book a consultation Tel: 0203 974 4454

Lasik Eye Surgery London

Get in Touch

LASIK Eye Surgery in London

If you rely on glasses every day, you may already be familiar with how restrictive they can feel. From constantly slipping down your nose to fogging up during exercise or everyday activities, glasses often become an ongoing inconvenience rather than a practical solution. Contact lenses can bring their own challenges too, with dryness, irritation, and daily maintenance making them uncomfortable for many people.

For those looking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery offers a long-term vision correction option. Using advanced laser technology, LASIK reshapes the cornea with a high degree of precision, helping light focus correctly on the retina and improving visual clarity. For suitable patients, this can result in sharper, more reliable vision with less day-to-day hassle.

At Eye Clinic London, LASIK eye surgery is performed by experienced consultant eye surgeons using advanced laser systems, following a detailed assessment to confirm suitability and plan treatment around your eyes and prescription. Booking a consultation allows you to discuss your options, understand whether LASIK is right for you, and gain a clear picture of the results you can realistically expect. For many patients, it is the first step towards greater visual comfort, convenience, and freedom.

book a consultation

Why LASIK Eye Surgery Is So Widely Chosen

Refractive errors are a common reason people rely on glasses or contact lenses. While visual aids can correct vision, they do not address the underlying issue of how light is focused within the eye. For many patients, this means ongoing dependence on corrective lenses and the practical limitations that come with them.

LASIK eye surgery is designed to correct these refractive errors by precisely reshaping the cornea. This improves the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina, resulting in clearer, more stable vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Because of its accuracy and predictable outcomes, LASIK has become one of the most widely performed vision correction procedures worldwide.

At Eye Clinic London, LASIK surgery is offered using modern laser technology following a thorough suitability assessment. For appropriate candidates, LASIK provides a long-term approach to vision correction, helping reduce reliance on visual aids and support greater visual comfort in everyday life.

What Are Refractive Errors and Why Do They Happen?

Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing accurately on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. This happens when the cornea or the length of the eye causes light to bend incorrectly as it enters the eye.

The most common types of refractive errors include:

Myopia (short-sightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Hyperopia (long-sightedness): Difficulty focusing on close objects
Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea

Refractive errors are extremely common and are a leading reason people rely on glasses or contact lenses. Traditionally, vision correction has involved managing these errors with visual aids rather than addressing their cause.

LASIK eye surgery offers an alternative by correcting the way light enters the eye. By reshaping the cornea with precision, LASIK helps light focus properly on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses in suitable patients.

book a consultation

Why Consider LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most established and widely performed vision correction procedures. For suitable patients, it offers an effective way to reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses or contact lenses while maintaining a relatively short recovery period compared with some other laser eye treatments.

One of the main reasons patients consider LASIK is the improvement in everyday convenience. Without the need for glasses or contact lenses, many people find activities such as sport, travel, and work easier and more comfortable. For others, the appeal lies in the predictability of outcomes and the ability to achieve stable vision without daily visual aids.

By correcting refractive errors at their source, LASIK eye surgery provides a long-term approach to vision correction. For patients who are suitable candidates, it can offer clearer vision with fewer ongoing adjustments to daily routines.

LASEK vs PRK and SMILE: How Does LASIK Stand Out?

There are several modern approaches to laser vision correction, each designed to suit different eye shapes, prescriptions and lifestyles. Understanding how they differ can help you decide which option is best for your vision. Below is a clear overview of how LASIK compares with other commonly performed procedures such as LASEK, PRK and SMILE:

Lasik (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): The most well-known laser eye surgery. Lasik involves creating a thin flap on the cornea and reshaping it underneath. The results are typically immediate, and most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24 hours. It’s fast, painless, and has a short recovery period.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A precursor to Lasik, PRK involves reshaping the cornea without creating a flap. It’s often used for patients with thinner corneas. While effective, PRK has a longer recovery time and can cause more post-surgical discomfort than Lasik.

