Vision Correction Surgery: Your Path to Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses in the UK
Expert Insights from Harley Vision, Harley Street, London
Dreaming of a life without the daily frustrations of glasses and contact lenses in the UK?
Whether it’s the inconvenience of glasses, the discomfort of contact lenses after a long day, or the ongoing expense of eyewear, vision correction surgery at Harley Vision is there for you. Harley Vision is located in the prestigious Harley Street, London, could be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for.
Led by Dr Mukhtar Bizrah, a highly experienced refractive surgeon in the UK, Harley Vision offers a comprehensive range of advanced vision correction procedures designed to help you achieve clear, natural vision and enhance your quality of life.
This comprehensive guide will explore:
• The diverse types of vision correction surgery available in the UK.
• The proven safety and effectiveness of these procedures.
• A clear comparison between surgery and the long-term use of contact lenses and glasses.
• Essential information on cost, recovery timelines, and expected long-term outcomes.
• Why Harley Vision in London is a leading choice for your vision correction journey.
Why Embrace Vision Correction Surgery?
While glasses and contact lenses serve as effective vision aids for many, they come with inherent drawbacks that can impact your daily life:
• Glasses: Tired of glasses fogging up in the unpredictable UK weather? They can also be inconvenient, prone to scratching or breaking, restrict peripheral vision, and hinder participation in sports and outdoor activities.
• Contact Lenses: Require meticulous daily care and hygiene, increasing the long-term risk of eye infections, discomfort, and dryness.
Vision correction surgery offers the remarkable potential for crisp, natural vision, liberating you from these persistent inconveniences and expenses of glasses and contact lens. Imagine waking up every day with clear sight, ready to embrace life without the need for visual aids, and enjoy playing sports and going on holiday without having to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Types of Vision Correction Surgery Available in the UK
Here are examples of vision correction surgery options:
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Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, PRK/LASEK, SMILE): A well-established and popular choice in the UK, laser eye surgery gently reshapes the cornea to correct common refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.
o LASIK (Laser‑Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A thin, protective flap is created on the cornea, allowing the laser to precisely reshape the underlying tissue. The flap is then carefully repositioned, leading to rapid visual recovery. LASIK is a widely performed procedure with a long track record of success.
o PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Also known as LASEK, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed, and the laser reshapes the tissue beneath. This surface layer naturally regenerates over a few days, making it ideal for patients with thinner corneas or active lifestyles where flap displacement could be a concern.
o SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny incision is made in the cornea, and a small piece of tissue (lenticule) is removed to reshape the cornea. SMILE is particularly suitable for myopia and astigmatism and may result in fewer dry eye symptoms.
Effectiveness: Over 95% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or even better after laser vision correction. Many even achieve 20/16 vision or better.
Safety: Laser vision correction has an exceptionally low rate of serious complications (less than 1 in 100 cases). Common, temporary side effects like dry eyes, halos, or glare typically resolve within weeks.
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Lens Replacement Surgery (Refractive Lens Exchange – RLE): A solution for presbyopia and significant refractive errors, RLE, similar to modern cataract surgery, is performed before cataracts develop. The eye’s natural lens is replaced with a premium intraocular lens (IOL).
o Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options:
Multifocal / Trifocal lenses
EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lenses
Toric lenses
Galaxy lens: Designed to correct far, intermediate and near vision whilst minimising night vision problems like glare and haloes.
Best for: Patients typically over 45 years experiencing reading difficulties, those with high prescriptions, or individuals with early signs of cataracts.
Effectiveness: 90-95% of patients achieve excellent distance vision, with many experiencing significant freedom from glasses for most daily activities.
Safety: RLE has a similar safety profile to cataract surgery, which is recognised as one of the safest surgical procedures globally. -
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL): The ICL is a biocompatible lens gently implanted between the iris and your natural lens, without the need to remove your natural lens. This “additive” approach is often ideal for specific patient profiles.
Best for:
o Patients aged 21-50 years with high prescriptions that may not be suitable for laser surgery.
o Individuals with thinner corneas.
Effectiveness: Provides high-definition vision, even for extremely strong prescriptions.
