Laser Vision

Q&A series: Which type of laser eye surgery is best for me?

Q&A series: Which type of laser eye surgery is best for me?

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The choice of various laser eye surgery procedures can be overwhelming when first researching your different options so here LaserVision outline the different types of laser eye surgeries available and which may be suitable for you. LaserVision offer four types of laser vision correction to correct refractive errors which vary in technique to suit varying needs. The differences in procedure and recovery time are detailed below.

LASIK

LASIK gives fast visual recovery with little discomfort: for these reasons it is the most common choice for many people. It involves the creation of a very thin and precise LASIK flap: it may not be appropriate if you participate in contact-sports or if your cornea is thinner than normal. On the other hand for some refractive errors, LASIK is the only choice.

LASEK

LASEK does not require flap or lenticule creation so in many ways is the simplest treatment. However, visual recovery is slower and your eye can be uncomfortable during the early post-operative period. LASEK may be the treatment of choice for thin corneas.  LASEK is best suited to correction of low to moderate degrees of short-sight.

SupraLASE

SupraLase uses an unique non touch technique,  in which an advanced laser is used throughout to initially remove the surface cell layer (the epithelium) and then reshape the cornea for vision correction. It avoids the potential for any flap complications either during or after surgery and there is less risk of long-term corneal ectasia. Vision recovery takes longer compared to LASIK however is often recommended for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, for those who participate in contact sports and who have an enhanced risk of injury such as those in the armed forces.

Are there any new techniques in laser eye surgery?

Yes! ReLEx SMILE are exciting new techniques that share many of the advantages as LASIK but have less of an impact on corneal strength so the contact-sport and corneal thickness issues are less relevant. ReLEx can at the moment only be used for treatment of short-sight.

How do I know which laser eye surgery procedure is best for me?

A final decision about which treatment to have can only be made after a full ophthalmic examination and discussion with your consultant surgeon at your initial consultation with us. The decision must consider factors such as your prescription and many aspects of your ocular examination but also your personal choice. Once a recommendation about which procedure is best suited to you and your eyes, LaserVision can guarantee you will feel no pressure to proceed with surgery so you are free to make the decision that is right for you.

All laser eye surgery performed by LaserVision is personalised to best meet the needs of our patients which are all carried out within our hospital based clinics. This personalised service within our safe hospital environments are just one of the many reasons we stand out from the high street, find out more about why LaserVision are different.

What’s next?

Request a FREE brochure to help you consider your options further.

Book a consultation at your nearest LaserVision clinic to discuss your options with a consultant surgeon.

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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
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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
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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
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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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
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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
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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
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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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