Laser Eye Surgery

[PandaEyes]

Hope it went well. Had my done almost a year at optimax and best decision I ever made. Only had a slight gritty feeling in my eyes for 48hrs after.

[PaulCFC]

Well had the surgery on Friday afternoon. Eyes where really sore for the first 4-5 hours afterwards. They then settled down and have been perfect since. I went back on Saturday morning and the surgeon said they looked in great shape, and after the test it was shown that my vision was better than 20/20. At this point still slightly cloudy vision and a bit light sensitive but getting better by the day. The actual procedure wasn't the nicest of experiences but in the end totally worth it and delighted I have had it done

[Oakey]

The flap they cut, I read that never heals and a bash to the head can dislodge it. Is this true?

[Frankeh]

Oakey said:

The flap they cut, I read that never heals and a bash to the head can dislodge it. Is this true?

I'm calling bks. My rugby playing friends had it done so I'm sure he would have commented to me if his eyes flap open after every tackle.

[Sea Demon]

Where did you go & what was the cost?

[tank slapper]

Oakey said:

The flap they cut, I read that never heals and a bash to the head can dislodge it. Is this true?

I think that it does heal, but around the edge of the flap, which is what leaves it slightly weaker. I understand that there is a risk of flap complications in some circumstances but are not that common.

The surgery I had did not involve cutting a flap, but burning off the top layer of cells. It meant a slightly longer recovery period but completely eliminated any risk from physical damage in that way.

[Kudos]

Frankeh said:

I'm calling bks. My rugby playing friends had it done so I'm sure he would have commented to me if his eyes flap open after every tackle.

In the early days, yes, but I believe it heals and doesn't become a problem. Using the "old" techniques I think it could be a problem for longer, but the newer "laser" cutting reduces it as well

[Kudos]

Had mine done about 5yrs ago with Optimax. Went for wavefront rolls royce as was told no pain.

The surgery didn't hurt, but afterwards did (not my eyes, but teeth bizarrely). Surgeon told me this was because they pulled my eyeballs out too far!!

As for price, was quoted £3k for it all, did a "price match" and got it for a grand. Result.

No issues 5yrs later, happy I did it. The missus refuses to do it after seeing the pain I was in though

[speedmachine]

I had a consultation at Optical Express on the weekend. I was told that due to the astigmatism in one of my eyes I would need to have the LASEC option and the more expensive laser procedure (I think it was Wavefront) as only that one can deal with the astigmatism. I was qouted a a total of £2700 and they immediately offered 10% off if I booked on the day. I'm still thinking about it. What are other people's experienes with the high street chains?

Glad it worked out well for you Paul. Who did you have yours done with?

[PaulCFC]

I had it done at Ultalase and it cost £3500. The fact it had a lifetime guarantee was the same selling point along with the surgeons qualifications been much better than those of the Optimax and Optical express surgeons I went to see. The flap they make apparently never returns to full strength but after 6months there should really be any activities that would put trauma onto it. The doctor told me a cataract surgery puts a lot of stress onto the flap and getting it within 5 years of laser surgery would be dangerous but thereafter it would bee strong enough to get it done. Absolutely thrilled I have had it done and for the few hours of pain after the surgery that you may not even get, I would strongly recommend

[speedmachine]

PaulCFC said:

I had it done at Ultalase and it cost £3500. The fact it had a lifetime guarantee was the same selling point along with the surgeons qualifications been much better than those of the Optimax and Optical express surgeons I went to see. The flap they make apparently never returns to full strength but after 6months there should really be any activities that would put trauma onto it. The doctor told me a cataract surgery puts a lot of stress onto the flap and getting it within 5 years of laser surgery would be dangerous but thereafter it would bee strong enough to get it done. Absolutely thrilled I have had it done and for the few hours of pain after the surgery that you may not even get, I would strongly recommend

When I had my consultation I'm not even sure if it was a surgeon that I saw. They do seem to try and sell it to you ( I guess it is a business afterall). Did they tell you how long after your surgery you'll be able to resume activities such as going to the gym or playing football? If I get it done I will most defeniately by buying a pair of goggles for sqaush and maybe even footy!

Initially I was all up for it but thought I'd think it over. But since the weekend I've developed doubts about the risks and also if I'm getting the best price.

[PaulCFC]

It won't have been a surgeon. The person that done machine tests would have been an optician and the person that looked at your eyes and told you the risks/procedure/price ect it called a optamologist, an eye doctor but not as qualified as an eye surgeon. OE most of the people they have (but not all) that actually do the surgerys are optamologists trained in using the lasers whereas Ultralase they are all full surgeons, the name I can't quite remember. I had Lasik done which heals quicker than Lasek and was told no football for 2 month for outdoor/indoor astro and 1month for indoor hall. Personally I would strictly adhere to there recommendations as I don't want to run the risk of scarring my eyes.

[speedmachine]

PaulCFC said:

It won't have been a surgeon. The person that done machine tests would have been an optician and the person that looked at your eyes and told you the risks/procedure/price ect it called a optamologist, an eye doctor but not as qualified as an eye surgeon. OE most of the people they have (but not all) that actually do the surgerys are optamologists trained in using the lasers whereas Ultralase they are all full surgeons, the name I can't quite remember. I had Lasik done which heals quicker than Lasek and was told no football for 2 month for outdoor/indoor astro and 1month for indoor hall. Personally I would strictly adhere to there recommendations as I don't want to run the risk of scarring my eyes.