Safety: A reversible procedure. Rare risks, such as increased eye pressure, are typically manageable.
Safety Comparison: Vision Correction Surgery vs. Contact Lenses (Long-Term)
Risk Factor Contact Lenses (10-Year Use) Laser Vision Correction (Lifetime)
Serious Eye Infection Approximately 1 in 200 per year Less than 1 in 10,000
Vision Loss Risk Cumulative risk over time Minimal, one-time risk
As the data indicates, contact lenses, particularly with long-term wear and potential hygiene issues, carry a higher annual risk of serious eye infections. Laser eye surgery offers a significantly safer long-term profile for maintaining healthy vision.
Cost Comparison: Investing in Your Vision Freedom
Correction Method Approximate 10-Year Cost
Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK/SMILE/PRK) £2,500 – £5,000 (one-off)
Lens Replacement Surgery (RLE) £5,000 – £9,000 (one-off)
ICL Surgery £6,000 – £8,000 (one-off)
Glasses & Contact Lenses £3,000 – £5,000+ (recurring)
While the initial investment in vision correction surgery may seem higher, over a lifetime, it often proves to be the more cost-effective solution. It eliminates the ongoing expenses of glasses, contact lenses, solutions, and eye exams, offering true financial and lifestyle freedom in the long run. Consider exploring potential financing options available at Harley Vision.
Why Choose Harley Vision in London? Meet Our Clinical Director
Mr. Mukhtar Bizrah is one of the few ophthalmic surgeons in the world who is multi board-certified in a number of countries in the West, and his certifications include:
• Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth, UK)
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS, USA)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC, Canada)
• Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO, Europe)
• Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
• Certificate in Laser & Refractive surgery (CertLRS), Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK
Mr Bizrah completed advanced refractive, cornea and cataract surgery fellowships at two of the world’s most renowned eye institutions:
• Western eye hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (London, UK)
• University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Mukhtar Bizrah completed his core ophthalmology training at the London deanery. This included 2 years at the Western Eye Hospital and 2 years at Moorfields eye hospital.
Mukhtar Bizrah is actively involved in research, is an author on over 50 research articles and international presentations. Mr Bizrah has won 26 awards and prizes on an International, national and regional level. He is a respected figure in the field, and his work has featured in international press as well as on television, such as CNN, ITV and CBS news.
He is runs courses on laser eye surgery for fellow surgeons , and he is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible visual outcomes for every patient undergoing lens replacement surgery, laser vision correction or ICL surgery in London.
Why Choose Harley Vision?
At Harley Vision, with locations across central London the renowned Harley Street, we are committed to providing exceptional vision correction outcomes through:
• Unparalleled Surgical Expertise: At Harley Vision, your experienced eye surgeon is able to perform both laser and lens (e.g. lens replacement or ICL) eye surgeries. This means you can be given unbiased advice about which corrective vision surgery is right for you.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: We invest in the latest advancements in diagnostic and surgical technology to ensure precision, safety, and optimal visual outcomes.
• Personalized Patient Care: We understand that each patient’s vision needs are unique. We offer comprehensive consultations and tailor treatment plans to your individual requirements and lifestyle.
• A Focus on Safety and Quality: Harley Vision only operates in CQC registered facilities, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence.
• A Dedicated and Caring Team: Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to support you throughout your entire vision correction journey, from your initial consultation to your post-operative care.
By choosing Harley Vision, you are choosing a centre of excellence dedicated to helping you achieve the clear, natural vision you deserve.