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): In LASEK, the outer layer of the cornea is loosened and pushed aside rather than being completely removed as in PRK, after the laser reshaped the cornea, the epithelium is repositioned, rather than removed and allowed to regrow as in PRK.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer procedure, SMILE is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve a flap. Instead, a small disc of tissue is removed from the cornea through a tiny incision. It’s ideal for patients with myopia or astigmatism and offers a shorter healing time than PRK, though Lasik still remains the most common choice for most patients.

At Eye Clinic London, we offer all four procedures, ensuring that you get the treatment best suited to your eyes and lifestyle.

Why London Is the Best Place for Lasik Surgery

London’s private healthcare sector offers a diverse range of highly specialised clinics, making it one of the best cities for Lasik eye surgery. The wide variety of private clinics means you have access to cutting-edge technology, experienced surgeons, and the ability to compare different options before making a decision. This competitive environment ensures that you’ll receive top-tier care, with clinics that offer personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.

book your consultation now

How to Choose the Right Lasik Surgeon in London

When selecting a surgeon for your Lasik surgery in London, it’s important to consider the following:

Experience and expertise: Look for a surgeon with a strong background in refractive and corneal surgery.
Advanced technology: Ensure the clinic uses the latest diagnostic tools and laser technologies, such as femtosecond lasers, for the safest and most precise procedures.
Comprehensive care: Choose a clinic that offers not just the surgery itself, but also detailed diagnostics and personalised after-care to support your recovery.

book your consultation now

Why Choose Eye Clinic London and Mr. Hamada?

At Eye Clinic London, you’ll benefit from the expertise of Mr. Hamada, a renowned specialist in corneal and refractive surgery. Here’s why he is the ideal surgeon for your Lasik procedure:

Extensive expertise: With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Hamada has handled some of the most complex corneal cases in both children and adults, often receiving referrals from across the UK and internationally.
Pioneering in refractive surgery and Dry Eye Disease: With over 20,000 pairs of eyes operated on over the years, both privately and on NHS, Mr Hamada is recognised in the world for his dedication and expertise. In addition to this, Mr Hamada is highly accredited for his work in treating Dry Eye Disease – a condition that can be a concern for Lasik patients. His comprehensive approach ensures that any underlying eye conditions, including dry eye, are carefully evaluated and treated alongside your vision correction.

Modern diagnostics: 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 determine whether you are a suitable candidate for Lasik, ensuring precision at every step.
Bespoke after-care: We provide comprehensive after-care services tailored to each patient’s recovery needs, ensuring a smooth and safe healing process.

When you choose Eye Clinic London, you’re opting for expertise, cutting-edge technology, and personalised care from a team dedicated to your visual freedom.

Who Is the Best Candidate for Lasik Eye Surgery?

While LASIK surgery can be life-changing, it’s important to ensure that you’re an ideal candidate before proceeding. At Eye Clinic London, we perform thorough evaluations to determine whether LASIK is right for you. The best candidates for Lasik eye surgery are those who:

Are over 18 years old with stable vision for at least a year
Have a refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
Have a stable prescription for at least two years:
Are in good overall eye health with no significant conditions like cataracts or severe dry eye
Have corneas thick enough for the Lasik procedure

One key factor for qualifying for Lasik eye surgery is maintaining a stable prescription for at least two years. If your vision has been fluctuating, it may suggest that your eyes are still undergoing changes, which could affect the outcome of the surgery. It's important to ensure that your eyesight has settled into a consistent state before undergoing the procedure. Undergoing surgery with a prescription that is still changing can lead to suboptimal results and may require further corrective measures. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until your prescription has stabilized to proceed with the surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome for your vision correction.

Prescription Range for Lasik Surgery

Lasik is highly effective for patients within specific prescription ranges, and here’s what can and cannot be treated:

Myopia: Lasik can correct up to -10.00 diopters. If your prescription is between mild to severe myopia (ranging from -1.00 to -10.00), Lasik is a suitable option for improving your distance vision, reducing or eliminating your need for glasses or contacts.
Hyperopia: Lasik can treat up to +4.00 diopters of hyperopia. If you struggle to see objects up close and have a prescription within this range, Lasik can help sharpen your near vision.
Astigmatism: Lasik can correct astigmatism up to 6.00 diopters. This common condition, caused by an irregularly shaped cornea that distorts vision at any distance, can be successfully treated with Lasik, making your vision clearer and sharper.

