Laser eye surgery

[LindyLouLou]

I'm booked in for eye laser surgery next week. Im having both eyes done at the same time and I am short-sighted (wear glasses/contacts for driving).
Now Christmas is over, it seems to be looming so I'm probably giving it more thought and getting a bit anxious.
Although I understand what the actual process is, I dont know anyone who has had it done. Would anyone be kind enough to share their experiences and any tips that helped?
Many thanks,

Lynne

[sara3]

hi Lindy. I had my eyes lasered about 5 years ago and it is....... fantastic!

it doesn't take long and it doesn't hurt, but it is a bit scary. I don't have any tips.. just rest after, sleep if you feel like it, keep up with the eye drops they give you and go back for your check-ups after.

take someone with you who can see you home safely.

[LindyLouLou]

Hi Sara
Thanks for your response.
I'm glad all was good for you - it makes me feel better that other people have had no problems.
My hubby is driving me, although his ulterior motive is to find out what it is like before he agrees to have his done!! (Men...!!)

Lynne x

[sara3]

I know a few people that have had it done with no problems. my boss found he had dry eyes for almost a year and had to use artificial tear drops, but it cleared up.

I've just got reading glasses as I'm getting on a bit now! it doesn't save you from the usual ageing process, unless it's improved over the years.

gotta love your husband.. men are such wimps!

[kira000]

i also had i done, 4 years ago now.
I had quite a bad prescription t start with -7, and i have been left with a residual presription of -1.5, so not perfect.
However i am stll pleased with the results as i no longer have to pay for really expensive lenses in glasses, and i can see without glasses well enough in social situations, in swimming pools etc.

I would recommend taking herbal arnica pills for a few days before and after- it helps with the shock and swelling of the eye tissue.

On a practical but vain level, you wont be able to use mascara or other eye makeup for a few weeks, so if that bothers you, go and get your eye lashes dyed (and possibly curled), 3-4 days before the surgery.

Good luck!

[saxy_jag]

I haven't had it done, but I can tell you about a friend who did, some years ago.

She used to be a very short-sighted, mousey little thing who wore spectacles like bottle-bottoms and wouldn't say boo to a goose. Since she's had it done - trouble free and very successfully - she's never looked back. I've never seen such a change in a woman. She is now a stunning-looking, dynamic and confident woman of whom we're all a weeny bit envious (except she's lovely, so we don't mind). She also reports that she has never needed glasses since, not even for reading or driving. I know she would heartily recommend it. She's in her forties, just for your information.

So good luck, and here's to your new life, Lynne.

[polyanna18]

I had it done 2 years ago - wish I had had it done years ago
Good luck

[LindyLouLou]

Thank you everyone for your responses - I am still a little scared but also excited too!!!

Kira - I'm going to get some arnica tablets. I know they are recommended to reduce swelling and bruising in general so def worth a try.

[Blackthorn]

Nothing to it, had mine done in March, although I was told my eyes would feel gritty for a while they were fine. Yes its uncomfortable, I'll be honest with you BUT IT DOES NOT HURT AT ALL. I promise you. Enjoy your new eyes!

[Blackthorn]

To add to the above, you will be given drops to prevent infection and swelling as part of the treatment. You may also get some goggles to wear in bed for a week afterwards and these will drive you mad! You must also arrange transport home because your eyes will be heavy, this clears after a couple of hours' sleep. I was cleared to drive the next morning (18 hours later) after a check up.

[scoobydooby]

I had mine done about nine years ago - one eye at a time. At my consultation, I was told I had a 75% chance of not having to wear glasses again. When I questioned this further, i was told there was a 25% chance I'd need glasses for driving. Happy with this, I went ahead with the treatment. It wasn't painful but I did need to keep a tube of lacrilube handy, to apply at night. If I forgot, I found that my eyelids would stick to my eyes in the morning - causing pain when I opened them. Please don't let this put you off - it's sounds worse than it is and the dry eyes do go. For many years, i had better than 20/20 vision. However, a couple of years ago my eyesight started to deteriorate and have done ever since. I am disappointed as I thought the results after treatment would be permanent but, after asking questions, it would appear that any deterioration your eyes would have suffered will still happen after laser surgery. Having said all this, If my eyesight stabilises again, I would definitely undergo the procedure for a second time. I have yet to meet someone, like me, who has needed glasses again after such a long time - I guess I'm just unlucky. :o( Good luck.