- Medically Reviewed by: Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 31, 2025
- Last Updated: January 7, 2026
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we genuinely understand how myopia can shape your daily life. Reaching for glasses first thing in the morning, worrying about losing a contact lens mid-workout, or squinting at road signs that seem perpetually out of focus – these small frustrations add up. The good news is that laser eye surgery offers a life-changing solution, and as a leading private eye clinic with locations across London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield, we are here to guide you towards a future of crisp, clear vision.
Understanding Myopia and How Laser Eye Surgery Works
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows slightly longer than ideal, or when the cornea curves too steeply. The result? Light rays focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leaving distant objects blurred whilst close-up vision remains clear. This refractive error affects an increasingly large portion of the UK population, with studies suggesting one in six children now experience myopia, and global projections indicating that nearly half the world’s population may be myopic by 2050.
Laser eye surgery corrects myopia by precisely reshaping the cornea so that light can focus properly on the retina. The procedures are remarkably quick, typically taking only minutes, and the results can be genuinely transformative. At Blue Fin Vision®, our top specialists and leading surgeons perform these procedures using the most advanced laser technology available, ensuring both safety and exceptional outcomes for every patient.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
Absolutely. Laser eye surgery is highly effective for correcting myopia, with success rates exceeding 99% for suitable candidates. At Blue Fin Vision®, we offer a comprehensive range of advanced laser procedures, each tailored to meet the unique needs of your eyes. Our top doctors will guide you through the options, recommending the approach best suited to your prescription, corneal characteristics, and lifestyle.
LASIK: The Gold Standard
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) remains the most widely performed and popular form of laser eye surgery worldwide, celebrated for its rapid recovery and outstanding results. The procedure involves creating a thin protective flap on the cornea’s surface using a femtosecond laser. This flap is gently lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with extraordinary precision. The flap is then repositioned, where it adheres naturally and acts as a protective bandage.
Key benefits of LASIK include:
- Rapid visual recovery, often within 24 hours
- Minimal post-operative discomfort
- Suitable for a wide range of myopic prescriptions, from mild to moderate and even higher degrees
- Over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
LASIK at Blue Fin Vision® is performed by our leading surgeons using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring the highest standards of precision and safety.
SMILE: Minimally Invasive Excellence
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) represents the latest advancement in laser vision correction and is particularly well suited for treating myopia. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny keyhole incision of just 2-4mm.
The advantages of SMILE include:
- Minimally invasive with a smaller incision and greater preservation of corneal nerve fibres
- Reduced risk of dry eye symptoms compared to flap-based procedures
- Excellent for treating higher degrees of myopia, even up to -10.00 D or beyond in some cases
- Potential for enhanced biomechanical stability of the cornea
SMILE is an outstanding option for patients seeking a gentle yet highly effective approach to correcting short-sightedness.
PRK: The Original Surface Treatment
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the first laser vision correction procedure and remains an excellent choice for certain patients. During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is gently removed, allowing the excimer laser to reshape the cornea directly. A protective contact lens is placed afterwards to support healing.
PRK may be recommended if:
- Your cornea is naturally thinner and unsuitable for a flap-based procedure
- You participate in contact sports or occupations where a flap could pose a risk
- You have mild to moderate myopia
While visual recovery is somewhat slower than LASIK (typically one to two weeks for full stabilisation), PRK eliminates any risk of flap-related complications and remains a safe, effective option.
LASEK: Advanced No Touch Surface Precision
At Blue Fin Vision®, LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) has evolved into a truly modern procedure thanks to the adoption of the No Touch LASEK technique. Unlike older methods that required manually loosening and moving the epithelium with a solution, No Touch LASEK applies the laser directly to the corneal surface, eliminating the need for manual instrument contact. This advanced, ‘no-touch’ technique harnesses state-of-the-art excimer laser technology for maximum precision and a more comfortable patient journey.
No Touch LASEK is ideal for:
- Patients with thinner corneas or larger pupils, where flap-based procedures may not be suitable
- Individuals prone to dry eyes, or seeking to reduce the risk of dry eye symptoms post-surgery
- Athletes or those with higher risk of eye trauma, because there are no flap-related complications
- Anyone seeking a refined, minimally handled laser correction for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
The No Touch approach at Blue Fin Vision® also minimises the risk of corneal haze and delivers excellent, stable visual outcomes.
Advanced Presbyopia Solutions: PresbyMAX® and PRESBYOND®
As we reach our mid-40s, a natural change occurs within the eye: the lens becomes less flexible, and focusing on near objects becomes increasingly difficult. This age-related condition, known as presbyopia, often leads to a growing dependence on reading glasses. At Blue Fin Vision®, we are proud to offer two advanced laser treatments designed specifically to address presbyopia whilst simultaneously correcting myopia and other refractive errors.
PresbyMAX®: Multifocal Precision
PresbyMAX® is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive laser eye surgery performed using the SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser. Rather than correcting a single focal point, PresbyMAX® creates multiple precisely calculated focal zones on the cornea, enabling sharp vision at near, intermediate, and far distances in a single, swift procedure.
