Top questions for laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery is an increasingly popular way to correct long-term vision impairments, particularly as the technology has become safer and more sophisticated as it has developed. Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about the treatment at Ultralase Ireland.
Will I need a consultation and why?
Before you can be considered eligible for laser eye surgery, your eyecare professional needs to assess your current prescription and the condition of your eyes. Consultations are free, however, and give you a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
During the consultation, an optometrist will perform a number of tests on your eyes that produce electronic maps showing the exact contours and irregularities on their surfaces. This allows your advisor to recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
How soon can I return to work after treatment?
This varies according to your job and your personal recovery rate, but usually you will be able to go back to work within 48 hours after surgery. Your initial consultation will take up to two hours and you are safe to return to work after this, although you will not be able to drive as you will be given eye drops that dilate your pupils as part of the examination.
The actual surgical procedure takes just 30 minutes, but including immediate post-treatment time you will normally be at the clinic for between two and three hours. It is not recommended that you return to work that day, and you should leave between 24 to 48 hours before using a PC or laptop again – in some cases it can take up to a week for your eyes to recover sufficiently.
Should I check again if I’ve been refused laser eye surgery in the past?
If you have a particularly high prescription for your glasses or contact lenses, you may have been told you were ineligible for laser eye surgery in the past. However, techniques have developed at quite a rate in recent years, and it is certainly worth making an appointment to see if you can be treated. Even if you still can’t get laser eye surgery, there is an advanced procedure called intra-ocular lens treatment that may be able to help.
Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS or through private health insurance?
The Department of Health has stated that it has no plans to make laser eye surgery available on the NHS, so going to a private clinic is really the only option. Most private health insurance plans still do not cover the procedure.
At what age should I consider laser eye treatment?
The human eye completes its normal growth around the age of 21, so it is usually recommended that you are at least this old before getting surgical treatment.