Laser Eye Surgery: A Clearer View

Over the past 15 – 20 years, huge advances in technology have allowed millions of people around the world to have laser treatment for their vision problems.

 

Laser vision correction involves reshaping the cornea, the front surface of the eye. Most people have vision issues and are dependent on corrective eyewear because there is something wrong with the shape of their corneas.

Oddly shaped corneas

If a cornea is not as close to a prefect sphere, the light entering the eye doesn’t get bent (refracted) evenly and doesn’t end up focusing nice and neatly on the retina the wall at the back of the eye.

 

Instead, the light gets bent in a few directions, and the image projected onto the retina is a blurry one. Problems with the shape of the cornea, whatever they may be, are called refractive errors – problems with the bending of the light to form a clear image.

 

Laser eye surgery essentially shaves minute pieces off the cornea to improve its shape; this helps to focus the light rays all together on the retina. The concept is a relatively simple one, but your eyes are as individual as fingerprints.

 

There are limits to the degree of each condition that can be treated with the laser. If your prescription falls outside the “treatable” range for laser surgery, alternative surgeries may be suitable.

What’s the difference between LASIK and LASEK?

Fundamentally, the cutting of a flap or not.

 

In LASIK: a thin layer of the cornea is lifted back after being cut with. At Optilase, we use a high-energy laser to cut this flap, called a ‘femtosecond’ laser.

 

Then, another type of laser, called a ‘cool-beam excimer’ laser is used to reshape the internal cornea. After the tissue has been reshaped, the flap is replaced in its original position and heals quickly.

 

LASEK surgery is used when someone has quite thin corneas and it’s too difficult to cut the little flap. Instead, a thin superficial layer of corneal cells is removed, using a specialised alcohol solution. Unlike in LASIK, there is no “flap” created.

 

The cornea is then reshaped with the ‘cool beam’ excimer laser. After laser treatment, the eye covered with a bandage contact lens to allow it to heal.

Eyes are all Unique

The methods used and the degree of reshaping depends entirely on the patient – every eye is utterly unique. Your Optilase Optometrist and Ophthalmic Surgeon will review you very carefully, mapping out the eye and programming all of its tiny details into a computer.

 

The information they glean will help them to determine the best surgery for you to ensure optimal results.

 

To book a free consultation at Optilase and discover if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery, call +353 1 223 8821.

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At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
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Patient Reviews

Renata Gomes
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Renata Gomes
June 2, 2026

I couldn't finish the process without leaving a review for this amazing team. Thank you all for helping me see so clearly without needing glasses. This month marks 3 months since I had LASIK, and it has truly been life-changing. Wearing glasses always bothered me because I enjoy sports, and even contact lenses were often uncomfortable. The whole journey started with Clare Hegarty at South William Street. Thank you so much, Clare, for your care and attention. As a Senior Optometrist, you gave me hope. At first, the process seemed almost too easy, which made me a little nervous, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Thank you as well to Thomas Materman. Your clear, simple, and direct explanation of the procedure made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Thank you to the entire Optilase team. Three months later, it feels as if I never had surgery at all—except that I can now see perfectly. I have experienced no negative side effects, and I am delighted with the results. I highly recommend Optilase to anyone considering LASIK surgery.☘️☘️☘️

Blaithin Cox
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Blaithin Cox
May 30, 2026

Couldn't be happier with my experience of the Lasek eye surgery. I had consultations in St William Street and surgery in Carrickmines, staff in both clinics were friendly, professional, and excellent staff their job. I would recommend Optilase to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

Anne Beakey
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Anne Beakey
April 29, 2026

Staff are lovely here and provide a great service

Shane Guihen
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Shane Guihen
April 20, 2026

Couldn't recommend highly enough, everyone I dealt with, from the initial consultation, to the surgery and the after care were absolutely top class and a pleasure to deal with

Katie Corcoran
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Katie Corcoran
April 13, 2026

Excellent service. I found optilase really great to deal with- they were so professional and well organised before and during the laser eye surgery. They were also very friendly and the aftercare was great.

Roisin Mitchell
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Roisin Mitchell
April 7, 2026

I had a great experience and Optilase getting laser eye surgery, it was without a doubt the best money I ever spent and wish I did it years ago! I rave about it to anyone who'll listen. From my initial consultation to the surgery itself in Dublin and the aftercare in Galway I couldn't rate it highly enough. The staff were so professional, informative, friendly and attentative throughout the whole process. Extremely happy customer!

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

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