[Closed] Laser Eye Surgery

For much the same reasons as yourself I've been considering it for over a year.

I know 3 people who have had it done and they are all very pleased with the results. The last guy at work who had it done at a cost of £1300 IIRC,now wishes he had gone for the procedure you are considering (if it's the one they recommend for police/firemen etc) as he had slight 'starring' at night for a few months which has now gone.

What really put me off Optical express was the bombardment of literature with ever larger 'special offers'. Struck me as a bit too desperate for business. Apparently you can also bid for the op on Ebay !

Me and the wife both had it done. Highly recommended. We both had the flap and zap before waterfront was affordable.

Had it done about 10 years ago - best thing I ever did.

My brother-in-law has had it done and raves about it.

Oh, also one of my old managers as well.

Spooky...as seen on the Simpsons today, just don't forget the [url=

drops[/url]

I used to work in the "eye" industry and there are concerns with this procedure mainly in later life if you need eye surgery for whatever reason. As the cornea is usually reshaped in the procedure to achive the required outcome it can cause complications for future eye ops such as cataracts etc.

My thoughts are why have unnecessary surgery especially on your eyes???

My bro in law had it done and is happy but now suffers with dry eyes which he didn't have before.

Just research exactly what they are going to do and WHO is going to do it - ask for the surgeons credentials.

I enquired about it last time I had my eyes tested - optician advised against it. He said the problem rate is much higher than is usually reported - even if it's 1 in 10,000 what about if you're the 1?

wife work in eye dept at local hospital. there are 4 surgeons in the dept.....they all wear glasses.....

they spend a lot of their time trying to help people who have had bad experiences with surgery.

I have thought about it, particularly as I am approaching the age where I will struggle reading with my normal specs, which I have worn for 30yrs for short sightedness, but just feel the risks are too high.

iainc - that's was always my question to the eye surgeons and you're right majority wear glasses - says it all really.

It certainly used to be the case a couple of years back that the majority of doctors and nurses smoked.

I'm getting mine done in the morning, so hopefully I can let you know tomorrow evening.

valleydaddy - Member
My thoughts are why have unnecessary surgery especially on your eyes???

Vanity? Inconvenience? Hassle?

Luckily my eyesight is fine, so I do not have to worry about such a question.

Luckily my eyesight is fine, so I do not have to worry about such a question.

So far

Had mine done about 8 years ago under a bargain £400 per eye deal, probably the best £800 I've ever spent (although perhaps not the best thing to seek out a bargain for :p ). Can't remember what type I had but it was the older style one but went for that as although it was more painful post-op recovery there were supposedly less side-effects (particularly halo effects around lights at night, similar to if you've been swimming).

Anyway the op itself only lasted about 20 minutes and there wasn't any pain although it is a bit weird as you see the scalpel going to your eye then everything gets blurry...

Post-op I had extreme light sensitivity for a few hours (I was being driven back at night but even with my eyes shut and hands over them when an oncoming car's headlights hit me it was pretty painful). Next couple of days I spent in bed, mostly with my eyes shut and it felt like someone had rubbed sandpaper on them, I was given anaesthetic drops but told to avoid using them if I could - I did succumb a couple of times though.

A couple of days later I was fine with just a bit of light sensitivity, weirdly though for a couple of years following that I'd have the odd episode of light sensitivity, usually when driving to work in the morning (I've hated drivers that keep their foot on the brakes rather than use the handbrake at light ever since as during an episode it would be painful and cause my eyes to stream uncontrollably).

Been fine since then though, I tested better than 20:20 6 months after the op (last check up I had), think it's deteriorated a bit since then but still way off needing glasses (and can usually read stuff that people with glasses can't). Main reason I did it in the first place was I'd started to need glasses for driving and watching TV and they were just a PITA, certainly wouldn't have wanted the faff of contact lenses.

Given the latest options seem to avoid no post-op pain (according to the adverts on TV at least...) I can't see why you wouldn't want to do it if you're a good candidate.

