Topic: Laser eye surgery

[dudleyred]

Had laser eye surgery about 7 years ago.

Can't help you with prescriptions etc as all that passes me by.

Procedure strangest sensation and having done it I'm not sure I could do it again but it's fine. I have noticed my eyesight beginning to deteriorate again. But was worth it for me to ditch the glasses for the period I have.

If your told laser eye surgery is an option for you I'd highly recommend it

[Red Beret]

Well clear lens replacement literally means replacing the eyes' lenses with silicone lenses.  Apparently it's more effective then laser surgery for correcting long sightedness and astigmatism than laser surgery - although they can be combined to "fine tune" the treatment.  Lens replacement is far more invasive though (and so presumably the risk is far higher).

 

[Chakan]

Just had LASIK done on Friday. Very odd operation but very quick and relatively painless. Lots of drops afterwards! Like every 30min you need artificial tears and then anti biotic drops throughout the day. I'm seeing 20/20 at the moment but the doc says that can improve as it heals. Expensive as all hell though, but so far worth it.

[The Gulleysucker]

Spoiler

Mr John Brookes, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

Mr Brookes specialises in adult and paediatric glaucoma, cataract in children and adults and general ophthalmology. He is the director of the glaucoma service at Moorfields Eye Hospital and runs the childhood glaucoma service at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

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Spoiler

Eye Consultant Sarah Anderson, a surgeon based at York & District Hospital

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Spoiler

Jeremy Prydal has over 30 years experience treating eye disease and performing eye surgery. He has conducted extensive research into ocular disease resulting in a number of higher qualifications, as well as numerous publications and invitations to speak at international meetings.

He has been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Leicester Royal Infirmary since February 2000 where he runs a busy regional referral centre for ocular surface disease. He has introduced a number of innovative procedures and offers the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments for all diseases of the eye surface.

He specialises in small incision cataract surgery, premium/bespoke multifocal and toric intra-ocular lenses, the latest treatment options for keratoconus, refractive problems, corneal transplantation (including lamellar or partial thickness transplants), dry eye and all forms of eye surface disease.

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Spoiler

Dr. Vineet Verma MBBS,M.S.(ophthalmics), FCLC

Specialist in Microphaco(MICS)& Phaco surgery under topical anaesthesia. Expert in advanced multifocal, toric foldable intraocular lens(IOL) implants.

Dr.Vineet Verma established his private practice over 8 years ago. The success of a humble start has now blossomed into a state-of-the-art tertiary eye hospital. The credit solely lies in the hard work and dedication of Dr.Vineet Verma and his team. He is a sincere, reliable doctor, with excellent surgical skills . A pioneer in his field Dr.Vineet Verma has proven himself on numerous levels of professional and personal fronts.

The hospital is equipped with latest facilities like advanced microscopes, phaco machine, biometry, autorefractometer, perimeter and lasers etc for treatment of patients suffering from all kinds of eye diseases.

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Spoiler

Roger Wong is a consultant at St Thomas’ Hospital (London) with outreach retinal specialist services at Frimley Park Hospital.

His interests include minimally invasive suture-less vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment, macular diseases, diabetic eye disease, inflammatory eye diseases, complicated cataract surgery, ocular trauma, and a rare inflammatory eye condition called acute retinal necrosis. He has been invited to speak at various national and international conferences. Recently, he presented at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Tokyo 2014 his pioneering method in treating previously untreatable large macular holes (RETMA). He has also been featured in an exclusive podcast from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery on retinal folds following retinal detachment surgery (podcast).

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Spoiler

Dr. Abou-Rayyah is a specialist in Oculoplastics; management of eyelid, lacrimal and orbital disorders; ocular trauma; cosmetic eye surgery; and paediatric ophthalmology

Dr. Abou-Rayyah graduated from Cairo University and was a British Chevening Award scholar. He completed his ophthalmology training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and has worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist for more than 20 years, performing more than 13,000 ophthalmic and oculoplastic operations. He joined the medical teams at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, in 2005.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Abou-Rayyah has extensive experience in medical research, supervising seven postgraduate medical research degree students and publishing more than 50 research papers in national and international medical journals. He has also been a guest speaker at many national and international medical conferences.

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Notice anything about these people, all top eye surgeons and specialists...the clue is something they are all wearing?

There are many more examples.

It's just a thought, but perhaps ask yourself why this is so?....

[Geppvindh's]

Gulley, I do see that top eye doctors generally do not seem to undergo the procedure themselves. Could you point towards why this might not be a good thing? Not trying to pick an argument. I considering getting LASIK done last year but decided against it since I realized I was perfectly fine wearing glasses for over 10 years until that point, and have had people tell me I look better with glasses than when I went out with contacts. Very interested in knowing what the cons are from someone who might be more informed. Thanks!

