The Ultimate Guide to Laser Eye Surgery
Part 1
This is part one and covers some of the initial questions you might have about laser eye surgery.
It’s a wonderful world.
We’ll help you see it that way.
You’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s a big decision and you have many questions. You’ve come to the right place! On this page, we’ll take you through all of the major aspects of laser eye surgery to help you decide whether the treatment is right for you, including the different types of surgery and whether you might be a suitable candidate.
Laser eye surgery can change your life. Over 99% of our patients who have undergone laser vision correction go on to recommend us to their family and friends† – so you can be confident you’ll be in good hands with us.
1. What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a simple procedure that takes anything from a matter of seconds to just a few minutes.
A cool beam advanced laser makes subtle adjustments to the shape of the surface of your eye (the cornea), correcting its tiny imperfections and making your vision clearer and sharper.
2. Am I suitable?
In Ireland, you are eligible to attend a laser eye surgery consultation from the age of 18. An Optometrist will determine your suitability for surgery at your consultation, depending on the health of your eyes, your prescription and some other factors.
3. Are there different types of laser eye surgery?
The two best-known and most popular types of laser eye surgery are LASIK and LASEK (also referred to as PRK). Both types can be enhanced by iDesign, a highly advanced innovation which takes over 1,200 measurements from your eye to create a personalised ‘map'. This allows your treatment to be tailored specifically to you to achieve the best results.
4. FAQs
Read more of our FAQs at opticalexpress.ie/laser-eye-surgery/faqs
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Does laser eye surgery hurt?
The short answer is: For the overwhelming majority of patients, no
Due to the anaesthetic drops which are applied before the procedure, laser eye surgery itself is generally pain-free, but following the treatment patients may feel some discomfort in the early stages of healing. The level of discomfort you experience depends upon the type of surgery you've undergone, but any pain will be short lived, and you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of improved vision within a matter of days. -
How long does laser eye surgery take?
The short answer is: From a few seconds to two minutes
You'll be in the theatre for around ten minutes, although the length of time that the laser is applied to your eye ranges from just a few seconds to two minutes, depending upon the complexity of your prescription. -
How quickly will I see the results of laser eye surgery?
The short answer is: It varies, but your results could be instant
Most patients notice a significant improvement to their vision within 24 hours of surgery. You'll see a vast improvement by the end of your recovery period, which depends upon a number of factors including the type of treatment you've undergone.