Laser Eye Surgery

[PaulCFC]

Hi all

Don't know if anyone has much knowledge on this area but thought I would give it a try. Have been to two consultations, Ultralase and Optical Express, about getting laser eye surgery. Both had definite pros and cons.

Both offered two treatments, a standard and advanced treatment. Both claimed that there advanced treatment was the best on the market. My question is, are they just the same? Ultralase are offering LASIK Ultra Elite, their top treatment, and said that it so much better than their standard which is equal to everyone else's best. Optical Express are offering Wavefront with Intralase and also claim its better than everyone elses. Does anyone know which one is better, or if there is much of a diffrence at all? Is there even much of a diffrence between the advanced and standard treatments? I asked these questions at my consultation but I got the usual sales pitch that you get from all companys that they are superior to competitors.

Any help greatly appreciated

Paul

[PaulCFC]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm aware of how the procedure is done and potential risks I'm set on getting it done but was just wondering if the treatments produced better results than each other, the companys just claiming there's is the best available. Only this way would be possible was if they where using the same technology which they both say they do not.

[PaulCFC]

The consultants have said that a touch up may be possible a few after the initial surgery and because I'm so young another one in 15-20 years time with about 10% chance. For this reason I have decided to go for the ultralase option as no additional costs are needed and I have managed to get the cost down by about £900

[PaulCFC]

Going for surgery this afternoon. Will report how it goes!

[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

[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

[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.

[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

[PaulCFC]

Just thought I would do a quick update for anyone interested.

Having successfully had the surgery completed 7 weeks ago I am very happy. The only issues I am having right now is slightly dry eyes which I am using drops once a day which is of little inconveience. Driving at night isn't great either as lights appear to be brighter and have a sort of aura around them. I have had this since the operation but it has improved over the weeks, with my doctor saying it should be completly gone within 3months. Overall still very pleased with the outcome