How does laser eye surgery work?

Laser eye surgery might sound like something out of science fiction. But in reality, it’s one of the most common and safest ways to correct vision problems—helping people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.

If you're wondering how it all works, you're in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

• How laser eye surgery corrects vision
• The different types of treatment (LASIK, LASEK and TransPRK)
• What to expect before, during, and after

By the end, you'll have a much better idea of how laser eye surgery works—and whether it might work for you.

What does laser eye surgery actually do?

Laser eye surgery works by reshaping your cornea. That’s the clear, curved surface at the front of your eye.

If your cornea isn’t shaped quite right, light doesn’t focus properly on the retina at the back of your eye. This causes blurry vision.

The laser gently changes the shape of your cornea so that light focuses more precisely—giving you sharper, clearer vision.

Three popular types: LASIK, LASEK and TransPRK

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we offer:

• LASIK – Fast healing, minimal discomfort, and very popular.
• LASEK – A surface procedure suitable for people with thinner corneas.
• TransPRK – A no-touch technique with fewer steps, great for active lifestyles.

Each one uses an excimer laser—a cool beam of light that gently reshapes the cornea with amazing accuracy.

Let’s look at each one a little closer.

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

• A thin flap is made in the top layer of your cornea.
• The laser reshapes the layer underneath.
• The flap is placed back and heals naturally.

You’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t feel pain—just some pressure. Most people are back to normal activities in a day or two.

2. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)

• The surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is moved aside.
• The laser reshapes the exposed area.
• The surface layer is replaced and protected with a bandage contact lens.

Healing takes a bit longer than LASIK, but this option is better for some people with thinner or flatter corneas.

3. TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• The laser removes the surface layer and reshapes the cornea in one step.
• No instruments touch your eye—no flap, no alcohol.

TransPRK is ideal for people who play contact sports or have jobs with physical risk (like first responders or military roles).

What happens before the procedure?

Before anything, we’ll do a detailed eye exam. We’ll:

• Check your prescription
• Map your cornea
• Measure your eye pressure and tear production
• Talk through your lifestyle and goals

This is how we choose the safest and most effective procedure for you.

If laser surgery isn’t right for your eyes, we’ll tell you honestly—and talk about other options.

What happens on the day?

• You’ll be at the clinic for 1–2 hours, but the procedure itself takes only a few minutes per eye.
• You’ll get numbing drops, and sometimes a mild sedative to help you relax.
• The laser is computer-guided and very precise.
• Most people are surprised by how quick and painless it is.

What happens after?

• With LASIK, most people see better almost immediately.
• With LASEK and TransPRK, it can take a few days to notice the improvement.
• You’ll use drops to help your eyes heal and stay comfortable.
• We’ll see you for follow-up appointments to make sure everything’s going smoothly.

It’s not magic—but it can feel like it

Laser eye surgery doesn’t give you “bionic” vision. But it often gives people 20/20 vision or better, and for many, it means the freedom to ditch glasses and contact lenses for good.

Want to know if you’re suitable?

Take the self-test. It’s free, quick, and a great first step toward clearer vision.