What happens to your cornea during laser eye surgery at Optilase?

For those wondering what Laser Eye Surgery actually does to change a person’s eyesight, then what you need to know is that everything changes in the cornea.

Found at the front of the eye, the cornea is a clear layer of tissue that has the power to bend light from the outside world so that a person can see clearly.

In certain instances, the way in which the cornea bends or refracts light can be influenced by the way a cornea is naturally designed.

If a person’s cornea is irregular shaped, too curved or too flat, then it changes the direction of incoming light causing blurred vision.

Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase corrects the original error in the cornea by reshaping it so that light is bent correctly thus creating perfect eyesight.

Does Laser Eye Surgery damage the cornea?
Laser Eye Surgery doesn’t damage the cornea; the procedure merely removed tiny amounts of tissue from the sides or the centre of the cornea using an Excimer Laser.

The cornea has evolved to have a high tolerance to UV light so that it can process natural sunlight, so Laser Eye Surgery being performed on the cornea is totally safe.

The Excimer Laser that is used during Laser Eye Surgery to perform a correction on the cornea carefully removes a pre-determined amount of corneal tissue, using a cool beam of ultraviolet light.

Surrounding eye tissue and the layers of the eye beneath the cornea are unaffected by the laser.

The healing process
The cornea is a surprisingly resilient part of the eye and can withstand minor irritations or scratches quite easily, as it is biologically engineering to heal quickly.

The main healing to the eye after Laser Eye Surgery relates to the corneal flap that is created to expose the cornea for correction.

The flap seals itself and immediately begins to heal once the correction has been administered, and the entire healing process is aided by prescription eye drops that help keep the eyes moist after surgery.

Protective goggles must be worn after Laser Eye Surgery to protect them from any outside dirt or debris that might cause irritation or infection.

The day after Laser Eye Surgery, Optilase patients will undergo a follow-up consultation to ensure both eyes are healing correctly.

Arrange your free, no obligation consultation at any Optilase clinic on +353 1 223 8821.

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Patient Reviews

Margaret Mc Clafferty
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Margaret Mc Clafferty
August 29, 2026

I had LASIK done in Dublin after a consultation and follow up in Derry. From the very start, Elizabeth in Derry put me at ease with her approach. Such a warm, helpful way about her. Surgeon Mikhall Hernandez took the time to meet me in advance to explain the process. All the staff- Iwona, Julie, Jess, Robbie (from Donegal!) and Rachael, I really appreciated the way they supported me from start to finish

Aline Bortolotti Secco
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Aline Bortolotti Secco
July 31, 2026

I had a great LASIK experience at Optilase Carrickmines and couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Tom Materman is incredibly kind, attentive, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him, as well as the whole Optilase team! I didn’t feel anything during the procedure, which was much easier than I expected. My recovery has also been going really well—I’m only on day two, and everything has been smooth so far. Thank you to everyone at Optilase for the excellent care!

Carl Thorne
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Carl Thorne
July 28, 2026

Life changing. From the initial consultation to the aftercare, Optilase have been friendly, professional and caring every step of the way. No worry or concern was too small for a detailed discussion and helpful response. 3 months after my phakic lens surgery my vision is as good as it ever was with glasses without the hassle. Would recommend the Optilase Carrickmines team to anyone.

Colm Smith
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Colm Smith
July 28, 2026

Very happy with the operation, results and the aftercare

Gerard Mcphillips
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Gerard Mcphillips
July 24, 2026

Very professional and appointments on time

D
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D
July 24, 2026

Great team, great experience. Anyone thinking about doing it, do it. Always on the end of the phone if there was any issues. Highly recommend!

jason farrell
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jason farrell
July 23, 2026

The entire process was smooth professional and completely stress free, I couldn't be happier with my outcome

Tara Dowds
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Tara Dowds
July 22, 2026

Excellent experience in the Cork clinic. Dan O'brien explained everything so throughly. I really appreciated the consultation.

Michael Britton
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Michael Britton
July 22, 2026

Absolutely brilliant service from consultation through to surgery and aftercare. The whole team are really friendly and efficient. Would recommend to anyone thinking about getting corrective surgery.

Majella Murphy
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Majella Murphy
July 22, 2026

Excellent service and care. Laser eye surgery went well and have had no issues. Highly recommend Sinead and the team in Optilase Cork

Saidhbhe OShea
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Saidhbhe OShea
July 21, 2026

Highly recommended the team in the cork clinic. Very professional and friendly throughout the whole process.

wiktoria szmerdt
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wiktoria szmerdt
July 21, 2026

Lovely staff, very knowledgeable, made me feel calm and comfortable during my consultation

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