Laser eye surgery for older people in the UK: A lot cheaper than you think
Do you need laser eye surgery? It’s now cheaper than you think in the UK, whether it’s LASIK, SMILE, LASEK, PRK or PRESBYOND.This article covers the types of laser eye surgery for older people, their prices and important information you need to know.
👵 Why older people should consider laser surgery
Presbyopia correction
Reading vision starts to decline from around the age of 40. PRESBYOND surgery aims to correct both near and far vision.
Long-term savings
An upfront payment can reduce lifetime costs associated with glasses, contact lenses and opticians – which can often total more than £1,000 per year.
Lifestyle benefits
The ability to play sports, travel and go about daily life without glasses is a major attraction, with many describing the procedure as “life-changing”.
Fast recovery and safe
Most treatments take less than 15 minutes per eye and cause minimal discomfort. The clinic offers post-operative support and lifelong care.
👵 Types of laser eye surgery suitable for older people and their prices
| Age Group | Typical Procedures (with Price per Eye) | Key Features & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 45–54 | - LASIK ~£1,995 (Ultralase, Optimax) - ReLEx SMILE ~£2,350–£2,595 - PRESBYOND ~£2,500–£2,895 | Active lifestyles benefit from quick healing. PRESBYOND starts to work for early presbyopia. |
| 55–64 | - LASIK/LASEK/PRK ~£1,995–£2,350 - SMILE ~£2,350–£2,595 - PRESBYOND ~£2,895 | Cataract risk increases; thorough screening is essential. PRESBYOND helps both distance and reading. |
| 65–74 | - LASEK/PRK ~£1,495–£1,995 - ReLEx SMILE ~£2,000–£2,600 - PRESBYOND ~£2,500–£2,895 | Cornea health varies—PRK/LASEK often safer. PRESBYOND may serve long-term vision needs. |
| 75–80+ | - Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) ~£3,990+ - Cataract surgery £2,850–£4,975 | RLE addresses mature cataracts; less ideal for corneal procedures. Tailored aftercare crucial. |
✅ What to Expect: Process & Benefits
Initial assessment
Includes detailed eye health review and discussion of needs.
Procedure day
Quick and virtually painless under local anaesthetic.
Recovery
Many return to daily activities within a day or two; full vision stabilisation takes weeks .
Aftercare
Follow-up visits monitor healing; many clinics offer lifetime enhancements .
Long-term outcomes
High satisfaction—>95% achieve 20/20 vision, though age-related changes like cataracts may still arise .
🔚 Final Thoughts
For UK adults aged 45–80+, laser eye surgery is a compelling choice to regain visual freedom. With a range of age-appropriate procedures like PRESBYOND, LASIK, SMILE, and RLE—and clearly structured costs—it's more accessible than ever. Finance options and smooth aftercare add to its appeal. As always, an in-depth consultation with a qualified specialist is key to choosing the right path.