SILK is a flap-free, keyhole laser eye surgery performed on the Johnson & Johnson Vision ELITA femtosecond laser. The laser shapes a smooth biconvex bi-aspheric lenticule inside the cornea, which the surgeon removes through a sub-2mm incision — correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism with no flap, no excimer ablation, and a generally low dry-eye risk.
What is SILK?
SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is the newest generation of lenticule extraction surgery, running on the ELITA platform. Like ZEISS SMILE and SmartSight it removes a precisely shaped piece of corneal tissue rather than lifting a flap — but SILK’s biconvex, bi-aspheric lenticule design and high-pulse-frequency laser are engineered to leave very smooth stromal interfaces, supporting fast optical recovery. Because no flap is created and no excimer laser is used, the strong outer cornea is largely preserved and surface nerves are disturbed less, which helps keep dry eye mild.
It is a private, self-pay treatment carried out by consultant ophthalmologists with a refractive subspecialty interest at our South England partner clinics, with UK-wide guidance through your assessment. SILK corrects distance vision; it is not currently licensed for long-sightedness (hyperopia) or for treating the age-related need for reading glasses (presbyopia).
SILK vs other lenticule & laser options
How SILK is performed
Treatment is an outpatient procedure under anaesthetic drops — no injection, no general anaesthetic. Each eye takes around 8–12 minutes end-to-end, with the ELITA laser scan itself lasting only about 25–30 seconds. A soft interface gently steadies the eye while the laser shapes a biconvex bi-aspheric lenticule inside the cornea and creates a sub-2mm keyhole incision. The surgeon then separates and removes the lenticule through that small opening, changing the corneal curvature to neutralise your prescription. Both eyes are treated in the same attendance, and you go home the same day with lubricating drops and protective shields.
Not sure whether SILK, SMILE Pro or SmartSight suits your eyes? A full corneal scan settles it.
Book your suitability assessmentRecovery timeline
Day 1
Functional vision typically returns and most patients meet the UK DVLA driving standard at the day-1 review. Do not drive until your surgeon certifies you at that visit.
Week 1
Vision improves steadily. Use your lubricating drops, avoid rubbing the eyes and eye make-up, and keep water out of the eyes.
Weeks 4–6
Mild dry eye and any occasional halo or glare typically settle. Avoid swimming, saunas and contact sport in the early weeks as advised.
3–12 months
Full refractive stability is reached by around three months and confirmed at your 12-month review, when an enhancement is offered if clinically indicated.
How much does SILK cost?
UK 2026 self-pay SILK is typically £2,400–£2,750 per eye for myopia only and £2,650–£3,050 per eye for myopic astigmatism, with bilateral packages of £4,500–£6,250 in total. Pricing reflects the ELITA femtosecond laser platform, the J&J Vision SILK certification requirements, and a structured 12-month follow-up including a 12-month enhancement where clinically indicated. Most clinics offer interest-free or low-rate finance. Always ask for one written all-in figure for both eyes that states exactly what aftercare and enhancement cover is included. See our full price list for comparison.
SILK FAQs
Self-pay SILK in the UK in 2026 is typically £2,400–£2,750 per eye for myopia only and £2,650–£3,050 per eye for myopic astigmatism. Bilateral packages are £4,500–£6,250 in total. Pricing reflects the ELITA femtosecond laser platform investment, the J&J Vision SILK certification requirements and a structured 12-month follow-up including a 12-month enhancement where clinically indicated.
LASIK lifts a hinged corneal flap and uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying stroma; SILK does neither. SILK creates a thin biconvex bi-aspheric lenticule entirely within the cornea using the ELITA femtosecond laser and extracts it through a sub-2mm keyhole incision. No flap, no excimer ablation, a smaller incision footprint and a generally lower dry-eye risk.
All three are flap-free lenticule extraction procedures. SMILE Pro on the Zeiss VISUMAX 800 has the longest flap-free track record. SmartSight on the Schwind ATOS adds active cyclotorsion control. SILK on the ELITA uses a biconvex bi-aspheric lenticule and a high-pulse-frequency laser to deliver smooth stromal interfaces and fast optical recovery. The choice in practice depends on which platform your surgeon is most experienced with and on your specific cornea.
SILK is currently used in the UK in 2026 for myopia and myopic astigmatism within the platform’s validated range. SILK is not currently licensed for hyperopia, very high refractive errors outside the validated range, or for primary presbyopic correction. If you are long-sighted or want freedom from reading glasses, your surgeon will discuss alternatives such as PRESBYOND blended vision or lens-based surgery.
Functional vision typically returns from day 1, with steady improvement over the first week. Most patients meet the UK DVLA driving standard at the day-1 review, but you should not drive until you have been formally certified to do so by your surgeon at that visit. Mild dry eye and occasional halo or glare typically settle by weeks 4–6, and full refractive stability is achieved by around three months and surveyed at the 12-month review.
No. The NHS regards refractive surgery for myopia and astigmatism as a lifestyle indication and does not commission SILK or any other laser eye surgery. SILK is accessed only through a private, consultant-led refractive pathway at UK centres equipped with the Johnson & Johnson Vision ELITA femtosecond laser in 2026.