Laser eye surgery £695 for both!

George_Bray

wombar wrote:

When I get this done, I'll be going to my optician for some advice who I've been going to for 20 years. Like someone else has said, price will be the very bottom of my list.Make sure you do your homework.

Too right. I've discussed laser eye surgery with two separate opticians. Both said they would never have it done or allow/recommend it for any member of their families. And having read some of the web sites set up by people with huge problems after the operation, I'm totally convinced to stick with my contact lens and glasses.

Just do a google search on lasik.

Regards
George

Cardew

George_Bray wrote:

Too right. I've discussed laser eye surgery with two separate opticians. Both said they would never have it done or allow/recommend it for any member of their families. And having read some of the web sites set up by people with huge problems after the operation, I'm totally convinced to stick with my contact lens and glasses.

Just do a google search on lasik.

Regards
George

Agreed,

It is difficult to quantify the risk - but if there is any risk, why take it.

It is the long term problems that would worry me.

George_Bray

nearlyrich wrote:

I had left eye done first as it was the worst, then right a few weeks later. They didn't do both at once then as you were effectively blind for a week. I had an eye test last summer and my eyesight was 20:20 so the only glasses I wear are sunglasses:cool:

If I'd had Lasik when I was in my 20s or 30s, say, I would have dreamed of never wearing glasses again.

But it's highly unlikely to have been the case.

I'm now in my 40s. Like the vast majority of people, I am feeling the effects of long-sight on top of my longstanding short-sight. Long-sight means you can't see things so close-up, e.g. for reading. I'm delighted and relieved I never had Lasik done, because I would now almost certainly have to wear glasses, whereas I consider myself better off as I am.

Without Lasik (present situation in my 40s and for the rest of my life) - if I wear glasses for distant viewing around the house, it is easy to take them off for reading. Then, close-up, my vision is crystal clear. It's a real blessing.

If I'd had Lasik (now I'm in my 40s and for the rest of my life) I would have to wear reading glasses - a real pain - and my close-up vision would not be anywhere as good as it currently is.

If you're younger than 40-45, say, and long-sight hasn't yet cut in, please think carefully about later life.

Regards
George

jackiebrown_2

I hope it goes well for you condyk good luck :money:

Ted_Hutchinson

2004/051 NICE issues guidance on laser eye surgery (LASIK) for treating refractive errors
sorry that was the press release
this one is for the public
IPG102 Laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors - information for people considering the procedure, and for the public

condyk

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

2004/051 NICE issues guidance on laser eye surgery (LASIK) for treating refractive errors

Yes, I'd read that as part of my research. It does indicate that outcome results depend, to some degree, on the individual prescription and this is something I DO want to check more. No point if my sight isn't restored to at least what I get with specs!

I have read lots, mainly very positive and some individual negative experiences, and basically decided that the views of several friends who'd had it done was so positive that I would take the risk.

It's a risk/benefit decision for each individual. As someone who travels a lot and also likes to scuba and snorkel I feel it will enhance my life. I wore contact lenses for many years and never really got on that well with them: it's a mission and also can work out expensive when soft ones are bought month to month. Just swimming is also difficulty as so easy to lose.

At £1200+ then the risk/benefit swings more in the opposite direction for me and specs are Ok-ish. The key for me then has been to ensure I get the same service as the people who pay £1200+ but pay less, i.e. the £695 deal ... from all the ebay feedback I have read it is the case. Service has been outstanding so far and I go for initial check mid April, with actual surgery end April.

ArsenalFC

There are a number of Mse members who had laser treatment with optimax in previous years and all gave their recommendation.

There will always be risk involved in this sort of treatment. It's up to the
individual to decide whether they want the treatment or not. I have booked
myself in for treatment mid-april for the Epi-Lasek procedure. I have been
wearing glasses for 13years+ and contact lenses nearly as long and cannot wait to have clear vision without them again.

It's a personal choice at the end of the day.

laurence2163

Had laser treatment three years ago and can't recommend it highly enough. If you are into sports you will really feel the benefit. The proceedure is quick and relatively painless.
When I made my choice I did some research on the type of machine they use to do the surgery, from memery there are three types of machines all with slightly varying sucess rates. Naturally I chose the one with the best result and went with a company using that machine (Ultralase in Chelmsford).

Mustang

condyk wrote:

As someone who travels a lot and also likes to scuba and snorkel I feel it will enhance my life.

Condyk, like you, I am also a diver and love travelling. As I'm sure you know, diving involves significant changes in pressure on your body when you dive, and this includes the eyes. I discussed this point in depth (pun not intended) with my surgeon prior to my op, and for this reason, discounted LASIK as a procedure as it is more invasive than other techniques. When you go for your consultation, you need to ask about this aspect, and make sure your surgeon understands the possible impacts and explains them to your satisfaction. You also need to find out how long you must stay away from diving after the op.

Btw, I was -7 in both eyes and now have perfect vision. It really made a difference to my life, esp with the diving/swimming aspects...

And if you haven't found it, you can see a video of eye laser treatment at http://www.twinnies.demon.co.uk/prk/prkexperience.html.

Best of luck....

condyk

Great advice Mustang ... thanks :-)