What sets PresbyMAX® apart:
- Multifocal, bi-aspheric ablation profile for seamless vision at all distances
- Central cornea optimised for near vision; peripheral cornea for distance
- Smooth transition zones for high-quality, stable visual outcomes
- Can simultaneously correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism alongside presbyopia
PresbyMAX® is ideal for patients aged 45 and above who wish to reduce or eliminate their reliance on reading glasses whilst also correcting underlying short-sightedness.
PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision
PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision, developed by ZEISS, represents another sophisticated solution for presbyopia. This procedure combines the proven safety and precision of LASIK with a unique wavefront-optimised ablation profile that extends the depth of field for each eye.
How PRESBYOND® works:
- The dominant eye is corrected for distance vision (to approximately plano)
- The non-dominant eye is set to be slightly myopic (typically around -1.5 D) for near vision
- A “Blend Zone” is created, allowing the brain to merge the images from both eyes seamlessly
Unlike traditional monovision, which can leave an uncomfortable gap at intermediate distances, PRESBYOND® delivers true binocular vision with excellent clarity across all ranges.
Both PresbyMAX® and PRESBYOND® offer exceptional options for those seeking freedom from reading glasses alongside correction of myopia.
Choosing the Right Laser Eye Procedure for You
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we recognise that every patient’s eyes are unique. During your comprehensive consultation, our expert ophthalmologists will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the procedure best suited to your specific needs. We consider factors including:
- The degree of your myopia and any associated astigmatism
- Corneal thickness and shape, carefully mapped using advanced diagnostics
- Overall eye health, including tear film quality and ocular surface condition
- Your lifestyle and occupation, to ensure recommendations align with your daily activities
- Your age and reading vision requirements, particularly if presbyopia is a consideration
This personalised approach ensures that you receive a tailored treatment plan designed to deliver optimal results.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Your Myopia Treatment
When you choose Blue Fin Vision® for your laser eye surgery, you are entrusting your vision to one of the UK’s most respected private eye clinics. Recognised in the Spear’s 500 Health & Wellness Index 2025 at the Top Recommended level and celebrated in the Tatler Address Book 2026 for our team-driven approach to luxury eye care, Blue Fin Vision® consistently delivers outstanding patient experiences.
What to expect:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Our specialists will thoroughly assess your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and answer every question you may have.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: We recommend the most suitable procedure for your unique eyes, lifestyle, and expectations.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our clinics are equipped with the latest ZEISS and SCHWIND laser systems, ensuring precision, safety, and exceptional outcomes.
- Expert Surgeons: Our leading surgeons bring extensive experience in all forms of laser eye surgery, supported by a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
- Exceptional Aftercare: We provide thorough post-operative care to ensure smooth recovery and the best possible results.
Recovery and Results After Laser Eye Surgery
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure chosen, but laser eye surgery is generally associated with rapid visual improvement:
LASIK: Most patients return to work and normal activities within 24-48 hours. Vision often improves dramatically within the first day.
SMILE: Many patients resume normal activities within a few days, with excellent visual quality typically achieved within the first week.
PRK: Full visual recovery may take one to two weeks as the surface epithelium heals, though functional vision is usually restored within days.
LASEK: Initial recovery involves a brief period of discomfort and light sensitivity, but most patients achieve significantly improved vision within the first week.
PresbyMAX® and PRESBYOND®: Near vision frequently improves within hours of the procedure, with full adaptation to the new multifocal or blended vision profile occurring over several weeks.
It is entirely normal to experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or watery eyes during initial recovery after laser eye surgery for myopia. Our team at Blue Fin Vision® will provide detailed aftercare instructions and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress carefully. We encourage you to rest your eyes, use prescribed drops, and avoid strenuous activities for the first week – small steps that make a genuine difference to your healing. It is worth noting that results continue to refine over several weeks as your eyes fully heal and adapt.
Why Trust Blue Fin Vision® with Your Vision?
Blue Fin Vision® has grown from its flagship clinic on Harley Street to a network of centres across the South East, including Chelmsford in Essex and Hatfield in Hertfordshire. Each location delivers the same uncompromising standard of care, supported by ZEISS premium optics, unified clinical protocols, and a secure, cloud-based electronic patient record system that ensures seamless continuity wherever you choose to receive treatment.
Our commitment to transparency, clinical excellence, and compassionate care has earned recognition from two of the UK’s most prestigious authorities in private healthcare. But ultimately, it is the hundreds of patient reviews confirming life-changing results that speak loudest.
Your Journey to Clear Vision Starts Here
If you are ready to explore how laser eye surgery can free you from the constraints of myopia – and perhaps reading glasses too – we invite you to book a consultation with our specialists. With convenient locations in London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield, Blue Fin Vision® brings world-class eye care within easy reach across the South East.
Complimentary consultations are available exclusively for laser eye surgery patients, and our team will guide you through every step, from initial assessment to post-operative care. Your eyes deserve nothing less than the expertise, advanced technology, and personalised attention that Blue Fin Vision® is renowned for.
Take the first step towards clearer, glasses-free vision today. Trust your vision to Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic and discover the difference that genuine expertise and compassionate care can make.