[The Gulleysucker]

About 14 years ago I had a school reunion of the 6th form I attended in my youth and met a girl who had studied A level Physics with myself who had subsequently gone on to study Medicine at University and later become an Eye Specialist.

I mentioned that I was considering Laser treatment for my mild myopia, I wear glasses for driving and watching TV from a distance, and she bluntly advised me not to, so that was good enough for me.

From what I remember, she said that if you are under 30 you will likely have immediate tangible benefits or at least not have to wear glasses again for the time being and quite possibly be fine for much of the rest of your life, but the risk of possibly more severe eyesight deterioration as you grow older than if you hadn't had laser treatment will likely be increased.

All I would say to anyone is at least fully understand and be well aware of this increased risk.

[Geppvindh's]

Thanks for that. Overall, it isn't all that risky and the failure rate is rather low (I read in the region of 1%). But I like my glasses and that's that

[Red Beret]

Yeah. If I was more confident I could drive as I am I probably wouldn't bother. As things standing though I think my vision is detrimental to how alert  and focused I would be behind the wheel.

Cost is an issue though.  Laser surgery can be as little as £700 per eye but lens replacement can top out at three grand per eye.

[Jake]

Most plastic surgeons don't have big bouncy fake boobies either, doesn't mean they're not great

[elsewhere]

i'm amazed people mention 4-5k for the operation, i did mine in Turkey, cost about 300 bucks 12 years ago. In fact i know many tourists fly from europe mainly germany to turkey for that, it should be around 500$ to 1000$ now with much advanced technology.

[Jake]

So I realised this weekend just how blind I am, mate had an optician style poster on the wall, another mate could read all 8 lines, I could only read the top 3 without my bins and top 5 with.

So I'm gonna go have a consultation, but obv they're only going to tell me the positives - I'm worried I'll end up like Homer Simpson with crusty eyes

[dudleyred]

Best thing I ever did. About 6 years ago now. They were v fair saying options to be honest

Can’t recommend highly enough if they say it’ll work for you

[Ycuzz]

Both brother- and mother in law has done it. Both highly recommends it, (aimed at Mrs Yc, as she is proper blind as a bat without her glasses). Mother in law had to go back for some fixing/touching up some time later, but still happy she did it. There's a period where things are a bit uncomfortable after the procedure, but still, apparently, worth it.

[Son of Spion]

My sister-in-law has done in the last year, with great results.

She knows what my brother looks like now, so binned him off though. 





Just kidding, bro. 

[Kenny's Jacket]

So I realised this weekend just how blind I am, mate had an optician style poster on the wall, another mate could read all 8 lines, I could only read the top 3 without my bins and top 5 with.

So I'm gonna go have a consultation, but obv they're only going to tell me the positives - I'm worried I'll end up like Homer Simpson with crusty eyes

Ive had it done  and dont know anyone who has, who regrets it.

[I've been a good boy]

Been thinking about this for years, would love to get it done. Is getting it done overseas a good idea? Had a hair transplant done in Turkey which went well but not sure if the same applies for laser eye surgery.

[rob1966]

Been thinking about this for years, would love to get it done. Is getting it done overseas a good idea? Had a hair transplant done in Turkey which went well but not sure if the same applies for laser eye surgery.

Not had it done, but for something as vital as the eyes, I wouldn't personally go outside the UK.

I'd like it done, but a medical negligence solicitor I know put me off it.

[dudleyred]

Such a routine thing now but I found the procedure fairly horrific and not sure I could do it again!!

My surgeon wore glasses about an inch thick too

Definitely go for it though if you have the opportunity

[Kenny's Jacket]

Been thinking about this for years, would love to get it done. Is getting it done overseas a good idea? Had a hair transplant done in Turkey which went well but not sure if the same applies for laser eye surgery.

I had it done in Malaysia, went ok. I dont have 20/20 vision like some who get it done in UK, but my vision is much better.

[Jake]

I missed this thread, cheers for the merge. I must be blind after all

Edit - reading back I actually posted in this thread four years ago. So I'm blind and stupid

[Jake]

Fuck sake.

Went to Optical Express - my prescription is too strong for surgery apparently. They can "enhance" my lenses for 10k though...

I'll get a second opinion from Optegra and then if that's no good, bin it off.

It's quite rare that you're not suitable for laser

Well whoop de fucking do mate. I'll throw a fucking party shall I.

[God's Left Peg]

Ok, so has anyone here had it?
What did it cost? How long did it take? Any good for a person with astygmatism? Could you recommend a service in the North West?

Worn glasses for a couple of years and they're ok but can be a bit of an inconvenience.

Tried the contact lens free trial at Specsavers but they're not for me at all. I just can't get the hang of it.

