TL;DR
Your eyes are precious, and it makes sense to want clear, honest answers before making any decisions.
In this article, we’ll cover the eight questions that come up time and time again, so you’ll have a much better idea of what’s involved and whether it might be right for you.
1. How does it work?
Laser eye surgery corrects your vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear layer at the front of your eye that bends light onto your retina. When the cornea isn’t quite the right shape, light doesn’t land where it should, causing short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism.
A surgeon uses a highly precise laser to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The laser itself is applied for just around half a minute per eye, and you’ll be in the treatment room for roughly 15 to 20 minutes total. There are three main types:
- LASIK, the most common in the UK, creates a thin flap in the cornea before reshaping the tissue underneath.
- LASEK/PRK works on the surface of the cornea and suits people with thinner corneas.
- SMILE is a newer, flapless technique where a small disc of tissue is removed through a tiny incision.
2. Am I a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
Not everyone is suitable, and a responsible clinic will tell you that upfront. You’ll generally need to be at least 18, with a prescription that’s been stable for at least two years. Your eyes should be healthy, with no active infections, severe dry eye syndrome, or conditions like keratoconus.
Health conditions such as autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, and pregnancy can affect eligibility. Corneal thickness matters too. If your corneas are too thin for LASIK, you may still be a candidate for LASEK or implantable contact lenses (ICL). A thorough pre-operative assessment will determine which option suits you best.
3. Is it safe?
Laser eye surgery is one of the safest elective procedures available. NICE considers it safe and effective, and patient satisfaction rates across UK clinics consistently sit between 92% and 98%. More than 99% of patients achieve vision within 0.5 dioptres of their target, and over 100,000 procedures are carried out in the UK each year.
No surgery is completely without risk, though. Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, sensitivity to glare, and mild halos around lights at night. These typically settle within a few weeks. Serious complications affecting long-term vision occur in less than 1% of cases, and most can be treated with follow-up care. Choosing a reputable, consultant-led clinic with thorough screening is the best way to minimise risk.
4. Does it hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised when they hear that they won’t feel any pain during laser eye surgery. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the area before surgery, so you won’t feel the laser. With LASIK, you might notice some brief pressure when the corneal flap is created, but it isn’t painful.
Afterwards, LASIK and SMILE patients typically report mild grittiness or dryness for a day or two, easily managed with lubricating drops. LASEK and PRK involve a bit more discomfort during the first few days as the cornea’s surface heals, but your clinic will provide pain relief and eye drops. The discomfort is manageable and short-lived for the vast majority of patients.
5. How long does recovery take?
With LASIK, most people notice a significant improvement within hours and are back at work within a day or two. SMILE has a similar timeline. LASEK and PRK take longer, with around a week off work and gradually sharpening vision over the following weeks.
Your clinic will schedule follow-up appointments and ask you to use eye drops for several weeks. You’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes and stay away from swimming pools and contact sports for a period. Most people feel fully recovered within one to three months, even if the visual improvement comes much sooner.
6. How much does laser surgery cost in the UK?
Laser eye surgery isn’t available on the NHS for straightforward vision correction, so it’s a private procedure. In 2026, you can expect to pay roughly £1,300 to £3,000 per eye. Standard LASIK or LASEK at national chains typically starts from around £1,300 to £2,000 per eye, while SMILE and PRESBYOND often cost between £2,000 and £4,000 per eye at specialist clinics.
Be cautious of very low headline prices, as some only apply to a small percentage of patients with the simplest prescriptions. Always ask whether the quote is per eye or both, and check what’s included. A good package will cover your consultation, the surgery, aftercare, and prescribed drops.
Many clinics offer interest-free finance, and when you factor in the lifetime cost of glasses and contact lenses, laser surgery can actually work out cheaper in the long run.
7. Will the results last?
For most people, yes. The reshaping of the cornea is permanent, and the correction doesn’t wear off. However, your eyes will still change naturally with age. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of near-focus that typically starts in your mid-forties, will still happen. This is unrelated to the surgery, so you’ll likely need reading glasses later in life regardless.
There’s also a small chance of regression, where your prescription partially returns. This affects roughly 5% of patients and is more common in those with high prescriptions. A follow-up enhancement procedure can usually correct it, and many clinics include lifetime aftercare as part of their package. It’s also worth keeping up with regular eye tests, as conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration can develop independently of laser surgery.
8. What should I look for in a clinic?
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Look for a clinic where your treatment is led by a consultant ophthalmologist on the GMC Specialist Register, ideally with an NHS consultant position as well. Ask about their experience, complication rates, and how many procedures they’ve performed.
Important note: You can also check the Care Quality Commission’s website if you want to research any specific clinics around you.
The pre-operative assessment should be detailed, covering corneal mapping, tear film analysis, and pupil size measurements. If a clinic rushes through this process, that’s a concern. Pay attention to what’s included in the price, especially follow-up appointments and enhancement cover. And be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. A good clinic will give you the information and let you decide in your own time.
Final notes
Laser eye surgery has come a long way, and for the right candidate, it can be genuinely life-changing. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose your clinic carefully. If you’re interested in how eye care technology is progressing, have a read through our other guides on eye health and vision care.
