Best Laser Eye Surgery in London

10 MIN READ - December 26, 2024
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Medstar Clinic is one of the foremost places to go when it comes to the best laser eye surgery in London. One of the best eye centres in the city, Medstar Ophthalmology (Eye) Clinic has state-of-the-art laser vision correction procedures to ensure your eyes are well able to see without glasses or contact lenses.

For the best laser eye surgery, it is essential that you select a reputed clinic. Medstar Clinic, one of the best providers in London, employs the best surgeons and technology available. We do laser eye surgeries using cutting-edge procedures such as LASIK and PRK. So if you are interested in getting your surgery right, Medstar Clinic is here for you.

In this article, we will explore some frequently asked questions related to laser eye surgery, including the age you can have it, if you are awake while you are in the operating room, and how long it takes to fully heal. Hopefully, you will decide after reading about whether you should get laser eye surgery at Medstar Clinic. Let’s start!

Does Laser Eye Surgery Fix Lazy Eyes?

With more serious problems than simple nearsightedness, lasers do not scale well. Take amblyopia, or "lazy eye." It happens when one eye presents a less robust picture to the brain, often as a result of misalignment in childhood or overuse.

Lasers, by themselves, do not correct the underlying issue—they just correct the refractive error. Any existing eye turns would be left behind. And once the brain is programmed to turn its back on one eye, there is more to it than new glasses to bring it into focus. 

However, laser eye surgery could be used to provide backup when incorporated with other treatments to achieve the best outcome. Lasers also provide partial relief in adult cases when the visual system is fully mature. Lasers can not cure everything, but they can give challenging cases that extra edge if applied as part of a multi-pronged approach.

What Age Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery?

The age that you need to undergo laser eye surgery depends on whether your eyes are fully developed. The eyes stop developing at around 18 to 21 years of age, the vast majority of experts believe. The Medstar Clinic requires patients to be 18 or older to get laser eye surgery.

Although there is no set maximum age, complications can become more prevalent in older patients. The majority of doctors recommend laser eye surgery before the age of 40-50. Following this, age can thin the corneas over time and reduce their elasticity, making laser eye surgery unpredictable.

Yet age alone does not determine surgical outcome or danger. A healthy 60-year-old patient might be a better candidate than a sick 40-year-old. There are bigger influences, like your eye condition and the lifestyle you expect. Ophthalmologists at Medstar Clinic perform extensive eye exams to ensure that each patient’s eyes are suited to the procedure, regardless of their age.

Are You Awake for Laser Eye Surgery?

Yes, laser eye surgery is done while you are awake at Medstar Clinic. No general anaesthesia is required. You will be given eye drops to help ease your pain during the operation. You might also receive a mild sedative in advance to help you calm down.

While awake, you will be asked to focus your eyes on a specific light. It is what permits the surgeon to track your eye as it receives laser pulses. Being aware gives you the chance to report problems if they arise. It also means you can see clearly straight away after the procedure is complete.

Laser eye surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment, meaning you can resume your life right after without having to spend the night in the hospital. Medstar Clinic surgeons want you to feel as at ease as possible during the short 15-30 minute process.

What to Avoid After Laser Eye Surgery?

Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions if you need your laser eye surgery at Medstar Clinic to heal properly. There are a few things you want to keep out of your mind during the first few days and weeks:

  • Rubbing your eyes. This can move the corneal tissue around as it heals.

  • Bulk lifting, twisting, or heavy training. Allow your eyes to rest.

  • Prolonged screen time. Stop using the phone, tablet, and computer.

  • Dust, smoke, fumes, and air conditioning. Protect your eyes from irritants.

  • Swimming or using hot tubs. Chemicals and chlorine can wreck healing eyes.

  • Cosmetics and contact lenses. Hold out until your surgeon has given you the all clear.

  • Drive at night until your night vision clears up. Driving during the day might be ok sooner.

Sticking to the plan also avoids problems such as dry eyes, infection, and slow healing. Just wait and follow your doctor’s guidlines—you will be glad of your sharper vision!

How Long After Laser Eye Surgery Can You See Clearly?

Medstar Clinic’s laser eye surgery outcomes are continuing to improve over the course of several weeks. Yet the majority of patients notice a big visual difference almost immediately afterward.

By the time of surgery, your peripheral vision might already be more stable than it would be with glasses or contacts. It continues to improve for the next one or three days as any moderate swelling resolves.

Within a week, most of us are reading normal-sized text and able to go about our day-to-day lives without eyeglasses. Driving might be permissible as long as the patient heals. And it takes a little longer for vision to fully come into balance at night.

By week two, most patients have 20/20 or better vision without glasses or contacts. There might still be occasional adjustments that require monthly follow-ups every 3-6 months as the eyes adjust. With proper care and patience, Medstar Clinic patients maintain clear distance and near vision for decades after laser eye surgery.

Can You Drive After Laser Eye Surgery?

It will depend on how quickly you recover from laser eye surgery at Medstar Clinic before you can drive. As a general guide:

  • Surgical day: No driving. Your eyes might remain blurry and light sensitive.

  • 3-7 days: It is generally okay to drive during the day once your mild blurry vision has gone and you are totally conscious.

  • 1 week: Most drivers can drive during the day without any problems. Night vision may still fluctuate.