What Cannot Be Treated with Lasik Surgery?

While Lasik can address a wide range of vision problems, there are limits:

Extremely high prescriptions: If your myopia exceeds -10.00 diopters or your hyperopia is greater than +4.00 diopters, Lasik may not be the best option. In such cases, other procedures, like Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), may be more appropriate.
Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss): Lasik does not directly correct presbyopia, which typically begins in people over the age of 40. However, monovision Lasik—where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, or Blended Vision, essentially the same concept but with more refined tuning between the two eyes —can be an option for managing presbyopia. Alternatively, procedures like RLE may offer a more comprehensive solution for age-related vision changes.

Corneal Thickness and Eye Health

For Lasik to be safe and effective, candidates must also have sufficient corneal thickness. Lasik surgery involves creating a flap in the cornea, so if your cornea is too thin, the procedure may not be advisable. In these cases, alternatives like PRK or ICL may be safer options.

Additionally, candidates must have generally healthy eyes. Conditions like untreated severe dry eyes, keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), or other corneal diseases may disqualify you from Lasik surgery. At Eye Clinic London, our team performs a comprehensive examination to ensure your eyes are suitable for Lasik or to recommend an alternative treatment.

At Eye Clinic London, we perform thorough assessments to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for Lasik surgery or if an alternative procedure, like PRK or SMILE, or other alternative refractive correction procedures might be a better option.

The Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure: What to Expect

One of the biggest advantages of Lasik eye surgery is its simplicity. The procedure itself is quick—typically lasting only about 15 minutes for both eyes—and the recovery time is impressively short. Here’s what happens during a typical Lasik surgery:

01.

Preparation:

Numbing eye drops are applied, and a device is used to gently hold your eyelids open.

02.

Flap Creation:

A Swiss made femtosecond Ziemer laser creates a thin, precise flap in the cornea. The laser works by creating a detailed 3D map of tiny gas bubbles within the corneal layer. During this part of the procedure, which lasts under a minute, patients may feel some pressure on their eye.

03.

Reshaping the cornea:

Afterward, the surgeon carefully lifts this thin flap and uses an a WaveLight®EX500 Excimer Laser to reshape the tissue underneath to correct the eye’s focus.

04.

Flap repositioning:

The flap is then laid back into place without the need for sutures. The entire procedure typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, with minimal discomfort experienced, and healing begins almost immediately.

After Lasik Treatment

After your Lasik procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort for about 4 to 6 hours. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first 24 to 48 hours.

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed care instructions and any necessary medication to take home. It is important to rest your eyes, avoid screen use, and refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes within the first 24 hours. You may also be given protective eyewear to use overnight for added safety.

If you drove to the clinic, please ensure you have someone to drive you home. You won’t be able to resume driving until your surgeon has confirmed that your vision meets the required driving standards. This is typically assessed during your follow-up appointment, scheduled for the next day.

How Will Your Life Change After Lasik Surgery?

Imagine waking up the morning after your Lasik eye surgery and being able to see your alarm clock without reaching for your glasses. That’s the kind of freedom that Lasik offers. Most patients experience 20/20 vision or better after Lasik surgery, allowing them to live life without the burden of glasses or contact lenses.

Whether you enjoy sports, travel frequently, or simply want to experience daily life without the inconvenience of visual aids, Lasik eye surgery can be life changing. You’ll be able to see clearly, often within just a day or two after the procedure, and most patients can return to work and normal activities within a couple of days.

The Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery in London:

Quick and painless: The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, and most patients feel little to no discomfort.
Long-lasting results: Once corrected, your vision remains clear for years to come.
Freedom from glasses and contacts: Imagine the convenience of never having to deal with lenses or glasses again.
Rapid recovery: Most patients return to their normal routines within a day or two.

What Are the Risks of Lasik Surgery?

