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Original poster

Thinking of laser eye surgery - anyone had it?

31 replies

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 17:58

It's getting so cheap now and my eyes are so bad I think I will soon take the plunge but obviously feel a little vary as, afterall... it's the eyes - one thing you shouldn't mess with... Anyone has any experience, advice or whatever related - I'm willing to hear it! Thanks

P.S. Will probably go for Optical Express

OP posts:

helsi · 22/01/2006 17:59

My friend had it done about 2 years ago and she said it was unconfortable but not too painful but it was the best thing she has ever done.

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 19:00

Yeah, I'm not very big on pain - especially around eyes - I've seen it done on TV and it looks pretty quick but also pretty gruesome (smoke coming out of the eyes as they burn...!?). I still want to do it though as my glasses are getting to me - such a pain in the backside.

OP posts:

helsi · 22/01/2006 19:08

TBH my friend is the most unbrave person I know. she said she hardly felt anything. Sight was blurred and a bit of eye strain type headache for a day or so but she said nnothing she couldn't cope with and the results were fantastic.

misdee · 22/01/2006 19:09

friend had hers donwe last year. she said it was brilliant. she had a really dtrong perscription before, but now has fab eyesight and has ditched her glasses.

Earlybird · 22/01/2006 19:24

In addition to responses here, suggest you search archives as there have been many threads about this in the past.

I've had it done, and have definitely benefited. However, there was a downside for me.....described in full on other threads.

blueteddy · 22/01/2006 19:39

Message withdrawn

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 19:39

more i think about it, more i can't wait - i hate being so dependent on my glasses i can't wait to ditch them for good.

OP posts:

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 19:40

how quickly after the op can you see?

OP posts:

Hulababy · 22/01/2006 19:44

I really fancy it too. Fed up of my contact lenses - they dry my eyes out. Trying to convince DH, who is a bit nervy of it to be honest. He has had a couple of eye surgeons as clients and both wore glasses, and said they wouldn't have it - they didn't expand though. Wish I had been there to quiz them. I have heard such rave reviews from those who does have it done. I would love to wake up and be able to see!

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 20:29

yeah, i'm useless without my specs - i can't even recognise my own dh and dd without them!

OP posts:

kid · 22/01/2006 20:34

I'd love to have it done, but I'm just too much of a wimp! If they could put me to sleep while they did it I would reconsider.

My friend had it done, she said it didn't hurt but thought it was a little bit uncomfortable when they put the clamp on her eyelids. That was enough to put me off.

She is glad she had it done though, the only problem she experiences now is the glare of car headlights.

Hayls · 22/01/2006 20:37

I had mine done 3 months ago and I'm glad I did it. It was uncomfortable, yes and I was very nervous. My eyes streamed for several hours afterwards. I could see fairly well within a day or so but it took a good month or so for my vision to settle. Only probs I have is dry eyes- I still have to use artificial tears a few times a day but I was warned that might happen- and a slight 'glare' round light at night time. I think these are still correcting themselves and tbh they don't affect my vision. There are risks involved but you need to weight them up and make a decision- I was so deperate to get rid of glasses I went for it.

Be warned though- the prices quoted are 'from' prices. If your vision is very poor (like mine was) it could be double the advert price... I wish I@d known the price before the consultation then I might not have gone and saved the money!

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 20:37

oh yeah, just remembered the eye clamps - they look horific - your eyeball pretty much looks like its gonna pop out! Brrrr

OP posts:

Hayls · 22/01/2006 20:37

Oh yes, and you DO smell the laser burning your eye...
If you have it done do not sniff

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 20:44

I have a permanent runny nose due to my all year hayfever so hopefully smell won't be an issue...
What are the risks that are likely to happen? Can I go blind?

OP posts:

skerriesmum · 22/01/2006 20:46

I've heard as many arguments for as against. Some love it, some have had side effects like not being able to drive at night. Also, it doesn't mean you'll never wear glasses again, your vision will still deteriorate over time.
I personally don't think wearing glasses is a big sacrifice and I am quite nearsighted.
Try this link for more info, it's Irish but the procedure is the same everywhere:
www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=4220

blueteddy · 22/01/2006 20:52

Message withdrawn

Original poster

MrsWood · 22/01/2006 23:14

will they deteriorate because of old age naturally or some kind of wearing off when you have to do it again?

OP posts:

skerriesmum · 22/01/2006 23:54

I think it's a natural thing but they don't recommend having the surgery twice!

Hayls · 23/01/2006 08:48

THey can do an enhancement if your vision isn't correct after 3 months but persoanlly if my vision wasn't good enough after that time there's no way I would have had it done again.

There are lots of conditions that can occur but I weighed thema ll up and went for it. Optical Express do a free consultation and they give you loads of information on risks and benefits. It's not really biased actually so I was confident I had correct info. They also direct you to a website (sorry can't remember it) thatis totally impartial and very useful.
HTH

blueteddy · 23/01/2006 09:04

Message withdrawn

Hayls · 23/01/2006 09:07

Mine was 700 per eye

blueteddy · 23/01/2006 09:10

Message withdrawn

Hayls · 23/01/2006 10:32

It does depend on how bad your eyes are. I know someone who had it done for 500 per eye from the same place. THink it takes other factors like the shape of your eye etc into account as well. Obviously I have weird eyes!

Don't be put off MrsWood- my vision is amazing now and I don't know how I coped with glasses for so long.

Hayls · 23/01/2006 10:33

Oh and my vision was about -4 and -6... I think

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