Talk to me about laser eye surgery...

[Jammiedodged]

I’ve worn glasses full time since I was 5 and contacts since I was 15. Thinking about laser surgery as my eyes have started not to tolerate contact lenses, but it’s impossible find basic info online without giving out all my details.

Specifically; What is your prescription? I am a -9 in one eye and -7 in the other and not sure if this is too high.

How much did it cost? And most importantly was it worth it

Watching

I had it done about 6 years ago. My prescription was about -7/7.5 in both eyes. It cost me about £2500. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

9 years ago with -6, still have perfect vision. It was £2000 but paid for itself after 7 years given what I was spending on lenses. It’s amazing to open your eyes in the morning and see properly, I hadn’t experienced it since I was a small child.
The actual operation was quick and not as grim as you’d think, though they do offer valium. I did it on the Saturday didn’t take any time off work but afterwards I thought that I should have done it Friday pm and taken Monday off.

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been delighted.

However I was warned that when I became long sighted in middle age I’d permanently lose my ability to see close up. So currently I need reading glasses with my very strong contacts but without contacts I read just fine.
Also you can’t have a cataract op if that’s likely to be something you need in later life ( if you send most of your time outdoors).

So if you’re going to do it, the younger the better.

Have a consultation. London Vision Clinic are good, the -9 eye may not be suitable depending on the corneal thickness or curvature.

How old are you OP? Being quite myopic you'll get cataracts sooner anyway and the OP to sort them out will give you good vision in the distance afterwards.

Finally, have you seen your optometrist for a check up recently, there could be a reason for your eyes being unable to tolerate lenses and there may be another lens solution that works better.

Oh - and we can't give valium any more!

I had mine done 15 years ago. It was about £4000 then! I definitely don't regret it. I think I was about -6 with astigmatism, which was also corrected.

Now, I am a big wuss. I faint when I have injections. It was fine. Not al all painful just weird. The smell was the worst thing.

I have mixed views. Got it done first when I was 20(21 years ago). Prescription was -4. About 7 years later the sight in my right eye had disimproved so they redid it. 6 years later I has a detached retina in that eye, probably unrelated but they couldn't say for sure.

In the last 4 years my eyesight has disimproved again and I'm back wearing glasses. So for me, it wasn't worth it but I accept that I'm in the minority. Anyone else I know who have has it done (including my husband) have been really happy with the results.

I’m 31, I’m using monthlies after specsavers advised they were better for me a couple of years ago. I think they allow more oxygen than the dailies. I hate wearing glasses as I find I still can’t see eg can’t see my face in the mirror to do make up!

I also have a squint in my left eye which wasn’t picked up on when I was a child, but it’s not noticeable really with lenses/glasses. Not sure if this impacts eligibility

I was -8.0 and -7.5 and had mine done 15 years ago for about £2000. I take it for granted now, having perfect eyesight. It's the best money I ever spent. Truly life changing.

I'm starting to need reading glasses now, but that's not at all the same thing as not knowing who is sitting right next to you because they're just a blur!

Bout -5 in both eyes. Best thing IV ever done, most painful thing was paying for it. Will still need a reading glass when age dictates so currently wearing a 1 pound pair from Primark.

I've heard someone said that there's a new procedure that replaces the lense in your eye (I think)and basically corrects long and short-sightedness. Apparently it's like having young eyes again but u costs a fortune.

Has anybody heard of it?

I had mine done in 2004 and was -6.5 in one eye and -6 in other. I’m now 46 and still no problems with short or long distance vision. Best thing I’ve ever done. Had it done about midday. Stung like a bastard for a few hours but after a quick nap I was watching hollyoaks in bed thinking bloody hell why didn’t I do this sooner!

@underneaththeash

Oh - and we can't give valium any more!

Oh dear, why not?

Also watching this thread.

Mine were -8.5 IIRC. Had them done 15 years ago. So pleased. Never regretted it.

I now need glasses for computer and reading (as you'd expect at 50+) which is easy enough to correct.

Had it done 20 yrs ago at age 25, I was -4 in both eyes. Vision still perfect, best thing I ever did. I had it done by an ophthalmic surgeon.

I had it about eight years ago, it was a good result (from about -6.0 in each eye) but I’ve been left with a permanent need to use an ointment for dry eyes at night and I would find it hard to work in an air-conditioned office.

@underneaththeash why can’t they give Valium anymore?

Had it done at Moorfields in 2004, -5 (stable) prescription, procedure was very odd but quick and not painful. It was wonderful to be able to see but the effects only lasted a few years (4ish). My corrected vision isn't as good as it was pre LASIK.

Watching. I’m -8 and -8.5 with a bit of astigmatism thrown in too.

Put off by possibility of side effects and the results not lasting... I am putting it off as long as possible on the presumption that they get better at it as time goes by?!

Had it done a few months ago! Would highly recommend. Mine was in the region of 2000 pounds, I was quite short sighted before but now my vision is so perfect it feels like a super power! The procedure doesn’t hurt but isn’t pleasant, it’s more the 24 hours or so after that they sting/water - you need to be meticulous with the drops. But it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made. Happy to answer questions?

My husband had it done in his late 20s and is delighted with it. He is early 40s now and has been free of glasses and contacts all that time. I'm 35 and only just got round to thinking about it so probably won't bother as I don't mind my contacts but my DH often encourages me to have it done!

I got mine done Jan 2020 for around £4.5k.
I think I was -2... or something... I honestly can't remember! Which is terrible.

Best money I've ever spent. If I need to pay £4K again in 5-10 years time I'd do it in a heartbeat!

I take it for granted now but I'll never forget the feeling of the first week of waking up and remembering I didn't have to scramble around for my glasses to see what was going on!

I paid £2-3K 13 years ago. Popped in for my pre-op consultation during my lunch break, went back for the surgery after work, took it easy over the weekend and back to normal on the Monday. It was good having it done later in the day as by the time I was home it wasn't long before I was ready to sleep, so I didn't have to sit around unable to see or do anything. Best money I ever spent, worth every penny. I had been -5.75 and -6.25. I personally think that the higher your prescription the more you will appreciate the difference. I will never forget the moment I woke up in the early hours of the morning and could see. I'm getting close to the age of needing reading glasses now but I'm still good for the moment.
Go for a consultation to find out if you're suitable, you've nothing to lose and you'll be able to make an informed decision.