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Laser eye surgery
woodster - 31/3/11 at 08:26 PM

Has anyone on here had this done, how was the operation, have you had any problems, did it hurt, I could google search laser eye surgery problems but I don't think that would give me a true picture..... Thanks in advance.


austin man - 31/3/11 at 08:30 PM

mother in law had it done didnt complain much, just had to be carefull and apply drops for a few weeks


Mr Whippy - 31/3/11 at 08:32 PM

I know quite a few who got it done and all have been delighted with the results. Most could read without glasses the next day and a most it was uncomfortable for a day or two but not painful. I'd definitely have it done if I needed it.


[Edited on 31/3/11 by Mr Whippy]


procomp - 31/3/11 at 08:35 PM

Hi

Have had 6 or 7 sessions on my left eye so far but that's not for vision correction but to do with my diabetes and bleeding vessels. It doesn't hurt much at all really but i was advised by the doctor to take a pain killer or two a few Hrs before surgery as it helps to relive the irritation as surgery is taking place. Although to be honest i am not sure if what i am having done is in any way the same as it would be for vision correction. Friends have had it done for vision correction and not really heard anything bad from them except their eyes being dry occasionally.

HTH cheers Matt


wilkingj - 31/3/11 at 08:37 PM

Do some good research first.

I understand this can only be done one or two times to an eye.
I am not 100% sure, but with your eyes make sure you fully understand what you are getting into.
ie dont have it done, and then find out that you have run yourself into a dead end as far as further treatment or other options are concened.

Take some indepentant advice from a qualified person OTHER than the from Laser eye surgery company.

You have only one set of eyes, and theyneed to last you a lifetime.

Make sure you make the right and correct choice first time.

Other than that good luck, and hope all goes well whatever the outcome.


HowardB - 31/3/11 at 08:46 PM

I spent ages looking into this, and concluded that I could live with glasses for a bit longer. I skydive and power kite, drive the fury and generally have more fun than ought to be allowed, there is always a way to manage with glasses.

On the other side once I know that my eyes are settled, the same prescription for a decade, then I'll review the situation.

Money no object, it is the fear of it going wrong that stops me having it done.

On a side note, there is more info out there on this than there is on building kit cars,.. good luck either way


focijohn - 31/3/11 at 08:48 PM

Guy who i work with has just had it done..... Hes pleased with the results and his vision is improving daily so he tells us.
On the day of the op the consultant changed his mind as to which procedure he was going to have. It went from a 2 day recovery to 6.
He wasn't good for about 5 days after. His eyes were streaming and said it was very painful. He described it akin to having sand in his eye. He was also bed bound for a day or 2 because of it.

If you want me to quiz him and find out some more about it I can. Just let me know.

He also said at night when being driven the headlights of cars are very bright and very glarey. He was warned about this and signed bits and paid for after care so in the event that its doesn't sort its self out they would have him back in etc etc

[Edited on 31/3/11 by focijohn]


cd.thomson - 31/3/11 at 08:51 PM

Hi, I was the 1 in 100 who experienced "complications".

Vision is better than nominal now, sitting somewhere around 20/10 with no lasting night-time vision disturbances.

Despite the issues I had, I'd still recommend it.


rodgling - 31/3/11 at 08:56 PM

Yes, went from a short-sighted prescription of about 2.5ish (with astigmatism) to about 20/20. Surgery was painless, some mild discomfort for a few hours, and then it's all good. No issues with night vision, etc (it's actually better than it was with glasses as glasses are never perfectly clean and so you get a bit of flare etc off glasses normally).

If you're thinking about it, I recommend doing it sooner rather than later, because you'll eventually need glasses as you age anyway - so you get the most out of it by doing it as young as possible.


RazMan - 31/3/11 at 09:33 PM

I would love to ditch my glasses and would pay good money to do it, but there are so many 'clinics' out there to choose from - which ones are good or bad? Oh and what is the going rate nowadays?


stevebubs - 31/3/11 at 09:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by rodgling
Yes, went from a short-sighted prescription of about 2.5ish (with astigmatism) to about 20/20. Surgery was painless, some mild discomfort for a few hours, and then it's all good. No issues with night vision, etc (it's actually better than it was with glasses as glasses are never perfectly clean and so you get a bit of flare etc off glasses normally).

If you're thinking about it, I recommend doing it sooner rather than later, because you'll eventually need glasses as you age anyway - so you get the most out of it by doing it as young as possible.


rodgling - which procedure did you have? There appear to be a few...


dlatch - 31/3/11 at 09:44 PM

in many ways laser surgery interests me as i have worn glasses since age 15
but the only time it actually annoys me having to wear glasses is when wearing a crash helmet, and the risk of having complications in surgery puts me off having it done because knowing my luck i would be the unlucky one


McLannahan - 31/3/11 at 09:45 PM

My wife's also interested in this so interested to read people's views. How often does it need re-doing? Or does it last for the rest of your normally sighted life?


Ninehigh - 31/3/11 at 10:42 PM

I was told by someone that had it done to follow all the recommendations, that whole "back to work the next day" isn't a good idea and the like. But apparently if you look after it properly then you're gravy.

She also said it felt like an elephant sitting on your eyeball, but it doesn't hurt...


cd.thomson - 31/3/11 at 10:47 PM

LASIK is the common procedure - a deep cut is made and a flap created which is retracted then replaced after the surgery

I had LASEK electively - a circular thin layer of epithelial cells is completely removed from the surface of your eye and then (in theory) grows back. This takes longer (sometimes much, much longer) to heal but you're left without a scar and its virtually indetectable if, for example, you were trying to enter the fast jet stream in the RAF.


rodgling - 31/3/11 at 10:53 PM

quote:
Originally posted by stevebubs
quote:
Originally posted by rodgling
Yes, went from a short-sighted prescription of about 2.5ish (with astigmatism) to about 20/20. Surgery was painless, some mild discomfort for a few hours, and then it's all good. No issues with night vision, etc (it's actually better than it was with glasses as glasses are never perfectly clean and so you get a bit of flare etc off glasses normally).

If you're thinking about it, I recommend doing it sooner rather than later, because you'll eventually need glasses as you age anyway - so you get the most out of it by doing it as young as possible.


rodgling - which procedure did you have? There appear to be a few...


I had wavefront lasik (I think it's called lasik - the one where they use a laser to cut a flap, then lift the flap and use a laser to resurface the cornea, then put the flap back) at Optical Express. OE are pretty budget, but they use the same machines as everyone else and the surgeon was very well qualified. That said, I only saw the surgeon briefly for the op - pre- and post- care was by very much less qualified / confidence-inspiring staff. Is it worth paying twice as much to go somewhere where the surgeon looks after you every step of the way? Hard to say. I had the op on Friday and was back at work on Monday with no problems functioning at work at all.

Whatever happens, follow the aftercare procedure religiously (use the eyedrops as prescribed), and make sure someone sees you straight away if you think there's a problem.


NigeEss - 31/3/11 at 10:59 PM

I had LASIK about 7 years ago, slight discomfort during the procedure but not
painful. Went from -3.5/-4.0 to 19/20. No problems at all and absolutely no
regrets. Could have gone for re-treatment to get 20/20 but as I can read the
entire chart with left eye and all but last line with right I didn't bother.

If you do go for it then be meticulous with the after care as this is were most
of the problems occur. I had separate meds for each eye to avoid any chance
of cross contamination.


neilp1 - 1/4/11 at 04:22 AM

I had the wavefront lasik last year at Optical Express. I paid the extra to have the flap cut with the laser.

I must say that my eyes were sore after the op BUT after 4 hours they were great no pain. The next day I couldn't beleive how well I could see.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that if you have it done then in your 40's you'll probably have to wear glasses for reading!!

I'm pleased with the results and found Optical Express great!!


HowardB - 1/4/11 at 07:20 AM

Perhaps there could be a poll?

Would you have it done?
Have you had it done?
Would you have it done again?


interesting pool of experience here,..


Agriv8 - 1/4/11 at 07:24 AM

I would love to have eyes done but my prescription can still be a but up and down.

glad to hear they can work arround a stigmatism ( in my case this means wearing contacts for close work a problem ) - I use dailly disposables for comfort and ease of use. I wear glasses durring the week and ussually contacts at the weekend.

i am only 1.25 so can get arround without glasses/contacts but hate not being able to see properly and only needed to start wering glases at 28.

a couple of guys I know have had it done and both really rate it. I would be intrested in costs as I am sure the hedline prices you see on the adds ( from £395 ! ) could be a bit missleading..

Would you have it done? yes think so
Have you had it done? no
Would you have it done again? Thought it was once oly treatment ( but looks like I could be wrong )

regards

Agriv8

[Edited on 1/4/11 by Agriv8]


mrwibble - 1/4/11 at 08:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by procomp
Hi

Have had 6 or 7 sessions on my left eye so far but that's not for vision correction but to do with my diabetes and bleeding vessels. It doesn't hurt much at all really but i was advised by the doctor to take a pain killer or two a few Hrs before surgery as it helps to relive the irritation as surgery is taking place. Although to be honest i am not sure if what i am having done is in any way the same as it would be for vision correction. Friends have had it done for vision correction and not really heard anything bad from them except their eyes being dry occasionally.

HTH cheers Matt


no mate, its really not the same procedure at all.

if you want to go ahead with this i would get some professional advice from an optician, i'm biased and would tell you to go to an independent as they're less likely to have agreements for referrals with chains of laser surgery and you'll be able to make an informed decision.


Jasper - 1/4/11 at 11:36 AM

I had it done with Optimax 2 years ago for short sightedness (about -4.50) and I wished I'd had it done years before. I paid around £2k and had the one where they cut the flap and laser underneath. It was weird and uncomfortable but not painful, and lasted about 15 mins. Got up next day and had perfect eyesight for the first time in 30 years.

I can't recommend it highly enough - truly life changing.

I can u2u my mobile number if you want a chat about it.


Jasper - 1/4/11 at 11:38 AM

I had it done with Optimax 2 years ago for short sightedness (about -4.50) and I wished I'd had it done years before. I paid around £2k and had the one where they cut the flap and laser underneath. It was weird and uncomfortable but not painful, and lasted about 15 mins. Got up next day and had perfect eyesight for the first time in 30 years.

I can't recommend it highly enough - truly life changing.

I can u2u my mobile number if you want a chat about it.


woodster - 2/4/11 at 03:39 PM

Thanks everyone as always on here top information, I'll have a look at vision express and optimax and let you know the out come.