A friend of mine had it done 2 years ago and has permanently lost around 50% of his sight in one eye (temporarily he was completely blind in it).

Then spent two weeks in hospital having eye drop administered every 2 hours night and day. He was a zombie by the end of it.

Put me off ever having it done.

🙁

Had Lasik about 7 years ago having worn contact lenses for 15 years. Best thing I ever did.

Make sure you check out the outcome statistics for your prescription, eye pressures and corneal thickness

teef - Member
Luckily my eyesight is fine, so I do not have to worry about such a question.
So far

Well of course, that goes without saying really. I do expect a decline in the quality of my eyesight as I continue to age.

Had mine done well over 10 years ago at optimax in manchester. Brother had his done a few years later. Both with no problems. Prescription of -3.5/-3.25. Never needed glasses since. It worked for us but the doom mongers will have all sorts of nasty tales. Opticians would be against it surely as it would affect their business. I think mine was a bit more old school compared to methods now. I had basic lazer surgery 6 months between eyes to see how first one healed. Worst bit was eye being wiped clean after anisthetic drops applied, made me feel a bit sick. Best 800 quid I've ever spent.

Have two friends who had it done. Both think it absolutely fantastic.

My Grandfather had it done in both eyes, but one eye took two attempts, they messed up the first time and it had little affect. So they had to try again another 6 months later. Results were ok - not perfect but better than it was pre-op.

Personally I'm happy to stick with glasses......

I had exactly the procedure you're thinking about at Optical Express and it has wrecked my night vision. My vision is great during the day - good enough to drive without glasses - but at night I get fringeing and halos around anything bright (like the TV) and I struggle to do night rides.

The problem is (I have learned since) is that I have large pupils (7mm) and when they open up to full size they let light in that has passed through the transition area between the reshaped and original parts of my cornea causing a blurred image to be overlayed on the sharp image. No-one mentioned I had large pupils and so were at greater risk before the op.

My advice - chack your pupil size is well within the average before having it done as you can't reverse it.

Well, surgery was a breeze, a little pain (more discomfort really) for about 3 hours after. Now 7 hrs after surgery, and some vision is back, though still very blurry. Comfort is fine, and cant wait for the morning to see the majority of the results. Too early to say, but if the results are good, the procedure was a breeze.

I had it done 17 years ago. Best money I ever spent. Mum, sister and ex wife had it done as well as at least 3 work colleagues. No problems with any of them.

Would so many famous people have their eyes done if the risk was high?

Oh and go to one of the cheap places. They are cheap because they do a lot of procedures to offset the cost of the laser. Because they do so many, they are very good at it!

And finally, contact lenses cause far more sight issues including loss of sight than laser eye surgery does. Just something to bear in mind...

apparently there was a power surge once and the laser blew a hole right through a guys head. a bloke in the pup told me so it must be true.

At £800 an eye I want to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

My optician was actually reasonably positive about it. I only know people who have had good experiences. I would consider it if I had a spare £2-3k (my prescription aint simple). I certainly wouldn't want to be picking the op/surgeon etc on price. Bear in mind that the guy in Optical Express is probably paid on commission (or at least has targets to meet). So I'd consider going to somewhere else as well and see if you get a consistent story about which technique, the risks, etc. You may also discover that whilst the OE price is competitive its not that different to other places that do less proactive marketing.

Reading with interest as I'm booked in to get mine done with Ultralase in 3 weeks time.
I chose my treatment on price, the most expensive 8O.
Looking forward to it. My prescription is a disaster area so I didn't fancy going for a pile em high sell em cheap type clinic.