That's really interesting. I just assumed that the person doing the surgery would be a full eye surgeon. I think I need to do a bit more research before commiting. Did they also say no activities such as running and lifting weights or is it just activities where there is a risk of impact that they advise you not to do?

[PaulCFC]

Tell me about it I was shocked when I found out they weren't surgeons. At the end of the day yes you want a good deal on the price but the person treating you is of more importance. OE offered the same treatment to me for £800 less but I had more confidence in Ultralase surgeon and also there was a somewhat high chance of me being needed retreated in the future due to my age and other circumstances. Ultralase offer a lifetime guarantee so it would be free whereas OE would do it "for a slightly reduced rate". As regards to running it was 2weeks but wear big sunglasses to reduce the chance of anything blown in your eyes and weightlifting 1month heavy weights two months due to it putting a large amount of strain on them

[968]

speedmachine said:

I had a consultation at Optical Express on the weekend. I was told that due to the astigmatism in one of my eyes I would need to have the LASEC option and the more expensive laser procedure (I think it was Wavefront) as only that one can deal with the astigmatism. I was qouted a a total of £2700 and they immediately offered 10% off if I booked on the day. I'm still thinking about it. What are other people's experienes with the high street chains?

Glad it worked out well for you Paul. Who did you have yours done with?

Brilliant sales pitch from Optical Express. Absolute nonsense about having to have wavefront. Wavefront is good but only makes a big difference in re-treatments. In all other patients, conventional measurements are sufficient. It does amaze me how these companies on the high street manipulate customers to make as much money as possible.

My feelings about high st chains are well known and if you want to know more email me privately, but I'm an Ophthalmic surgeon (which is the same thing as an ophthalmologist for the other posters here) and I would not have my eyes done in a high st clinic, under any circumstances.

[968]

PaulCFC said:

I had it done at Ultalase and it cost £3500. The fact it had a lifetime guarantee was the same selling point along with the surgeons qualifications been much better than those of the Optimax and Optical express surgeons I went to see. The flap they make apparently never returns to full strength but after 6months there should really be any activities that would put trauma onto it. The doctor told me a cataract surgery puts a lot of stress onto the flap and getting it within 5 years of laser surgery would be dangerous but thereafter it would bee strong enough to get it done. Absolutely thrilled I have had it done and for the few hours of pain after the surgery that you may not even get, I would strongly recommend

Lifetime guarantee? How do they do that then? It's sales nonsense and totally unsupportable.

[speedmachine]

968 said:

Brilliant sales pitch from Optical Express. Absolute nonsense about having to have wavefront. Wavefront is good but only makes a big difference in re-treatments. In all other patients, conventional measurements are sufficient. It does amaze me how these companies on the high street manipulate customers to make as much money as possible.

My feelings about high st chains are well known and if you want to know more email me privately, but I'm an Ophthalmic surgeon (which is the same thing as an ophthalmologist for the other posters here) and I would not have my eyes done in a high st clinic, under any circumstances.

Hi 968,

The lady at Optical Express told me that of the the two options (Lasik and Lasec) that I was more suitable for Lasec and then she mentioned Wavefront and and a standard procedure. She told me that they would not even consider doing the standard procedure and that I would have to opt for wavefront. Apparently this is because of the astigmatism in one of my eyes. I've already had a follow up call from OE asking me if I was ready to book but I've told them I need more time to think about it. I know two people who have had the surgery done at OE and both say they are happy with it. Initially I was all for it but now I'm confused about what treatment is best for me and if I'm being quoted too much.

[968]

speedmachine said:

Hi 968,

The lady at Optical Express told me that of the the two options (Lasik and Lasec) that I was more suitable for Lasec and then she mentioned Wavefront and and a standard procedure. She told me that they would not even consider doing the standard procedure and that I would have to opt for wavefront. Apparently this is because of the astigmatism in one of my eyes. I've already had a follow up call from OE asking me if I was ready to book but I've told them I need more time to think about it. I know two people who have had the surgery done at OE and both say they are happy with it. Initially I was all for it but now I'm confused about what treatment is best for me and if I'm being quoted too much.

It's utter bks to suggest that you HAVE to have wavefront. It's a way of extracting more cash from you, unnecessarily. There is NO evidence at all that wavefront is superior to standard measurements in patients apart from those having a re-treatment. The standard measurements have proven to be equivalent to wavefront in all cases apart from re-treatments.

This demonstrates why I dislike these companies. You've been given wrong information by a person who does not have any knowledge about the procedure and is giving you a standard party line.

I've said it elsewhere but I would avoid all of these outfits like the plague. I would see a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in Refractive surgery as a private patient. As an Ophthalmic surgeon myself, that is what I would do and what I would advise any of my family/friends to do. I would not recommend any of the outfits mentioned, for a variety of reasons, not least because they seem to have misled you as they have other patients.

[speedmachine]

Thanks 968,

I'm definately going to do a bit more research and try to arrange to see another specialist. I've worn glasses for years now so I'm sure I can wait a bit longer.

[Roger645]

speedmachine said:

Thanks 968,

I'm definately going to do a bit more research and try to arrange to see another specialist. I've worn glasses for years now so I'm sure I can wait a bit longer.

I would, 968 was kind enough to offer advice for my wife's situation (thin cornea's)and we ended up seeing an excellent specialist with a fantastic outcome. The experience was chalk and cheese between seeing one of the high street outfits and a "real" surgeon.