How is LASIK different to Surface laser, and which one is really better?

There are basically two laser refractive procedures to correct myopia (shortsight), hyperopia (longsight), and astigmatism… and most recently with blended vision, presbyopia. Both procedures are very safe and will give you the same results, the only difference to you is recovery time.

LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and most recently, presbyopia.

How LASIK works

This eye correction surgery begins with anesthetic drops applied to numb your eye and prevent pain during the procedure. A lid speculum is placed in the eye to hold the lids apart for the procedure, eliminating possibility of blinking. The cornea is marked with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap.

The suction ring is placed on the eye and your vision will go dark for about 20 seconds. A precise flap-making instrument, the microkeratome is used to create a thin flap of the corneal tissue. The surgeon raises the epithelium layer of the cornea to expose the portion beneath and is lifted and reflected to the side.

Advantages of LASIK over other procedures

Quick healing (driving vision the next day in most cases)
Little chance of haze
Enhancements can be easier
Generally back to work or school within 48 hours
Generally able to drive a car within 24 hours

Benefits to the patient

Vision correction
Minimal healing time
Maximum convenience

With LASIK eye surgery the healing process is significantly reduced, in comparison to PRK patients can typically return to routine work and leisure activities within a couple of days of treatment. In addition, vision correction is virtually instantaneous (the so-called “wow effect”) and both eyes can usually be treated on the same day.

Blended vision for reading and distance

The laser eye procedure to correct presbyopia or 'aging eyes' involves a technique called Blended Vision.

In Blended vision, we treat one eye to predominantly view objects at distance, but a little up close. We treat the other eye to predominantly view objects up close, but a little at distance.

The patient is able to see distance and near without effort because the brain combines the images. In most cases, patients experience an excellent depth of focus and overall visual acuity, without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

To schedule a consultation

Please call 0845 6430 466 or fill in the web form to your right and we’ll get in contact with you.