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Frequently asked questions - Beforehand
Will I be suitable for laser eye surgery?
If you know your eye prescription, then you could find out if you are suitable by using our vision correction suitability checker free online. However, the only way to know for sure and to find the best eye surgery treatment for you is to book your FREE eye surgery consultation.
We have vision correction solutions for long-sight, short-sight, astigmatism, presbyopia (the age related need for reading glasses) and those with strong prescriptions.
Why do I need an eye surgery consultation?
During your FREE eye surgery consultation, you will meet with your personal advisor who will answer any questions you might have throughout the consultation. Our specialist laser optometrists perform several straightforward tests on your eyes, producing electronic maps which precisely show the contours and irregularities on the outer surface.
You are then advised on your suitability for vision correction, and we will recommend which eye surgery treatment will give you the best eye surgery results.
Book your FREE eye surgery consultation today
Is there a waiting list for consultations?
Laser eye surgery treatments are becoming increasingly popular. We always do our best to fit you in as soon as possible at one of our vision correction clinics at a time and date to suit you.
We aim to fit you in within the week, however sometimes we are busier than usual and unless you are very flexible, you may have to wait that little while longer.
So avoid the wait and book your FREE eye surgery consultation online now.
How long after the consultation can I have treatment?
You could be having your vision correction treatment from as soon as 48 hours after your FREE eye surgery consultation.
When can I get it done?
We always do our best to fit you in as soon as possible at one of our laser eye surgery clinics.
You can have vision correction treatment from 48 hours after your FREE eye surgery consultation.
What do I do next to get started?
Book a date to come and see us. It's FREE, and there is no pressure and no obligation. You are in control at all times.
Find a date to book your FREE eye surgery consultation
Can I talk to someone who has been treated?
Of course you can.
Simply call 0800 9888 237 and we will put you in touch with someone who has had laser eye surgery like yours, and who is enjoying life without contact lenses or glasses.
Alternatively, you can:
Read comments from thousands of our other happy eye surgery customers
Where can I go to have it done?
You can book your FREE eye surgery consultation at any of our 31 clinics located throughout the UK & Ireland, 26 of which are fully equipped surgical clinics which can carry out your laser eye surgery treatment.
Find your nearest Ultralase laser eye surgery clinic
How long will I need to take off work?
We really want to understand your unique eyes. So your all-important FREE eye surgery consultation can take up to 2 hours. You can return to work after this, but do not drive yourself as we may have to use drops to dilate your pupils and this can make your vision blurry and slightly more light sensitive.
The eye surgery, including immediate post-treatment time, will be around 2-3 hours, although you will only be in the treatment room for around 30 minutes. You should not return to work that day.
Each aftercare appointment can take up to 15 minutes. Depending on your treatment, there are 5-6 recommended aftercare appointments so we can care for you. You can find out more detail at your FREE eye surgery consultation.
How soon can I be back on my PC?
This depends on your eye surgery treatment and your own recovery rate, but allow at least 24-48 hours, and it could be up to a week. If you must use your PC, then remember to blink frequently and use the drops we provide.
More information can be given at your FREE eye surgery consultation.
Do the services (fire, police, armed forces etc.) recognise laser eye treatment?
The police will generally accept applications from people who have undergone laser eye surgery treatment after the elapse of 6-10 weeks, and provided there are no residual side-effects and other eyesight standards are met.
Laser eye surgery treatments are generally acceptable for current employees, but check with your superior beforehand.
Some fire brigades will make allowances for those with laser vision correction. In most cases, you will have to wait 6 months post-treatment before applying. Check with your local brigade. Laser eye surgery treatments are generally acceptable for current employees, but check with your superior beforehand.
Military policy states that while laser eye procedures are not generally prohibited among serving personnel or new recruits, there are rules covering its use. Please discuss your eye surgery with your superior.
I drive for a living, how long before I can get behind a wheel?
Everybody's eyes are different, though most are suitable for vision correction treatment. The length of time will be confirmed at your aftercare treatment based on the speed of your progress, although it is typically between 2-7 days for laser eye surgery, and 1-2 weeks for Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOL).
Can I fly after laser eye treatment?
We would recommend not flying for 1 week after your eye surgery treatment*. This is due to the dry atmosphere inside an aeroplane. * Please also bear in mind that we will schedule your aftercare appointments for 1 week and 1 month after treatment and we recommend that you attend these appointments.
I am a commercial pilot. Can I have laser eye surgery?
Yes you can, but be aware that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) does not recommend laser eye treatments for pilots if the visual standards required for certification are to be met.
However, if you intend to go ahead, then there are stipulations, which it is best to understand by direct application to them.
I have always had good vision, but now I've reached the age where I need reading glasses. Can laser eye surgery help?
Laser eye surgery itself cannot prevent or delay the onset of presbyopia, the age-related need for reading glasses that affects most of us as we reach our mid-forties. However, help is at hand - we offer a treatment called ULTRA-CK, which uses radio waves instead of a laser to help the eye's ability to focus on close-up objects.
Ask for more details at your FREE eye surgery consultation
I've been refused laser eye surgery in the past owing to the strength of my prescription. Have techniques moved on?
They have, and it is likely that you may be suitable for laser eye surgery now, however if you are not, we may will be able to help with an advanced treatment called IOL (Intra-Ocular Lens treatment). With our range of eye surgery treatments, Ultralase is now able to correct the vision of around 90% of people in the UK, including many people found unsuitable in the past.
Ask for more information at your FREE eye surgery consultation
I have a really strong prescription. Can you help?
It is extremely likely that we will be able to help with an advanced treatment called IOL (Intra-Ocular Lens treatment). With our range of treatments, Ultralase laser eye clinics are now able to correct the vision of around 90% of people in the UK.
Ask for more information at your FREE eye surgery consultation
Is there an upper or lower age limit for laser eye surgery?
Peoples' prescriptions have usually stabilised by the age of 21 when the eye has completed its normal growth. However, we can use laser eye surgery treatment from the age of 18, provided that the eyesight prescription has been stable for a minimum of 2 years. There is no upper age limit. However, please see the information about cataracts.
Can laser eye surgery cure cataracts?
People often start to develop cataracts when in their 60's and 70's, though this can vary. Laser eye surgery cannot cure this condition. However, if you do suffer from them, we are still able to help you with other treatment options such as Intra-ocular Lenses
Please call us on 0800 9888 237 to find out more.
Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS or covered by private health insurance?
The Department of Health has stated that there are neither plans nor the resources to make laser eye surgery available on the NHS. It is also unlikely that those with private health insurance can reclaim their fees.
Should I bring someone with me?
Yes. At your free eye surgery consultation, we may use harmless eye drops to dilate your pupils. This can cause your vision to become blurred for a few hours afterwards, and so we strongly advise against driving yourself home.
How long does an eye surgery consultation take?
Your free eye surgery consultation will last around 2 hours. This is because we take great care to map and understand the unique nature of your eyes on our advanced technology. This is more state-of-the-art than you will be used to in your usual eye tests. We want to give you the best advice.
Find out more by booking your FREE vision correction consultation today!
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