LASIK, also know as 'flap & zap', is one of the widest used procedures to correct refractive error, both for myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (longsightedness) and astigmatism. A thin flap is cut in the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and an excimer laser reshapes the corneal bed. Performed using local anaesthetic drops, the procedure is essentially painsless with virtually no discomfort post-treatment. The vision is at driving standard within 48 hours. 

LASEK is gaining increasing popularity for all types of low to moderate refractive error. It is a modification of PRK (photorefractive refractive keratectomy) which is a proven technique but was associated with post-treatment discomfort and less acurate outcomes. LASEK involves treating the corneal surface directly with an excimer laser but overcomes the problems of PRK by retaining the surface epithelium (cells) of the cornea. It has the advantage of avoiding the flap cut required for LASIK, although recovery is slower, for example the vision may take 5-7 days to achieve driving vision. Post-treatment discomfort is minimal

Andrew Coombes trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital specifically in LASIK as well as other laser refractive surgery such as PRK. He holds a C-LASIK certificate from Bausch & Lomb and is an accredited VIS-X excimer laser user.

The facilities where Andrew Coombes performs laser refractive surgery use Bausch & Lomb and VIS-X equipment. They are located at:

Holborn Laser Clinic

Sardinia House
52 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Holborn
London WC2A 3LZ

tel: +44 (0)845 609 2020
fax: +44 (0)20 7405 1188

Additional detailed information on LASIK and the treatment of refractive error is available as a downloadable patient information document from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists