Laser eye treatment

[claireybear]

Some advice please. Thinking of having my eyes done, but not sure where is the best place. Ultralase seem to be charging �995 per eye when Optical Express offer it for �395 per eye??? Also is there a risk that it could damage your eyes instead of make them better??

Any people who have had it done your experiences please?

[Impret-Sir]

There is no doubt that in the short term the results are very good. However, there is no enough date yet to be sure that the longer term benifits are real. There a an increasing number of cases of people who have had this treatment up to five years ago whos vision is now as bad as it was before. It is noticable that very few opthalmologists themselves have had it done, they all stick to their glasses! I think that should tell you somthing! Im not saying dont have it done, just that it is too early to believe all the hype that is surrounding these procedures.

[mycatis]

I think that the ones who charge less (ie �395 per eye) do one eye and then you go back a few weeks later to get the other one done, whereas the more expensive ones do they both at the same time

[Quizmonster]

Do not even consider laser eye surgery until you have discussed ORTHOKERATOLOGY with your optician. This is a system whereby you wear contact lenses only at night. These are designed to correct the curvature of the eyeball so that you can see perfectly in the morning and the effect lasts all day. Apparently, Chinese Emperors used such a system in the past by placing small bags of sand on their eyelids overnight. Today, it costs about �100.00 for the initial consultation and about �40.00 per month thereafter for the supply of lenses. This is about the same as many pay for standard contact lenses. The great beauty of the method is that it is not invasive and cannot actually harm your eyes, which is more than can be said for laser treatment. It is also worth knowing that only three in a hundred people who enquire about laser treatment actually go ahead with it...(cont)

[Quizmonster]

(cont)...
Every time the question of having laser eye surgery arises, someone invariably says: "It's great!...You should have it done." Often, this answer also suggests that opticians will advise you against it because they have everything to gain financially from continuing to sell you spectacles or lenses.
Listen to NICE, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Britain's watchdog for such procedures. Their report of 15/12/04 concludes that laser eye-treatment (quote) "does not justify its widespread use...because of concerns for its long-term safety for patients."
The Medical Defence Union, the major insurer for doctors, reports that the number of claims against laser eye-clinics has doubled in six years.
In addition, the American Journal of Ophthalmology claims that problems appear in something like one in ten cases rather than one in a thousand, as its proponents suggest.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists suggests: "Severe loss of vision is very unusual, but some patients could require corneal surgery or hard contact lenses to restore vision." (Are you prepared to be one of the "some patients"?
Even �Which', the Consumers Association magazine in Britain, warned people that they were literally (quote) "gambling with their sight."
The woman who formed the �Lasermyeye' pressure group now suffers from double vision and a loss of night vision...she can no longer drive. Other people have suffered worsening of sight in other ways.
Experts are particularly concerned about the lasting results over a period of many years caused by the surgical thinning of the cornea.
Well, there you have it. If you think the doubts expressed above are just so much hot air, then go ahead and "gamble your sight". I wish you luck if you go ahead!

[clairelb]

I do know of someone who has sufferred irreversable damage to their eye following eye laser surgery. Granted it was through a freak accident - their eye was accidentally hit whilst it was still healing, however it just shows how easy it can be damamged.

One of the things I did hear about laser eye surgery, is that you do suffer from 'dazzle' at night. This is where artificial light will appear star-like and you are more likely to be dazzled by them if driving. It is because of this reason, many police services will not consider recruiting anyone who has had laser eye surgery.

However, saying that, I have also heard some very good things about it and of some happy people as a result.

[lb24]

If i was going to get it done i'd do it by the most expensive option. Ultralase have the latest equipment. Never pick the cheapest for something as important as this. You want the best for your eyes!

Best thing to do is make an appointment and they'll discuss everything with you including the benefits and risks.

[El D]

Had it done no complaints - and even if it had messed up I would not have held anyone accountable. I knew the risks and still undertook the operation. 4 years on my vision is the same as it was after the op. There is a risk in everything.

I love it.

[maimai]

Look at the relevent section of Moorfield Hospital website. I wanted to have mine done but was too scared of 'high-street' spoke with my optician who said only go to Moorfield. It is more expensive - but they have the best people and equipment and as I got a cancellation I did it on a tuesday and was back in work on Wednesday and was the best thing I ever did. Be aware that towards mid-forties you will need readling glasses as everyone becomes more long sighted. Look at the site!