What is Laser Surgery?

This surgery is typically performed on patients with vision issues such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or astigmatism. The procedure is performed with utmost precision, utilising advanced laser technology to enhance the clarity of vision by reshaping the cornea. Laser surgery is a highly effective method for correcting irregularities in the cornea, allowing patients to enjoy the freedom of not relying on contact lenses or eyeglasses.

There are two different types of laser surgery: PRK (PhotoRetractive Keratectomy) and LASIK. LASIK surgery is highly favoured due to the rapid recovery that patients experience following this laser procedure. Nevertheless, PRK surgery may not be recommended for individuals with thin or flat corneas. Opting for LASEK surgery is highly recommended in this particular situation. The surgeon will advise on the best option suitable for your eyes.

In contrast to LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is delicately lifted to reveal the underlying corneal tissue for reshaping. The recovery period for PRK is longer than that for LASIK.

POTENTIAL RISKS

There is some risk associated with Laser surgery, just like with any surgery. At Eagle Opticals, we perform a wide range of procedures, and our primary goal is to provide each patient with the best possible outcome. However, it's important to note that perfect results cannot be guaranteed in every case. It is crucial to carefully review all the information provided to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the possible results and can make a well-informed choice regarding your vision correction procedure.

Although laser eye surgery, such as LASIK and PRK, is generally considered safe and effective, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that may arise from these procedures. There are certain risks associated with the procedure:

Dry eye syndrome is a frequent occurrence after laser eye surgery, causing discomfort for many patients. These symptoms can be quite bothersome, causing discomfort, irritation, and a feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes. For the majority of people, dry eye symptoms tend to improve over time. However, there are some individuals who may continue to experience persistent dryness.

In certain situations, the intended level of vision correction may not be attained following the procedure, resulting in either undercorrection, where glasses or contact lenses are still necessary, or overcorrection, which can cause blurry vision or other visual disturbances.

Visual Aberrations: Certain individuals may encounter visual abnormalities like sensitivity to light, distorted halos around lights, starburst patterns, or overlapping vision, particularly in dimly lit environments or during nighttime. These symptoms may improve over time but can continue to affect some individuals.

Possible regression: In certain instances, the initial correction achieved through laser eye surgery may diminish over time, requiring additional enhancement procedures or a return to using glasses or contact lenses for optimal vision.

Complication: While uncommon, there is a slight possibility of experiencing an infection after undergoing laser eye surgery. Following the post-operative care instructions diligently, such as using medicated eye drops correctly and avoiding activities that could lead to infection, can greatly reduce the chances of complications.

Corneal Haze: It is possible for certain individuals to experience corneal haze, which can cause the cornea to appear cloudy or hazy, as part of the healing process after undergoing laser eye surgery. Although mild haze usually clears up without intervention, more severe cases may necessitate further treatment.

Epithelial Ingrowth: During PRK, there is a possibility of epithelial cells growing beneath the flap formed during the procedure, resulting in epithelial ingrowth. This complication may result in changes in vision and may require further treatment to resolve.

Corneal Ectasia: In some cases, laser eye surgery may cause a weakening of the cornea, leading to the development of corneal ectasia, a rare condition. This complication can result in the gradual thinning and protrusion of the cornea, which can cause vision distortion and may necessitate a corneal transplantation.

Individuals considering laser eye surgery should have a detailed discussion about the potential risks and complications with their surgeon. It is also crucial to undergo a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Many individuals experience notable enhancements in their vision and express contentment with the outcomes of laser eye surgery. However, it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations and remain informed about the possible risks associated with the procedure.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Once you have scheduled a complimentary consultation and confirmed the details regarding your eye condition, the advisor may kindly ask you to come to the clinic for an eye examination.

The optometrist may detect certain irregularities and may recommend that you undergo an eye procedure. At our establishment, you can inquire about any concerns, and our skilled staff will administer eye drops to your eyes. You will have access to the ophthalmic surgeon at this facility, allowing you to have all your questions answered.

Following your consultation with the surgeon, you may be scheduled for a surgical appointment. Nevertheless, the final decision regarding this appointment rests with the surgeon. The surgeon will not proceed with the operation if there are any contradictions. By taking this step, you can minimise the potential risks of future surgeries. All the required information will be provided during the appointment.

(Pre-Operation): During this stage, one of our staff members, typically the patient advisor, will greet you. They will provide what you can expect about the procedure and offer guidance on post-operative care. Eye drops will be administered at this stage.

