Laser Eye Surgery Discussion Thread

Ivrytwr3

Do a search for the Optimax thread here at MSE.

I had mine done last year (LASIK with wavefront) for 1795. This was a set price for any prescription + it was interest free over 1 year.

I believe they are currently doing a similar offer, 1995 over 2 years.

crank_girl

I had really poor eyesight (-9 in both eyes) so opted for Moorfield Eye Hospital rather than one of the 'highstreet' places. Some of these places will go about to -12 but my surgeon had a cut off at -9 as he didn't think the data supported surgery beyond this. I also had the added complication of abnormally large pupils so could only have surface ablation (LASEK) rather than LASIK and it cost £3500.

I had both done at the same time and it took about 4 weeks for my eyes to heal and to be able to see perfectly. Took about 5 days to get enough vision back that I could function at home and at work. Sounds like a long time and a lot of money but it was well worth it for the level of care and final outcome. I'm now +0.25 in one eye and -0.25 in the other. I've also lost my astigmatism.

diamond

crank_girl wrote: »

I had really poor eyesight (-9 in both eyes) so opted for Moorfield Eye Hospital rather than one of the 'highstreet' places. Some of these places will go about to -12 but my surgeon had a cut off at -9 as he didn't think the data supported surgery beyond this. I also had the added complication of abnormally large pupils so could only have surface ablation (LASEK) rather than LASIK and it cost £3500.

I had both done at the same time and it took about 4 weeks for my eyes to heal and to be able to see perfectly. Took about 5 days to get enough vision back that I could function at home and at work. Sounds like a long time and a lot of money but it was well worth it for the level of care and final outcome. I'm now +0.25 in one eye and -0.25 in the other. I've also lost my astigmatism.

thanks for this, it's really useful to know your prescription. I am -10 and considering having surgery but am so scared. I know it could be life changing for me.

sunnygal

It's a while since your original post, but I have had a consultation for this procedure and am currently trying out contact lenses that the optician gave me to simulate what monovision would be like after treatment. So far it's brilliant. I was myopic but with these lenses I can read, drive, use the computer, see distance, and watch tv without having to use glasses at all. If this is what it will be like I can't wait!

I haven't booked to have it done yet but have checked reviews of people who have and they all seemed positive.

I am going to book the procedure shortly.

sillyvixen

i would suggest trying mono vision contact lenses before going for monovision lazer correction - i know many people who have not adapted to mono vision in contact lenses and have had to go down the distance route with contact lenses and wear readers with their lenses ... much easier to sort out with contacts than lazer if you dont get on with it!

sallyanny

I had this done in October last year - my prescription was about -3.0 in each eye (so I was short-sighted) and they corrected my dominant eye to 0.0, but left my non-dominant one at -0.5.

My surgeon suggested it because I'm 43 and will need reading glasses relatively soon, because apparently everyone becomes slightly long-signted with age. He said that keeping one eye slightly short-sighted would delay the need for reading glasses for a few years. It made sense at the time, so I went for it. My vision seems perfect to me now, unless I close my dominant eye, so it doesn't make any difference day to day. I'm really glad I had the surgery - it's done wonders for my self-confidence!

simon_young

If you are having laser surgery then you are best to check out all the big companies - make sure that you do not get conned about the price as when companies say from £395 only a very small percentage of people will qualify for this. It is typically for a limited prescription only - for example -0.75 to -1.25. If your prescription is over this then expect to pay more. If you want to know anything about laser eye surgery then feel free to ask me

littlerat

Ok I've been looking into laser eye surgery and basically wanted opinions on some companies. These 3 all have clinics that are within a reasonable distance, all 3 the op would be done at bristol which is only 40 miles from my grandparents, so could stay there for a week Sneaky.

Cost is working on having LASIK with the wavefront and intralase. Also these are ones that will do it before the age of 21.

Optical express - seems to be 1 year of aftercare, costs of around £1100 per eye, 10 months with 0% APR, seem to have good reviews.

Ultralase - lifetime aftercare guarantee, £1700 per eye, 12 months of 0% APR

And Optimax - around £1200 per eye, 1 year of aftercare, not sure how long at 0% APR.


Basically is there much difference between companies? Is the lifetime aftercare actually worth paying the extra for? I gather most complications are within the 1st 6 months. I mean I'd rather pay more if it's worth it obviously, but to spend out an extra £600 per eye for the exact same thing wouldn't be very moneysaving

Currently swinging towards Optical Express.



Not interested here in potential general laser problems/complications, just in differences between companies:beer:

Thanks, wasn't sure whether to put it here or a different section so I guessed

littlerat

Anybody know of any major differences?

Also been looking at Accuvision, who are harder for me to get to, but obviously a possibility if better.

Sorry for the bump I'm impatient!

tidus

"these are the ones that will do it under 21"

Has your presription been stable for at least 3 years? The under 21 rule is used by some companies as young people's eyes are rarely stable. If its been changing, it will continue to change after the surgery and you could need glasses again in a couple of years.