[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/how-does-laser-eye-surgery-work\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/how-does-laser-eye-surgery-work\/","headline":"How does laser eye surgery work?","name":"How does laser eye surgery work?","description":"Ever wondered how laser eye surgery actually works? We break down LASIK, LASEK and TransPRK in this easy-to-read blog","datePublished":"2025-04-22","dateModified":"2026-04-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/How-does-laser-eye-surgery-work-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/How-does-laser-eye-surgery-work-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":534,"width":950},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/how-does-laser-eye-surgery-work\/","about":["Laser Eye Surgery"],"wordCount":643,"articleBody":"How does laser eye surgery work?Laser eye surgery might sound like something out of science fiction. But in reality, it\u2019s one of the safest and most common ways to fix vision problems. It helps people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.If you're wondering how it all works, you're in the right place.In this blog, we\u2019ll walk you through:How laser eye surgery corrects visionThe different types of treatment (LASIK, LASEK and TransPRK)What to expect before, during, and afterBy the end, you'll have a much better idea of how laser eye surgery works\u2014and whether it might work for you.What does laser eye surgery actually do?Laser eye surgery works by reshaping your cornea. That\u2019s the clear, curved surface at the front of your eye.If your cornea isn\u2019t shaped quite right, it doesn\u2019t focus light properly on the retina at the back of your eye. This causes blurry vision.The laser gently reshapes your cornea so light focuses more precisely, giving you sharper, clearer vision.Three popular types: LASIK, LASEK and TransPRKAt My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we offer:LASIK \u2013 Fast healing, minimal discomfort, and widely popular.LASEK \u2013 A surface procedure suitable for people with thinner corneas.TransPRK \u2013 A no-touch technique with fewer steps, great for active lifestyles.Each one uses an excimer laser\u2014a cool beam of light that gently reshapes the cornea with amazing accuracy.Let\u2019s look at each one a little closer.1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)A thin flap is made in the top layer of your cornea.The laser reshapes the layer underneath.The flap is placed back and heals naturally.You\u2019ll be awake during the procedure but won\u2019t feel pain\u2014just some pressure. Most people are back to normal activities in a day or two.2. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)The surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is moved aside.The laser reshapes the exposed area.The surface layer is replaced and protected with a bandage contact lens.Healing takes a bit longer than LASIK, but this option is better for some people with thinner or flatter corneas.3. TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy)The laser removes the surface layer and reshapes the cornea in one step.No instruments touch your eye\u2014no flap, no alcohol.TransPRK is ideal for people who play contact sports or have jobs with physical risk (like first responders or military roles).What happens before the procedure?Before anything, we\u2019ll do a detailed eye exam. We\u2019ll:Check your prescriptionMap your corneaMeasure your eye pressure and tear productionTalk through your lifestyle and goalsThis is how we choose the safest and most effective procedure for you.If laser surgery isn\u2019t right for your eyes, we\u2019ll tell you honestly\u2014and discuss other options.What happens on the day?You\u2019ll be at the clinic for 1\u20132 hours, but the procedure itself takes only a few minutes per eye.You\u2019ll get numbing drops, and sometimes a mild sedative to help you relax.The laser is computer-guided and very precise.Most people are surprised by how quick and painless it is.What happens after?With LASIK, most people see better almost immediately.With LASEK and TransPRK, it can take a few days to notice the improvement.You\u2019ll use drops to help your eyes heal and stay comfortable.We\u2019ll see you for follow-up appointments to make sure everything\u2019s going smoothly.It\u2019s not magic\u2014but it can feel like itLaser eye surgery doesn\u2019t give you \u201cbionic\u201d vision. But it often gives people 20\/20 vision or better, and for many, it means the freedom to ditch glasses and contact lenses for good.Want to know if you\u2019re suitable?Take the self-test. Free, quick, and a great first step toward clearer vision."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How does laser eye surgery work?","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/how-does-laser-eye-surgery-work\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]