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Original poster

LASEK eye surgery

13 replies

Laurdo · 08/04/2023 17:04

So I went for a laser eye surgery consultation today that included 2 hours of scans and tests.

I was told that I may be suitable for the less common LASEK because of the shape of my cornea and due to having a history of retinal tears, there was a risk of further tears with LASIK because they use suction when creating the flap in the cornea. Apparently I'm borderline suitable and there's still a chance the surgeon won't recommend the surgery.

With LASEK, the recovery time is longer and I'll need at least a week off work. The optimist said my eyes were quite dry and I've been told to use eye drops for a month then go back. She said the LASEK surgery would likely make my eyes drier so I could end up having to use eyedrops every day after I have surgery. Essentially I could be switching using contacts daily to using eye drops daily. I'm now wondering if it's going to be worth it.

I wondered if anyone else has had LASEK and what their experience was and if they're glad they did it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Laurdo · 08/04/2023 17:07

Forgot to include my prescription is -8.25 so if the surgery is successful it will literally be life changing for me. I just need to weigh up the benefits and risks.

OP posts:
SeasonFinale · 08/04/2023 17:37

I had LASEK 19 years ago and they said the same to me. My prescriptions were -8.25 and -7.75. It was and remains lifechanging and the best money I ever spent. I have not had to use drops at all despite the same aarnibg.

SeasonFinale · 08/04/2023 17:38

*warning not that gobbledegook last word. After the op it was discomfort rather than paid and wearing sunglasses that week helped.

Original poster
Laurdo · 08/04/2023 17:43

SeasonFinale · 08/04/2023 17:37

I had LASEK 19 years ago and they said the same to me. My prescriptions were -8.25 and -7.75. It was and remains lifechanging and the best money I ever spent. I have not had to use drops at all despite the same aarnibg.

That's good to know. I obviously want to take all warnings seriously but I appreciate that they may be laying on thick to cover their backs.

OP posts:
SeasonFinale · 09/04/2023 03:07

I went with Ultralase back then as they rejected the most number of people with my prescription so I felt safer knowing they turned people away as unsuitable. It was an audit done by KPMG of the few that did it back then.

Phoebo · 09/04/2023 04:08

Everyone I know, including myself has thought it was brilliant. Go for it. Life changing!!

peppermintteagirl · 09/04/2023 04:43

I've been considering it recently too, but I don't know if I'd be eligible as I'm -10 and -10.5. I might start investigating.

Original poster
Laurdo · 09/04/2023 16:06

SeasonFinale · 09/04/2023 03:07

I went with Ultralase back then as they rejected the most number of people with my prescription so I felt safer knowing they turned people away as unsuitable. It was an audit done by KPMG of the few that did it back then.

It was optical express I went to. I'll need to do some research into other companies before I make a decision. The optometrist said the surgeon they have has done over 60k procedures so he'll be best to inform me whether or not I'm suitable and he won't do any surgeries if he doesn't think it's suitable.

OP posts:
whirlyhead · 09/04/2023 16:18

I’m -9 and my optician told me LASEK is pointless as I’d still need glasses/contacts. And your eyesight deteriorates again. I’m looking at the more expensive eye resurfacing procedure as your eye sight doesn’t deteriorate. It’s like cataract surgery but I think it’s about £7k.

I worked with a guy who had LASEK and he lost his night vision.

Original poster
Laurdo · 09/04/2023 18:35

whirlyhead · 09/04/2023 16:18

I’m -9 and my optician told me LASEK is pointless as I’d still need glasses/contacts. And your eyesight deteriorates again. I’m looking at the more expensive eye resurfacing procedure as your eye sight doesn’t deteriorate. It’s like cataract surgery but I think it’s about £7k.

I worked with a guy who had LASEK and he lost his night vision.

I've been quoted £5500 for the LASEK.

They did tell there was a chance I'd still need glasses afterwards, maybe around a -1 prescription. But for someone who can barely function in my own house without specs this would still be a vast improvement. I'd maybe just need to wear glasses for driving.

A lot to think about. Either way I'm going to have issues with my vision one way or another. Was hoping after wearing glasses since 3yo I'd be able to just enjoy normal vision, buy nope!

OP posts:
SeasonFinale · 09/04/2023 19:49

Yes I was told that 19 years ago and just now am -1 and have some glasses for driving only. Not even TV. Also they said it may accelerate need for reading glasses. Am 58 now and still don't need these either. Night vision is fine too.

Optical Express were one of the early ones too.

Yvonne9191 · 23/05/2023 20:49

Laurdo I was just wondering if you went ahead with this? I’m having it done tomorrow and I’m so anxious 😅

MrsSucculent · 23/05/2023 20:57

I had it in 2020. It was a long recovery and I needed eye drops for several months, maybe 18, afterwards. But now I don’t need them at all. Eyes are fine, healthy and vision is perfect. I 100% recommend having it done.
I also needed longer than a week off work. So be prepared for that.

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