⚡ Quick Answer: Myopia (short-sightedness) is permanently corrected at Harley Vision London through LASIK/LASEK laser surgery (from £1,199), ICL implants for high prescriptions (from £3,495), or lens replacement surgery (RLE) for over-50s (from £2,500). Treatment takes 10-30 minutes with 24-48 hour recovery. Book consultation: 0207 030 3181.

 

What Is Myopia and How Is It Treated in London?

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness or nearsightedness, affects 33% of the UK population and over 2.6 billion people globally. This refractive error causes distant objects to appear blurry while near vision remains clear, significantly impacting quality of life.

At our Central London locations, including Harley Street, our team of Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons specialises in permanent vision correction using the most advanced technology available, achieving exceptional outcomes for our patients.

Understanding Myopia: Medical Overview

What Causes Myopia? The Science Explained

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too steeply curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly upon it. This refractive error typically develops during childhood or teenage years.

Primary Risk Factors:
Factor
Risk Increase
Impact
Both Parents Myopic 60% Highest genetic risk
One Parent Myopic 40% Moderate genetic risk
<90 mins outdoor time daily Increased risk Environmental factor
>3 hours daily near work Increased risk Lifestyle factor
Higher Education 2x risk Associated correlation
Myopia Progression Patterns

Age-Based Development:

  1. 6-12 years: Early onset, rapid progression
  2. 13-18 years: Moderate progression
  3. 19-25 years: Stabilisation phase
  4. 25+ years: Generally stable
Clinical Classification of Myopia
Classification Dioptres Distance Treatment Options
Mild Myopia -0.25 to -3.00D Blurry beyond 1-3m All laser options
Moderate Myopia -3.00 to -6.00D Clear only within 30cm SMILE, LASIK preferred
High Myopia -6.00 to -10.00D Clear only within 15cm ICL recommended
Severe Myopia Beyond -10.00D Severe limitation ICL or RLE only

Comprehensive Myopia Symptoms Assessment

Do You Need Myopia Treatment? Self-Assessment Checklist

Visual Symptoms:

  1. Distant objects appear blurry (road signs, presentations, faces)
  2. Need to squint for distance clarity
  3. Clear near vision but poor distance focus
  4. Difficulty recognising people from afar
  5. Problems seeing TV clearly from normal distance

Functional Impact:

  1. Struggling with night driving due to glare
  2. Headaches after visual tasks
  3. Eye strain and fatigue
  4. Complete dependence on glasses/contact lenses
  5. Reduced sports performance

For Children (Screening Signs):

  1. Sitting close to screens/books
  2. Complaints about board visibility at school
  3. Declining academic performance
  4. Avoiding distance-dependent activities
➡️ If you checked 3+ boxes, schedule a comprehensive eye examination.
Advanced Myopia Correction Treatments at Harley Vision London
  1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

The world’s most performed laser eye surgery, LASIK uses advanced excimer laser technology to precisely reshape the cornea after creating a thin protective flap.

Treatment Details:

  1. Correction Range: -0.50 to -12.00D myopia, up to -6.00D astigmatism
  2. Procedure Time: 10-15 minutes per eye
  3. Technology: Advanced wavefront-guided treatment
  4. Track Record: 30+ million procedures worldwide
  5. Visual Recovery: Most patients see clearly within hours

Ideal Candidates:

  1. Prescription -1.00 to -8.00D
  2. Normal corneal thickness
  3. No significant dry eye
  4. Lifestyle permits 24-hour recovery

Investment: From £1,199 per eye

Visual Recovery: Rapid – many achieve driving standard within 24 hours

  1. PRK/LASEK (Surface Ablation Techniques) – Outstanding Safety Profile

Surface treatments that reshape the cornea without creating a flap, eliminating flap-related risks entirely.

Procedure Options:

  1. PRK: Direct surface treatment
  2. LASEK: Surface treatment with epithelial preservation
  3. Benefits: No flap complications, suitable for thin corneas

Perfect For:

  1. Contact sports participants
  2. Military/police personnel
  3. Thin corneas (<500 microns)
  4. Those preferring no-flap option

Investment: From £1,199 per eye

Recovery Timeline:

  1. Days 1-3: Healing with protective contact lens
  2. Week 1: Return to work
  3. Weeks 2-4: Steady vision improvement
  1. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) – The Reversible Solution

The EVO Visian ICL is a soft, biocompatible lens implanted behind the iris, providing crystal-clear vision without removing corneal tissue.

