":135,"data":369,"content":370},{},[371],{"nodeType":130,"value":372,"marks":373,"data":374},"An adult - In the UK, you can only normally get laser eye surgery if you're aged 18+. This is because younger people's vision tends to change, so the surgery might not offer long-term benefits. ",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":376,"content":377},{},[378],{"nodeType":135,"data":379,"content":380},{},[381,385,393],{"nodeType":130,"value":382,"marks":383,"data":384},"You should have had a stable prescription for at least two years. If your prescription is changing a lot, it suggests your vision isn't stable. The eye surgery might change your cornea, but then your body could change it again. This could 'undo' the surgery. Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":386,"content":388},{"uri":387},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-anatomy",[389],{"nodeType":130,"value":390,"marks":391,"data":392},"how the eye works",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":394,"marks":395,"data":396},". ",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":398,"content":399},{},[400],{"nodeType":135,"data":401,"content":402},{},[403,407,415],{"nodeType":130,"value":404,"marks":405,"data":406},"You have myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism - Laser eye surgery is usually only suitable for people who have these three kinds of refractive errors. It's not useful for things like reading prescriptions (presbyopia). Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":408,"content":410},{"uri":409},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fpresbyopia",[411],{"nodeType":130,"value":412,"marks":413,"data":414},"presbyopia",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":416,"data":417},[],{},{"nodeType":126,"data":419,"content":420},{},[421],{"nodeType":130,"value":422,"marks":423,"data":424},"Who is laser eye surgery not suitable for? ",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":426,"content":427},{},[428],{"nodeType":130,"value":429,"marks":430,"data":431},"Laser eye surgery isn't suitable for everyone. If you're not sure if it's right for you, ask an optometrist at your local store. They can give you impartial advice based on your eye health. Laser eye surgery usually isn't an option if: ",[],{},{"nodeType":361,"data":433,"content":434},{},[435,456,466],{"nodeType":365,"data":436,"content":437},{},[438],{"nodeType":135,"data":439,"content":440},{},[441,445,453],{"nodeType":130,"value":442,"marks":443,"data":444},"Your vision has changed a lot recently. Many things can change your vision, including pregnancy, menopause, or simply getting older. You'll need to wait until your vision has stabilised. Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":446,"content":448},{"uri":447},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fwhy-is-my-eyesight-getting-worse",[449],{"nodeType":130,"value":450,"marks":451,"data":452},"why your eyesight is getting worse",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":454,"data":455},[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":457,"content":458},{},[459],{"nodeType":135,"data":460,"content":461},{},[462],{"nodeType":130,"value":463,"marks":464,"data":465},"You're living with certain health conditions and taking medication - Some health conditions might mean you can't have laser eye surgery. This includes immune disorders and HIV. Some medications might also mean you can't get eye surgery. ",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":467,"content":468},{},[469],{"nodeType":135,"data":470,"content":471},{},[472,476,484],{"nodeType":130,"value":473,"marks":474,"data":475},"You have certain eye conditions - There are a few eye conditions that may make eye surgery less suitable for you. These include an inflamed cornea, uveitis, eye herpes, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, and thin corneas, among others. Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":477,"content":479},{"uri":478},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fglaucoma",[480],{"nodeType":130,"value":481,"marks":482,"data":483},"glaucoma",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":485,"data":486},[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":488,"content":489},{},[490],{"nodeType":130,"value":239,"marks":491,"data":492},[],{},{"entries":494},{"block":495},[],{"__typename":497,"sys":498,"title":499,"theme":254,"expandFirstRow":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":500},"Accordion",{"id":61},"Laser eye surgery FAQs",{"items":501},[502,518,587,708,735,819,834,849,864,879,894,909],{"__typename":503,"sys":504,"panel":506,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":517},"Faq",{"id":505},"1qyQNovNzbQu4YLExLtyrB",{"json":507},{"nodeType":122,"data":508,"content":509},{},[510],{"nodeType":135,"data":511,"content":512},{},[513],{"nodeType":130,"value":514,"marks":515,"data":516},"If you live in the UK, laser eye surgery is not normally available on the NHS, so you'll need to go private. Prices vary depending on the type of surgery you get, location, the surgeon's experience and any added extras. You might have to pay for the initial consultation too. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees before going ahead. Laser eye surgery costs in the UK start at around £1500 per eye.",[],{},"How much does laser eye surgery cost? ",{"__typename":503,"sys":519,"panel":521,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":586},{"id":520},"vqieOTsGereqeZOlivVJm",{"json":522},{"data":523,"content":524,"nodeType":122},{},[525,532,541,571,579],{"data":526,"content":527,"nodeType":135},{},[528],{"data":529,"marks":530,"value":531,"nodeType":130},{},[],"Like any kind of eye operation, laser eye surgery comes with advantages and disadvantages. ",{"data":533,"content":534,"nodeType":135},{},[535],{"data":536,"marks":537,"value":540,"nodeType":130},{},[538],{"type":539},"bold","Advantages of laser eye surgery ",{"data":542,"content":543,"nodeType":135},{},[544,547,555,559,567],{"data":545,"marks":546,"value":239,"nodeType":130},{},[],{"data":548,"content":550,"nodeType":150},{"uri":549},"https:\u002F\u002Fresearchonline.gcu.ac.uk\u002Fen\u002FstudentTheses\u002Fsurgical-vision-correction-the-outcomes-of-laser-eye-surgery-and-",[551],{"data":552,"marks":553,"value":554,"nodeType":130},{},[],"Numerous studies",{"data":556,"marks":557,"value":558,"nodeType":130},{},[]," have concluded that laser eye surgery is safe, predictable and highly effective. Most operations lead to serious improvements in vision - many people end up with good 20\u002F20 vision without the need for glasses. Other ",{"data":560,"content":562,"nodeType":150},{"uri":561},"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC4302464\u002F",[563],{"data":564,"marks":565,"value":566,"nodeType":130},{},[],"surveys",{"data":568,"marks":569,"value":570,"nodeType":130},{},[]," have found that over 98% of people are satisfied with the result. For people who find glasses or contacts annoying or uncomfortable, it allows them to see well without them. ",{"data":572,"content":573,"nodeType":135},{},[574],{"data":575,"marks":576,"value":578,"nodeType":130},{},[577],{"type":539},"Drawbacks of laser eye surgery ",{"data":580,"content":581,"nodeType":135},{},[582],{"data":583,"marks":584,"value":585,"nodeType":130},{},[],"The cost of laser eye surgery is prohibitive for many people. Where a pair of glasses can give you good vision for as little as £15, LASIK eye surgery prices, for example, can be well over £3000. Depending on the procedure you have, your eyes may feel sore afterwards, and recovery can take weeks or months. And while most laser eye surgery is successful, there's no guarantee your eyesight will be improved. ","What are the pros and cons of laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":503,"sys":588,"panel":590,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":707},{"id":589},"4ZcpBEbPu4foWvnT5OCFfd",{"json":591},{"nodeType":122,"data":592,"content":593},{},[594,601,701],{"nodeType":135,"data":595,"content":596},{},[597],{"nodeType":130,"value":598,"marks":599,"data":600},"As with any kind of medical procedure, laser eye surgery comes with certain risks and side effects. The surgeon at the clinic should explain all to you in detail. The following points aren't intended to put you off getting the operation - the vast majority of operations are successful, and patients come away satisfied. Still, it's important to have all the information before you sign up for it. ",[],{},{"nodeType":361,"data":602,"content":603},{},[604,630,645,660,686],{"nodeType":365,"data":605,"content":606},{},[607],{"nodeType":135,"data":608,"content":609},{},[610,615,619,627],{"nodeType":130,"value":611,"marks":612,"data":614},"Short-term visual problems:",[613],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":616,"marks":617,"data":618}," For a few weeks or even a few months after laser eye surgery, many people get blurred vision and light scattering (things like glare, halos, floaters and starbursts) until their eyes adjust. Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":620,"content":622},{"uri":621},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fblurry-vision",[623],{"nodeType":130,"value":624,"marks":625,"data":626},"blurry vision",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":628,"data":629},[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":631,"content":632},{},[633],{"nodeType":135,"data":634,"content":635},{},[636,641],{"nodeType":130,"value":637,"marks":638,"data":640},"Eye issues during recovery:",[639],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":642,"marks":643,"data":644}," People often get sore and dry eyes for up to a few weeks after the surgery. It's also common to get red patches on the whites of your eyes. These are harmless, but you may not like how it looks. ",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":646,"content":647},{},[648],{"nodeType":135,"data":649,"content":650},{},[651,656],{"nodeType":130,"value":652,"marks":653,"data":655},"Repeated operations:",[654],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":657,"marks":658,"data":659}," Sometimes people need more than one operation to fine-tune their sight and focus. Sometimes, the surgeon may over- or under-correct your sight, which will need further surgery to fix. ",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":661,"content":662},{},[663],{"nodeType":135,"data":664,"content":665},{},[666,671,675,683],{"nodeType":130,"value":667,"marks":668,"data":670},"Serious injuries and sight loss:",[669],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":672,"marks":673,"data":674}," While it's rare, a very small number of people experience very negative outcomes from laser eye surgery, including permanent loss of vision or medical emergencies such as a detached retina. Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":676,"content":678},{"uri":677},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fdetached-retina",[679],{"nodeType":130,"value":680,"marks":681,"data":682},"retinal detachment",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":159,"marks":684,"data":685},[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":687,"content":688},{},[689],{"nodeType":135,"data":690,"content":691},{},[692,697],{"nodeType":130,"value":693,"marks":694,"data":696},"Poor sight sometimes returns:",[695],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":698,"marks":699,"data":700}," It's fairly rare, but some people find that their previous refractive problems return within just a few years of having the surgery. This can be very disappointing given how expensive the procedure is.",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":702,"content":703},{},[704],{"nodeType":130,"value":239,"marks":705,"data":706},[],{},"What are the risks and potential side effects of laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":503,"sys":709,"panel":711,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":734},{"id":710},"7lWAzuvzDcRn945W2luWVf",{"json":712},{"nodeType":122,"data":713,"content":714},{},[715],{"nodeType":135,"data":716,"content":717},{},[718,722,730],{"nodeType":130,"value":719,"marks":720,"data":721},"Once you've found a provider, check that the surgeon is listed on the ",[],{},{"nodeType":150,"data":723,"content":725},{"uri":724},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gmc-uk.org\u002Fregistration-and-licensing\u002Four-registers",[726],{"nodeType":130,"value":727,"marks":728,"data":729},"General Medical Council's website",[],{},{"nodeType":130,"value":731,"marks":732,"data":733},". Ask to see their laser eye surgery certificates, insurance documents, and request customer testimonials. ",[],{},"Finding a trustworthy laser eye clinic",{"__typename":503,"sys":736,"panel":738,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":818},{"id":737},"LjQ4DPSgQ4D9oYbpsnWWE",{"json":739},{"nodeType":122,"data":740,"content":741},{},[742,749,812],{"nodeType":135,"data":743,"content":744},{},[745],{"nodeType":130,"value":746,"marks":747,"data":748},"If you decide to get laser eye surgery, it can be very exciting - though you might also feel a bit nervous about the operation itself. Your surgeon should give you a complete, clear explanation of everything that's going to happen and how to prepare. Here's what to expect before, during and after the surgery.",[],{},{"nodeType":361,"data":750,"content":751},{},[752,767,782,797],{"nodeType":365,"data":753,"content":754},{},[755],{"nodeType":135,"data":756,"content":757},{},[758,763],{"nodeType":130,"value":759,"marks":760,"data":762},"Before laser eye surgery:",[761],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":764,"marks":765,"data":766}," the surgeon should do a full inspection of your eyes and ask about your medical history. They will measure the shape of the cornea and work out which parts of the eye need to be reshaped. They will use a kind of scanner that helps create a detailed 'map' of the surface of your eye. During this meeting, they should also tell you how to prepare and answer any questions you have. This is a good opportunity to ask any and all questions you have. At this stage, you should ask for a clear breakdown of all the costs and fees (including for aftercare).",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":768,"content":769},{},[770],{"nodeType":135,"data":771,"content":772},{},[773,778],{"nodeType":130,"value":774,"marks":775,"data":777},"Preparing for laser eye