Is everyone who's having this done quite young ie 20s or is anyone having this carried out (ahem!) later on in life?

one of my works IT manager has managed to be the 1 in 10,000 unlucky person and currently off work as he is sadly losing the sight in both eyes 🙁

but also know guys who swear by it as being great now they have had it done; but i wouldn't let them anywhere near me with a lazer

@hitman - I was 28 when I had mine done, you need to wait until your prescription has settled down, no point getting it done early 20's IMO (most places would advise against it as well) and it won't stop your eyesight deteriorating naturally further after the op meaning you'd need to do it again in 5 years.

had mine done 5 years ago. now have better than 20/20 vision 😮
paid for the best mind you though - cost me 2500 quid.

one of my works IT manager has managed to be the 1 in 10,000 unlucky person and currently off work as he is sadly losing the sight in both eyes

It is a horrible situation - my mate surprisingly took it all very well and has now got great vision in one eye and about 50% vision in the other so the nett result is about par with binocular vision. (ie he can see about the same as before and is still allowed to drive).

And also surprisingly, he opted not to take action against them (even though they admitted they had made a mistake).

I'm 35 and just had it done. To follow up on my previous posts, went back this morning and they had to lift the flap again on one eye and clean it out as some fluid that shouldn't have been there was. Now sight is very good, and should be even better in the morning, so its the thumbs up from me.

@hitman - I was 28 when I had mine done, you need to wait until your prescription has settled down, no point getting it done early 20's IMO (most places would advise against it as well) and it won't stop your eyesight deteriorating naturally further after the op meaning you'd need to do it again in 5 years.

I meant, is anyone getting it done in their 40s or 50s?

MrsSwadey had it done 2 years ago. She has gone from -8.5 to -0.5. She loves being able to see my handsome face last thing at night and first thing in the morning. She hates being the one who gets to screaming kids in the night first while I'm still fumbling for my glasses.

Looked at all the "high street" companies who offered the service and was getting quotes for £2-3k because of the severity of her prescription. Sent their reports to an old mate of hers who works at the Moorfield eye hospital to get a second opinion, strings were pulled and favours done and she ended up getting it done by the top bloke at Moorfields for a "similar" (ie if I don't ask, she won't tell me) price.

Was passed fit to drive after 48 hours, took about a month for the full improvement to come through and settle down, no real pain or complications, and she wants me to have it done even though we can't afford it.

But I ain't letting no one slice my eyeball open with a laser while I am still conscious, glasses and contacts suit me fine! 😯

hitman - Member
I meant, is anyone getting it done in their 40s or 50s?

My uncle had it done in his late 80s, now 92. Very happy with the result. Needs good eyesight to read his sheet music in the murky dives he plays his sax in 3 or 4 nights a week.

Approx 5 weeks ago I (regrettably) had laser treatment at Optimax. I was -4.25 & -3.50 with perfect near vision.

To my horror I have lost my near vision (can't even see my phone display or cooker controls!) & need +2.75 to read & +2.00 for TV. No-one at the clinic explained before treatment that this would happen - although my recent research shows it was a given as I am in my late 50s. I am now suffering with depression & anxiety attacks.

I have since discovered that countless people have had their eyes f***** by this clinic & their greed.

To date, I have sent a letter to Russell Ambrose with promises that I will take legal action & also advertise how bad this company is. I am awaiting his response.

Meanwhile, I have been contacted by a number of people who have similarly had their eyes botched by Optimax & I am eager to hear from anyone else with similar experiences.

You can email me direct at optimaxruinedmylife@hotmail.co.uk

To anyone else considering Optimax; yes, there are plenty of people who have had OK treatment, but just imagine if you are the 1 in 50 who doesn't - although I'm told that the odds could be 1 in 12!!

schmoopie - you've just joined the rest of the world who're over 40! Reading your post, you didn't have perfect near-vision before; you were short-sighted.

Everyone your age needs reading glasses. Sorry, just the way it is, and I don't think you'll get anywhere with legal action except an empty wallet.

I'm now 3 months since getting it done. Was told it can take up to 6 months to fully settle. Mine are still improving.
The vision is still getting sharper each week and the dry tiredness in the evening is going slowly but surely.
Haloes when driving at night were bad for a few weeks but have now gone.

Sister had hers done years ago and swear's by it. I'm still dubious and don't trust it though.

