By Mr Aris Konstantopoulos, Consultant Ophthalmologist & Corneal Specialist

Undergoing laser eye surgery is an exciting and empowering step towards visual freedom. Whether you’re considering LASIK, SMILE, PRESBYOND or LASEK(ASA), a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your experience is as smooth and successful as possible.

Reading this blog can help you prepare for the day of surgery, alleviate concerns you may have and also assist you in making well informed decisions regarding your eyes.

At ClarisVision, I always encourage patients to think of their laser eye surgery journey as a partnership. We’ll take care of the technology and surgical expertise. Your role is to arrive well-informed, relaxed, and ready. Here’s how to do just that.

1. Understand Your Procedure

Before anything else, it’s important to know which procedure you’re having and why it’s the best fit for your eyes. During your consultation, we’ll go over the details of your treatment plan and explain the benefits of each technique:

LASIK: Involves creating a thin flap in the cornea with one (femtosecond) laser device and then using a second (excimer) laser device to reshape the underlying tissues of the cornea. It offers fast recovery and excellent results for a wide range of refractive errors (prescriptions).
SMILE: A minimally invasive, flapless procedure that requires only one laser device – the femtosecond laser – which creates a lenticule of tissue that is removed from the cornea. It offers fast recovery and is most suitable for high short-sightedness, with or without astigmatism, and patients with mild dry eyes.
LASEK or ASA: A surface based flapless procedure that involves only the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. It is usually reserved for those with thinner corneas or specific eye conditions. The recovery is slower than LASIK or SMILE and can take 2 weeks to achieve driving level vision.
PRESBYOND: PRESBYOND LASIK is a variant of LASIK specifically designed for patients over 40 who are starting to require reading glasses. It not eliminates the need for reading glasses but also improves distance vision, providing laser blended vision.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, this is the time to ask.

2. Follow the Pre-Op Instructions

Once your procedure is booked, we’ll provide a tailored set of pre-operative guidelines. These may include:

Avoid contact lenses: Stop wearing soft lenses at least 1 week before your consultation and a week before surgery. Daily disposable lenses can be worn longer; stop their use 1 week before your consultation and 3 days prior to surgery. Hard contact lenses will require a longer period. Contacts can alter the shape of your cornea, affecting your treatment accuracy, and increase the risk of infection.
No eye make-up on the day of surgery: For ladies and anyone who regularly wears make-up, it’s important to come on the day of your laser eye surgery with clean skin and no eye cosmetics. This reduces the risk of particles or bacteria entering the eye area during surgery. For eyeliner and mascara we recommend stopping their use 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Arrange transportation: You will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Have someone accompany you or book a taxi in advance.
Help at home: Your vision will be blurred following the procedure, improving though as the day goes by. It is advisable to plan in advance for some help at home on your first day. Do not plan any important tasks or trips for the first 2 days following the procedure.

3. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

While most patients are back to work within a day or two (especially after LASIK or SMILE), it’s helpful to create a comfortable space for immediate rest. A few things to have to hand:

Prescribed eye drops (you’ll be given these on your day of surgery)
Sunglasses to help with light sensitivity
Clean face cloths and tissues
A quiet, low-light space for a short nap following your laser surgery

Avoid strenuous activity, screen time, and dusty environments for the first 48 hours.

4. Stay Informed and Relaxed

It’s natural to feel nervous before surgery, but rest assured the procedure itself is quick and painless. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience. In fact, the laser portion typically takes just a few minutes per eye.

Our team will guide you through every step on the day and make sure you feel supported throughout. Try to get a good night’s sleep the evening before, and avoid caffeine in the morning if you’re prone to anxiety.

5. Know What to Expect Afterwards

Depending on your procedure, your vision may begin to improve almost immediately within the first day (as with LASIK and SMILE), or it may take a week or two to stabilise (as with LASEK). You may feel:

Mild stinging or watering for a few hours
Light sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours
Slightly blurred or fluctuating vision in the first week

These are normal and temporary. Use your drops as prescribed and follow our aftercare instructions closely.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

At ClarisVision, our procedures are personally carried out by myself. I am a consultant ophthalmologist who specialises in laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery and corneal surgery. We prioritise precision, safety, and personal care at every step.

When choosing a clinic, we recommend checking the surgeon’s credentials, including:

Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register for Ophthalmology
Subspecialty Fellowship level training in corneal and/or refractive surgery
Proven track record in performing a range of vision correction procedures

Why Choose ClarisVision?

When it comes to your eyes, you want care that’s not only expert, but personal.

At ClarisVision, we provide:

👁️ Care led by Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Specialist, Mr. Aris Konstantopoulos
🧬 Advanced diagnostics and laser technology for superior precision
🫶 A personalised approach to your vision correction
🌍 A warm, patient-first experience trusted by hundreds in the UK

We’re more than a clinic – we’re your partner in clear vision for life.

Real Stories, Real Impact

“Aris is everything I hoped for and more when going into this process. I’m 3 days post op now and already have better vision than prior. Nothing but good stuff to say, I’d highly recommend Aris.”
— Michael, 42, Engineer

“Mr Konstantopoulos was reassuring, kind and oh so efficient. Thank you. My vision improved almost immediately and I was confident to take the car out the next day and I can read again.”
— Terry, 53, Creative Professional

Read more about what our patients had to say about their experience.

A Thought to Leave You With

Preparing for laser eye surgery doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right guidance and a little planning, your experience can be positive and empowering from beginning to end.

At ClarisVision, we take pride in providing not only excellent surgical outcomes but also clear and personalised care throughout your journey.

If you have questions about your upcoming procedure, or if you’re still deciding which laser eye surgery option is right for you, I’d be happy to guide you.

Book your consultation or download our free patient guide at clarisvision.co.uk or call us at 02381 812281.

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