The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Laser eye surgery
REFRACTIVE SURGERY
A range of procedures that reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses.
What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery refers to a range of techniques used to correct eyesight issues such astigmatism, long and short-sightedness.
Most commonly, a laser is used to re-surface the shape of the cornea. It's considered to be highly effective with almost instant results. And it's usually painless.
Need to know
Your surgeon will put local anaesthetic drops into your eye and use a clip to keep your eye open. Exactly what happens during your procedure will depend on the type of technique your surgeon uses.
If you're having LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) treatment, your surgeon will place a suction ring around your eye to flatten your cornea. They'll then ask you to keep very still and look into a flashing red or green light so they can direct the laser into your eye. The process should take about 60 seconds.
If you're having LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) treatment, your surgeon will place a suction ring around your eye to flatten your cornea. They'll then ask you to keep very still and look into a flashing red or green light so they can direct the laser into your eye. The process should take about 60 seconds.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to to you and answer any questions you have. They'll also tell you how to prepare.
You should be able to go home on the day. You won't be able to drive for a week so please arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine but you should be fine to go back to work within a week. You'll need to wear a protective cover over your treated eye(s) for a while.
Your consultant will tell you know for how long. They'll also give you special eyedrops - use these as directed. The effects of laser eye surgery can be almost instant. However, it'll take up to a month for your eyesight to settle.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine but you should be fine to go back to work within a week. You'll need to wear a protective cover over your treated eye(s) for a while.
Your consultant will tell you know for how long. They'll also give you special eyedrops - use these as directed. The effects of laser eye surgery can be almost instant. However, it'll take up to a month for your eyesight to settle.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Laser eye surgery locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.