Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Is Laser Eye really the best thing you ever did?

80 replies

charliebear78 · 09/12/2017 17:37

I have been wearing contacts for over 15 years and never had any problems-however these last few months I am finding the lense very uncomfortable in my left eye only!
I have been back and forth-trying different lenses and having my eyes checked-The Optician couldn't see any problems and now have basically said they can't offer any more lenses to try and I feel like they have washed their hands of me.
I am still in discomfort on and off with my eye
I HATE wearing my glasses.
Anyway because of this and the fact I do have the money I am seriously considering Laser Eye Surgery.
I am a little concerned-I have read the horror stories!
I watched a short video also and the procedure however quick looks barbaric.
So! Please reassure me it really is the best thing you ever did!
Thanks

OP posts:
anothersuitcase · 09/12/2017 20:56

Op I had the op because I had become intolerant to contact lenses after years of use. I had dry eyes, they were sore and one was often weeping a little. Has your opthamologist discussed this with you? I was given lots of different lenses, eventually high water daily's to wear for just six hours and even these I couldn't tolerate after a few months

notapizzaeater · 09/12/2017 20:59

I’m 22years in, had it when it was in its infancy - never regretted it, hacked off now though as ‘old age’ has started happening and need glasses for reading, still have 20:20long distance. Tried bi focal contacts and even though the top was clear I couldn’t focus as well

LastGirlOnTheLeft · 09/12/2017 21:10

Ah I think I would pass!! I don't mind wearing lenses (my blue lenses make my blue eyes so sparkly people have told me they can't take THEIR eyes off MY eyes🤣👀).

But more than that I am so used to shite eyesight I honestly think I would miss that part of me if it were gone. I kind of like my wee routine of contacts and stuff!! 😊

Mehfruittea · 09/12/2017 21:13

Yes. If I had to choose between laser eyes and my boob job, I’d go for the eyes every time! Not sure my husband would agree! Grin

sweetkitty · 09/12/2017 21:14

Definitely yes! Had mine 14 years ago cost 2K fantastic

Mehfruittea · 09/12/2017 21:14

I’m fact, I don’t think he even looks at my eyes...Hmm

sweetkitty · 09/12/2017 21:17

Also wasn't painful at all, the worst but was the smell would rather go through it again that have a tooth out. That night my vision was grainy next morning I had 20/20 vision it was like a miracle

Tw1nkle17 · 09/12/2017 21:22

I had mine done at 21 and whilst it was the most painful thing ever, I didn't regret it one bit until now 7 years later I need glasses again. My numbers were pretty high and they are not as bad now but I'm disappointed that i only lasted 7 years without no need for glasses

My brother had his done younger think he was around 19/20 and he has had a lot of issues with dry eyes

In all honesty, whilst I'm disappointed that I need glasses I don't regret it. It was worth it especially when I was a sleep deprived mum with a newborn getting up in the middle of the night without rummaging around for my specs!

LastGirlOnTheLeft · 09/12/2017 21:27

I've thought of another reason why I definitely don't want it. I am extremely short sighted - that means i cannot see the length of me BUT it also means I have exceptional vision up close!! For example, my mum gets an eyelash growing beside her tear duct that irritates her eye - I can see it so clearly I pluck it out no bother at all!!

I can't read now because of long sightedness but when I whip off my specs I can see EVERYTHING!!!

LastGirlOnTheLeft · 09/12/2017 21:29

Sorry everyone - just realized I was using this thread to think out loud!!!! Sheeran eat your heart out!!😊

roundaboutthetown · 09/12/2017 22:54

It depends how thick your cornea is to start with as there is a safety limit on how thin your cornea can end up after surgery, but I was told it is technically possible to treat eyes up to a -12 prescription with Lasik if you are short sighted. I was also told it has a higher success rate in people in their late 20s and 30s than in very young people - partly because the prescription will genuinely be more stable by then but also, apparently, because your eyes have been more exposed to UV light by that age, making the cornea slightly less flexible and thus more likely to react predictably to surgery. I had my eyes done over 10 years ago now and have never regretted it. My vision is better now than it was with glasses or contact lenses and it's lovely being able to wear normal sunglasses and never having glasses steam up or get knocked off my face so that I can't see them to pick up again, and having contact lenses used to make my eyes feel dry and sore. So, no regrets here. Yes, there can be complications and I would carefully research where to have the procedure done and by whom, but most people are happy with the results. Some people are not suitable candidates for the procedure in the first place, which is why you want someone good doing the tests and operation, and want the most up to date, accurate equipment, because complications are hugely more likely if you shouldn't really have been allowed to go through with it in the first place!!

