How effective is laser eye surgery, really?

Are you tired of reaching for your glasses or fumbling for your contact lenses every morning? The constant struggle with blurry vision can be a daily hassle, but there’s a solution that could change your life: laser eye surgery. If you’re considering taking the leap to clear, sharp vision, you’re probably wondering, “How effective is laser eye surgery, really?” Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out!

We’re here to give you the lowdown on the effectiveness of this life-changing procedure. We want you to understand more about vision correction. So, let’s dive into the world of laser eye surgery.

The laser eye surgery magic

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a medical marvel that has transformed the lives of millions of people across the globe. It offers a simple yet incredibly effective solution to vision problems. Here’s how it works:

1. Preparation: Your eye surgeon will begin by creating a detailed map of your eye’s unique characteristics. This map is essential to ensure that the laser can reshape your cornea accurately.
2. Reshaping the Cornea: Using a precise and controlled laser, your cornea is gently reshaped to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism.
3. Recovery: The healing process is usually quick, and most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours.¹https://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/faqs#:~:text=Most%20patients%20notice%20a%20significant,of%20treatment%20you’ve%20undergone You’ll be amazed at how clear your world can become in such a short time.

Laser eye surgery effectiveness

Laser eye surgery boasts a remarkable success rate,²https://www.forbes.com/health/eye-health/lasik-success-rates/ with the vast majority of patients experiencing significantly improved vision. But let’s break it down further:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): If you’re struggling with distant vision, laser eye surgery is highly effective at correcting this. Specifically, SmartSight which is our least invasive procedure.
• Astigmatism: This common eye condition, which causes distorted vision, can also be corrected through laser eye surgery. The results are typically excellent, providing you with clear and crisp vision.

Benefits beyond greatly improved vision

The effectiveness of laser eye surgery goes beyond achieving greatly improved vision. It offers a range of benefits:

• Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: Say goodbye to the hassle of glasses or the discomfort of contact lenses.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Clear vision enhances your daily experiences, from enjoying outdoor activities to confidently reading your favourite book.³Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.
• Cost-Effective: While the initial cost may seem high, consider the long-term savings on glasses, contacts, and solutions.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are back to their normal routines within a short period.⁴Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008.
• Safety: Laser eye surgery is a safe and well-established procedure, with a low risk of complications.⁵Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015

The right candidate for laser eye surgery

While laser eye surgery is highly effective, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Your eye surgeon will perform a thorough assessment to determine your eligibility. Factors such as your eye health, age, and prescription will be considered.

To find out if laser eye surgery is right for you, we invite you to book a free assessment with us. We’ll answer all your questions and provide personalised guidance to help you make an informed choice.