LASIK eye surgery

Before your treatment

1. A warm welcome

   You will be greeted by your expert surgeon, who will run through all details of the surgery and make you feel at ease.

2. A 3D scan of your eye

   Your surgeon will create a 3D map of your eye, which is as unique as your fingerprint and identifies what's needed in order to correct your vision.

3. Anaesthetic drops

   Before starting the treatment, anaesthetic drops are applied to numb your eye. Your surgeon uses a special instrument to hold your eye open, so that you're not able to blink during your procedure.

During the treatment

1. First laser

   The first (femtosecond) laser is used to create an ultra-thin protective flap on your eye's surface, which the surgeon lifts to reveal the cornea.

2. Second laser

   Then, a second laser is applied for a matter of just a few minutes, sending tiny pulses of cool laser beams which reshape your cornea's imperfections. If you have selected iDesign for your procedure, the contour map of your eye which was captured on the high powered scanner directs the laser, to give the optimal level of bespoke treatment.

3. The healing process begins

   Your surgeon will gently fold back the protective flap of your cornea, and it will heal naturally over the following hours and days. Most patients report that their vision improves within 24 hours.

After the treatment

1. What to expect after your procedure

   It's not unusual to feel slightly sore straight after treatment, but this will subside. Your surgeon will recommend that you take a nap, and keep your eyes away from strong light for the next 24 hours.

2. Looking after your eyes

   Your surgeon, or your optometrist, will offer you the best aftercare advice, including rest, eye drops and being careful when showering. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes for at least a week.

3. The future

   It's very important that you attend your first aftercare appointment the day following your treatment and then have check-ups at the one and three month stages. In order to look after the health of your eyes for the long term, we also recommend that all patients attend annual eye examinations.