Ditch the specs for good with safe and convenient LASIK in East Grinstead, Sussex and London

Discover why Millennials love laser eye surgery

Safe and convenient LASIK in East Grinstead, Sussex and London

Discover why Millennials love laser eye surgery

Say farewell to glasses with LASIK

A great solution if you are suitable for this life-changing eye treatment

What is FemtoLASIK?

FemtoLASIK is the latest version of LASIK laser eye surgery to treat shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism. We use a laser to reshape the cornea – the clear window at the front of the eye – to improve how the eye focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye.

FemtoLASIK is for those who:

  • Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
  • Have no health issues affecting their eyes
  • Have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts
  • Have corneas are thick enough for us to create a corneal flap (we can only know that when we examine you)

FemtoLASIK improves the focusing power of the eye to treat short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. During the procedure, the surgeon guides a laser to carefully reshape the cornea, which is the transparent covering of the eye. This improves the way light travels through the front of your eye and focuses on the retina. The result is clearer, crisper vision without the need for corrective eyewear.

The traditional LASIK method uses a mechanical blade to make the flap. With the FemtoLASIK method, the femtosecond laser is used to make the corneal flap. This makes the procedure wholly blade-free and enables the surgeon to tailor the procedure according to the unique characteristics of each patient.

Advantages
  • Precise and highly accurate
  • Painless surgery
  • Rapid recovery
  • Excellent visual results
  • Can treat short-sightedness or nearsightedness (myopia), long-sightedness or far-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and mixed astigmatism
  • Easy to perform enhancement surgery with LASIK
Disadvantages
  • Involves creating a flap which has potential complications such as flap dislodgement; infection and epithelial ingrowth

Like all surgeries, LASIK (laser eye surgery for vision correction) has risks. However, research has shown that serious complications are rare and that most patients are happy with the results. But anyone considering elective surgery should get the facts from their ophthalmologist about risks, outcomes and realistic expectations.

The risks of LASIK have been extensively studied in the 20 years since the surgery was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have shown that, on average, 95% of patients were satisfied with their outcome after LASIK surgery.

A small number of patients experience side effects after LASIK.

Temporary side-effects can include:

    • Hazy or blurry vision;
    • Difficulty with night vision and/or driving at night;
    • Scratchiness, dryness and other symptoms of dry eye;
    • Glare, halos or starbursts around lights;
    • Light sensitivity;
    • Discomfort or pain; or
    • Small pink or red patches on the white of the eye.

In a small number of patients, some of these effects may be permanent.

FemtoLASIK is an excellent, reliable surgery, performed millions of times globally.

However, for those who aren’t suitable, alternative laser vision correction procedures include:

  • PRK / LASEK / TransPRK
  • SMILE / SmartSight
  • ICL
  • Presbyond / PresbyMAX/Laser Blended vision
  • Lens replacement (Refractive lens Exchange, RLE, PreLEX)

Step 1: We numb the eye with a few drops of topical anaesthetic.

Step 2: We then place a speculum (eyelid holder) between the eyelids to prevent the patient from blinking.

Step 3: We place a suction ring on the eye, which lifts and flattens the cornea and helps keep the eye from moving. You may feel pressure from the eyelid holder and suction ring, similar to a finger pressed firmly on the eyelid.

Step 4: Once the cornea is flattened, we create a hinged flap of corneal tissue using a laser (Femtolasik), or a blade (LASIK). We lift this corneal flap and fold it back.

Step 5: Then, we preprogram the excimer laser with your unique eye measurements. You must look at a special pinpoint light while the laser sculpts the corneal tissue.

Step 6: Then, the surgeon places the flap back into position and smoothes the edges. The corneal flap sticks to the underlying corneal tissue within two to five minutes, and stitches are not needed.

What happens after the procedure?

You should plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure so you can relax. To help protect the cornea as it heals, we may place a transparent shield over the eye(s) to protect against accidental bumps and to remind you not to rub the eye(s). You may only need to wear the shield when sleeping. In addition, the surgeon will provide eyedrops to help the eye heal and relieve dryness.

It may take three to six months after LASIK surgery to improve a person’s vision to stabilise and for any side effects to go away fully.

Vision after laser correction is similar to vision in contact lenses before surgery, without the potential discomfort and limitations on activity.

Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of surgery, and many describe it as life-changing. It is designed to make you less dependent on spectacles and contact lenses, helping you to lead an active lifestyle.

Do I have to be awake during the procedure?

The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes, so it doesn’t require using general anaesthetics. The laser that reshapes the cornea typically lasts less than one minute per eye.

Using mild sedatives is common in LASIK procedures when the patient feels anxious about the procedure.

We try to avoid using general anaesthetic during any surgery as it has its own risks. It also increases the cost of the LASIK surgery without any significant benefits.

Is the procedure painful?

Immediately before the procedure, we will give you numbing eye drops, so you feel nothing throughout the procedure.

When you get home and the effect of numbing eye drops wears off, it’s common to experience sensitivity to light, watery eyes and mild to moderate eye discomfort for a few hours. Over-the-counter pain medications will ease the discomfort.

You’re just one step away from enjoying a fuller, more enriched life without glasses or contact lenses.

Say goodbye to tiresome visual aids with a suitability assessment in your local area. It really couldn’t be easier.

Do your glasses and contact lenses get in your way?

Learn more about vision correction surgery

You don’t want wear glasses or contact lenses

If you feel encumbered by needing glasses or contact lenses, then laser eye surgery might suit you. We offer all-laser LASIK and PRK.
Learn more

You don’t want to wear reading glasses

If you’re over 50 and want to see clearly at close and distant objects, lens eye surgery might be for you. We offer lens replacement with premium IOLs.
Learn more

You have a high prescription and are not suitable for laser eye surgery

If you’re not a candidate for laser, we offer Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) as an ideal option to get out of glasses and contact lenses.
Learn more

Thousands of happy patients gain freedom from cataracts, glasses and eye conditions

“I found the service I received from Dr. Elalfy very good, having experienced problems with surgery elsewhere, he sorted out those problems and reassured me to go on and complete my treatment. A lovely person with a very high skill set in optical surgery.”

Ms A.A.

“Fantastic impression and support from the first meeting. Excellent bedside manner with detailed explanations. Eye surgery expertly executed with 100% result wished for. Professional from start to finish. Absolutely no hesitation to recommend.”

Mrs L.W.

Thousands of happy patients instantly gain freedom from cataracts, glasses and eye conditions

“I found the service I received from Dr. Elalfy very good, having experienced problems with surgery elsewhere, he sorted out those problems and reassured me to go on and complete my treatment. A lovely person with a very high skill set in optical surgery.”

Ms A.A.

“Mohamed Elalfy achieves all that we want from our medical practitioners; interest in you as a patient, great care in analysing the problem and ensuring that one’s concerns, emotional and practical, are thoroughly considered and explained and a great outcome.”

Mr B.P.

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Affiliations and memberships

We are aligned with the following professional bodies

Academic resources on FemtoLASIK

Learn more about FemtoLASIK (all laser) from authoritative sources

The LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project was launched to better understand the potential risk of severe problems that can result from LASIK. More than 95% of participants were satisfied with their vision following LASIK surgery. Click here for more information.

The history and results of SMILE compared to LASIK, and all that it encompasses, from the science to the technology and outcome. Click here for more information.

The limit for laser surgery has more to do with the thickness of your cornea. Every time surgery is performed, the cornea becomes thinner. The safe amount that can be removed differs with every eye. Click here for more information.

Without knowing how near- or farsighted you are, and what laser you will be treated with, it is impossible to know how much tissue will be removed. The beginning thickness of 478 does not necessarily rule you out, to begin with in your case. Click here for more information.

For vision problems the best first step is an assessment for vision correction surgery

An assessment appointment for vision correction surgery helps you find out if you’re suitable for the procedure based on your prescription and lifestyle needs.

Beat the lockdown wait lists and move forward with your life

We provide personalised treatment at a time and place that suits you

Mr Mohamed Elalfy

MBBCh, MSc, MD, DRCOphth, FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Glas), FRCOphth, FICO, FEBO
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Seeking eye treatment for a worrying eye condition can be stressful. Waitlists everywhere are long due to the lockdowns, and leaving the house to attend appointments can be a real inconvenience.

To make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible, we provide assessments in your local area. We also offer online appointments both before and after your treatment, so you don’t have to travel far to get the personalised support you deserve.

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