WaveLight EX500 LASIK is laser vision correction performed with Alcon’s 500 Hz WaveLight EX500 excimer laser, which reshapes the cornea in around 1.4 seconds per dioptre with sub-millisecond eye tracking for speed and accuracy. It treats short-sight (myopia), long-sight (hyperopia) and astigmatism, usually leaving patients free of glasses for everyday distance vision. At our partner clinics, WaveLight EX500 LASIK starts from £2,400 per eye, all-inclusive of assessment, treatment and 12 months of aftercare. Both eyes are treated the same day and most patients see clearly within 24 hours.
What is the WaveLight EX500?
The WaveLight EX500 is a high-performance excimer laser made by Alcon and used in leading refractive clinics worldwide. Its defining feature is speed: at 500 pulses per second it is one of the fastest excimer lasers available, which means less time under the laser, less corneal drying and a more comfortable experience. A high-speed multi-dimensional eye tracker follows tiny eye movements roughly every two milliseconds and keeps every pulse precisely on target.
In LASIK, the EX500 is typically paired with a femtosecond laser that creates a thin corneal flap. The flap is gently lifted, the EX500 reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to your exact prescription, and the flap is replaced where it bonds back into position — no stitches needed. The system’s built-in diagnostics link directly to your corneal measurements so the treatment plan is tailored to your eye.
What WaveLight EX500 LASIK can correct
- Short-sightedness (myopia) — blurred distance vision, typically up to around -8.00 to -10.00 D depending on cornea
- Long-sightedness (hyperopia) — difficulty with near and sometimes distance vision
- Astigmatism — an irregularly shaped cornea causing blur at all distances
- Combined prescriptions — myopia or hyperopia together with astigmatism
Not sure if you’re suitable? A detailed suitability assessment with corneal scanning is the only way to know — and your initial consultation is free.
Book a suitability assessmentTreatment options & alternatives
LASIK with the WaveLight EX500 suits most people seeking laser vision correction, but it is not the only option. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your cornea, prescription and lifestyle after a full assessment.
The EX500 can also deliver wavefront-guided custom LASIK and Contoura topography-guided LASIK for a treatment shaped to the unique map of your cornea. If you are not suitable for laser, an implantable contact lens (ICL) may be an alternative. Compare all methods on our laser eye surgery overview.
What happens during WaveLight EX500 LASIK
LASIK is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops while you are awake. The treatment itself takes only a few minutes per eye, and you are in the laser suite for around 15 minutes. You feel no pain — only mild pressure and awareness of lights.
- Numbing drops are placed in both eyes and a soft support holds your eyelids comfortably open.
- A femtosecond laser creates a thin, precise corneal flap in seconds.
- The flap is gently lifted and the WaveLight EX500 reshapes the cornea to your prescription while its eye tracker follows every movement.
- The flap is repositioned, where it seals naturally without stitches.
- The same steps are repeated on the second eye, and you rest briefly before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Visual recovery after LASIK is famously quick. Most patients notice a dramatic improvement within hours and are back to normal life within a day or two.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy and eyes may water or feel gritty for a few hours. Rest with eyes closed. Protective shields worn for the first night. No screens initially.
Day 1
Most patients wake with clear vision and attend a next-day review. Many are cleared to drive and return to desk work.
Week 1
Vision sharpens further. Continue lubricating and medicated drops. Avoid swimming, eye rubbing and dusty environments.
Weeks 2–4
Any mild dryness or night halos continue to settle. Resume sport and gym. Vision stabilises.
Beyond a month
Vision is settled and stable. Aftercare reviews confirm your result, with support included for 12 months.
See typical milestones and what to expect at your appointment in our guide to a private laser eye surgery consultation.
WaveLight EX500 LASIK cost
Our laser prices are all-inclusive: suitability assessment, corneal scans, the WaveLight EX500 treatment, post-op drops and aftercare reviews for 12 months. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £2,400 per eye for WaveLight EX500 LASIK; custom and topography-guided treatments may carry a modest uplift.
- Finance: 0% options spread the cost over 12–24 months — see our finance page.
- Free consultation: your initial laser suitability consultation is free and carries no obligation.
For a full breakdown of laser prices and what affects them, see our LASIK eye surgery cost guide and private laser eye surgery cost page.