What is LASIK?

If you have been thinking about laser eye surgery, you have probably heard of LASIK eye treatment. It is one of the most popular vision correction procedures in the world because it is quick, effective, and has a fast recovery time.

But what exactly is LASIK, who is it suitable for, and how does it compare with other laser eye surgery options?

At My Eye Clinic in Newcastle, we believe understanding your treatment options is the first step towards making an informed decision. This guide explains everything you need to know about LASIK eye treatment.

How LASIK improves vision

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

The procedure reshapes the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. When the cornea has the correct shape, light focuses accurately on the retina at the back of the eye. This produces clearer vision and may reduce or remove your need for glasses or contact lenses.

The changes made during LASIK are permanent, although your eyes will continue to age naturally over time.

What vision problems can LASIK treat?

Correcting common refractive errors

LASIK eye treatment can correct several common vision problems.

It is commonly used to treat short-sightedness (myopia), where distant objects appear blurry.

It can also treat long-sightedness (hyperopia), which makes close-up tasks such as reading more difficult.

LASIK can also correct astigmatism, where an irregularly shaped cornea causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Many suitable patients achieve excellent vision after treatment, with many reaching 20/20 vision or better. However, every patient's results are different, and no outcome can ever be guaranteed.

How does LASIK eye treatment work?

A quick and precise procedure

LASIK eye treatment is usually completed in around 15 minutes for both eyes.

Your eyes are first numbed using anaesthetic eye drops, so the procedure should not be painful.

Your surgeon creates a very thin flap on the surface of the cornea using advanced laser technology. The flap is gently lifted before another laser carefully reshapes the cornea according to your prescription.

Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is placed back into position where it naturally begins to heal without stitches.

The laser treatment itself usually lasts less than one minute per eye.

Is LASIK painful?

Most patients feel little discomfort

Most people do not experience pain during LASIK eye treatment.

You may notice a feeling of gentle pressure while the procedure is being performed, but the anaesthetic drops keep the eye comfortable.

After surgery, your eyes may feel watery, slightly gritty, or sensitive to light for a few hours. These symptoms usually improve quickly as your eyes begin to heal.

What is LASIK recovery like?

The first few hours

Your vision may be blurry immediately after treatment. Your eyes can also feel sensitive, watery or uncomfortable.

You will normally be given eye drops and instructions to follow during your recovery.

Resting your eyes after treatment can help you feel more comfortable.

The first few days

Vision often becomes clearer quickly, but you may still notice some changes while your eyes heal.

Dryness can occur after LASIK. You may also notice glare, halos or sensitivity to bright lights, particularly during the early stages of recovery.

Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to activities such as exercise, swimming and driving.

The following weeks

Your vision should continue to settle as your eyes recover. Some people recover faster than others, so it is important not to compare your recovery with someone else's.

Your follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to check your eyes and make sure they are healing as expected.

Who is suitable for LASIK eye treatment?

Your eyes need to be carefully assessed

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. A comprehensive assessment is the best way to find out whether laser eye surgery may be appropriate for you.

Your age, prescription, eye health and corneal shape all need to be considered.

You may be considered for LASIK if you are over 21, your prescription has been stable for at least 12 months and your eyes are healthy.

Your corneas also need to have enough thickness and suitable shape for treatment.

During your assessment, your surgeon may check your prescription, corneal thickness and shape, pupil size, tear film and general eye health.

Who may not be suitable for LASIK?

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK.

The best way to find out is by attending a comprehensive consultation where your eyes will be carefully examined.

You may be suitable if your prescription has remained stable for at least 12 months, you are over the age of 21, and your eyes are healthy.

Your corneas also need to be thick enough for the procedure.

Your surgeon will assess your prescription, corneal thickness, pupil size, tear film, and overall eye health before recommending treatment.

Some eye conditions, such as advanced glaucoma, uncontrolled diabetes affecting the eyes, keratoconus, severe dry eye disease, or certain retinal conditions, may mean another procedure is more suitable.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also temporarily affect your prescription, so treatment is usually delayed until your vision has stabilised.

LASIK vs LASEK vs TransPRK

How are the procedures different?

LASIK is not the only form of laser eye surgery. LASEK and TransPRK are other procedures that can reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.

The main difference is how the surgeon reaches the corneal tissue that needs to be treated.

With LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea before the laser reshapes the underlying tissue.

With LASEK, the surgeon works with the thin outer layer of the cornea rather than creating the same type of flap used in LASIK.

TransPRK is a flap-free procedure. The laser removes the surface layer of the cornea before reshaping the tissue underneath.

Which treatment is better?

There is no single laser eye surgery procedure that is right for everyone.

LASIK may be suitable for many people because of its quick procedure and generally fast early recovery. However, LASEK or TransPRK may be considered for some patients depending on factors such as corneal thickness, prescription, eye health and lifestyle.

For example, people who take part in activities where the eye could be hit may discuss flap-free options with their surgeon.

You can learn more about LASEK and TransPRK and how these procedures differ from LASIK.

The safest option depends on your individual eyes. Your surgeon should recommend a procedure after a detailed assessment rather than simply choosing the most well-known treatment.

What are the benefits of LASIK?

Why patients choose LASIK

Many people choose LASIK eye treatment because it offers excellent visual outcomes with a quick recovery.

Patients often enjoy greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses, making everyday activities such as travelling, exercising, swimming, and driving more convenient.

Many also appreciate the long-lasting nature of the procedure and the confidence that comes from clearer vision.

Are there any risks?

Every procedure carries some risks

Like all surgery, LASIK carries potential risks and side effects.

Some patients experience temporary dry eyes while healing.

Others may notice glare, halos, or increased sensitivity to light during the first few weeks.

Very occasionally, the vision correction achieved may be slightly more or less than planned. In some cases, further treatment may be possible if appropriate.

Serious complications are uncommon, particularly when patients are carefully assessed before surgery and follow their aftercare instructions.

How much does LASIK eye treatment cost?

Understanding the cost

The cost of LASIK depends on several factors, including your prescription, the technology used, and the treatment recommended for your eyes.

When comparing clinics, it is important to understand exactly what is included in the price, such as consultations, surgery, aftercare, and follow-up appointments.

For more information, read our laser eye surgery cost guide.

Why choose My Eye Clinic in Newcastle?

Experienced care close to home

If you are considering LASIK eye treatment in Newcastle, choosing an experienced clinic is just as important as choosing the procedure itself.

At My Eye Clinic, every patient receives a detailed assessment, personalised treatment recommendations, and comprehensive aftercare.

We use advanced diagnostic technology to determine which laser eye surgery procedure is most suitable for your eyes and provide support throughout every stage of your vision correction journey.

Book your consultation

The only way to know whether LASIK eye treatment is right for you is through a comprehensive consultation.

Take our free suitability self-test, it only takes a minute and can give you an indication of whether you may be a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery.

You can also attend a detailed consultation where one of our experienced surgeons will assess your eyes, discuss your options, and answer any questions you may have.