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What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a procedure that uses a specialised laser (excimer laser) to reshape your cornea, the clear front part of your eye, in order to correct problems with your vision such as near-or-short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
The laser removes tiny amounts of corneal tissue to amend the shape of the cornea and improve your eye's ability to focus light onto the retina at the back of your eye. The two main types of laser eye surgery are LASIK and LASEK.
LASIK, which is the most common, involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, while LASEK removes the outer corneal epithelium layer.
The surgery is carried out by highly trained ophthalmologists and is considered a safe and effective procedure. In general, most people who have laser eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better, but equally most people still eventually need glasses for driving at night or reading as they get older. Common side effects include dry eyes and halos/glare around lights. These tend to be temporary in most of the cases. In rare cases, infection or over/under-correction that may require an enhancement procedure.
About our service
The Mater Private Eye Laser Clinic is one of the largest and most experienced eye clinics in the country.
IT was opened in 1992, and was the first of its kind in Ireland dedicated to refractive surgery. One of the few hospital-based clinics, it remains one of the largest, most experienced centres in Ireland.
When you are deciding to have laser eye surgery, it is really important to know that you are in safe hands. Our positive track record and high patient satisfaction levels are due to our extensive experience, high safety standards and consistent investment in the most advanced techniques and technologies for correcting vision.
Your surgeons at the Mater Private Eye Centre are highly qualified, fully accredited consultant ophthalmologists, with extensive international experience laser eye surgery.
Am I suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
In general, laser eye surgery is most appropriate for people who have a moderate degree of refractive error and no unusual vision problems. You should ideally be over 18, as with myopia, your vision may continue to change throughout your teenage years, or even longer.
Certain eye conditions may result in complications or poor outcomes of surgery. These include:
- Eye diseases that cause continued thinning of your cornea, such as keratoconus.
- Inflammation, such as keratitis or uveitis; and infection, such as herpes simplex.
- Eye injuries or eyelid disorders.
- Dry eyes.
- Large pupils.
- Glaucoma.
- Cataracts.
- Severe nearsightedness or a high refractive error.
- Age-related eye changes that affect your ability to focus up close (presbyopia).
Other reasons to reconsider laser eye surgery include:
- If you have fairly good vision, only needing contacts or glasses some of the time
- You actively participate in contact sports.
Your overall health may also impact on your ability to have laser eye surgery. Certain non-eye-related conditions can increase the risks associated. These include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Taking an immunosuppressive medicine for any reason
The benefits of laser eye surgery
- Improved Vision: laser eye surgery will allow you to see the way you’ve always wanted to see, with clear vision and no need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Convenience: no more searching for your glasses, booking eye tests or forgetting to collect your contact lenses.
- Freedom: laser eye surgery allows you to take part in sports and other activities that you may not have been able to do easily before.
- Save time and money: once you have had laser eye surgery, you no longer need glasses, contact lenses and eye tests.
- Long-lasting Results: most laser eye surgery procedures achieve permanent vision correction.
Types of laser eye surgery
- Laser-Assisted-Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
- Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
- PhotoRefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
- Photo-Therapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)
If you are considering laser vision correction, the best way to learn more is to come in and have an assessment with one of our consultants. You do not need a referral letter to book the assessment. This is a very comprehensive eye examination in which your suitability for the treatment will be assessed:
- Review of your medical history
- Assessing your refraction/prescription
- Dilating your pupils
- Checking corneal thickness
- Checking tear production
Based on the results of this assessment and taking into consideration your specific needs and concerns, your consultant ophthalmologist will recommend which treatment options are best for you.
Prior to your appointment we will provide you with any information you need. If you are having surgery on both eyes, each eye will be treated individually and on separate days. We would advise that you plan a day of rest and that you have travel arrangements in place for after your procedure.
On the day of your surgery you can expect to be in the centre for two hours.
The first part of your visit will be a follow-on consultation with your surgeon, where you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or ask any final questions. This will then be followed by your pre-operative preparation; next the laser procedure take places and then finally, the post-operative care. Our team of nurses and health professionals will look after you throughout.
On discharge, you will be given clear instructions regarding any eyes-drops and medication you will need to take following your surgery.
It is not recommended that you drive for up to 24 hours after surgery. You should plan an evening of rest with low lighting.
After surgery we follow a set post-surgical check-up program which includes appointments 24 hours following surgery, one week, three months and one year after surgery. As everyone heals at different rates, it may be necessary for you to attend clinic for additional follow up appointments.
You can claim 20% tax relief in relation to medical expenses incurred by you for eye laser treatment on your medical expenses tax return.
Eye laser services
Initial assessment: €180. Assessment covers 12 months
Lasik/Lasek per eye: €2,245
Bladeless surgery – Lasik XT/Lasek per eye: €2,245
Corneal cross-linking per eye: €1,270
Lens implants surgery - payment structure
We use a range of lens types depending on the individual prescription for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatisim.
Price per eye varies depends on your condition: from €2,900 – €3,700
Pricing includes all follow up appointments for 12 months post surgery.
A fee of €100 applies to all appointments thereafter.
Our consultants
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