  • 4-8 weeks: You should not drive at night until you get your low-light vision back on track.

Our doctors will give you guidance depending on how your wound is healing. Try to pass your post-op eye tests before driving after dark. If it is not ready yet, it is always better to take a step back than to drive.

We offer online consultations for laser eye surgery on both our website and the Medstar app. You can book an appointment via the Medstar app by downloading it either from the Google Play Store or App Store, according to your smartphone. The Medstar Clinic possesses cutting-edge equipment and methods to ensure that patients see without glasses or contact lenses.

Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery Twice?

Although laser eye surgery is a permanent remedy for the eye, it can be repeated in certain circumstances. A second laser eye surgery may correct your vision should your vision become blurry again due to a disease such as presbyopia or cataracts. Here are some of the most important aspects of two times laser eye surgery:

  • The initial surgery should be at least 3-5 years ago so enough corneal tissue has time to heal. This eliminates complications that result from removing more tissue.

  • Your prescription must have evolved to the point of a 0.75 diopter shift or greater for a second shot to be worth it. Less significant modifications are often treatable with glasses.

  • You should usually have no more than two surgeries in a row because if you remove too much corneal tissue, you can compromise the integrity of the eye.

  • Repeat surgeries will require a more prolonged recovery time than your initial operation. The eye has already healed once, so it is sensitive.

  • The outcome may not be as predictable or permanent as your original operation. It is more likely your eyesight might shift again in a few years.

Our experienced surgeons at Medstar Clinic carefully assess whether or not a patient is eligible for repeat laser eye surgery. We take into account your individual prescription change, corneal thickness, age, and eye health. Technology has allowed certain previously unqualified patients to become candidates for treatment with the latest laser eye treatments.

How Many Times Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery?

Although two operations is usually the upper bound, a few contingencies make it okay to have three. What plays the most important role in this is your original prescription, your age, and how long you have been out of surgery. 

Because the corneas are thicker, older patients respond better to multiple procedures. And waiting five or more years between operations ensures the longest healing time. Modern technologies also blurred the line a bit. 

These days, the laser destroys tissue much more precisely than it did before. So, with careful scheduling and surveillance, a few might be cleared for a third operation in the future. But, as always, your eyesight is important and you should choose a reputable clinic, such as Medstar Ophthalmology, Eye Health, and Eye Diseases in London Clinic.

Can I Get Laser Eye Surgery?

The ideal candidates for laser eye surgery are adults who are over the age of 18 and can see properly for at least a year. These are some of the key criteria Medstar Clinic surgeons use in determining eligibility:

  • Refractive error: The most widely used procedures correct nearsightedness (-6.0 diopters or less), farsightedness (+3.0 diopters or less), and astigmatism (up to -3.0 diopters). Bigger prescriptions might not be entirely curable.

  • Corneal thickness - You need at least 500 microns of tissue to get the safest laser treatment. The thinner the cornea, the more likely ectasia is.

  • Realistic expectations: Surgery is for people who don’t need glasses or contacts, not "super vision." A little residual adjustment may be required.

  • Lifestyle factors—Some occupations or hobbies, such as welding, that put eyes at risk, aren’t ideal immediately after surgery during recovery.

To determine whether you qualify to get laser eye surgery, schedule a laser eye surgery consultation at Medstar London Eye Clinic: Ophthalmology Services. Our experts will make sure to take a complete eye examination, assess you, walk you through the options, and determine whether you are suitable for laser vision correction. 

You can even book an appointment online via our website or the Medstar app. If you search for “Eye Clinics Close to Me in London” Medstar Ophthalmology Clinic in London is the right choice for you with expert doctors and clinic excellence.

Best Laser Eye Surgery Clinic in London

When selecting the best laser eye surgery clinic in London, select one that has a good track record, experienced surgeons, and modern technology and infrastructure. The Medstar Clinic ticks all these boxes and has now performed successful laser eye surgeries using the most up-to-date laser platforms. Among its most popular benefits are the following:

  • Excellent safety track record.

  • Specialist surgeons with experience in laser eye surgery.

  • High-tech devices for extremely accurate treatments.

  • Optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and technicians collaborate to design the optimal eye treatment strategy.

  • Personalised care as evaluation includes thorough assessment and consultation regarding your lifestyle and needs.

  • Easily accessible with modern private health clinics in London.

  • Follow up, advice line, and lifelong care plan help ensure the optimal long-term results.

Whether you require the gold standard of laser eye surgery or want your eyes repaired by the most qualified surgeons and with the most advanced technology, Medstar Clinic is the right place to find safe and reliable laser vision correction. 

Laser eye surgery is an easy way to improve your vision. At Medstar Clinic, our skilled surgeons use sophisticated laser technology to perform the procedure awake with your consent. Aftercare ensures that, for the majority of patients, their vision becomes distant and near-range within a few weeks, with the benefits lasting for decades. 

Contact us now to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a suitable candidate to get laser eye surgery. You can also book an appointment online directly with our Eye Clinic for London’s most effective laser eye surgery!

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* Please note that the content of this blog has been reviewed by healthcare professionals, the views expressed herein are solely those of the author and should not be construed as expert advice. We value the input of our readers and encourage thoughtful engagement with the content provided. If you are willing to use this information stated here please advise with healthcare professionals.

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