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Flaperon - Member
Everyone your age needs reading glasses.

Fine. MOST people in their late 50s need reading glasses.

Here, have a look at Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyopia

Key points:

[i]"The ability to focus on near objects declines throughout life, from an accommodation of about 20 dioptres (ability to focus at 50 mm away) in a child, to 10 dioptres at age 25 (100 mm), and levels off at 0.5 to 1 dioptre at age 60 (ability to focus down to 1–2 meters only)"[/i]

And the most crucial:

[i] Myopes considering refractive surgery are advised that surgically correcting their nearsightedness may be a disadvantage after age 40, when the eyes become presbyopic and lose their ability to accommodate or change focus because they will then need to use glasses for reading.[/i]

Had Lasek done about 7 years ago. The procedure is pretty full on and about the only thing going for it is that its quick.

I had a great result though and I'd recommend it.

Druidh - thank you for that, couldn't have worded it better 😉

Flaperon - as I've lived with my eyesight all my life I think I know how it was better than you do: I assure you I most definitely had perfect near vision before Optimax f**** with it and DID NOT have presbyopia. Do some more research as NOT everyone over the age of 40 needs reading glasses, and one advantage of my shortsighted prescription (since age of 14) was that I might never have lost my perfect near vision. I am now unable to even peel a potato without glasses!

However, it was an absolute certainty that LASEK surgery would reverse my prescription causing the loss of my PERFECT near vision, & Optimax had a duty of care to advise me of such.

I can also assure you that I have been contacted by other patients who've had major problems with Optimax & been paid off by Russell Ambrose.

I thank you for your good wishes (why are people so mean), but I won't be losing any money - Optimax will!

To anyone else interested in the very possible downsides of laser eye surgery, I suggest you check out www.optimaxruinedmylife.co.uk

PS: Reply from Optimax's Office Administrator last week (in response to my 5 page letter addressed to Russell Ambrose) telling me the surgeon said that I, "[i]may become more comfortable[/i]" with my vision, or, if I'm still unhappy, they can offer a retreatment for monovision - having ignored other salient points made, including my adamant statement that I would have to be insane to let anyone at Optimax anywhere near my eyes again!!

Needless to say, 2nd letter sent to RA & my lawyer on the case 🙂

I have also cancelled the Direct Debit payments, as that really was salt in my eyes - paying for this ruination of my eyesight! Will possibly end up with a bad credit rating, but right now, do I care?!

You do have presbyopia, everybody does regardless of your initial prescription, you will/have lost the ability to focus close up, as the proteins in your lens stiffen up with age. Being myopic masks this as being myopic [depending on refractive error] will mean the natural focal point of your eyes will be a close distance, for example if you were -3.00 your eyes optimum focal distance would be a handy 33cm.

You are absolutely correct that the LASEK would affect your ability to read without spex, I would have expected this to be explained to you, I always advise my clients they may require reading spex post LASER.

You may well need reading spex, but at least you can see in the distance!

Before you try monovision LASEK i'd try it in contact lenses first as it may play havoc with your depth perception, you may find that worse than the current situation. At least iof you don't like the CL monovision you can reverse it easily by removing the CL's, as you've found LASER refractive surgery is a bit more permanent.

To anyone else interested in the very possible downsides of laser eye surgery, I suggest you check out http://www.optimaxruinedmylife.co.uk

Maybe its my eyesight, but I see **** all info on that site...

So when you signed up for laser eye surgery, what research did you do?

However, it was an absolute certainty that LASEK surgery would reverse my prescription causing the loss of my PERFECT near vision, & Optimax had a duty of care to advise me of such.

So if this was an absolute certainly, why go through with the surgery? I was very much informed that I would likely need reading glasses later in life. Repeatedly, in face to face meetings and in the literature.

To my horror I have lost my near vision (can't even see my phone display or cooker controls!) & need +2.75 to read & +2.00 for TV. No-one at the clinic explained before treatment that this would happen - although my recent research shows it was a given as I am in my late 50s. I am now suffering with depression & anxiety attacks.

schmoopie I really don't understand you.

