We see when the eye’s optical system forms an image on the retina, which is a carpet of light sensitive cells lining the inside of the back of the eye. Images are focused on the retina by the cornea – the clear part at the front of the eye – and the natural lens suspended in the eye just behind the pupil.

It is the shape of the cornea that determines its focusing power. Together with the power of the natural lens, this determines whether we have normal or impaired sight. A number of laser surgery techniques have been developed to correct short sight, long sight, and astigmatism by altering the shape of the cornea.

At the moment laser vision correction cannot reverse the visual changes caused by the normal aging process. We all experience an increasing reliance on reading glasses, usually from our mid forties. While people who have laser treatment to correct their reliance on contact lenses or glasses will retain good distance sight, they too will also need glasses for reading in later life. (Some patients choose to be corrected for near vision rather than distance vision).

Your consultation at Moorfields will examine your lifestyle needs in detail – for example, your reading and distance vision requirements – and help you to arrive at the best choice for your laser correction.

• Why choose Moorfields Private for laser refractive surgery?
• Find out more about your treatment options