Laser eye surgery

[FridayFrida]

I went to Optegra in Manchester, and got pushed towards the Smile treatment- newer procedure and less healing time etc. My Mum had lens replacement / laser eye in the optegra clinic in Leeds and raved about it so thought I’d have a go. I’m short sighted in both eyes -3.00 and wear lenses and was mid 20s at the time. Clinic wait times were always horrendous, spent ages waiting and it was always fully packed with lots of old people. When I had the surgery the machine lost suction on one of my eyes and the surgery had to be abandoned. The surgeon basically stropped out the theatre and the nurses had to try explain what had happened. The surgeon then disappeared for half an hour whilst I was left in waiting room wanting to know if I’d be able to see again out of that eye. I can laugh about it now, but it was awful at the time. My Mum was with me and was horrified that she’d advised me to go for it! They weren’t able to proceed further and I’m now only eligible for full lens replacement eye surgery in the future but cba with having to take so long off work etc. I got to see a full video of the procedure happening on my eye afterwards and where the suction slipped- great to show to squeamish friends and fam , and it is apparently in a medical journal / study now I do know other family members and friends who have had it and said it’s the best thing they’ve done.

 

[Resting Rage Face]

-16 in one eye, and -14 in the other, so if I go for it, it's going to be pricy! I believe the only way I could have it done would be via PRK.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

I had it done February 2019 at optical express. I think my eyes were around -4.5 and -4. The year before I’d gone to optimax who told me to wait as my eyes where still changing. So I’m 2019 I went to somewhere local it wasn’t a large company, it was one surgeon in a hospital and he examined me and said I could have it, I told him what optimax said and he said it’s fine but then he was having his suite redone so was a long wait. As I was concerned about having it done too early I also went to optical express for a second opinion and told them the same thing. They said it was fine so I ended up booking with them.
It was super quick I think it was lasik I had, go into the room and they put eye drops in. Wait a little while for them to work and then they put some equipment to keep your eye open. Then they spun me to one machine where they cut the flap into my eye and lifted it, goes all black then spun to the laser, it was about 30 seconds and they count down at the end. Then spun back to the first machine and they put the flap down and some liquid stuff over it was like a window wiper. Then I could see, repeat with the other eye.
I would definitely recommend taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen straight after. I was getting the train home, and the anaesthetic drops started to wear off on the train and it was very painful and my eyes watered a lot. I probably looked very strange with sunglasses on and tears pouring out. I had only took paracetamol but had to take ibuprofen once home as I couldn’t sleep without due to the pain. You are meant to sleep for a few hours after, they give you glasses to prevent you rubbing your eyes. But once I woke up from that nap I could barely feel anything just felt in one eye like there was something in it slightly. The next day they both felt fine, went for the post op check and everything was fine - I took sunglasses but didn’t really need them but there was a young boxer who had it done at the same time and he was there for his check up, had his hood up, sunglasses on and was being guided by his mum . One thing to be aware of they do the checks post op one included the pressure check which was blowing air into your eye - someone was complaining about this. But my mum had the contact lens implants and the pressure checks were very important for her so I assume it’s the same for laser.
I had took 2weeks off work (work with animals so didn’t want to risk hair getting in) but I could’ve gone back sooner. You have drops to put in I think it was 4 times a day. Also pre op due to my job they gave me antibiotics to use just incase.
I went to I think 3months, 6month and 12month check. My eyesight started to get worse I think at around 6months but the guy wasn’t bothered. At 12months I ended up going to a different location and the woman seemed better. She said I needed a top up (which they say before the initial surgery could be needed). I had to go through a week of using eye drops to see if it was just dry eye causing the issue. But they didn’t help so I had my second lasik surgery in April 2020 the week before lockdown (luckily).
The second surgery was easier as they didn’t need to cut the flaps again - the worst part being because they were using the same flaps he put anaesthetic drops in and drew around the flaps on my eyes, one eye the drops didn’t work so it was painful he kept adding more but it didn’t help until the third attempt. Anyway same procedure without the flap cutting. The recovery was even easier, I took both paracetamol and ibuprofen straight after and I didn’t have any pain at any point.
A year and a bit later my eyesight is great. I mean it might not be 20/20 but I’m 100% happy with it. I can see tree branches and leaves now and not just blobs of green that is one of the main things I noticed. I only went to the one day post op check second time around due to covid the later one was on the phone and I got signed off.
I do suffer with dry eye still but it’s usually just in mornings so a few drops and I’m fine.
One annoying thing though, I had this so I don’t have to wear glasses but because of covid we have to wear safety glasses at work!
This is a long post but I thought I’d share my experience as I had to have it twice. I was 22 when I had it and I am still scared it won’t last long, but I think I’d rather be glasses free now than when I’m older even if that’s in 5years (hopefully it lasts that long at least!). It was about 5k for the first one and the second was free as it was within a year that it was needed to be done again.

