What it’s really like to have your eyes lasered
LASIK laser eye surgery turns 30 this year, and is the most common elected procedure in the world. Closer’s Annabelle Lee tries out the op that has given countless celebs their eyesight back
It’s the procedure that countless celebs – including Denise Van
Outen, Phillip Schofield and, recently, Carol Vorderman – have turned to in a bid to achieve perfect vision. And while, once upon a time, laser eye surgery was only for the rich and famous, today tens of thousands of Brits are electing to undergo the process – which involves using lasers to reshape the front surface of your eyes, so that you can focus better – privately or on the NHS, in order to banish their glasses or contact lenses.
Last month Carol, 50, said her operation took “less than ten minutes in total”, adding, “I rested with my eyes closed as much as possible for the following three hours, and now I don’t need glasses!”
While the idea of having near-perfect vision might sound appealing, the reality of the treatment can still intimidate possible patients. And, as with any life-changing procedure, it isn’t without its risks.
Closer’s lifestyle editor, Annabelle Lee, underwent laser eye surgery after 18 years of wearing glasses and lenses. She said, “I hated wearing specs, as I never found frames that suited my face, and contacts were a hassle. The thought of having surgery without general anaesthetic worried me, but after several consultations I was reassured that the surgery is generally pain-free.
On the day, my surgeon popped anaesthetic drops in my eyes, and I felt a small amount of pressure for 20 seconds, followed by bright lights that went in and out of focus. Each eye took three minutes, and immediately I could see more clearly. I recovered for the rest of the day, with antiseptic and soothing drops. At the check-up the following day, my eyesight was better than 20/20! It has definitely been life-changing for me.”
● For more information on Focus Clinic’s “A-LASIK” technique, visit Focusclinics.com