Laser eye surgery for myopia and hyperopia

The clinician proposing this intervention is required to secure Prior Approval via Blueteq from the Armed Forces Health Commissioning team.

Laser refractive eye surgery for myopia and hyperopia is not routinely commissioned.

Refractive eye surgery is functional, not aesthetic / cosmetic, and can reduce dependence on spectacles and contact lenses.

Refractive errors are usually corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses which are more effective and carry fewer risks than laser eye surgery.

For most patients, refractive surgery is elective and self-funded and is predominantly provided by the private sector.

Evidence base

• NICE IPG164 Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors
• NICE IPG385 Laser correction of refractive error following non-refractive ophthalmic surgery
• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) – Position statement on refractive surgery
• RCO patient information leaflet – Laser vision correction