Just a reminder, feeling anxious at this stage is entirely normal. A significant portion of our clients who underwent this surgical procedure experienced some level of anxiety. Still, the majority were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the operation went and the successful outcomes they achieved.

If you exhibit excessive anxiety, mild sedatives will be administered with your consent. Before their administration, a comprehensive discussion of these sedatives' benefits and potential side effects will be provided.

(Focal Anaesthetic Stage): During this stage, the anaesthetic procedure is performed, and you will meet the anaesthetic nurse and any other individuals who will be present in the operating room.

Important Information

Informed Consent Document

Please refrain from signing the document, as its completion is required in the presence of your clinician.

Payment

You are required to guarantee that you have fully paid for your surgery or executed a valid financing agreement prior to the scheduled date of the procedure. You will not be granted treatment in the event that there remains an unpaid balance.

User of Contact Lenses 

On the day of your procedure, your optometrist will have instructed you not to wear your contact lenses. You must ensure that you have complied with their instructions.

Ocular Prescription Drops 

At a previous consultation, your optometrist or surgeon may have prescribed eye drops, lubricants, or ointments; therefore, it is imperative that you adhere to their instructions.

General

-        Please allow yourself enough travel time to arrive at the clinic on time.

-        You can expect to be with us for about 1 hour.

-        You will be unable to drive after your surgery and should make alternative travel arrangements. We would advise that you bring a friend or family member with you.

-        You should continue to take any medication unrelated to your corrective eye surgery as normal. Please, feel free to contact the surgery support tram should you have any questions regarding your medication.

PROCEDURE DAY

Before the procedure

On the day of your procedure, you will meet with a knowledgeable clinical team member who will address any inquiries you may have, administer necessary eye drops, and perform additional clinical tests before your YAG capsulotomy procedure. These tests will include a vision assessment and a measurement of the pressure in your eyes. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to meet with your treating clinician. Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have. They will go over the procedure once more and ask you to sign the consent form.

Evaluating Your Suitability 

Please note that there is a possibility of the surgery being cancelled or rescheduled at short notice or on the day of the procedure due to unforeseen circumstances. Your treating clinician may choose not to proceed if they discover any contraindications to the procedure. These last-minute decisions, although they may be inconvenient and cause some stress, are made with the intention of minimising unnecessary risks and prioritising your well-being.

After the Procedure

Here are the procedures that need to be followed after the operation. Here, you will receive expert guidance on personal measures to promote the healing process of the eyes.

Please ensure that the protective shield remains in place until the following day. You may dispose of the dressing after a few hours. Please wear the eye shield while sleeping for the next seven days.

Our team of experts will be available to discuss post-operative care for your eyes and ensure you have the appropriate eye drops. Kindly follow these instructions and ensure proper usage of the eye drops.

After the surgical team has assessed your post-operation, it's recommended to have someone accompany you home and take a rest for a while. Wearing authorised sunshades during outdoor activities within 3 weeks following the operation is recommended. It is advisable to refrain from engaging in physically demanding tasks during this period.

PAYMENT

To secure the booking of your surgical procedure, a minimum deposit of up to £500 is necessary. Please ensure the remaining payment is made 7 days before your surgical procedure. Off-setting the balance 7 days before your surgical procedure is essential. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the process, and the deposit paid will be non-refundable. You can use the deposit to reschedule to a different date. Please note that the rescheduling of the date needs to be done within 3 months from the original cancellation of the surgery. Rebooking is limited to a single occurrence and cannot be transferred to another patient.

During the initial consultation, the optometrist will provide a comprehensive overview of all the costs. You can find all the information regarding eye care and surgery costs in the price list provided in the treatment section of our website. The initial consultation is typically offered at no cost. Nevertheless, suppose you decide not to proceed with the treatment after the complimentary initial consultation. In that case, Eagle Opticals may apply reasonable administrative charges for conducting the consultation based on the information provided during the booking process. If you are ready to move forward after the initial consultation, you can proceed to book any treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the costs of your care, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +44330 043 4462 or by email (contact@eagleopticals.co.uk).

You will be accountable for any expenses related to your treatment, and all payment details will be given to you during or after the initial consultation. Please ensure that payment for your treatment or appointment is made in cleared funds no later than 7 days before your scheduled date. You will be responsible for covering the hospital's prescriptions and consumables expenses.

