Finding a LASIK eye surgery centre is relatively easy these days. Many clinics nationwide perform the procedure, helping people manage their vision problems more effectively. LASIK involves an extensive and invasive operation, followed by a few days of recovery. Since it is a major treatment, people must consider multiple factors before undergoing it. Some factors to check are the cost of the procedure, the clinic’s location, and one’s health-related specifics.

Questions to ask before the operation
LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a kind of refractive eye surgery that optimises a person’s vision. A professional uses laser beams during this surgery to correct the eyeball’s shape. Generally, an imperfectly-shaped eyeball causes vision-related problems such as astigmatism, long-sightedness, and short-sightedness.  Before undergoing this surgery, people should ask the expert a few important questions.

• What can one expect from the treatment?
• How long will full recovery take?
• What are the possible complications?
• What will be the total cost of the process (including pre-care and aftercare)?

Factors influencing LASIK eye surgery cost
On average, LASIK eye surgery prices range between £1,200 and £4,000 per eye. These numbers can change depending on several factors. Knowing the factors influencing the cost can be useful when looking for a clinic.

• Technology used
  Some clinics use state-of-the-art technology to perform LASIK eye surgery, which helps surgeons perform the procedure quickly and without errors. That said, such clinics also charge a higher fee than other centres that use standard technology and equipment.
• Location of clinic
  The cost will likely increase in places with larger crowds and more affluent clients. For example, the clinics based in the South East or London charge £2,500 and £3,000 per eye on average, which is more than the amount charged in other locations in the country.
• Pre-surgery assessments
  Clinics that have their own optometrists or opticians to carry out pre-surgery assessments charge lower prices. The cost is higher when surgeons perform these assessments themselves before the procedure.
• Aftercare services offered
  Clinics that offer aftercare services charge for them. The cost of aftercare will be listed in the clinic bill given to customers after the procedure. Clients looking to save money can choose not to avail of these services from a given clinic.
• Complexity of the procedure
  Some patients may have severe eye issues that require complex surgery. The price can vary depending on the level of intervention required. Complex operations take longer, require more effort from the surgeon, and cost more. Also, such procedures tend to be offered only at select eye care centres nationwide. So, before choosing a centre, one must check whether the surgery they need is available there. This will save time, which is crucial for those needing urgent LASIK eye surgery.

Steps involved in LASIK eye surgery
While the exact steps can vary depending on the clinic and the specialist performing the procedure, the general process is similar globally. Surgeons use high-precision tools and their expertise to alter the eyeball’s shape and cornea. LASIK eye surgery usually takes less than half an hour from start to finish.

• Before the surgery, experts take a 3D scan of the client’s affected eyes. This scan creates a precise map of the eyes, which surgeons refer to when deciding the exact path needed to be taken to correct the client’s vision.
• After the mapping and other initial assessments, the surgeon administers a solution into the client’s eyes to numb them. While the eyes are kept open using clips, the surgeon uses gentle suction devices to minimise movement during certain parts of the procedure.
• The surgeon uses a laser beam to create a thin flap on the cornea surface. This flap is lifted and reshaped to correct alignment or shape issues in the eyeball. After reshaping, the flap is placed down and smoothened.
• After the surgery, surgeons usually place a see-through plastic shield over the client’s eyes for protection. Many surgeons place a special contact lens on the operated eye. This lens safeguards the eye from external elements while it heals from the surgery. Depending on the situation, one may be asked to wear the lens for up to a week or two.

Aftercare for LASIK eye surgery
Once the surgery is done and the protective elements are placed on the client’s eyes, the professional may recommend applying drops to keep the eyes hydrated and comfortable. The expert may also ask clients to avoid driving and playing contact sports for a few weeks or even months after the operation. These measures maximise safety and help avoid complications. Around three months after the surgery, the client’s vision should stabilise and improve considerably. In some cases, the recovery may take longer.

Since LASIK eye surgery involves complex steps, one should research before making any decision. Choosing the right clinic is important to ensure the procedure goes well and one receives the care they need. One must compare multiple clinics and their prices as it helps narrow down options and choose the right one.