Hear from Our Patients: Real Harley Vision Reviews
Our patients consistently share their positive experiences at Harley Vision. Here are a few examples from Trustpilot:
• “I am a consultant surgeon and I needed an important eye operation. The team at harley vision are exceptional in terms of organisation, communication, efficiency professionalism and overall care. Dr Bizrah is a fantastic doctor and world class ophthalmologist. Outstanding care and result!” – Dr Alex, UK
• “Found all of staff to be very friendly and accommodating like the fact that they knew who I was, called me by my Name when I arrived. As for the treatment got exactly what was said on the tin. Every thing I was told about the treatment and what would happen would unfold as describe , so no surprises. Day of the operation staff where very good, professional and friendly made me feel very relaxed. Already recommending them to others.” Gary, UK
• “From the initial consultation to the aftercare, the service at Harley Vision was outstanding. Mr. Bizrah is a highly skilled surgeon, and I felt completely at ease throughout the process. My ICL surgery has been life-changing.” – Aisha, UK
• “I was nervous about laser eye surgery, but the team at Harley Vision were so reassuring. The procedure was quick, and the recovery was smooth. I now have perfect vision – thank you!” – David, UK
• “This is the ultimate experience in ocular precision. Wonderful treatment. Wonderful result. How technology has progressed. Dr Bizrah deserves to receive all the credit he gets..” – Raymond, UK
These are just a few examples of the positive feedback we receive on Trustpilot from our patients at Harley Vision. We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and achieving outstanding results for everyone who chooses us for their vision correction surgery in London.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered About Vision Correction in the UK
What are the main types of vision correction surgery available in the UK?
The main types of vision correction surgery in the UK are laser eye surgery (including LASIK, PRK/LASEK, and SMILE), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL).
At Harley Vision in Harley Street, London, we offer all these advanced options, customised to your needs.
How do I choose the best type of vision correction surgery for me?
Choosing the best vision correction surgery depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, age, and lifestyle needs.
A detailed consultation at Harley Vision ensures we recommend the safest and most effective procedure for you.
What are the potential risks and complications of vision correction surgery?
All types of vision correction surgery carry some risks, including temporary dry eyes, glare, haloes, mild inflammation, or undercorrection.
Serious complications are rare, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like at Harley Vision London.
How long do the effects of vision correction surgery last?
The results of vision correction surgery are generally long-lasting.
Laser eye surgery results are considered permanent. As you approach your 50’s it is normal to need reading glasses, although even this can be corrected. Lens replacement surgery replaces your natural lens, preventing future cataracts, while ICLs offer long-term correction and can be removed if needed (e.g. if cataracts form when you are older).
What is the typical cost of vision correction surgery in the UK, and does Harley Vision offer financing?
The cost of vision correction surgery in the UK varies:
• Laser eye surgery typically costs between £2,500 and £6,000 for both eyes.
• Lens replacement surgery (RLE) and ICL surgery range between £6,000 and £8,000.
At Harley Vision, we can discuss financing options during your consultation to make treatment more accessible.
How do I prepare for a vision correction surgery consultation in London?
To prepare for your consultation at Harley Vision in Harley Street, bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription.
Be ready to discuss your medical history, any eye conditions, and your vision goals. Writing down your questions beforehand is helpful.
What should I expect on the day of my vision correction surgery at Harley Vision?
On the day of surgery at Harley Vision, you will arrive around 1 hour early to prepare your eye for surgery.
Most corrective vision surgery is usually quick and comfortable, typically lasting 15-30 minutes.
After surgery, you’ll receive post-operative care instructions and should arrange for someone to take you home.
What is the aftercare process like following vision correction surgery?
After surgery at Harley Vision, aftercare involves using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing your eyes, and attending scheduled follow-ups.
Strictly following the advice of your Harley Vision surgeon is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcomes.
Can vision correction surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, laser eye surgeries like LASIK, PRK/LASEK, and SMILE, as well as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with toric IOLs and toric ICLs, are highly effective treatments for astigmatism.
Are there any age limits for vision correction surgery in the UK?
Typically, you need to be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription for laser eye surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is often recommended for patients over 45 years.
ICL surgery is generally suitable for adults between 21 and 45 years old.
Suitability always depends on a personalised assessment at Harley Vision.
Book Your vision correction surgery consultation in London Today
If glasses or contact lenses are affecting your daily life, there’s no need to wait. Experience state-of-the-art vision correction surgery in London with Harley Vision. Book your assessment today and start your journey toward clearer vision and a brighter future.
📍 Location: Harley Street, London
📞 UK: 0207 030 3181
🌍 International: +44 207 030 3181
📧 Email: [email protected]