Myopia Correction Surgery London | Laser Eye Surgery & ICL Treatment
lenses Reduced sports performance For Children (Screening Signs): Sitting close to screens/books Complaints about board visibility at school Declining academic performance Avoiding distance-dependent activities ➡️ If you checked 3+ boxes, schedule a comprehensive eye examination.
What Is Myopia and How Is It Treated in London?
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness or nearsightedness, affects 33% of the UK population and over 2.6 billion people globally. This refractive error causes distant objects to appear blurry while near vision remains clear, significantly impacting quality of life.
At our Central London locations, including Harley Street, our team of Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons specialises in permanent vision correction using the most advanced technology available, achieving exceptional outcomes for our patients.
Understanding Myopia: Medical Overview
What Causes Myopia? The Science Explained
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too steeply curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly upon it. This refractive error typically develops during childhood or teenage years.
Primary Risk Factors:
|
Factor
|
Risk Increase
|
Impact
|
|---|---|---|
| Both Parents Myopic | 60% | Highest genetic risk |
| One Parent Myopic | 40% | Moderate genetic risk |
| <90 mins outdoor time daily | Increased risk | Environmental factor |
| >3 hours daily near work | Increased risk | Lifestyle factor |
| Higher Education | 2x risk | Associated correlation |
Myopia Progression Patterns
Age-Based Development:
- 6-12 years: Early onset, rapid progression
- 13-18 years: Moderate progression
- 19-25 years: Stabilisation phase
- 25+ years: Generally stable
Clinical Classification of Myopia
| Classification | Dioptres | Distance | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Myopia | -0.25 to -3.00D | Blurry beyond 1-3m | All laser options |
| Moderate Myopia | -3.00 to -6.00D | Clear only within 30cm | SMILE, LASIK preferred |
| High Myopia | -6.00 to -10.00D | Clear only within 15cm | ICL recommended |
| Severe Myopia | Beyond -10.00D | Severe limitation | ICL or RLE only |
Comprehensive Myopia Symptoms Assessment
Do You Need Myopia Treatment? Self-Assessment Checklist
Visual Symptoms:
- Distant objects appear blurry (road signs, presentations, faces)
- Need to squint for distance clarity
- Clear near vision but poor distance focus
- Difficulty recognising people from afar
- Problems seeing TV clearly from normal distance
Functional Impact:
- Struggling with night driving due to glare
- Headaches after visual tasks
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Complete dependence on glasses/contact lenses
- Reduced sports performance
For Children (Screening Signs):
- Sitting close to screens/books
- Complaints about board visibility at school
- Declining academic performance
- Avoiding distance-dependent activities
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
The world’s most performed laser eye surgery, LASIK uses advanced excimer laser technology to precisely reshape the cornea after creating a thin protective flap.
Treatment Details:
- Correction Range: -0.50 to -12.00D myopia, up to -6.00D astigmatism
- Procedure Time: 10-15 minutes per eye
- Technology: Advanced wavefront-guided treatment
- Track Record: 30+ million procedures worldwide
- Visual Recovery: Most patients see clearly within hours
Ideal Candidates:
- Prescription -1.00 to -8.00D
- Normal corneal thickness
- No significant dry eye
- Lifestyle permits 24-hour recovery
Investment: From £1,199 per eye
Visual Recovery: Rapid – many achieve driving standard within 24 hours
- PRK/LASEK (Surface Ablation Techniques) – Outstanding Safety Profile
Surface treatments that reshape the cornea without creating a flap, eliminating flap-related risks entirely.
Procedure Options:
- PRK: Direct surface treatment
- LASEK: Surface treatment with epithelial preservation
- Benefits: No flap complications, suitable for thin corneas
Perfect For:
- Contact sports participants
- Military/police personnel
- Thin corneas (<500 microns)
- Those preferring no-flap option
Investment: From £1,199 per eye
Recovery Timeline:
- Days 1-3: Healing with protective contact lens
- Week 1: Return to work
- Weeks 2-4: Steady vision improvement
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) – The Reversible Solution
The EVO Visian ICL is a soft, biocompatible lens implanted behind the iris, providing crystal-clear vision without removing corneal tissue.
Advanced Features:
- Correction Range: -3.00 to -20.00D myopia, up to -5.00D astigmatism
- Material: Biocompatible Collamer with UV protection
- Procedure: Completely reversible if ever needed
- Vision Quality: Exceptional high-definition clarity
- Preservation: No corneal tissue removed
Perfect For:
- High prescriptions beyond laser range
- Thin corneas
- Dry eye sufferers
- Ages 21-45
- Those wanting reversible option
Investment: From £3,495 per eye
Procedure: 15-20 minutes, day-case surgery
Source URL:- https://harleyvision.com/myopia-treatment/


