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Lasek Eye Surgery London

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Lasek Eye Surgery: A Clear Route to Improved Vision

Have you ever wondered why some people struggle with blurry vision while others see perfectly fine? This is due to refractive errors—conditions like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These issues occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision.

For most people, glasses or contact lenses are the go-to solution. But for those who lead active lives, these corrective measures can be extremely inconvenient. Glasses can fog up, get lost, or break, while contact lenses can cause irritation and dryness. It’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for a permanent solution—one that doesn’t come with the daily frustrations of corrective lenses.

If you are tired of constantly juggling between glasses and contact lenses and you are ready to leave the blurry vision behind for good, then laser vision correction could be the life-changing answer you’ve been looking for. But with the several options available, the key is to find the procedure that best suits your unique eyes and lifestyle.

Laser Eye Surgery Success Rates and Popularity

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser vision correction procedures, whether Lasik, Lasek, PRK, or SMILE, are widely recognized for their high success rates. Globally, Lasik remains the most popular procedure, with around 60% of laser eye surgeries in the U.S. being Lasik. More than 20 million Lasik surgeries have been performed in the United States alone, with success rates of 96-98%, where patients achieve 20/20 or better vision.

However, Lasek is becoming an increasingly popular choice for patients who are not ideal candidates for Lasik due to thinner corneas or specific eye conditions. Recent studies show that approximately 95% of Lasek patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after surgery, with many patients reaching 20/20 vision after full recovery. As technology advances, Lasek offers a safe and effective alternative for those who might not be suited for Lasik or SMILE.

Globally, over 30 million laser eye surgeries have been performed, with Lasek accounting for a significant portion, especially in cases where corneal safety is a priority. Patients in London are increasingly opting for Lasek due to its safety profile, particularly those with complex corneal issues who need specialized care from surgeons like Mr. Hamada.

Lasik

How Did Laser Vision Correction Begin?

The journey of laser vision correction began in the late 1980s, thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris in Greece. He performed the first Lasik procedure in 1989, which marked a turning point in how vision correction surgeries were performed. Dr. Pallikaris’s groundbreaking method involved creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, allowing the underlying tissue to be reshaped with a laser to correct vision. This revolutionary approach paved the way for modern laser surgeries, such as Lasek and PRK.

Lasik

Since then, millions of people around the world have benefited from laser vision correction, transforming how they see the world.

The continuous advancements in technology have made procedures like Lasek safer, more precise, and more effective, offering life-changing results for patients.

Today, patients in London have access to cutting-edge technology and expert surgeons like Mr. Hamada at Eye Clinic London, who can deliver those life-changing results.

Lasek

Why Lasek is the Right Choice

So, why choose Lasek surgery? Lasek is ideal for patients with thinner or more delicate corneas who may not be suited for Lasik. It involves reshaping the cornea without creating a flap, making it a safer option for those at risk of corneal complications. As a surface-level procedure, Lasek offers long-term correction for vision issues without the potential flap complications associated with Lasik.

For patients in London looking for freedom from glasses and contact lenses, Lasek is a highly effective and safe procedure. With millions of laser vision corrections performed globally, and many in London itself, it’s clear why so many people are turning to Lasek.

Mr. Hamada

Why Should You Choose Mr. Hamada for Your Lasek Surgery?

Finding the right surgeon in London for a delicate procedure like Lasek can be challenging.

Many factors, including experience, expertise, and reputation, come into play. Mr. Hamada is widely regarded as one of the top surgeons in the UK, with over 25 years of experience in refractive and corneal surgery.

Mr. Hamada

His expertise in complex corneal procedures makes him the perfect choice for Lasek surgery, especially for those with more unique or challenging corneal conditions.

With an international reputation, Mr. Hamada regularly treats patients who travel to London specifically for his skill in handling complicated eye conditions. His deep understanding of corneal structure means he’s not just a refractive surgeon but a true expert in the intricacies of the cornea. This makes him particularly well-suited to perform Lasek surgeries, ensuring the highest level of safety and precision.

Lasek

What is Lasek Eye Surgery?

Lasek (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) is one of the safest and most effective laser vision correction options available, especially for patients who have thin corneas or may not be suitable for other types of laser surgery like Lasik. It works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, to correct how light is focused onto the retina, improving your vision.

Unlike Lasik, which involves creating a corneal flap, Lasek gently lifts and repositions the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) without cutting into deeper layers. This makes it ideal for patients with thinner corneas or those more prone to injuries, such as athletes.

Who is Suitable for Lasek Surgery?

Not every patient is suited for Lasek surgery, but it is often an ideal choice for those with specific needs. Here’s a guide to who may be a suitable candidate for Lasek:

Lasek
  • Thin Corneas: Patients with thinner corneas who may not qualify for Lasik can be excellent candidates for Lasek, as it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap.
  • Active Lifestyle: Lasek is suitable for those involved in contact sports or physically demanding jobs, where the risk of corneal trauma is higher.
  • Stable Prescription: Candidates should have had a stable vision prescription for at least 12-24 months without major changes.
Correctable Prescriptions

Correctable Prescriptions:

  • Myopia (Short-Sightedness): Lasek can typically treat prescriptions up to -8.00 diopters.
  • Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness): Lasek can treat hyperopia prescriptions up to +4.00 diopters.
  • Astigmatism: Lasek is effective for astigmatism correction up to 4.00 diopters.
Mr. Hamada

Uncorrectable Prescriptions: Extremely high levels of myopia (above -8.00 diopters) or hyperopia (above +4.00 diopters) may not be suitable for Lasek. In such cases, alternative options like refractive lens exchange, phakic IOLs or ICL treatments may be recommended.

