LASEK and LASIK both use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea so light focuses properly, and both can correct short sight, long sight and astigmatism. The one real difference is how the surgeon reaches the tissue underneath: LASIK lifts a thin hinged flap, LASEK gently moves the surface layer aside instead. LASIK gives you usable vision the next morning; LASEK avoids a flap altogether, which suits thinner corneas and contact-sport lifestyles, but asks for a few more days of healing. At our partner clinics both start from £2,395 per eye (from £4,790 for both), all-inclusive.
What LASEK and LASIK actually are
Both are types of laser vision correction, and both finish with the same step — an excimer laser removing a microscopically thin layer of corneal tissue to change its curved shape. Get the shape right and you can put your glasses in a drawer. The methods only differ in how the surgeon gets to the layer being treated.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) creates a thin, hinged flap in the front of the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The flap folds back like the page of a book, the laser reshapes the bed underneath, and the flap is laid back into place where it seals without stitches. Because the surface is barely disturbed, most people see well the next day.
LASEK (laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy) is a surface treatment. Rather than a flap, the surgeon loosens the ultra-thin skin of cells covering the cornea — the epithelium — moves it aside, lasers the surface directly, then repositions it under a protective bandage contact lens. It belongs to the same family as PRK and TransPRK. No flap is ever made, so flap-related problems simply can’t happen.
The flap question, in plain terms
Nearly every real-world decision between the two circles back to one thing: whether making a flap is a good idea for your eyes. A flap heals quickly and comfortably, but it uses a little more corneal depth and, in theory, can be disturbed by a hard knock years later. Skipping the flap keeps more tissue in reserve and removes that small long-term risk, at the cost of a slower, more tender first week. Neither is “better” in the abstract — they’re better for different people.
Not sure which method your eyes can take? A suitability check with corneal mapping settles it in one appointment — no referral needed.
Book a suitability checkWhich one is likely to suit you
Your surgeon decides after measuring your prescription, corneal thickness and tear film — but here’s the shorthand most consultants work from.
A rough rule: if your corneas are a healthy thickness and you want to be back at your desk on Monday, LASIK usually wins. If your corneas are on the thin side, you’ve had dry eye, or you box, play rugby or do martial arts, LASEK sidesteps the flap and is often the safer call. If your prescription is too high for either, an implantable contact lens (ICL) may be a better fit. And if scans show an irregular, cone-shaped cornea — keratoconus — laser is ruled out for both, and your consultant will talk you through other options.
What happens on the day
Both procedures are walk-in, walk-out day cases under local anaesthetic eye drops. You’re awake throughout and feel pressure and light rather than pain. Plan to be at the clinic for a couple of hours; the laser part is over in well under a minute per eye. You’ll need someone to drive you home.
- Numbing drops go in, and a soft clip holds your eyelids so you don’t have to worry about blinking.
- For LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates the flap and it’s folded back. For LASEK, a dilute alcohol solution loosens the surface layer, which is eased aside.
- The excimer laser reshapes the cornea to your prescription — roughly 20–40 seconds per eye. You’ll hear a soft clicking and may notice a faint smell; that’s normal.
- For LASIK the flap is smoothed back into place; for LASEK the surface layer is repositioned and a bandage contact lens is added to protect it.
- You rest for a few minutes, have a quick check, and go home the same day.
Recovery, side by side
This is where the two really part company. LASIK is comfortable almost straight away; LASEK trades a tougher first few days for the same excellent end result.
First 24 hours
LASIK: mild grittiness and watering for a few hours, then rest with the eyes shut. LASEK: eyes feel sore, gritty and light-sensitive under the bandage lens — painkillers and sunglasses help.
Days 2–5
LASIK: most people wake up seeing well and can read and use screens. LASEK: still blurry and tender while the surface regrows; the bandage lens comes out around day four or five.
Week 1–2
LASIK: back to work, driving and normal life, avoiding swimming and eye-rubbing. LASEK: comfort improves a lot and vision sharpens, though it can still fluctuate.
Weeks 3–12
Both continue to settle. LASIK is usually stable within a few weeks; LASEK often reaches its final clarity between six and twelve weeks. Lubricating drops carry on for a while either way.
What LASEK and LASIK cost
Laser vision correction is elective, so it’s almost always self-funded rather than covered by private medical insurance. Our prices are all-inclusive — the assessment, the treatment, the bandage lens and drops, and 12 months of aftercare, with no surprise extras.
- At our partner clinics: LASEK and LASIK from £2,395 per eye, or from £4,790 for both eyes.
- Across the UK: standard laser (LASIK, LASEK or PRK) self-pay pricing generally starts around £1,795 per eye and rises for wavefront-guided or premium treatments.
- Finance: 0% options let most patients spread the cost over 12 months.
For the full breakdown by method and clinic, see our private laser eye surgery cost guide, or read up on the LASEK and LASIK procedures in detail.