hidengosqueak · 09/12/2017 23:12

I had mine done in 2013, vision is mainly great but I suffer with severe dry eye now and after a year of trying to sort the problem the clinic washed their hands of it. So I spend £30 a month on eye gels and drops, night driving is also an issue so no I wouldn't have it done again however I'm aware I am the exception.
As a side note I had Laserk as my pupils were big and that carries more risk. I also had it done in a high street place which my friends all had theirs done on Harley street with no issues, so I would say a better quality place is better

LittleCandle · 09/12/2017 23:21

I had mine done 2 years ago and it was great. A bit sore a few days after and blurry for a few days after the initial clearness, but in about a week, everything was perfect and my sight is great. I do need reading glasses, but I knew I would - I was wearing varifocals before hand.

The discomfort varies a bit depending on which type of surgery you get. A friend got Lasik and had no pain, no blurriness. I had to have Lasek because of my astigmatism and had some pain. Another friend also had Lasek and also had pain. However, I think it is totally worth it! I do have slightly dry eyes in the morning, but that is it.

Original poster
charliebear78 · 10/12/2017 09:15

Thanks it does seem that for you all it has been worth it, even if some of you needed glasses soon after.
underthelash Surely any problems with my eye would be found on consultation? As I said my Optician can not find anything and now seems uninterested.
The company I am thinking of using is based in a Hospital and is called Optegra.

OP posts:
shaggedthruahedgebackwards · 10/12/2017 09:19

I had mine done 11 years ago and it was certainly one of the best things I've ever done yes.

I was told that at some point I will probably need reading glasses but that times hasn't come yet (I'm 43).

Kr1st1na · 10/12/2017 09:25

My husband had it done and it didn’t work properly . He had to have another 5 operations to fix it - they would only do one eye at a time.

He lost a lot of money in having to take time off work to recover after 6 operations.

And he still has to wear glasses for reading.

EBearhug · 10/12/2017 09:41

I’m 22years in, had it when it was in its infancy - never regretted it, hacked off now though as ‘old age’ has started happening and need glasses for reading, still have 20:20long distance.

This, except I'm about 18 years in. They always said I'd need reading glasses when older, though, and that never bothered me (except for falling asleep while reading and glasses digging into the side of my nose.)

I got them done (Lasik) for being outside - walking and cycling in the rain, and swimming in the sea. It was very exciting, the first time I went in the pool and could see everything down the other end, and even more exciting, swimming at Bournemouth and being able to see everything from the Needles to Old Harry Rocks. And my bag on the beach.

I did quite a bit of research before getting them done, so was aware of possible side effects and that my eyes might not be suitable. You need to have had a stable prescription for some time.

I don't regret it at all. I haven't had haloing or dry eyes or anything like that, and I've done things I'd have never done if I hadn't had them zapped, like white-water rafting (I have no intention of ever doing that again, mind you, but that's nothing to do with my sight!)

It wasn't painful at all - the most uncomfortable bit was having my eyelids clamped open, but that's all it was - a bit uncomfortable.

villainousbroodmare · 10/12/2017 09:47

14 years ago. Was -8 and -9. Still perfect vision but minor dry eye. Comfortable procedure and crystal vision the next day. Best thing ever but don't go cheap!

Original poster
charliebear78 · 10/12/2017 09:57

My prescription is -5 so shouldn't be a problem.
I am 39.
I am worried about dry eye afterwards but I presume these risks are explained and some people will be more prone than others?!
Think I am going to book a consultation for the New Year.
Not looking forward to having to wear my glasses for a week prior.

OP posts:
CauliflowerSqueeze · 10/12/2017 13:29

I had it done at Moorfields eye hospital.

Don’t go to optical express or some random high street place. You can’t fuck about with your eyes. You can’t get spare eyes.

MikeUniformMike · 10/12/2017 13:36

Which optician do you go to? If it is a chain, you might be better seeing an independent optician.
Contact lenses vary in terms of comfort.
There may be an upper age limit for the eye op. Friend who had it done decades ago said at 40+ I was too old.

BellsaRinging · 10/12/2017 13:46

I had it don last year-am in my early forties and was -5. I honestly wish I had had it done years ago. I don't think people who haven't had to be reliant on glasses/contacts to function ever get just how life changing it is-just amazing!

Tw1nkle17 · 10/12/2017 14:06

I had mine done at optical express Shock no wonder I need glasses now

OhOfCourse · 10/12/2017 14:17

Sorry to hijack your thread OP but I'm considering the same. Can anyone recommend a supplier (don't know what to call them!) in London?

hidengosqueak · 10/12/2017 14:30

I will add if I was doing it again I would wait till I was mid 40's and have the lens implant as that would sort distance and reading.