 

[sparklesinwonderland]

I had mine done three years ago when my insurance (in the US) covered 85% of it. I was so surprised that much of it was covered! What I ended up paying out of pocket was so reasonable, and my contract has a lifetime guarantee for revision if needed. All pre and post op appointments included.

I had astigmatism in both eyes, and was far sighted in one eye and near in the other. There’s no recovery time really. They send you home with sleeping pills (or mine did!) and taped on goggles, so you just sleep and go back the next day. If it checks out OK, goggles come off, you wear sunglasses home and your vision is set! I was 20/20 the next day and have been ever since.

I did have some allergy dry eye before and it did get worse after, I now do twice daily prescription drops. Not a big deal to me, it’s still worth it, as I couldn’t wear contacts.

Still, there CAN be side effects like that. I definitely recommend going for the absolute newest lasers and clinics with the best reviews. Do NOT just go for a discount place with Groupons of whatever. Go for multiple consults. It’s worth the time to research!

 

[Lac1985]

I had laser eye surgery with Optical Express in April this year - I would definitely recommend them! The whole process from enquiry to after care was great, and I’m so glad I had it done.
I still can’t get over how quick the surgery was, it must have been about a minute on each eye.
Absolutely no pain during the surgery at all, but I have to say, it wasn’t very pleasant (I am squeamish and go a bit funny even when talking about surgery/blood etc ) but it was bearable as it was so quick. They said to allow about 4 hours for the whole process (you have a series of mini appointments with various people) but I was in and out in 1.5 hours. They even called me in the morning and asked if I wanted to come in as soon as I could, rather than wait for my afternoon appointment.
My partner drove me home - we had an hours drive home, and it was horrible, definitely the worst bit! Very painful, like sand/glass in your eyes, I couldn’t open my eyes even if I had wanted to and they streamed all the way home. The medicated after care eye drops provided almost instant relief and within a few hours I could actually see without glasses, it was incredible! The pain also went within a few hours too, which I wasn’t expecting. I felt pretty much fine the next day, except for sun sensitive eyes.
Three months on and I am suffering with dry eyes and using drops constantly. They said this could be expected for a while but it also could be a permanent side effect - I’m really hoping it’ll go away as using drops all day is quite annoying, and they do get quite painful in the evening if I haven’t used enough drops. I guess only time will tell, but for now, dry eyes has been worth it!

 

[Theyallneedarealitycheck]

I am very tempted but I've been slightly put off. My dad had his cataract done earlier this year. St the pre-op they ask if you've had laser eye surgery and if so they can't treat the cataract.

 

[Baabaablacksheep]

I had it two years ago - was very short sighted like you. Best thing I’ve ever ever done - it’s not cheap but well worth it. I went through optical express and I thoroughly recommend it. Any questions feel free to ask x

 

[Thelmachops]

I had mine done years ago, am short sighted, best thing I did! Vision is still perfect now, but my eyes are more sensitive to sunlight..

Paid it back monthly, so was he same price I had been paying for my lenses..

Best advice I can give is make sure someone takes you home straight after and wear sunglasses...go to bed when you get home and try and sleep..I felt so much better for it and my eyes felt less gritty..I also watched TV with my sunglasses on for a day or two!

 

[User name taken]

I'm very short sighted and have been wearing contact lenses for about 30 years. I have glasses but even with thinned lenses they still look thick so only wear them at home. Has anyone had laser eye surgery, how long does it take? Does the healing take a long time? How do you not move your eyes Any info would be great, thank you.

 

[Begborrowsteal]

-16 in one eye, and -14 in the other, so if I go for it, it's going to be pricy! I believe the only way I could have it done would be via PRK.

Mine are only -2.5/-2.25 and i cannot cope without my glasses. Wow, bless you!

 

[User name taken]

When I went to the Manchester optical express I think it was just for a consultation they were running really behind. I think I waited an hour and a half or so after my appointment time we had to leave before I was seen as we had somewhere else to be. I saw an assistant for some tests but didn’t actually see the optician.
Was probably just that day was a bad day. I ended up going to the Chester and Liverpool clinic after but mainly because they were easier for me to get to as we only went the Manchester one first since we were going somewhere else that day in Manchester.

Yeah, I had a look at optical express in Manchester, I think there were two places and like you mentioned most of the reviews were about them being behind and getting people in and straight out before the next person. So I've gone with Laser Vision at the Manchester eye hospital. It's a bit more expensive than Optical Express but the only bad reviews I could find was about the parking at the hospital.

 

[Moolo]

I had it done about 9 years ago now - I was really short sighted, -7.5 and -8.25 and astigmatism in both eyes! I'm now 20/20 in one eye and -0.25 in the other.

The actual surgery itself was so easy - was really quick and a very strange experience but no pain apart from a bit of pressure and a weird feeling. I also felt like I was blinking the entire time even though my eyes were open!

Did have some dry eyes for a little while but nothing I couldn't handle - find it reoccurs once/twice a year as the season changes now but again it's not a huge problem though can be a little annoying.

Don't regret it at all - went from blind as a bat with expensive glasses and even more expensive contacts to nothing (I do now have a pair of glasses as my astigmatism came back but it's very slight so I never need to wear them).

As your prescription quite strong, it might be worth just looking around first - I went to the London Vision Clinic for mine and they were so thorough and really good - very expensive but did it on finance and worth every penny tbh!

 

[Mavis Cruet]

Thank you everyone for your replies, it's very helpful I have been thinking about doing it for years but have never gone for the final push. My main worry was someone telling me to keep my eye still and I know my brain will tell me 'move your eyes, move your eyes' also the healing afterwards sounds quick. I am -6.5 in my left eye and -8.00 in my right so was worried whether that would be too short sighted.

I think you should go for a free consultation and see what they say. No obligation whatsoever. And no worries about your eyes moving; they can’t under the clamp. There are much newer procedures for severe short-sightedness and I have colleagues that rave about them.

 

[User name taken]

Thank you for that @Former_Antelopee it's good to know it went well for you the second time round and to know what can happen, a few people have mentioned Optical Express so I might follow that one up.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

I had laser eye surgery with Optical Express in April this year - I would definitely recommend them! The whole process from enquiry to after care was great, and I’m so glad I had it done.
I still can’t get over how quick the surgery was, it must have been about a minute on each eye.
Absolutely no pain during the surgery at all, but I have to say, it wasn’t very pleasant (I am squeamish and go a bit funny even when talking about surgery/blood etc ) but it was bearable as it was so quick. They said to allow about 4 hours for the whole process (you have a series of mini appointments with various people) but I was in and out in 1.5 hours. They even called me in the morning and asked if I wanted to come in as soon as I could, rather than wait for my afternoon appointment.
My partner drove me home - we had an hours drive home, and it was horrible, definitely the worst bit! Very painful, like sand/glass in your eyes, I couldn’t open my eyes even if I had wanted to and they streamed all the way home. The medicated after care eye drops provided almost instant relief and within a few hours I could actually see without glasses, it was incredible! The pain also went within a few hours too, which I wasn’t expecting. I felt pretty much fine the next day, except for sun sensitive eyes.
Three months on and I am suffering with dry eyes and using drops constantly. They said this could be expected for a while but it also could be a permanent side effect - I’m really hoping it’ll go away as using drops all day is quite annoying, and they do get quite painful in the evening if I haven’t used enough drops. I guess only time will tell, but for now, dry eyes has been worth it!

Have you tried taking flaxseed supplements it’s meant to help with dry eye. I used it for a bit and it did seem to help and so did my mum. Also hot eye compresses they seemed to help a lot, just not sure how long after you should wait to use them.

 

[User name taken]

I think you should go for a free consultation and see what they say. No obligation whatsoever. And no worries about your eyes moving; they can’t under the clamp. There are much newer procedures for severe short-sightedness and I have colleagues that rave about them.

By the way, love your user name and picture, that's a blast from the past!

 

[Polkadot123]

Glad I found this thread. Really useful.
I am considering getting it done
I'm 29 and -6.5 in both eyes, and astigmatism wear contacts all day and have glasses just in case.

I am just fed up really and thought I can't keep doing this. Been thinking about laser eye surgery surgery awhile so think I am going to get a consult booked with optical express.

Everyone I have spoken to says it's the best thing they ever did.

 

[Mavis Cruet]

I'm very short sighted and have been wearing contact lenses for about 30 years. I have glasses but even with thinned lenses they still look thick so only wear them at home. Has anyone had laser eye surgery, how long does it take? Does the healing take a long time? How do you not move your eyes Any info would be great, thank you.

I had Lasik in 2003 when it was very new. My prescription was -2.50 in both eyes and I got fed up with split contact lenses. It was a very quick procedure, which whilst not pleasant, was bearable. Do you know how they do this type of treatment? The aftercare was pretty shit, but to be expected. Sadly, it only lasted 10 years (at the time they said expect 15 years+). I now wear glasses and a contact lense in one eye, which is almost back to where it was (-2.00) and I have had dry eye syndrome for years (a common side effect of the laser). Now, the treatment has advanced a lot since I had it, and newer treatments are meant to be more effective, but I believe the process is still the same. All in all, it cost me just over £3k, which is still more than I spend per year on contact lenses and every two years on new lenses for my glasses. Would I do it again? Probably, but overall I'm pretty disappointed it didn't last longer.

 

[Kim Mild]

I am very tempted but I've been slightly put off. My dad had his cataract done earlier this year. St the pre-op they ask if you've had laser eye surgery and if so they can't treat the cataract.

Did he have cataract surgery on the NHS?
I've known a couple of people have cataracts done privately recently because the NHS treatment is basically doing the cataract only , whereas privately they can do more treatment if required.

 

[LittleMy]

I had LASIK in 2008 when I was 19. I was also very short-sighted, hated wearing glasses all the time, I tried lenses for a few years but got sick of them and had always wanted laser eye surgery. The surgery cost me just over £2000, was quick and painless during (eyes felt very gritty and sensitive afterwards but I went straight home and slept it off). 13 years later and my eyesight is still very good. They do get dry sometimes but I have drops to help with that. It’s not for everyone, consultations and research beforehand are very important, but for me personally, it was the best money I’ve ever spent.

I had mine done through Optical Express at the time. It’s a very quick procedure so you will be awake for it. They apply anaesthetic drops to your eye so that it numbs the eye and reduces your need to blink. They also put a device over the eye to hold the eyelids open. The recovery time is different for everyone, depending on your individual factors and the type of procedure you require. I could see clearly after about 3-4 hours but it can take months for your vision to reach 100% if it ever does.