surgery:",[776],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":779,"marks":780,"data":781}," Depending on which type of surgery you have, the way you prepare might be slightly different. The surgeon will tell you what to do. Avoid using eye makeup or creams for at least a day before the surgery. You can usually eat and drink on the day of the operation, and you can have any medication you normally take.",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":783,"content":784},{},[785],{"nodeType":135,"data":786,"content":787},{},[788,793],{"nodeType":130,"value":789,"marks":790,"data":792},"During the operation:",[791],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":794,"marks":795,"data":796}," Most people in the UK have LASIK eye surgery. But whichever type you have, the experience is quite similar. You'll lie on a reclining chair, and anaesthetic eye drops will be put in your eye to numb it. A spring clip will keep your eyelids open, and a suction device is often used to keep your eye in position. You'll be asked to look at a light above you. If you're feeling uncomfortable, anxious or need to blink, you can tell the surgeon. They might also give you medicine to relax. The procedure itself is normally quite quick. The surgeon will use a software-guided system that helps to precisely remove parts of the cornea and reshape it. You might notice a slight burning smell, a bit like singed hair. The entire procedure usually lasts less than 30 minutes for both eyes.",[],{},{"nodeType":365,"data":798,"content":799},{},[800],{"nodeType":135,"data":801,"content":802},{},[803,808],{"nodeType":130,"value":804,"marks":805,"data":807},"After laser eye surgery; ",[806],{"type":539},{},{"nodeType":130,"value":809,"marks":810,"data":811},"After the operation, your vision will normally be blurry for a few hours or even a few days. This doesn't mean the operation wasn't successful, but it might take some time before you notice the improvement. It can take up to a couple of months for your eyes to fully heal after the surgery. Most people feel some soreness, grittiness and discomfort in their eyes after laser eye surgery. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage this. You might also be given eye drops and antibiotics. You can't drive immediately after the surgery, so you should organise transport home. You will usually have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon a couple of days later, and you may also need to go for further checks.",[],{},{"nodeType":135,"data":813,"content":814},{},[815],{"nodeType":130,"value":239,"marks":816,"data":817},[],{},"Before, during and after laser eye surgery",{"__typename":503,"sys":820,"panel":822,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":833},{"id":821},"6vkEhMQGWNvrnGH7S62Osn",{"json":823},{"nodeType":122,"data":824,"content":825},{},[826],{"nodeType":135,"data":827,"content":828},{},[829],{"nodeType":130,"value":830,"marks":831,"data":832},"Laser eye surgery operations are usually quite quick. For most people, the entire procedure lasts 20-30 minutes. ",[],{},"How long does laser eye surgery last?",{"__typename":503,"sys":835,"panel":837,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":848},{"id":836},"4VKv1W4tuBQznLLioiEXig",{"json":838},{"nodeType":122,"data":839,"content":840},{},[841],{"nodeType":135,"data":842,"content":843},{},[844],{"nodeType":130,"value":845,"marks":846,"data":847},"Yes, astigmatism is one of the main eye conditions that laser eye surgery is used to treat. Astigmatism means you have an irregularly shaped cornea. Laser eye surgery can smooth out the shape. ",[],{},"Can you get laser eye surgery for astigmatism?",{"__typename":503,"sys":850,"panel":852,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":863},{"id":851},"2g2SypOXba8SUTHLkymfHD",{"json":853},{"nodeType":122,"data":854,"content":855},{},[856],{"nodeType":135,"data":857,"content":858},{},[859],{"nodeType":130,"value":860,"marks":861,"data":862},"No, the actual operation itself should not hurt. You will be given anaesthetic eye drops which numb the eye. This means you won't feel anything when the laser is reshaping your cornea. However, many people notice soreness, grittiness and discomfort in their eyes for a few hours, days or even weeks after surgery. The pain can usually be managed with things like paracetamol. ",[],{},"Does laser eye surgery hurt?",{"__typename":503,"sys":865,"panel":867,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":878},{"id":866},"3FBIYz9sd14gpGGDjAVjMk",{"json":868},{"data":869,"content":870,"nodeType":122},{},[871],{"data":872,"content":873,"nodeType":135},{},[874],{"data":875,"marks":876,"value":877,"nodeType":130},{},[],"In the first 24 hours after laser eye surgery, you should rest and recover, and shouldn't do any sports or exercise. Your surgeon will tell you when they think your eyes have recovered