Optimax did both my eyes 18 years ago. Even then I was told categorically several times that Laser eye surgery would mean I would almost certainly need reading glasses when I got in to my 40's, which I would avoid if I didn't have the procedure.

My mum had the procedure in her 50's and was told she would need reading glasses straight away unless they left one eye short sighted.

All this information has been out there for years and it's on Optimax disclaimers and here on their website.
[url= http://faq.optimax.co.uk/instantfaq/?cNode=4A6Y0Y ]just a quick gogle found this![/url]

I really don't think you will get anywhere with legal action as this side effect is well known, well documented, and Optimax are very open about it.

In response to the previous 3 bloggers:

1. I repeat, I was NOT told I would lose my near vision - even though I repeatedly asked for details of any risks: had I been advised this was a certainty - or even a remote possibility - I most definitely would not have had the surgery.
2. I would never consider monovision as an option, my close up vision is (was) priceless to me. Wearing glasses for distance vision was not a big issue; I had laser treatment for practical reasons (lol).
3. Whoopee - I can see in the distance - except I need +2.50 readers to watch TV 😥 Without reading glasses, I can't work (relying on close up vision), pluck my eyebrows, cook, file my nails, read a book, see my caller display, shave my legs, etc... etc...
4. Agreed, I should have done more research, but call me old fashioned,I relied on the honesty/ethics of the clinic staff & doctor to advise me of the risks - same way as an NHS doctor/anaesthetist will advise me before operating, without expecting me to have researched it on the net!

When I first called Optimax they encouraged me to go for a consultation where I would be told everything I needed to know. At the consultation (Finchley Rd) the optometrist told me the doctor (Croydon) would answer all my questions...!!

Unfortunately & naively, much of my research time was spent reading the Optimax patient feedback forums, where, I've since learned at my cost, the moderators quickly remove seriously negative posts!
5. Re http://www.optimaxruinedmylife.co.uk
Whilst this is meant as a contact point for people who have problems caused by Optimax, you can email them for information about the problems people have had.

On the day of my treatment the Optimax Croydon clinic surgeon was in a hurry, he sighed at my numerous questions & simply told me "[i]your (my) eyes will be very nice with this[/i]"!

Pity Optimax weren't open & honest with me when I asked about the predicted expectations of my surgery , "[i]face to face[/i]".

In the same way boriselbrus said, "[i]schmoopie I really don't understand you[/i]." Neither do I understand why people who have had successful laser eye surgery are so defensive and antagonistic towards those who have been left with problems. Your mother was lucky, I wasn't told - and nor were a number of other people I've met via these forums!!

So much for empathy & understanding!

If you want empathy and understanding, you are in the wrong place.

2. I would never consider monovision as an option, my close up vision is (was) priceless to me. Wearing glasses for distance vision was not a big issue; I had laser treatment for practical reasons (lol).

So you had perfect close up vision, which is "priceless" to you, and wore glasses for distance which you didn't mind. So what were the "practical" reasons for getting the surgery? And now, you still need glasses, just for a different range.

I have undergone laser surgery, and would not have even considered it had I not satisfied myself I had all the facts and addressed all the risks. In my opinion, you failed to do this, dont like the results and are now suing. I'm pretty sure I had to sign a form agreening that I had been advised of all the risks in the interview section. In fact, I am convinced of it. It was a four page document detailing all risks involved. I read it carefully, as I was wary about the op.

If you weren't happy after your consultation AND the reaction form your surgeon, why on earth did you proceed? Your arguement doesn't stack up for me. Good luck with your case, in my opinion, you'll need it.

schmoopie. I'm sorry to hear about you outcome. can i just ask how this has effected your mountain biking?

Only thing that would get my eyes under a laser is the otherwise complete halting of everything I like doing. If there were no other option and it was impossible to wear glasses to do all the things I like doing, then it might be an option. Not until then, only got one set of eyes, they've not figured out eye transplants yet, so no way in hell. The surgeons are only human, mistakes can be made. For vanity? For "inconvenience"? no chance.