Advanced Features:

  1. Correction Range: -3.00 to -20.00D myopia, up to -5.00D astigmatism
  2. Material: Biocompatible Collamer with UV protection
  3. Procedure: Completely reversible if ever needed
  4. Vision Quality: Exceptional high-definition clarity
  5. Preservation: No corneal tissue removed

Perfect For:

  1. High prescriptions beyond laser range
  2. Thin corneas
  3. Dry eye sufferers
  4. Ages 21-45
  5. Those wanting reversible option

Investment: From £3,495 per eye

Procedure: 15-20 minutes, day-case surgery

  1. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – The Permanent Presbyopia Solution

RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens, correcting myopia while preventing future cataracts.

Premium IOL Options:

IOL Type Vision Provided Best For
Monofocal Clear distance Simple distance correction
Enhanced Monofocal (EDOF) Distance + intermediate Computer users
Multifocal/Trifocal All distances Complete spectacle freedom
Toric Versions + Astigmatism correction Combined correction

Key Benefits:

  1. Permanent myopia correction
  2. Prevents future cataracts
  3. Can eliminate reading glasses need
  4. Suitable for high prescriptions

Investment: From £2,500 per eye

Visual Outcome: Excellent success rates for long-term spectacle independence

Your Personalised Treatment Selection Guide

Which Myopia Correction Surgery Is Right for You?

Your Profile
Recommendation Key Benefit
Age 18-40, Mild Myopia (-0.5 to -3.0D) LASIK or PRK Supreme accuracy
Age 25-40, Moderate Myopia (-3.0 to -6.0D) LASIK, PRK or ICL Minimally invasive
Age 18-50, High Myopia (-6.0 to -10.0D) ICL Reversible option
High Myopia (Beyond -10.0D) ICL Beyond laser range
Age 45+, Early Presbyopia LASIK Reading vision solution
Age 50+ RLE with Multifocal All-distance vision
Thin Corneas ICL or PRK Preserves tissue
Contact Sports PRK No flap risk
Dry Eyes ICL Minimal impact

The Harley Vision Difference: Excellence on Harley Street

🏆Why Choose Harley Vision?

Clinical Excellence:

  1. All procedures performed by experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons
  2. Exceptional outcomes with industry-leading success rates
  3. Comprehensive care from consultation through lifetime aftercare
  4. Latest technology including Schwind Amaris and ZEISS platforms
  5. CQC registered and regulated for your safety

Our Commitment:

  1. Same surgeon for consultation and surgery
  2. Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
  3. Personalised treatment plans
  4. Lifetime relationship with your eye care
🔬Advanced Technology Platform

Harley Vision utilises the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology:

  1. Schwind Amaris Laser – Advanced excimer laser platform
  2. ZEISS Technology – Precision surgical equipment
  3. MS39 OCT Scanning – Detailed corneal analysis
  4. Haag-Streit Biometry – Comprehensive eye mapping
  5. Wavefront Technology – Customised treatment planning
📋Your Journey to Clear Vision: The Harley Vision Process

Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation

  1. Specialist eye health assessment
  2. Advanced diagnostic scans
  3. Corneal mapping and analysis
  4. Prescription verification
  5. Surgeon consultation
  6. Personalised treatment recommendation
  7. Clear pricing and finance options

Step 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation

  1. Final measurements
  2. Treatment planning
  3. Consent discussion
  4. Pre-operative instructions
  5. Questions answered

Step 3: Treatment Day

  1. Arrival and preparation
  2. Treatment (approx. 10-30 minutes)
  3. Immediate post-op check for laser & ICL
  4. Aftercare instructions
  5. Emergency contact provided

Step 4: Comprehensive Aftercare

  1. Day 1-7: Initial review
  2. Month 1-3: Progress monitoring
  3. Enhancement included in most packages
  4. Lifetime: Support when needed

Investment & Finance Options

Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

Every Package Includes:

Comprehensive consultation

✓ All pre-operative assessments

✓ Surgery by Consultant Surgeon

✓ Complete aftercare programme

✓ Enhancement guarantee (if needed)

✓ Lifetime support

Flexible Payment Solutions

0% finance available. Subject to status and affordability checks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia Treatment

Treatment Success & Safety

How successful is myopia surgery?

The vast majority of Harley Vision patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Success rates exceed 98% for suitable candidates, with enhancement procedures available if needed.

Is myopia surgery safe?

Yes. Modern laser eye surgery and lens procedures have excellent safety profiles. Serious complications are extremely rare (<0.1%), and our Consultant Surgeons will discuss all risks during consultation.

