What is laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, so that light focuses more precisely on the retina. It is used to treat short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. For many suitable people it can reduce or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses, but it is not right for every eye.

That is why every treatment at Prime Vision Clinic starts with a detailed assessment. Sometimes the safer advice is a different option, such as an implantable lens (ICL), or no surgery at all.

Who is a good candidate?

You may be suitable if you:

• Are 18 or older, with a prescription that has been stable, usually for at least a year
• Have myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism within a range that can be treated safely
• Have a healthy cornea of adequate thickness and regular shape, confirmed by corneal scans

Laser is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may not be suitable with keratoconus, an active eye infection or some autoimmune conditions. If you are over 40 and finding reading harder, options such as monovision may be discussed. This involves some compromise and is usually tried first with contact lenses.

The three techniques we offer

Femto-LASIK

A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. An excimer laser then reshapes the tissue underneath, and the flap is laid back in place.

LASIK

The same principle as Femto-LASIK, but the flap is created with a precise surgical instrument (microkeratome) instead of a laser.

PRK (surface laser)

The thin surface layer of the cornea is removed and the excimer laser is applied directly to the surface, with no flap. After assessment, it may suit some people with thinner corneas or a higher risk of eye injury from work or sport. It is not suitable for every thin or irregular cornea, and recovery is slower than after LASIK.

No single technique is best for everyone. The choice depends on your corneal thickness and shape, your prescription, your work and activities, and your scan results.

What happens during your assessment

• Vision and prescription testing
• Corneal mapping and thickness measurement
• A tear-film check, because dry eye affects both suitability and comfort
• A dilated eye examination

If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to stop wearing them before this visit, for a period set by the medical team according to your lens type. This can take several weeks, and measurements may need to be repeated.

Your doctor then explains whether you are suitable, which technique is recommended, and the expected benefits and risks, and answers your questions before you decide.

Treatment day

The eye is numbed with drops; no general anaesthetic is needed. The laser itself takes a short time per eye, and you stay awake throughout. You go home the same day, so please arrange for someone else to drive you.

Recovery

• After LASIK or Femto-LASIK: the eyes are usually watery and blurred for a few hours. Many people notice clearer vision within a day or two. A check-up is usually arranged for the next day.
• After PRK: discomfort and light sensitivity are expected for several days. A bandage contact lens protects the surface, and vision improves gradually over several weeks.

Use your drops exactly as prescribed, avoid rubbing your eyes, and avoid swimming, dusty places and eye make-up for the period your doctor advises. Dryness, glare and halos at night are common early on and usually improve over the following months, although in some people they persist.

Your surgeon

Laser vision correction at Prime Vision Clinic is performed by Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah, consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery, with a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser eye surgery painful?

Numbing drops are used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild grittiness for a few hours after LASIK is common. After PRK, discomfort lasts several days and is managed with drops and medication.

Will I never need glasses again?

The aim is to reduce or remove your dependence on glasses, but no result can be guaranteed. Some people need a further treatment (enhancement) or glasses for some tasks, and from the mid-40s most people need reading glasses because the natural lens ages.

What are the risks?

Possible side effects include dry eye, glare and halos, under- or over-correction, infection, flap-related problems and, rarely, weakening of the cornea (ectasia). Careful screening reduces these risks.

What if I’m not suitable for laser?

Depending on your eyes, an implantable lens (ICL) or another option may be discussed. Sometimes the best advice is to stay with glasses or contact lenses.

When can I return to work and driving?

Many people return to desk work within a few days after LASIK and after about a week after PRK. Drive only once your doctor confirms your vision meets the driving standard.

This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person.