I agree with Coffeeking - I was always worried about laser surgery because of the (albeit small) risks involved.

Then my close friend's experience (somewhere up there on page 1 ^^^^) put me off for life.

I originally posted in the hope that my experience might help inform people considering Optimax laser eye surgery of the very possible risks.

There's loads out there about the successes, but unfortunately negative posts are either deleted or shouted down, but it doesn't mean they are less valid.

I'm not into a pissing contest - I'm a woman & don't need to prove myself.

So Andy, you seem to want the last word, be my guest 😉

I had mine a year ago on [url= http://www.nnjei.com ]NNJEI[/url], I was unsure to under go on a LASIK surgery before but after I talked to my surgeon I got persuaded. And luckily, my surgery went out fine just what I prayed it would be. I didn't experience any hazing on any of my eyes just like what I've read on other patients who under went on a different eye clinic.

Oooo, my old thread.

Well I suppose I should update on my situation a year on.

Best. Thing. I. Ever. Did.

Better than 20/20 vision, no more expensive contacts/solutions/spare glasses. No loss of vision halfway through a ride when a contact comes out. No more discomfort when the contacts dry out on a long descent.

Any whatever they say about modern "soft" contact lenses being comfortable. There is NOTHING as comfortable as having nothing in your eye 🙂

'Any whatever they say about modern "soft" contact lenses being comfortable. There is NOTHING as comfortable as having nothing in your eye'.

If you're one of the people lucky enough not to end up with scarring, permanent discomfort, continuous watering, then yes, it's probably fairly comfortable.

If you're considering it - don't just listen to the positives. Ask people who *know* what it's all about and what can go wrong. NOT the people who are after your money to do it.
I won't be having it, EVER. Because a) I work in eyes and have seen the damage it can cause. b) Even if I had it now, I'd be back in contacts or glasses in ten years or so. and c) we'll all be living long enough to be having intraocular lenses at a later date anyway. As coffeeking says - surgery, for the sake of vanity. No thank you.

oh and 'better than 20/20 vision' isn't something to really brag about. If you had 20/20 or less as a result of laser surgery, I'd consider it a failure. That's like saying 'I went for a haircut and they didn't cut off both my legs! Result!'

Pfft - what are the stats for failed operations? I'd hazard a guess they're very low. Sure going blind as a result is a little more than a 'side-effect' but I wonder how many people have been that unfortunate.
As I've said before, best thing I ever did and it's hardly just a vanity thing, it's a convenience and comfort thing as much as anything.

we'll all be living long enough to be having intraocular lenses at a later date anyway

- for some of us with very bad eyesight, that's about the only surgical intervention on offer.

As coffeeking says - surgery, for the sake of vanity. No thank you

- and if your eyesight's bad enough that intraocular lenses are the only option, it's not just vanity.

If you're one of the people lucky enough not to end up with scarring, permanent discomfort, continuous watering, then yes, it's probably fairly comfortable.

Even if I had it now, I'd be back in contacts or glasses in ten years or so.

we'll all be living long enough to be having intraocular lenses at a later date anyway

Regardless of whether you had successful results or not, please help make refractive eye surgery safer for everyone!

This petition calls for Government Legislation.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/28629

The risks are pretty minor. This page says you're [url= http://www.qvisionaz.com/lasik/safety-reassurance-LASIK.php ]3 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to lose vision from a LASIK procedure[/url], which is similar to what you're talking about.

Friend of mine had it done last year, vision pretty good now. Downside is she got an infection, poor aftercare and now has Blepharitis and has to swab out her eyelids morning and night for the rest of her days.

Edit: If the other guys with the big advertising and small aftercare budgets mess up, you might be lucky to get referred back to NHS consultants. Turns out they could have done the job right in the first place:[url= http://www.stjameslaservision.co.uk/ ]http://www.stjameslaservision.co.uk/[/url]