Vision Correction Surgery: What Are The Options?

Vision correction surgeries are medical procedures designed to correct common vision problems. Depending on your age, eye health, and specific vision needs, you may be a candidate for either laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery. Each option offers unique benefits, so understanding the differences can help you choose the best solution for achieving clear, sharp vision.

Vision correction surgery can treat eye problems such as:

• Astigmatism: This can make both distant and close objects look blurry or distorted. It happens when the front of the eye is not evenly curved, so it is shaped a bit like a rugby ball.
• Cataracts: There are many different types of cataracts, but they all happen when the lens inside the eye scatters light instead of focusing it. This makes it hard to see. The most common types of cataracts are caused by ageing. 
• Presbyopia: This is a natural part of ageing. It makes the lens less flexible, so it’s more difficult to focus on close objects.
• Long-sightedness: Also called hyperopia, this makes close-up objects appear blurry. It happens when light focuses too far beyond the retina – either because the front of the eye isn’t curved enough or the eyeball is slightly short.
• Shortsightedness: Also called myopia, this makes distant objects appear blurry. It happens when light focuses just in front of the retina, usually because the eyeball is too long.

Types of Vision Correction Surgery

Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye) so that light can properly focus on the retina, improving vision. Generally, all modern laser surgery procedures produce similar results. 

• LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis): The most common type of laser eye surgery, LASIK involves creating a small flap in the cornea to reshape the tissue beneath. It’s known for its quick recovery time (about one day) and minimal discomfort.
• LASEK, PRK and TransPRK: These procedures are sometimes called surface laser treatments. The outer layer of the cornea is removed before the cornea is reshaped by lasers to improve vision. With LASEK, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea, whereas in PRK it is removed with alcohol. TransPRK is a more modern version of PRK which uses lasers instead of alcohol. All these are good options for those with thin corneas or dry eyes. Because the surface of the cornea needs to heal, it takes 1-4 weeks for vision to improve. People usually need a week off work.
• SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction): A minimally invasive procedure that involves creating a small incision in the cornea and removing a tiny disc-shaped piece of tissue to correct myopia and astigmatism. SMILE is ideal for patients looking for a less invasive option with quick recovery. It has a lower risk of dry eye problems.

Lens replacement surgery

Lens replacement surgery involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision. This procedure is particularly suitable for people who are older patients, where laser eye surgery may not be the best option.  More than 3 million surgeries a year are carried out in Europe alone.

• RLE (refractive lens exchange): Also known as lens replacement surgery, RLE is very similar to cataract surgery. The natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL. RLE can be suitable for people with shortsightedness, longsightedness, presbyopia, cataracts, astigmatism or stable glaucoma.
• ICL (implantable contact lenses): ICL involves inserting a custom-made contact lens between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. It is a good option for people who may not be able to have laser eye surgery, especially those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas, or who are at risk of dry eye. ICL is usually a better option than RLE for younger adults (over 21). It can be used to treat shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism.

Which Vision Correction Surgery Is Right for You?

Your age, eye health, and specific vision needs play a role in determining the most appropriate type of vision correction surgery. Here are some general guidelines to help you understand which option might be right for you:

• Under 40? Laser eye surgery is often the preferred choice for those under 40 with healthy eyes and stable vision. LASIK, PRK, or SMILE can effectively correct common eye problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism, providing clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
• Over 40 or have presbyopia? As you age, the lens in your eyes naturally becomes less flexible. For those over 40, lens replacement surgery, such as RLE, may be a better option than laser eye surgery, especially if you have cataracts or presbyopia.
• Not suitable for laser surgery? If you have very high prescriptions, thin corneas, or certain eye conditions, lens replacement surgery, or implantable contact lenses (ICL) could be the ideal alternative.

Vision Correction Surgery Benefits

• Clear, long-lasting vision: Both laser eye surgery and lens replacement can offer significant and often permanent improvement in vision.
• Ditch the glasses and contact lenses: In many cases surgery will reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This gives you greater freedom to engage in daily activities, sports, and hobbies.
• Tailored solutions: With multiple types of vision correction surgeries available, the specialist can help you choose the one that is most suitable for you and your eyesight.
• Quick recovery: Most vision correction surgeries have relatively short recovery periods (a few days or less), allowing you to return to your daily routine with minimal disruption.

Vision Correction Surgery Risks

Like any medical procedure, vision correction surgery can have risks. Your specialist should explain these to you in detail before you commit. These are some of the risks and drawbacks you should consider:

• Cost: The costs vary depending on which procedure and provider you choose. Laser eye surgery can cost anything from £600 to £3,500 per eye. Lens replacement surgery tends to cost from £2,000 to £5,000 per eye. These surgeries are not usually available on the NHS, unless you have sight problems that can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, or you have a vision problem that could lead to blindness. 
• Recovery: You might have a few hours of eye discomfort following the procedure. Depending on which procedure you have, you might be able to work and drive the next day, or it might take a week or more. 
• Side effects: Eye surgery can cause side effects including sore or dry eyes, red patches on the white of your eye, or vision disturbances caused by light being scattered in the eye. Usually, the side effects go away within a few months.
• Risk of complications: All surgery has a small risk of complications. Very rarely, the cornea may be damaged and will need further surgery. 
• Not achieving the outcome you hoped: Occasionally, the correction to your vision will be more or less than the amount intended. In some cases, you might still need glasses or contact lenses afterward, or you might need to have another surgery.

What’s Involved in Vision Correction Surgery?

Getting started with vision correction surgery is straightforward, and Clear Living is here to help you find the best clinic and specialist for your needs.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Choose a specialist:  In the UK, the clinic or hospital should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the surgeon who does the procedure should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), on the specialist register and have a license to practice. Ideally, you should look for a surgeon who has specialty fellowship training in corneal surgery. For laser eye surgery, they ideally will also have a fellowship sub-specialty in refractive laser eye surgery.
2. Initial consultation: Schedule an appointment with a qualified eye surgeon to assess your vision and determine the most suitable surgery for you. You’ll have various eye tests, which may include an eye scan. Your specialist will evaluate your age, eye health, and lifestyle to recommend the best approach.
3. Choose the right surgery: Based on your consultation, decide whether vision correction surgery is right for you, and which is the best option to go for. Your specialist will help you understand the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each option.
4. Pre-surgery preparation: Follow the pre-surgery guidelines provided by your specialist, which may include stopping contact lens use, avoiding certain medications, and undergoing necessary tests to ensure you’re ready for the procedure.
5. Have the procedure: On the day of the surgery, you’ll have the recommended procedure at a clinic or hospital. Anaesthetic eye drops will be given so you don’t feel any pain, and sometimes a sedative as well. The duration and recovery time will depend on the type of surgery chosen. You can usually go home the same day. 
6. Post-operative care and follow-up: After the procedure, you’ll receive guidance on postoperative care to ensure a smooth recovery. It usually takes a few days to recover, and you might need to take this time off work. You’ll have at least one follow-up appointment. You can drive again once your specialist says that you meet the standard at the follow-up appointment.

Written by

William Amps Content Specialist

William is a content specialist based in London with over 5 years of experience in the healthcare and financial services sectors. He’s passionate about creating content that helps people feel informed and confident in their decisions. At Clear Living, William focuses on understanding the customer’s perspective, ensuring they find the support they need when making important choices.

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