PRINCE William-planning-laser eye surgery

PRINCE William is planning to have controversial laser eye surgery so he doesn't have to wear specs.

The 23-year-old is considering undergoing the surgery in the next few months after seeing a consultant at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. The op involves slicing the front of the eye and training a laser on the exposed cornea.

William's main worry is it may put his Army career in jeopardy - potential recruits can't apply to sign up until at least a year after surgery.

A royal source said last night: "William has found out he may have to wear glasses full-time and he's been very keen to explore the possibility of laser eye surgery.

"He's gone into hospital and seen a consultant, who's explained how it works and the risks involved.

"He knows it's controversial and there are issues with joining the Army but he's positive about the idea."

If William goes ahead with the operation, an eye surgeon will slice open a small flap in the surface of his cornea. A laser will then be directed on to the exposed part of his eyeball for up to 30 seconds to re-shape the cornea before the flap is re-positioned.

About 100,000 people have the surgery in Britain each year.

Patients are usually able to go back to work after a day's rest.

But complications after surgery - including damage to tear ducts - have forced the military not to accept patients as recruits for at least 12 months.

An Army recruitment official said: "Laser surgery is not a bar to entry. However, it does depend on the type of surgery - we would need details. Candidates may apply one year after surgery." The Ministry of Defence said the decision was made on a "case by case basis".

William was ecstatic when he was told on Friday that he had been accepted into Sandhurst military academy in Berkshire - where his brother Harry is training to become an officer.

Last week he completed gruelling selection tests at Sandhurst. For four days he endured a rigorous assessment including an assault course, a planning exercise and interviews.

William's decision to consider eye surgery may also be prompted by his desire to preserve the good looks which have made him a heart-throb around the world.

The Prince is known to fret constantly over his growing bald spot.

William's admission into Sandhurst ended weeks of speculation about whether he would continue the Royal family's tradition of serving in the military.

He has recently worked at Chatsworth House stately home in Derbyshire in order to learn how large estates are run. He helped out in a butcher's shop there and spent a few days organising sets for the Bolshoi Ballet after getting a job as a stage hand.

Next month he will work for three weeks at the HSBC bank in the City, shadowing top financiers and working in the charity services division. He is also due to join a mountain rescue team.

A Palace spokesman last night confirmed William had seen an eye specialist at Moorfields. He said the prince was aware of the restrictions on entry to Sandhurst. "He will not do anything to jeopardise his career," he added.

ben.harvey@sundaymirror.co.ukTHE DANGERS-MOST laser surgery patients can return to work after a day's rest but if the procedure goes wrong a person's eyesight can be destroyed.

-ONE in every 500 operations is such a disaster that a new cornea has to be grafted on to the damaged eyeball.

-HOSPITALS also warn that one in 50 patients experience complications when doctors cut a flap in the surface of the eye - If the flap does not heal quickly, vision can be blurred for days.

-SOME patients require artificial tear supplements for years after surgery because their tear ducts are damaged during the operation.