Laser Vision Correction Popular In The UK

Posted in Laser Eye Surgery on September 29, 2008

Laser vision correction is very popular in the UK amongst all age groups. Apart from correcting the vision, this procedure helps them discard glasses and contact lenses entirely. Not less than a hundred thousand people undergo this procedure every year in the UK alone.

The success rate is very high at about 80 to 98 %. A laser is used to correct the defect in the cornea so that the light rays focus properly on the retina. Presently, there are two types of procedure for this vision correction. One of the most popular is called Lasik. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea to make a flap and after lifting the flap, the laser is applied to correct the defect in the cornea. The whole procedure takes about 10 minutes after which the patient can go home. Just for about 20 to 30 seconds there will be vision loss during the process.

The other type of procedure is called Lasek, which is not as popular because this can cause some pain for about 24 hours after the operation. When compared to Lasik, this Lasek procedure is not used as often. After the Lasik procedure, the patient can have normal vision restored within 24 hours. Also immediately after the Lasik, there will be no blurring of sight.