While Lasik surgery is highly effective and safe, like any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks, including:

Dry eyes: This is the most common side effect and is usually temporary.
Glare or halos: Some patients may notice glare or halos around lights, particularly at night, although this typically fades with time.
Flap complications: Though rare, issues can occur with the flap created during the procedure. At Eye Clinic London, we use the latest technology to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Alternatives to Lasik Surgery:

If you’re not a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, don’t worry—there are other vision correction options available. These include:

PRK: Ideal for those with thinner corneas, PRK offers the same benefits as Lasik but requires a longer recovery time.
SMILE: A minimally invasive procedure that’s perfect for patients with myopia or astigmatism.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): This option is similar to cataract surgery and is great for older patients or those with high refractive errors.
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): A good alternative for patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery. ICL involves placing a small corrective lens inside the eye.

At Eye Clinic London, we offer these alternatives to ensure that every patient can find a vision correction solution tailored to their needs.

Why Choose Eye Clinic London for Your Lasik Surgery?

At Eye Clinic London, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care using the most advanced technology. Our lead surgeon, Mr. Hamada, has over 25 years of experience in refractive surgery and has successfully treated thousands of patients. We use state-of-the-art laser systems to ensure precision, safety, and exceptional results for all our Lasik eye surgeries in London.

We understand that undergoing any surgery can feel daunting, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your decision. We take pride in transforming our patients’ lives through clearer vision.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore a life without glasses or contact lenses, contact Eye Clinic London to schedule your consultation. Let us help you discover how Lasik eye surgery in London can transform your vision and improve your quality of life.

book your consultation now

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Surgery in London

1. How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for LASIK?

Suitability depends on several factors, including corneal thickness, prescription stability, eye surface health and the overall shape of your cornea. A full assessment using detailed scans allows your surgeon to determine whether LASIK is the safest and most effective option for your eyes.

2. Will I feel anything during the LASIK procedure?

LASIK is not painful. You may feel a sense of pressure for a few seconds when the flap is created, but the laser itself is painless. Anaesthetic drops keep the eyes comfortable throughout the procedure.

3. How quickly will I notice an improvement in my vision?

Many patients report clearer vision within hours, with noticeable improvement the next morning. The majority of the healing takes place in the first 24–48 hours, which is why LASIK is often chosen for its rapid visual recovery.

4. Does LASIK increase the long-term risk of dry eyes?

Some temporary dryness is common in the weeks following LASIK. Most patients find this improves gradually with lubricating drops. Your surgeon will evaluate your tear film before surgery to ensure LASIK remains a safe option for your eye surface.

5. Are both eyes treated on the same day?

Yes. LASIK is almost always performed on both eyes during the same appointment, allowing you to recover consistently and return to daily life more quickly.

6. How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The treatment itself is very quick — usually around 10–15 minutes for both eyes. Most of your time at the clinic is spent on preparation and post-treatment checks.

7. Do LASIK results last for life?

The reshaping of the cornea is permanent, and the vast majority of patients enjoy long-lasting clarity. However, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) still occur later in life and are unrelated to LASIK.

8. Is LASIK safe if I have an active lifestyle or play sports?

For most non-contact activities, LASIK is perfectly suitable once the eyes have healed. Patients who play high-impact or direct-contact sports may be advised to take extra precautions during the early weeks. Your surgeon will give personalised guidance based on your lifestyle.

9. Can LASIK correct astigmatism as well as short-sightedness?

Yes. Modern LASIK technology allows precise reshaping of irregular corneal curvature, making it an effective treatment for astigmatism in addition to short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

10. What happens if I move my eye during the procedure?

The laser used in LASIK has an advanced tracking system that follows tiny eye movements in real time. If any significant movement occurs, the laser pauses automatically to maintain accuracy and safety.

11. Will I need time off work after LASIK?

Many patients return to work within a day or two, depending on their job and visual comfort. Those who work in dusty environments or roles requiring intense visual focus may benefit from a slightly longer recovery period.

12. Can LASIK be performed if I’ve previously worn contact lenses for many years?

Yes, but you may need to stop wearing contact lenses for a short period before your assessment. This allows your corneas to return to their natural shape so the scans reflect an accurate baseline.

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

The McIndoe Centre Holtye Road East
Grinstead RH19 3EB