People with eyesight problems normally look to have them corrected using glasses or contact lenses.

But for many, particularly sportspeople, the solution has never been entirely satisfactory and now, thanks to the never-ending advancements in medical technology, laser treatment is becoming increasingly popular.

Keen sportsman Mark Bestwick, 28, of Heaton, Bradford, decided to pay for permanent sight improvements undergoing the procedure at the Corneal Laser Centre in Leeds both to help him at work and in his spare time.

He first wore glasses when he was aged 11 and bought contact lenses when he was 18 but was always worried a lens could fall out particularly in his fitness activities which include martial arts, swimming and gym work.

He could not wear contact lenses at work as a quality manager at WDS Castings Foundry in Shipley because of the dusty atmosphere.

Now thanks to the laser surgery, carried out in July, he has 20-20 vision.

The procedure works by a surgeon removing the top layer of skin from the cornea in the eye. A computer-controlled laser beam then reshapes it, correcting the focus of the eye to give clearer vision.

The operation is carried out while the patient is fully conscious using local anaesthetic eye drops with a one-week gap between work on each eye.

"I do a lot of sport but you're always worried lenses could fall out, you could get something in the eye, there's the risk of infection and, of course, there is the cost," said Mr Bestwick.

"The laser surgery was completely painless and only took ten to 15 minutes on each eye which they numb with these drops.

"You can't see the laser - there's just a blur - and there's very little discomfort."

Laser surgery can be used to correct short sight, long sight and astigmatism which are the three most common causes of defective vision.

Patients often find the hardest part of the operation is staring at the laser beam for the few minutes it is operating. But a computer system controlling the laser includes automatic eye-tracking to ensure there is no danger of misalignment and the surgeon can interrupt the process if necessary.

Most patients say their eye is only mildly uncomfortable after treatment with the sensation similar to that which contact lens wearers feel after a long period of wear.

Mr Bestwick, who was told the procedure had a 96 per cent chance of success, said he was delighted with the outcome.

"It's brilliant now. I've got absolutely perfect sight and it's a lot more convenient."

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