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Original poster

Laser eye surgery

33 replies

Cakefairy1978 · 31/07/2018 14:04

I hate glasses and lenses make me feel weird. Has anyone had laser surgery? I've read some awful reviews and it worries me. I'm 40 this year

OP posts:
Yogagirl123 · 31/07/2018 14:14

I had laser eye surgery 10 years ago, the best thing I ever did, should have had it done years ago.

The op went well, I had both eyes done at the same time, recovery was fine no pain, eye drops for around a week or so if I remember rightly.

In my experience, everyone will try to put you off it, of course these people have never worn glasses and just don’t understand how awful it is to have such poor vision without correction.

You could have a consultation to see if it’s possible to correct your vision with laser treatment, I know it’s not suitable for everyone.

babycakes1010 · 31/07/2018 14:19

I had it done just over a year ago and wish I had done it years ago! Had both eyes done same time and had to use drops for a couple of weeks.
Would definitely recommend going for a consultation to see if you are suitable.
I was short sighted and couldn't believe the difference it's made.

Sarahlou63 · 31/07/2018 14:24

Had it done 14 years ago at your age and sight is still perfect (well, reading glasses are useful but at almost 55 that's to be expected!). Go for it!

Hallouminati · 31/07/2018 14:36

I had it done 14 years ago and was so pleased with the results. I had a consultation first then went back for the procedure - both eyes at the same time. It corrected my short sightedness but I was told that I may still need to wear reading glasses when I reach mid 40s. It's worth going for a consultation to see if you're suitable first and if so, then you can weigh up the pros and cons. Some people have reported dry eyes and problems with night vision so there are risks involved, but you can discuss this at the consultation.

DoreenGray · 01/08/2018 20:14

I had LASEK surgery 10 years ago when I was 36, and I have never regretted it. My eye-sight was incredibly poor with the complication of astigmatism, so during the brief time I wore contact lens, the lens were not strong enough to match my tricky prescription.
It's easily the best thing I have ever spent considerable money on and I'd not hesitate to recommend it. I went with Optical Express and could not fault the service before, during or after the surgery.
I had both eyes corrected at the same time, my astigmatism was corrected as well as my short-sightedness, a mere 19 seconds for my 'good' eye, and 42 seconds for my 'bad' eye. After my follow-up appointment the next day I was able to drive home. I used eye-drops for a few weeks, but no other intervention was required. Even now, at 46, my eye-sight is spot on!
Do it, do it, do it!!!

Laska5772 · 01/08/2018 20:21

I had it over 20 years ago. Just the one eye as that was all that was needed (one was really bad, and perfect sight in the other ) . It wasnt any worse than going to the dentist ( better in fact ) . no pain at all , eye felt a bit 'scratched' for a week or so after

I now do wear reading glasses (but I am 60! ) and they are very weak ones.. but still dont need any other glasses at all. .

Laska5772 · 01/08/2018 20:24

I went to the Centre for Sight at East Grinstead surgeon was Mr Daya. I cant recommend him enough..

Somewhereoverthesanddune · 01/08/2018 20:26

I had it done a month ago and I can't recommend it more.

I'm a wuss with pain and I'd genuinely describe it as uncomfortable (rather than painful) for a few hours afterwards. I drive the kids to school the next morning!

Spongeface · 01/08/2018 20:27

Yes yes! Two months ago and I love it! Have to change your mindset after- so carefree! Do it!

OohOohMrPeevly · 01/08/2018 20:45

Sorry to hijack but has anyone had this done for long sightedness?

SnowOnTheSeine · 01/08/2018 20:51

I did it 11 years ago. Was fantastic.

Ten years later I lost a bit of sight. I wear glasses to work on the computer but that is all.

DH had it done 15 years ago and his eyesight is perfect still

crumbseverywhere · 02/08/2018 14:40

I'm also thinking about this but I already have dry eyes. Is dry eyes mentioned as a potential side effect/contraindication?

Loonoon · 02/08/2018 17:11

I was too short sighted for Laser or LASIK but I had lens implants, pretty much cataract surgery but with prescription lenses inserted. It’s a more expensive procedure than the other two but it lasts forever - there is no age related deterioration. I had multifocal lenses so I now have perfect distance and close up vision and as they are custom made they could also correct my astigmatism.

The surgeon was Simon Levy

YukonGold · 02/08/2018 17:33

I had it done 10 years ago, best money I’ve spent and I wish I’d done it years earlier!

Somewhereoverthesanddune · 03/08/2018 21:55

Dry eyes can mean it's not possible and dry eyes is one of the common side effects.

I had a high prescription (11 in one eye) and got lucky with thick corneas!

shaggedthruahedgebackwards · 03/08/2018 22:00

I had it done in 2006 (was previously shortsighted and also had an astigmatism)

No complications and I would recommend it but 6 months ago I have had to start wearing glasses/lenses again as sight has gradually deteriorated again (shortsighted again)

I was told that my distance vision had been corrected but near vision would go at some point but this has not happened as my near vision is still excellent (age 44)

Im still glad I did it though as had over 11 years without glasses or contact lenses

XingMing · 04/08/2018 20:12

Hypermellose drops are good for dry eyes.

Notfootball · 04/08/2018 22:22

I’m mid forties and thinking about this after the holiday/swimming with contacts thread.

Was anyone as short sighted as -9 and had lazer surgery?

thethoughtfox · 04/08/2018 22:25

Changed my life and my eyesight wasn't even very bad. At least once a week I look at a streetlight or view out of the window and feel a thrill at how crisp everything looks.

TheGoldenWolfFleece · 04/08/2018 22:27

I had this done 7 years ago and my eyes have now deteriorated to the point that im now wearing glasses again. A relative of mine had it done at the same time and theirs deteriorated after only 6 years and they now wear glasses pretty much full time again. Having visited the opticians recently they said that they see quite a lot of people whose eyes have deteriorated within 10 years of having it done regardless of their age. I had it done in my early 20s so I should have had almost 20 years of no glasses going by what the company that carried out the surgery said. I've also had problems with halos while driving at night and dry eyes for the entire 8 years. It was worth doing in my case but be warned its not always a perfect solution.

pippety · 04/08/2018 22:47

I almost went through with it but was put off by the number of people I read about online reporting permanent dry eye following surgery. When I raised my concerns about this with the major London eye hospital where I was planning to have it done, I was fobbed off and told I’d “just” need to use eye drops every day for the rest of my life if that happened. On balance for me it was just too big a risk to take (even though my eyesight is fucking terrible and I hate wearing glasses!)

littleredlipstick · 05/08/2018 11:19

I had this done last week at 44 years of age I wish I had it done years ago not suffered with dry eyes yet and I work on computers daily.

AuntyJackiesBrothersSistersBoy · 05/08/2018 12:06

LooNoon I have an 18 yr old son who has worn glasses since he was 4. He now flatly refuses to wear them after years of bullying at school. He thinks he looks better without his glasses. He 18 so, I cannot MAKE him wear them. He’s squinting all the time and has problems at College all because he WILL NOT wear his glasses. We’ve had trendy ones, Raybans, Armani. They all get “lost” 😐. Do you think he might be a candidate for what you hadn’t done?

Sorry to hijack OP.

Missillusioned · 05/08/2018 12:12

At 18 he's probably too young, as his eyesight won't have stabilised. Contact lenses could be a solution?

Belindabauer · 05/08/2018 12:15

I had it done and have perfect vision.
I will need reading glasses but that down to age.
If anything my eyes are less sensitive and don't run in bright light !like they use to.