and when it's safe to take part in sport. You might be able to do non-contact activities (like yoga or going to the gym) sooner than contact sports like football or rugby. For things like swimming, boxing or martial arts, you will need to wait until your eyes are completely recovered before participating. ","Can I play sports after laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":503,"sys":880,"panel":882,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":893},{"id":881},"5Qv3iZ5VU6eaNZQ9OwyzkT",{"json":883},{"nodeType":122,"data":884,"content":885},{},[886],{"nodeType":135,"data":887,"content":888},{},[889],{"nodeType":130,"value":890,"marks":891,"data":892},"Yes, laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure. The laser physically changes the shape of your cornea and its effects are long-lasting. That being said, your eyes will continue to change as you get older, and so your sight could still change too. Later in life, you may need to start wearing glasses again. ",[],{},"Is laser eye surgery permanent?",{"__typename":503,"sys":895,"panel":897,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":908},{"id":896},"2n2nraZHbdmhQG0Tfn2Lzb",{"json":898},{"nodeType":122,"data":899,"content":900},{},[901],{"nodeType":135,"data":902,"content":903},{},[904],{"nodeType":130,"value":905,"marks":906,"data":907},"If your operation is successful (and the vast majority are), then you shouldn't need to wear glasses any more after laser eye surgery. However, it won't mean you never need them again. Your cornea could change in a few years, which will make glasses necessary again. Also, you will develop presbyopia as you get older, which is when the lens in your eye becomes less flexible (laser surgery changes the cornea, not the lens), meaning you'll need reading glasses. ",[],{},"Will I need glasses after laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":503,"sys":910,"panel":912,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":923},{"id":911},"2Ypuxj36CT6rcd2ZM2h6Yi",{"json":913},{"nodeType":122,"data":914,"content":915},{},[916],{"nodeType":135,"data":917,"content":918},{},[919],{"nodeType":130,"value":920,"marks":921,"data":922},"It really varies from one individual to the next. But in general, it's most effective in people aged 25-40. This is because your eyesight should be quite stable during these years, so you will benefit from the surgery for a longer time. ",[],{},"What's the best age for laser eye surgery?",{"__typename":925,"sys":926,"title":928,"backgroundTheme":929,"authorEntriesCollection":930},"AuthorContainer",{"id":927},"1K9CpO9GoJ51VfEHMg7YPV","Written by our experts for peace of mind","Green",{"items":931},[932],{"authorBiography":933,"authorName":944,"authorQualification":945,"authorPhoto":946},{"json":934},{"nodeType":122,"data":935,"content":936},{},[937],{"nodeType":135,"data":938,"content":939},{},[940],{"nodeType":130,"value":941,"marks":942,"data":943},"Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre-registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.",[],{},"Ross Campbell","BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret",{"url":947},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7\u002F34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f\u002FRoss_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg",{"__typename":949,"sys":950,"title":952,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":254,"actionCardEntriesCollection":953},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":951},"keqiwluN3uCiUw39HKjMx","Find out more about eye care services",{"items":954},[955,962,967],{"title":956,"body":957,"imageAltText":958,"linkText":959,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":960},"All eye conditions","Read more information about all eye conditions.","Women using a slit lamp","View all eye conditions",{"url":961},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F4cwFJgHB9BHy1B690ebBQ0\u002Fc02de50880709bc238812946c93ccfea\u002FDAY_2_SLIT_LAMP_TEST_117-150DPI.jpg",{"title":247,"body":963,"imageAltText":964,"linkText":247,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":965},"Book an appointment at your local Specsavers store.","Man having an OCT scan",{"url":966},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5T3QokGERAThYXwgmSXxFq\u002F2456853b7550d03764f544496176b83e\u002Fmodule_hero__16x9_oct_sight_test_no-derivative.jpg",{"title":968,"body":969,"imageAltText":970,"linkText":971,"linkUrl":972,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":973},"All about eye tests","Everything you need to know about getting your eyes tested.","Women using a phoropter","Find out more","\u002Feye-test",{"url":974},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5zSdFZFmwKx4bFKCWIm9A9\u002F142dfde2099cab8de29510ab68f4b17b\u002FDAY_1_SNELLEN_11-72DPI.jpg",[17,17],1788491190078]