Laser Eye Surgery

[noplacelikehome]

Hi,

Completely off-topic, but just wondering if anyone has had (or is considering) laser eye surgery and has any stories or advice?

I've had glasses for most of my life, but never really taken to contacts - they are fine for social stuff, but they don't fully correct my eyesight so using them for work (which is computer based) gives me a headache. Am starting to get a bit sick of the glasses, and I do find the days I wear contacts very liberating, and so am contemplating getting my eyes zapped...

Any experiences, comments etc much appreciated!
NPLH xx

[Kasha]

No personal experience, but my cousin had it done and she says it was the best thing she ever did.
Good luck x

[thebuzz]

I had mine done 3 years ago and it was honestly the best thing I could have done. I had worn glasses since the age of about 8 and had my eyes done when I was 26. I was short sighted and very blind (-9.5 in each eye!) and couldn't wear contacts because I also had an astigmatism. I was lucky, my parents paid for mine as a 21st birthday present (although I obviously didnt cash it in until a few years later) and my brother had his done at the same time. We went to Moorfields in London and has the laser cutting too, some places use a scalpel to cut which takes longer to heal. I had mine done at 5.30pm and went back the following day at 10am and the cuts were sealed. Had to go back a month later and was told then I had better than 20/20 vision.

Because my prescription was so high there was a higher risk of it not working for me, or it needing tweaking but i've had no problems. The only thin is when I'm tired and drive at night the car headlamps can look very slightly blurred but only just and it doesnt affect my driving ability.

The procedure itself was fine, no pain at all but it is uncomfortable for a day or two after. It never hurt but my eyes felt itchy and like I had an eyelash in them but you're not allowed to rub them for a few days. Also had to wear goggles at night for 2 nights, but I think you have to wear them for a week if you have the scalpel cutting the eye ball.

I never thought I would appreciate having them done as much as I do. The freedom of not having to put glasses on as soon as I wake up, or glasses steaming up in a warm room and having the ability to see what i'm doing in the shower is great!

It wasn't cheap, ours was just under £4000 but that was extra because of the laser cutting and being at Moorfields. We also had to pay for our consultation which I know most 'high street' clinics dont ask for but I really couldnt fault the service.

My uncle got his done at a high street clinic a year after us and he had no problems. I was told once that high street ones tell you you are suitable for the surgery even if your not just to get your custom but tbh I dont think thats true, I dont understand how they could justify that!

And if it puts your mind at ease, I was concerned about things going wrong and when I told my surgeon he said the risks are exactly the same as that of wearing contact lenses and if anything slightly better because the eye is measured so exact, if the laser strays from it's path it automatically shuts off.

Bit of an essay there but the main thing is yes - go for it! Feel free to ask any questions.

[zanussi]

I had it done about 6 years ago and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I had it done at optical express and it was around £1200 I think, but I was able to get interest free credit for 10 months which helped a lot. I had been spending around £200 a year on tests, glasses and contacts so it's paid for itself now.
I was pretty nervous before the op and it was a very strange experience during it but it was over in a matter of minutes. I could see the difference straight away through the tears and plastic goggles and was able to read number plates and street signs on the way home that would've just been a blur before.
Once the anaesthetic drops wore off a few hours later it was bloomin agony but I took a couple of paracetamol and went to bed and when I woke in the morning I felt absolutely fine. I had to go back to the clinic for a 24 hr check up but on the way I stopped off at the shops and bought 5 pairs of sunglasses!
I know there are risks but I found it definitely worth it. There are drawbacks- I'm more sensitive to sunlight now and find I need to wear sunglasses on those cloudy but bright days (if that makes sense!) and my vision isn't so good at dusk but the benefits far outweigh those- being able to see where you're going at the swimming baths, when it's raining, at the beach, etc...
Good luck xxxx

[vixie]

HI,
I had mine done just over a year ago at Accuvision in Fulham and can't fault them for their service and the results. I had a couple of friends that went there. I didn't like the procedure but it lasts seconds and is well worth it.

Mine cost about £2k. they are very professional and explain everything.

I'd recommend it.

[Hols969]

Ive thought about it as well but its such a massive cost and work pay for glasses/test etc but wont contribute towards laser.

At my opticians they had this new machine and they didnt think I was suitable for laser for some reason (my eyes were v interesting apparantly), and I have an astigmatism in both eyes too (not that that is usually an issue nowadays). I do wear contacts occasionally but never feel the vision is as good. In some ways I would love it done (as playing sports is a pain with glasses) but I also quite like glasses in some ways (think I feel a bit bare and exposed without them really)!

[noplacelikehome]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm still not sure, but have booked myself in for an appointment with optical express to get more info (in particular how much it will cost!). Am hopeful of getting it done soonish if I decide to take the plunge, as my glasses are starting to look very sad indeed!

Though Holly, I do know what you mean about the glasses - sometimes I think I hide behind them a bit (am naturally quite shy). It would feel very odd not having them, I've worn specs since i was 8!

Love NPLH xxx

[DeeDeex]

I would love laser eye surgery but my prescription is still changing so have to wait until it settles..apparently might not be till my late 20's.

I know 3 people who have had it done and they have no regrets as far as I know. Definitely worth the money!

[noplacelikehome]

Hi ladies,

Just a quick update - after lots of umming and ahhing, I took the plunge and had laser done earlier this week. Still on the mend, but am loving the fact I can see things that are more than three feet away!

Thanks again for all the comments - the positive stories all helped convince me to go for it, and (so far) I'm SO glad I did!

Love NPLH xxx

[Hols969]

Brill - how much was it for you in the end. I saw the opticians yesterday and he thought for me it would be about 2K per eye so out of my price range really (due to an astigmatism)

[noplacelikehome]

Hi Holly,

It ended up being just over 3K for the pair. I can't quite afford that, so am using the 10 month interest free credit repayment option the optician offered, which is really helpful. It is still very expensive though...

NPLH xxx

[Hols969]

Let us know how things go in a month etc as you can be the guinea pig!!!

[michelle2011]

Hi,

Completely off-topic, but just wondering if anyone has had (or is considering) laser eye surgery and has any stories or advice?

I've had glasses for most of my life, but never really taken to contacts - they are fine for social stuff, but they don't fully correct my eyesight so using them for work (which is computer based) gives me a headache. Am starting to get a bit sick of the glasses, and I do find the days I wear contacts very liberating, and so am contemplating getting my eyes zapped...

Any experiences, comments etc much appreciated!
NPLH xx

After months of research and phobia, I finally did my lasik surgery in Thailand using this Company called Evolutionary Visual Enhancement (e.v.e.). I am very happy with their professionalism and the staffs are friendly.The price was cheap at a fraction of what it will cost me locally. Now i feel so much freedom without the restriction of glasses.

[AndyMacquire81]

Laser eye surgery has been around for over 20 years now and so there are a multitude of stories, myths and mis-information out there. If you are looking for a more objective comment then lasik eyes uk may be helpful to you. If you have a higher or more complex prescription then maybe a specialist clinic would be helpful like accuvision.