Focusing errors that spectacles correct — and that surgery can sometimes remove the need for.
What you may notice
Around half of adults wear a correction of some kind
Refractive error is a mismatch between the length of the eye and the focusing power of its front surface. Spectacles and contact lenses correct it optically; laser and lens-based surgery change the eye itself. Not everyone is suitable, and the assessment — corneal thickness, topography, pupil size, stability of the prescription — is what determines that, not a preference.
Treatments & surgery
What each procedure involves, how long it takes, and what recovery actually looks like.
A full assessment with a consultant ophthalmologist, including imaging where indicated.
60–90 minutes including dilationOne, with review as the condition requires
Read moreOCT, visual fields and retinal photography — the tests that find what an examination cannot.
30–45 minutesOne, repeated at monitoring intervals
Read moreReplacing the eye’s clouded lens with a clear artificial one, as a day case.
20–30 minutes in theatreOne per eye, usually two weeks apart
Read moreReshaping the cornea to reduce or remove dependence on spectacles.
15–20 minutes for both eyesAssessment, treatment, then reviews at 1 day, 1 week and 3 months
Read moreReplacing the natural lens where laser is unsuitable or reading vision is the issue.
20–30 minutes per eyeOne per eye, usually two weeks apart
Read moreLowering pressure and monitoring the nerve, with drops, laser or surgery.
30–45 minutes per reviewReviews every 3–12 months, lifelong
Read moreTreatment for wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion.
20 minutes including preparationA loading course, then intervals set by scan findings
Read moreAssessment of the tear film and lid margin, and treatment aimed at the actual cause.
45 minutesOne assessment, then review at 6–8 weeks
Read moreAppointments
Consultations are with a consultant ophthalmologist. Allow up to two hours: most examinations involve dilating drops, and you should not plan to drive afterwards.