Approximately half the population needs glasses or contact lenses to see properly.

There are several modern techniques available now to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.

Illustration of the Anatomy of the Eye

Short sight or Myopia-
This is due to the too steeply curved cornea, which is clear front window of the eye. It also occurs if the eye is longer than normal. Therefore light rays fall in front of retina, resulting in blurred vision.

Astigmatism-
Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being shaped rather like a rugby ball instead of being spherical. This produces two different focal points, which can blur images at all distances.

Long sight or Hyperopia-
Long sight occurs if the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short, therefore light rays focus on a point behind the retina causing near vision to become blurred.

Most of the Refractive Surgery techniques improve vision by altering the shape of the cornea. Commonly performed procedures include:

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK): Excimer laser is used to remove micro-thin layers of tissue from the surface of the cornea, according to the individual patient’s prescription. It takes minutes to perform and is done under local anaesthetic. Normal work and activities can be resumed in 2-3 days with gradual improvement in vision. Click here for illustration.

Intacs: Intacs are tiny plastic ring segments that are implanted in the cornea. This changes the shape of the front surface of cornea and corrects the refractive error. It is suitable for mild myopia without significant astigmatism.

Clear Lensectomy: In selected patients, who have high hyperopia or myopia, natural lens is removed with implantation of a suitable acrylic monofocal or silicone multifocal lens, providing relative independence from glasses.

Prelex: Presbyopic lens exchange or 'prelex' is a variation of clear lens extraction involving implantation of multifocal or accommodative intraocular lens implant in patients who are 40 years or above. This procedure enables adequate near as well as distance vision.

Intraocular Lens Implant Exchange and Piggy-Back Lens Implantation: Patients who have had cataract surgery and who have significant spectacle prescription; benefit from the above two procedures which involves either a replacement or placement of an additional intraocular lens implant.

Refractive surgery, glasses and contact lenses have their benefits and drawbacks. There is no best method of correcting refractive errors. You may need to discuss your needs and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate procedure for you.

- Are 20 years or older.

- Wish to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

- Are free of eye disease, unstable Diabetes, Collagen vascular disease and are not pregnant.

- Have the appropriate refractive error.

- Can accept the inherent risks and potential side effects.

Over 95% of patients treated by refractive surgery achieve legal driving standard vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Additional enhancement surgery may be required to achieve your desired results.

You may still need glasses or contact lenses to achieve your best vision.

Fitting contact lenses after refractive surgery may be difficult or impossible.

Reading glasses may still be required for middle aged or older adults, since refractive surgery does not alter the aging process of the eye and does not prevent presbyopia. In fact, you may need reading glasses at a younger age.

Refractive surgery is an elective procedure and is not available on the NHS.

If you have specific occupational goals, please check with your prospective employer about regulations concerning refractive surgery.