You must inform us if you choose to stop receiving ongoing treatment. Charges for treatment that you have received up until the point that you notify are charged in full, but you will not be charged after you decide to cancel or reschedule a treatment less than 72 hours before the due appointment. If it exceeds 72 hours and you choose to cancel or reschedule treatment, you will be charged a late cancellation/non-attendance fee.

On any occasion, we make decisions regarding your treatment and discover that you may no longer be required to receive any ongoing treatment from us. We will let you know as soon as possible and explain our decision. We will charge you for all treatments, private prescriptions, and consumables you have received until we notify you. No charges apply after this point. You are not obligated to continue receiving ongoing treatment from us. We will let you know as soon as possible and explain our decision. There are no obligations required to discontinue treatment once you start. However, you may be advised of the risks involved. Eagle Opticals will not be held responsible for any costs incurred in attending your treatments, such as transportation or accommodation.

After you are discharged from our post-operative care, we recommend that you arrange yearly eye examinations. You are responsible for taking these examinations and must pay any applicable charge. Alternatively, patients undergoing lens replacement or cataract surgery may also attend a refractive surgery follow-up consultation, which involves more in-depth diagnostic tests than a standard eye examination.

Suppose unforeseen circumstances arise and decisions are made regarding your treatment such that you can no longer receive ongoing treatment. In that case, you will be informed as soon as possible and backed with reasons. You will be charged for all treatments and consumables received until you are notified. No charges apply after this point.

Alternative dates and times for treatment will be provided. On occasions where it is impossible to reschedule your treatment, you will be refunded any amount paid for the treatment.

Payment plans are available, which gives patients the advantage of spreading the payment across a specific period. The payment plan will be discussed during the initial consultation, and a consent form containing the terms and conditions for such a payment system will be provided accordingly.

Overdue debts will be referred to a debt collection agency as approved by Eagle Opticals. At that stage, you may become liable for interest and the cost of recovering the debt. Eagle Opticals reserves the right to add collection costs and interest for any services provided to any overdue account.

PAYMENT CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Before the initial consultation, if you cannot attend your appointment, we kindly request that you notify us at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling +44330 043 4462. After booking a treatment, you have a 7-day cooling-off period to cancel the treatment without any charges. Nevertheless, any treatment received during the seven (7) day cooling off period will require payment. Additionally, if you decide to cancel or reschedule a treatment within 24 hours of the appointment, we may charge you 25% of the treatment price as a late cancellation/non-attendance fee. Eagle Opticals is committed to providing you with a refund for any excess amounts already paid to cancellation or non-attendance fees. Kindly be advised that Eagle Opticals cannot assume responsibility for any expenses related to attending the treatment, including transportation or accommodation. Refunds will not be provided for such costs.

If your ophthalmic surgeon suggests an alternative surgery option, such as a multifocal lens instead of a mono-focal lens, there could be an additional cost. This additional payment is required in addition to the previous amount paid. You have the authority to decide whether to continue or discontinue the treatment. If you choose not to proceed with the suggested surgery, you can cancel and receive a refund for your initial payment.

If your surgery date is changed within 21 days of your planned surgery, there will be a charge of £…… per eye. No fees will be associated if the date is modified more than 21 days before your scheduled surgery.

Overview

a.     We may not be able to offer you a consultation or treatment with a member of the same sex. If you are concerned, please ask your clinic manager for a chaperone, who will stay with you during your consultation or treatment.

b.     If you would like to discuss anything relating to your consultation or treatment in confidence, please speak to your clinic manager.

c.     We may change our prices from time to time. We will honour the charge for your treatment that we give you at your pre-treatment consultation (if it is lower than our current prices at the time of your treatment), but only if you book your treatment within 14 days of the pre-treatment consultation. If we reduce our prices for your treatment following your pre-treatment consultation, we will charge you the lower price that applies at the time of your treatment.

d.     If we reduce the price of your treatment after the date of your treatment, we will not issue a refund.

Complaint Procedure

If you have a complaint about any part of our service, please tell your clinic manager. Wherever possible, the clinic manager will deal with your complaint as quickly and efficientky as possible. If your complaint does not fall within the clinic manager’s area of responsibility, they will pass your complaint to the appropriate department, who will investigate and respond to you.

If you ever find yourself dissatisfied with the response from our Clinical Manager or staff member, or if you prefer not to discuss your concerns with the Clinical Manager directly, you can request assistance from our Clinical Services. Please send your complaint in writing to (contact@eagleopticals.co.uk) or you can contact us directly (+44330 043 4462). We appreciate your professionalism.