Laser Vision

Q&A series: Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

Q&A series: Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?

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In this post, we shall be answering questions directed at the suitability of laser eye surgery for patients and how this may affect their lifestyle and career.

How old do I have to be for refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery can be performed at any age above 18 years old, but the treatment of choice may vary depending on different factors. Beyond the age of 50 the refractive procedure of choice may be a lens exchange as opposed to laser correction.

What are the exclusion criteria for refractive surgery?

To be considered for laser eye surgery, one must be over the age of 18, not pregnant and have a stable prescription for 18 months.

In the past, I have been refused laser eye surgery owing to the strength of my prescription. Have techniques advanced?

Yes they have. Our consultation includes a number of tests which will determine both your suitability for treatment and help you decide on which is best suited to your personal needs and expectations.

Will I need to take time off work?

Consultation

Your laser consultation can take up to two hours. You can return to work after this, but do not drive as we will have to use drops to dilate your pupils and this can make your vision blurry and light sensitive. We recommend you bring a pair of sunglasses.

Treatment

The laser treatment, including immediate post-treatment time, will be around 2 hours. We would not recommend you returning to work on the day of treatment. Many return to work two days later but this will depend on the type of treatment you have and type of work you do.

Aftercare

Each aftercare appointment can take up to one hour. If you have LASIK treatment we will see you the following day. Your next aftercare appointment will be one week following treatment. You will be then be seen at intervals determined by your Consultant Ophthalmologic Surgeon. If you have LASEK treatment we will see you 3-7 days following your treatment. Your next aftercare appointment will then be arranged for the following week, then at intervals determined by your consultant ophthalmologist.

How soon after treatment can I resume sporting activities?

Please discuss with your Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon when you can resume sporting activities. Swimming is not recommended for 6 weeks after LASIK treatment and up to 4 weeks after LASEK treatment.

Can I fly after laser eye treatment?

We would recommend not flying for 2 to 3 days after laser eye surgery (this includes both long- haul and short-haul flights). This is due to the dry atmosphere inside an aeroplane. When you do fly please make sure you use plenty of artificial tears.

How soon can I use my PC?

This depends on your own recovery rate, but allow at least 24 to 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 provided.

I am a commercial pilot. Can I have laser vision correction?

We have treated pilots in the past and this has not been a problem. Often your employer may require a report after the treatment. You would need to clarify this with the Civil Aviation authority (CAA).

Do public services employers (fire, police, and armed forces) recognise laser eye treatment?

The police will generally accept applications from people who have undergone laser eye surgery 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 employer beforehand.

Some fire brigades will make allowances for those with laser vision correction. In most cases, you will have to wait 6 months after 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 police states that while laser eye procedures are not generally prohibited among serving recruits, there are rules covering its use. Please check with your superior.

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Colin D. profile picture
Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp profile picture
Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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