The Dangers of Going Abroad for Laser Eye Surgery and Fox Eyes Surgery

Glamorous Results that Come with A Price More people than ever are tempted by the idea of cosmetic procedures abroad, mainly thanks to social media beauty trends and platforms like TikTok. Lower costs and attractive marketing make destinations like Turkey, Tunisia, and Eastern Europe appear to offer quick fixes with glamorous results. But when it comes to your eyesight and long-term health, cutting corners can come at a very high price.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery Abroad? Laser eye surgery abroad refers to travelling to another country, for vision correction procedures such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK. While reputable clinics do exist internationally, there are significant risks involved when you seek cheaper options abroad without the safeguards of UK-based standards and aftercare.

People are typically drawn to these options because they appear more affordable than treatment in the UK. However, what’s often not factored into the equation is the level of surgical experience, post-operative care, and legal recourse if something goes wrong.

What Is Fox Eyes Surgery and Why Is It Risky? The fox eyes trend involves cosmetic procedures designed to create a lifted, almond-shaped eye appearance, similar to that of a “fox”. It is often achieved through a combination of surgical threads, brow lifts, and in some cases, lateral canthoplasty, a permanent surgery involving the repositioning of the outer corner of the eye.

The hashtag #foxeyes has gone viral across TikTok and Instagram, encouraging thousands of young people to consider travelling abroad for this aesthetic procedure. However, many do not realise that fox eyes surgery can compromise eye health, cause chronic pain, lead to scarring, and even affect vision.

The Overlap Between Fox Eyes and Laser Eye Surgery Abroad Alarmingly, some clinics overseas now offer both fox eyes surgery and laser eye surgery abroad as part of package deals, marketing them as a one-stop-shop for facial transformation. This is particularly concerning because combining these types of procedures increases the risk of complications, especially when performed under looser medical regulation or without proper consultation.

What may appear on Instagram as a glamorous transformation is often followed by limited aftercare, lack of accountability, and permanent damage.

Real Risks: Lack of Regulation and Inadequate Aftercare In the UK, laser eye surgery and related procedures are performed under strict clinical governance by GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologists, in CQC-inspected hospitals or surgical centres. Patients receive thorough assessments, tailored treatment plans, and long-term follow-up.

In contrast, many international clinics that advertise laser eye surgery abroad operate under less stringent regulatory frameworks. Patients may not be properly assessed for suitability, treated by non-specialists, or discharged without meaningful follow-up.

With fox eyes surgery, the dangers are even more concerning. Known complications include:

Asymmetry and drooping eyelids Nerve damage Infection and scarring Dry eyes or chronic discomfort Impaired blinking or eye closure Loss of visual function These aren’t rare risks, they’re well-documented and often irreversible. At OCL Vision, our surgeons have seen multiple patients return from abroad requiring corrective procedures, in some cases to manage complications that could have been avoided with proper clinical care.

Influencer Culture and the Pressure to 'Fix' Your Face Part of the problem is how fox eyes surgery and laser eye surgery abroad are portrayed online. Influencers, often gifted procedures in exchange for promotion, post "before and after" images that rarely reflect the full reality. Swelling, scarring, pain, or botched results are typically edited out or minimised.

Young people, especially women, are being misled into thinking these procedures are quick, harmless ways to improve their appearance or gain confidence, when, in reality, they can lead to long-term regret and even permanent vision problems.

No Second Chances with Your Eyes Your eyes are not something to gamble with. Laser eye surgery may be considered low risk in experienced hands, but every eye is different, and a thorough medical assessment is critical to avoid complications such as:

Overcorrection or under correction Halos or glare Dry eye syndrome Flap complications (in LASIK) Infection or inflammation Potential sight loss that can be permanent When things go wrong abroad, returning to the UK for emergency care can be expensive and distressing. Often, UK clinics are limited in what they can do to fix complications caused by incomplete or inappropriate treatment overseas.

The True Cost of a Cheap Procedure While laser eye surgery abroad may seem cheaper up front, when you factor in flights, accommodation, time off work, and the risk of complications, the total cost can easily exceed what you would have paid for expert-led care in the UK.

At OCL Vision, we provide transparent pricing , consultant-led care, advanced diagnostics, and long-term support. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the UK, and every patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on clinical need, not a one-size-fits-all package.

A Safer Alternative: Trusted Care in the UK If you're considering laser eye surgery, the safest choice is to undergo the procedure with a qualified consultant ophthalmic surgeon in a regulated environment. At OCL Vision, your journey includes:

Personalised consultation and diagnostics Surgery performed by a specialist Clear pricing with no hidden extras Expert aftercare for long-term results We do not offer cosmetic procedures like fox eyes surgery, and we do not recommend undergoing this trend-driven treatment anywhere, especially abroad.

Protect Your Vision, Protect Yourself Whether you're considering laser eye surgery abroad or being tempted by the latest social media trend like fox eyes surgery, it's essential to weigh up the real risks. The promise of low prices and rapid results may be appealing, but the consequences can be permanent.

Your eyesight is too valuable to put in the hands of underregulated providers or trending aesthetics. If you're looking for freedom from glasses or contact lenses, speak to a trusted UK clinic like OCL Vision, where safety and outcomes are the top priority.

Book a consultation with OCL Vision today and make an informed, medically safe decision about your eyes for today, and for the future.

The Dangers of Going Abroad for Laser Eye Surgery and Fox Eyes Surgery

Mr Mohammad Dehabadi

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The Dangers of Going Abroad for Laser Eye Surgery and Fox Eyes Surgery

Mr Mohammad Dehabadi

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