Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ & Laser Eye Surgery

How long will the Laser Eye Surgery take?

In general, the surgery takes about ten to fifteen minutes per eye.

Is Laser Eye Surgery painful?

It is not. You will experience discomfort for a few hours after the surgery, but not pain. It should take about 24 hours for a full recovery (LASIK). LASEK procedure will take longer, up to 5 days and could experience more discomfort but you will be able to treat both eyes at the same time.

Can I treat both eyes at the same time?

Most of the time, LASIK is performed bilaterally (i.e. both eyes same day). The decision is at the patient discretion, you need to consider the pros and cons with your surgeon during the consultation. LASEK is also perform most of the time on both eyes at the same time. The time recovery is longer and the first few days are more uncomfortable.

Am I awake during the surgery or do you perform a regional anesthesia?

No regional anesthesia. You can have a soft relaxing tablet if you wish. The only anaesthetic used is an anaesthetic eye drops.  There are no needles used in the procedure.

Will I be able to see immediately?

Many patients will see improvement straight away. After the LASIK procedure, you will see improvement within twenty four hours. With LASEK, the recovery will take longer, generally after 5 days, you will see well.

Can the procedures go wrong?

It is safer than wearing contact lenses. This is a surgery and it should be perform only by experienced and professional surgeons. The risks will also be fully detailed to you during your consultation.

What are the risks of Laser Eye Surgery?

They are minimals. Every surgery has risks and complications. Laser Eye Surgery is quiet low-risk. Ask for a consultation of a surgeon in a trusted medical clinic and ask as many questions as you can think of. The personnel will answer them and you will be able to get a good understanding of the procedures, the results and the risks. This is a life changing procedure and you should be able to decide if you want to go ahead or not. Ask around you and get recommendations for trusted surgeons and trusted clinics near you.

What are the main concerns about Laser Eye Surgery?

The main concerns are experiencing poor vision after the procedure (glare, low light, halo), dry eyes, infections, fear that your vision will deteriorate a few years after the procedure and of course, the cost.
Make sure that your surgeon and clinic are fully qualified and equipped with the latest technology for the Laser Eye Surgery procedure. Techniques have dramatically improved in order to reduce inconvenience experienced after laser eye surgery. Your surgeon will explained to you in details all the pros and cons of the procedure. Every patient is different and your health history could have an impact of the procedure. Prepare your consultation by  having all the questions or doubts you have ready and ask questions!

The fee for the procedure should be clear and have no hidden cost. Make sure to understand what the cost covers. Different Clinics offer different prices and services, think about follow-up visits post-op and  post-operative care. Some clinics can also offer lifetime guarantee.

What makes a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Your surgeon will decide if you are or not a good candidate. There are several things to check before Laser Eye Surgery. Here are a few examples that can cause your surgeon to postpone or refuse the procedure. You are under 20 years old, your prescription is unstable, too high for eye surgery, your corneas are too thin or you have dry eyes. You have a corneal condition that can prevent you from having laser eye surgery, cataract or corneal disease history. You have diabetes, you are pregnant or a young mother (up to 6 months). You have an history of difficult recovery after surgery. Your surgeon will assess your condition and determine your eligibility to the laser eye surgery.

How much does Laser Eye Surgery cost?

Cost will vary from one clinic to another, depending on your procedure and your health insurance (VHI, QUINN etc). Please contact the clinic of your choice for prices range. Prices differ according to the trouble to correct and the technique used. Bear in mind that cost will also vary depending on the the post-op package that you will choose. Some clinics will offer life time warranty and different packages for your procedure. Surgery can cost from €595 per eye. Contact the clinic of your choice and ask for a consultation.

You can also claim tax relief on the laser eye surgery at 22% by contacting your local tax office and ask for the MED 1 Form (contact tax office for further details). Private Health Insurance Quinn or VHI subscribers can benefit of a reduction up to 15 percent. Contact your insurance for further details.