  • General Eye Health: Patients should not have any active eye infections, untreated dry eye syndrome, or severe conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.
  • Overall Health: Good general health is important for proper healing and recovery after surgery. Patients with autoimmune conditions or uncontrolled diabetes may not be suitable.
Lasik Eye Surgery

How Does Lasek Compare to Other Procedures?

When comparing Lasek to other procedures available, it’s important to consider your individual needs:

  • Lasek vs. Lasik: For patients who have thinner corneas or lead active lifestyles, Lasek is often recommended. Unlike Lasik, Lasek avoids the need for a corneal flap, which eliminates the risk of flap-related complications, especially in cases where the cornea is thinner or more fragile.
Lasek vs. PRK
  • Lasek vs. PRK: Both procedures involve surface-level correction, but Lasek gently lifts and repositions the outer corneal layer, leading to less discomfort during recovery compared to PRK, which removes the epithelium completely.
  • Lasek vs. SMILE: While SMILE offers another option for laser vision correction, Lasek is often the preferred choice for patients with specific corneal conditions, especially those who require a safer and more customised approach.

If the list of options sounds overwhelming or confusing, book a consultation with Eye Clinic London. Our highly skilled surgeon Mr Samer Hamada and his dedicated team will perform all the necessary diagnostics to find the perfect solution tailored to your unique eyes, ensuring the best results for you.

What to expect with Lasek Procedure

Numbing Drops: A nurse applies anesthetic eye drops to ensure the procedure is completely painless.

Loosening the Epithelium: The surgeon applies a diluted alcohol solution to gently loosen the outermost layer of the cornea (the epithelium).

Moving the Epithelium: The surgeon carefully moves the epithelium to the side to expose the underlying corneal tissue.

Laser Reshaping: WaveLight®EX500 Excimer Laser is then used to reshape the cornea, correcting the refractive error.

Repositioning the Epithelium: After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon repositions the epithelial layer back onto the eye.

Protective Lens: A protective contact lens is placed on the cornea to aid in healing.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery from Lasek is slightly longer than Lasik, and you will need to take a week off work, but the outcomes are just as rewarding.

  • Initial Recovery: Mild discomfort or light sensitivity may be experienced for a few days post-surgery.
  • Protective Contact Lens: The contact lens is worn for around 4-7 days until the epithelium heals.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up visit is typically scheduled within the first few days after surgery to monitor healing.
  • Avoid Certain Activities: The patient should avoid strenuous activities and rubbing the eyes for the first few weeks.
  • Vision Improvement: Vision will gradually improve over the first few days to weeks, with full recovery typically taking 1-2 weeks.
Lasek

The Safety and Benefits of Lasek

Lasek is one of the safest laser vision correction options available, especially for patients in London seeking a reliable procedure with long-term results. Studies have shown that over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better following Lasek surgery.

The benefits of Lasek surgery include:

  • No Corneal Flap: Reducing the risk of complications and making it safer for patients with thinner corneas.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Once your vision is corrected, you can enjoy clear sight for years.
  • Reduced Dry Eye Risk: Patients often report fewer issues with dry eye compared to Lasik, a benefit for those living in London’s variable climate.
Lasik

Are there any Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, Lasek carries some risks, although they are rare.

Temporary side effects include:

  • sensitivity to light
  • dry eyes
  • blurred vision

These usually resolve within days to a week.

Lasik

Why Choose Eye Clinic London?

At Eye Clinic London, we are proud to offer advanced Lasek surgery performed by one of the UK’s leading surgeons, Mr. Hamada. His extensive experience in refractive and corneal surgery in private and NHS sectors with over 20,000 eyes operated on, ensures that every patient receives the highest level of care and the most precise results possible. Our clinic offers the latest diagnostic tools like Ocular Surface Tomography, Corneal Topography and Pachymetry, Wavefront Abberometry, Pupil Size Measurements and Tear Film Analysis to ensure precision at every step.

Finance & Insurance

We provide top eye care accessible through various payment methods and insurance policies, with guidance on financial options to prioritise your health. For personalised details, please contact us.

Our Location

Strategically located in Devonshire Street, Harley Medical District, Marylebone, in the heart of London, our clinic is easily accessible, ensuring that your journey to exceptional eye care is as convenient as possible. Our central position ensures that you can easily reach us from various parts of the city.

Devonshire street in Marylebone is not just an address; it’s a hub of convenience and accessibility. With excellent transport links and a wealth of amenities nearby, your visit to Eye Clinic London will be convenient and hassle-free experience.

Whether you are a local resident or visiting form other parts of UK or abroad, our location will provide you with seamless connection to the private eye doctor in London.

When choosing to travel by public transport please alight at Bond Street Station and walk for 7 mins, alternatively exit at Oxford Circus station or Baker Street Station and walk for 10 mins.

Street parking is available.

Eye Clinic London 7 Devonshire Street
London, W1W 5DY

Queen Victoria Hospital Corneoplastic Unit Holtye Road
East Grinstead RH19 3DZ

The McIndoe Centre Holtye Road East
Grinstead RH19 3EB