Q. Will I ever need spectacles again after my laser eye treatment?
A. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 patients requires spectacles for distance reading followiing laser eye treatment and the majority of those who do, only require them for specific tasks. However as we grow older a condition called presbyopia will develop eventually, and whether they have treatment or not, most people require reading spectacles at some time. However a number of new laser eye treatments that will eliminate the need for reading spectacles are currently being developed and clinically trialled.
Q. Can I have laser eye treatment on both eyes at the same time?
A. With LASIK and LASEK laser eye treatment, both eyes are normally treated at the same time.
Q. Will my eyes be painful during or after laser eye treatment?
A. We use anaesthetic eye drops that completely numb your eye so you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. After LASIK laser eye treatment, patients will feel some grittiness, light sensitivity and watering for a short while. With LASEK laser eye treatment, again you will feel some mild sensations and discomfort after the treatment, potentially in the first 24-48 hours.
Q. What if I close or move my eye during my laser eye treatment?
A. Drops are used to eliminate the blink reflex and an eyelid holder keeps your eye open during you laser eye treatment. There is a very sophisticated eye tracker which follows your eye as it moves during your treatment. If your eye moves out of line the laser tracks the slightest of movements and will not action.
Q. What level of vision can I expect to achieve after laser eye treatment?
A. The final result of your laser eye treatment depends upon your original prescription. Although we are unable to guarantee you 6/6 (20/20) vision following your laser eye treatment, with our vast experience we are able to reasonably predict outcomes to the laser eye treatment based on the original levels of prescription.
Q. What if I am unsuitable for laser eye treatment?
A. For the vast majority of patients who want freedom from their spectacles and contact lenses, laser eye treatment is the most commonly considered procedure. However not everyone is suitable for treatment, and fortunately for a lot of them there is an established alternative solution. At Optical Express we are able to offer a free consultation, advice and treatment on a wide range of conditions with particular expertise in:
Implantable Contact Lens
Phakic Intra Ocular Lens
Cataract Surgery
Refractive Lens Exchange
Q. When can I return to work and be able to drive following laser eye treatment?
A. LASIK laser eye treatment has a faster visual settling time, with nearly all patients noticing a marked improvement the same day following laser eye treatment. Most people are able to drive and return to work within 48 hours after laser eye treatment unless their work environment is very dusty or dirty. Recovery following LASEK laser eye treatment can take up to 4-7 days.
Q. Is the procedure safe?
A. Yes, however, all laser eye treatments are classed as surgical procedures and as such carry some degree of risk although very small.