Has anyone had eye laser surgery?

[Nosha123]

I am a complete pillock and bag of nerves when it comes to blood and doctors and anything like that - but my eyesight is depressingly bad and I hate the way I look with glasses... so in time I may go for laser surgery to restore my sight..

Does anyone know if you can have it under general? (I would HATE to be awake when they do it! But have a feeling they dont do it under general) And does your eyesight carry on deteriorating after the op as it would have normally - I'm guessing the op can only be done once!

[alya]

Check out these vision and hearing video tips and advice. Maybe you'll find some information you need there:
http://www.sutree.com/videos/Vision_and_Hearin g/12400

[whiskeysheri]

Hi, Nosha! :)

No, they don't perform it under general, but they do use anaesthetic eye drops and you really won't feel a thing. My boyfriend and his mum had theirs done at the same time over two years ago now. I think they both took a week off work and their eyes were quite sore, but no where near painful.

My boyfriend was short sighted and his mum had worn glasses since she was a toddler and couldn't even make it up the stairs if she was to go without them. From the day after the surgery, they both now have 20/20 vision.

The procedure literally takes seconds and you're in the room for no longer than 20 minutes usually.

Nope, the op can be performed more than once if it needs to be. If their vision if ever to deteriorate, they can go back for the lasering again free of charge (lifetime guarantee).

Hope this helps a bit, Nosha. I don't think it's something you'd ever regret. :)

[Nosha123]

Wow.... I'm impressed..... DId they get both eyes done at same time? (stupid question probably but I know nothing about this!)

[whiskeysheri]

:) Yes, they did, Nosha. The effects are instant, if a little blurry, which is why they tell you to take someone with you when you go.

They give you lots of drops to use afterwards to prevent infection, etc, so you might need someone to help you with those, too. You have to go back to the clinic the day after, then a week after that, a month after that, and then I think it's three months after that until the anniversary of the surgery. The aftercare they both received was excellent. :)

[Nosha123]

what part of UK did they get it done in - can they recommend a surgery or a chain or surgeries?

[up4it]

I have been to 2 different places to have an eye-surgery assessment, still not had the guts (or money) to have it done yet but it does sound good

Specsavers - They advertise 'From �395 per eye' but its nothing like that unless your eyes are not too bad anyway. I was quoted approx �2800 for both eyes

Ultralase - More expensive, approx �3800 for both eyes but I was very impressed with them as opposed to specsavers

My optician (D&A) said they only ever recommend people go to Ultralase (there are many more companies than these 2) and judging on what I saw and heard from both I would probably be happier paying the extra and going with Ultralase

They just seemed far more professional and the after service care sounded excellent (with a life time guarantee)

[whiskeysheri]

Yep, they used Ultralase in Birmingham. This is the link so you can find your nearest clinic (remember you'll need to go back the following day).

You will get a free consultation where they will test your eyes for suitability. There are a few differing procedures, so they'll also tell you which you're eligible for, as well. They're refreshingly honest, too, saying that not all patients are eligible for the procedure.

Apparently, Ultralase are the only clinic to have a particular state-of-the-art laser, too. They are also the only laser eye treatment providers in the UK to have its treatment outcomes and enhancement rates verified by independent audit.

I think they're slightly more expensive than other companies, but, as I say, they're highly recommended and they offer 12 months interest free credit.

:)

[knobynonuts]

I had mine done with these about three years ago and it cost �799 and I paid inerest free credit.

They are very good and it is completely painless but when the anaesthetic wore off it was extremly painfull for three days but well worth it.

Some people do not get much pain and some people get a lot and I was one off the unlucky ones but as I said well worth it in the end.

http://www.optimax.co.uk/Default.aspx?page=747 3&adcode=googleppc&OrgAdCode=googleppc&WT.srch =1

[knobynonuts]

Oh and yes your eyesight doe's carry on deteriating after but they will tell you all about that.

[Ice.Maiden]

I have to say that some of the results from laser eye surgery seem fantastic, but that wasn't the case for my mother in law. She had both eyes done, two weeks apart - and STILL needs to wear glasses. Whether this had anything to do with what was prohibiting her eyesight in the first place, I don't know, but she paid a lot of money for very little.
The procedure itself isn't half as bad as you might think. You're not put out, but as whiskeysheri said, you're given some type of optical anaesthetic, and therefore need to have someone with you afterwards. Hope all goes OK if you decide to go ahead.

[chazza]

I went and had a consultation to see about it but unfortunately since my prescription changes so often I'm not a good candidate for it.

Has your prescription been steady for the past few years?

[polyanna18]

Nosha STOP thinking about it and take the plunge - I promise you, you will not regret it. The worst that can happen is that it will make no difference to your eyesight but I am sure that won't happen. I had mine done a year ago and I only wish I could have had it done years ago. To me, it is not as bad a going to the dentist.

You do not see the laser and they put drops in your eyes to freeze them - it only took about 10 minutes altogether.

But first you must have the eye test to see if you are suitable so stop thinking about it, and make the appointment for the eye test TODAY - the test is free and you are under no obligation to have the eye laser treatment

Good luck

[Nosha123]

when the laser burns are there any horrid 'flesh-burning' smells??? or sounds???

I had a wisdom tooth out 2 years ago and was so pathetic I was crying in the chair - but to be fair the tooth wouldn't come out as the root was shaped funny and he was yanking and yanking and it was horrid!!!

I'm such a wuss

[tiggertan]

I went for a consultation at Optimax, the guy I saw was very young and happily told me that when the laser hits your eye it smells like burning skin or bacon! Professional! The actual optometrist was really good though. My bro in law had it done and reccommends it. I may see you in a clinic soon!

[sara3]

I had both eyes done at the same time with Optimax in London. fab, I don't regret a thing. my sight is still 20/20 but it doesn't stop the long-sightedness almost all of us get as we age.

it was a bit scary but very very quick. yes, you smell burning, which is odd... and the only thing I wasn't prepared for, but so what? it's a few minutes out of your life that will change everything for a very long time. my eyes stung for a few hours, but then it's like joining a different world where everything is in focus :o)