Is the correction permanent?

Yes, the treatment permanently reshapes your vision. However, natural age changes (presbyopia after 45, cataracts later) may require reading glasses or further treatment.

Can myopia return after surgery?

True regression is rare (<2%). Most perceived “return” is actually presbyopia development. Please enquire about our enhancement guarantee.

Recovery & Lifestyle

When can I return to normal activities?

Activity
LASIK PRK ICL/RLE
Work (office) 1-2 days 5 days 2-3 days
Driving 1-2 days 7-10 days 3-5 days
Exercise 1 week 1 week 1 week
Swimming 2 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks
Eye makeup 1 week 1 week 1 week

Will I need reading glasses after treatment?

  1. Under 40: Your reading vision is preserved
  2. 45-55: Discuss monovision or multifocal lens options
  3. Over 55: Multifocal lenses can provide all-distance vision

Is the treatment painful?

No. Anaesthetic drops ensure comfort during treatment. It is not possible to feel the laser causing any pain.

Suitability & Options

Am I suitable for treatment?

Most people over 18 with stable prescriptions and healthy eyes are suitable. Thin corneas, dry eyes, or high prescriptions may require ICL instead of laser surgery.

What if I have astigmatism too?

All our treatments can correct myopia with astigmatism simultaneously. This is included in the standard treatment cost.

Which treatment is best for me?

This depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, age, and lifestyle. Your surgeon will recommend the optimal treatment during consultation.

Hear From Our Patients: Harley Vision Reviews

Our patients consistently share their positive experiences at Harley Vision. Here are a few examples from Trustpilot:

Excellent service from start to finish. Fixed my very complex prescription completely and I no longer need glasses having had them since I was 4. Would recommend Harley Vision and Dr Bizrah highly, you will be in safe hands.”Zac, UK

“I am hugely grateful to Mr Bizrah and all of the staff at the Harley Vision centre. I cannot in any way fault the service that was provided to me. They were all very professional, courteous and kind. Everything was clearly explained at every step, and they went over and beyond to make adjustments for me according to my situation. Being a doctor myself, I have worked with many clinicians over the years in my career. Mr Mukhtar Bizrah (who is well-known but I have never had any prior interactions with him) in particular stands out for me as not only does he have the accreditations of an excellent, world-class surgeon but he is also a very humble and down-to-earth individual who seems to be driven by a genuine desire to help every patient to the best of his ability. A flexible interest-free payment scheme was available. I could see the difference almost immediately and followups were arranged to ensure there were no issues. I have already recommended him to many of my family and friends.”  – Safi, UK

“I’m writing this review one day after my Lasik surgery with Harley Vision performed by the Principle Ophthalmologist Mr Mukhtar Bizrah. Prior to the surgery I wore glasses every day to correct my very near sighted prescription. After being assessed in my 1-day follow-up appointment back at the clinic I now experience better than 20/20 acuity in both eyes. I feel like the gift of natural sight that I recall having as a young child has been restored to me for which I am eternally thankful. There were a number of Lasik providers that I had consultations with but I decided to go with Harley Vision due to the knowledge and Plan of Care (pre and post surgery) that Mr Bizrah presented to me in my initial consultation with him. I would also take this opportunity to commend the entire practice team who have been (and continue to be) diligent, proficient and helpful through every aspect of my process. Many thanks!!!”Chris, UK

Advanced Myopia Management

Latest Innovations

Harley Vision stays at the forefront of vision correction technology:

  1. Advanced wavefront treatments
  2. Topography-guided procedures
  3. Next-generation IOL designs
  4. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities

Related Services at Harley Vision

  1. Cataract Surgery – Premium lens options such as Galaxy and Odyssey lenses
  2. Presbyopia Treatment – Reading vision solutions with multifocal lenses
  3. Keratoconus Management – Specialist corneal care such as CAIRS
  4. Comprehensive Eye Health Checks – Prevention and monitoring
  5. Second Opinions – Expert consultation service

Important Information

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes. Individual suitability for treatment requires comprehensive clinical examination. Results vary between patients. All surgical procedures carry risks which will be fully discussed during consultation.

Professional Standards

Harley Vision operates at sites registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates to the highest professional standards. All our surgeons are GMC registered and have CertLRS and are consultant ophthalmologists experienced in refractive surgery.

Book Your Myopia Surgical Correction 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: Central London locations including Harley Street
📞 UK: 0207 030 3181
🌍 International: +44 207 030 3181
📧 Email: [email protected]

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