Laser Eye Surgery Advice/Experience

[2155User]

Consultation tomorrow so looking for advice/experiences.

Current vision is -1.25 on both eyes so nothing major but still short sighted.

Prices start at 1.5k per eye... but I think start is a key word

[JLbaby]

I had mine done about 8 years ago, best thing ever. My eyes were worse than yours, about -5.75 in each eye. I had it done in Harley Street after visiting about 3 other clinics, I’d definitely recommend visiting different places and seeing where you feel most comfortable.

[Greenteandchives]

I had this done about ten years ago. Best thing I ever did.
I wore specs/lenses all my life. It’s not a pleasant experience but it doesn’t take long. My vision was perfect the next day, and still is.
Yes it’s expensive. I think I paid about that price all those years ago, but I reckon I’ve saved more than that now in new specs, lenses and solutions and prescription sunglasses. Plus swimming, skiing, snorkelling, scuba, sports and gym workouts are all so much easier.

[2155User]

Yes, I'm an avid swimmer and diver so this is why it appeals so much!

Tomorrow is my first clinic. They've been excellent over the phone/email so I'm hoping it's good.

[lindyloo57]

I had it done 15 years ago best thing I ever did, had it done in Norwich I think it cost two grand if I remember, its great waking up in the morning and can see the time without having to put specs on,

[2155User]

@JLbaby

Can I ask where you had it done as I'm looking at a place on Harley Street?

[CarinaClaws]

9 years ago at Focus Laser Vision. Amazing. I should have done it years before!

[Summerdayss21]

It was hands down The Best thing Ive ever spent money on.

[JLbaby]

They are now closed unfortunately, I just googled them! It was Advanced Vision Care.

[Binglebong]

I've had it done three times. Eyes go perfect then over months they over heal. Not as bad as they were (they were very bad pre first laser) but I wear glasses now if I'm tired or driving at night.

Beware of glare/starring as well - that can be a problem.

Worth doing but side effects are not as rare as you get told. I can't have anything else done now but if I could (and had the cash!) I'd go for lenses replacement now.

[Mrstwiddle]

I had this done 5 years ago, definitely worthwhile BUT like a previous poster mentioned it can cause night vision to become worse, I struggle driving in the dark now because of the glare.

[im5050]

I had it done over 10 years ago paid £2500 both eyes my prescription was 5.2 4.1 I think
It’s only recently I’ve started to wear glasses for driving at night

[Cookie79]

DH had it done in 2001 - lazik in one and the traditional prk in the other. It was at a clinic just on town hall square in Manchester.

Best thing he’s ever done for himself, he was really, really short sighted and forking out a fortune for daily lenses as the normal ones were resulting in a build up of protein.

His eyes are still great, no need for reading glasses yet and his night vision is fine - he works nights a bit so drives a lot in the dark. In fact his optician can’t believe he doesn’t need reading glasses yet given that he’s mid-forties and the length of time passed since he had it done.

[Binglebong]

Forgot to say - there are two types of op. One w where they cut the cornea and one where they scrape it. Can't remember names but if there is a choice go for the cut. The other hurts!

[Ineedtobecalm]

I think LASIK they cut and LASEK they scrape. Recovery from LASIK is quicker, but LASEK they can do sometimes if you're not suitable for LASIK.

Had LASIK 5 years ago at optimax with a similar prescription to yours OP. 3k for both eyes. Worth every penny. Had surgery Saturday lunchtime, could cook at 6 pm, back at work on Monday.

[Frankiemintz]

2155User - how did it go today?

I must admit, I’d like my eyes done too but I’m just too scared of the actual procedure!

[showgirl63]

Hope your consultation went well.
I had laser surgery nearly 30 years ago so was very early technology - was great and took me from -6 to needing no glasses for nearly 20 years. Then in last 10 years old age meant I became long and short sighted and was faffing around with bi-vocals.

Went for consultation and old laser technology had left me with mid-sharpen and scarred eyes, so just before lockdown I bit the bullet and had lens replacement surgery. Follow up appointments delayed due to Covid but now booked to have a bit of laser tweaking on one eye later this month

As pp said, there is a little bit of short term pain if they have to do the scraping, and I get a bit of halo effect on bright lights, but that is lessening and shouldn't be a major issue after 6 months.

The fact that I chose to go back for a second round of treatment is testimony to how much the first improved my life!