So wondering if laser eye surgery is the answer?

Any experience of this from anyone?

[dudleyred]

There’s a bit of chat in here about it mate

Don’t know if answers your questions though!

https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=305753.0

[BarryCrocker]

Ok, so has anyone here had it?
What did it cost? How long did it take? Any good for a person with astygmatism? Could you recommend a service in the North West?

Worn glasses for a couple of years and they're ok but can be a bit of an inconvenience.

Tried the contact lens free trial at Specsavers but they're not for me at all. I just can't get the hang of it.

So wondering if laser eye surgery is the answer?

Any experience of this from anyone?

Had it about 18 years ago for astigmatism. Signed a waiver so I got both eyes done at the same time. Cost me about $4k AUD. I'd spoken to lots of people who'd had it done to get their feedback. It's remarkable, I was able to read the news on the bottom of the TV the next morning. Only discomfort was it felt like I had a tiny bit of sand in my eye so you have to make sure you don't rub them.

The actual procedure was surreal. I asked for a Xanax to calm my nerves. The whole procedure is mental and it's best to know what's going on but not give a stuff about it. They gave me a DVD of the whole procedure which to this day I haven't watched.

At 50 years of age, I'm now having to wear glasses again to read. They tell you age will eventually catch up you but to be honest I think reading tiny fonts on phones for work has accelerated the process. Considering how much it cost and what I spent on fashion label glasses per year I definitely think it was worth it.

I miss the freedom of not wearing glasses, especially when I'm outdoors as I need to swap to standard lens sunglasses. If I had the money now I'd definitely do it again.

My only negative, and I don't know if it's directly associated with it is I see halos from lights at night when driving and I think the depth of my vision has diminished.

[God's Left Peg]

Thanks chaps.

Didn't know about this thread, so mods might want to merge it.

There’s a bit of chat in here about it mate

Don’t know if answers your questions though!

https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=305753.0

[rob1966]

Had it about 18 years ago for astigmatism. Signed a waiver so I got both eyes done at the same time. Cost me about $4k AUD. I'd spoken to lots of people who'd had it done to get their feedback. It's remarkable, I was able to read the news on the bottom of the TV the next morning. Only discomfort was it felt like I had a tiny bit of sand in my eye so you have to make sure you don't rub them.

The actual procedure was surreal. I asked for a Xanax to calm my nerves. The whole procedure is mental and it's best to know what's going on but not give a stuff about it. They gave me a DVD of the whole procedure which to this day I haven't watched.

At 50 years of age, I'm now having to wear glasses again to read. They tell you age will eventually catch up you but to be honest I think reading tiny fonts on phones for work has accelerated the process. Considering how much it cost and what I spent on fashion label glasses per year I definitely think it was worth it.

I miss the freedom of not wearing glasses, especially when I'm outdoors as I need to swap to standard lens sunglasses. If I had the money now I'd definitely do it again.

My only negative, and I don't know if it's directly associated with it is I see halos from lights at night when driving and I think the depth of my vision has diminished.

Halos are a side effect, but they should only last 3 months at the most.

I've stuck to contacts as I didn't want to take the risk of them ruining my sight and never regretted it. I do remember having an eye test at 44 and being told by the optician that at 45 I wouldn't be able to read small text - I thought he was wrong until my next eye test. I have to use reading glasses with the lenses in but when out I have perfect close up vision. I also have astigmatism so have different lenses to suit.

[Titi Camara]

Blert

[God's Left Peg]

Ta

[jambutty]

Had it done 30 years ago and would do it again.  Never wanted to wear glasses again but knew if I corrected my shortshitedness to 20/20 or better, I'd need glasses to read.

Doc said I should consider monovision which corrects one eye to near 20 and the other for close work. 

When I did it they actually shaved your cornea off and you're blind until they burned holes in your lens to achieve the correct shape then reattached the flap.  Mad to see little spots appear through the pitch black of your sightless eye.

Took me brain 6 months to figure it out but I've never looked back since.

[Red Beret]

It's a relatively simple procedure really.

[kopite77]

Had it done 30 years ago and would do it again.  Never wanted to wear glasses again but knew if I corrected my shortshitedness to 20/20 or better, I'd need glasses to read.

Doc said I should consider monovision which corrects one eye to near 20 and the other for close work. 

When I did it they actually shaved your cornea off and you're blind until they burned holes in your lens to achieve the correct shape then reattached the flap.  Mad to see little spots appear through the pitch black of your sightless eye.

Took me brain 6 months to figure it out but I've never looked back since.

Yes I had the monovision surgery done at iSight in Southport three years ago , I was told I may still need reading glasses for small print, but generally I get on fine, apart from really small print and then I use a magnifying glass, it cost about £6000 for both eyes and I don’t regret getting it done.

[God's Left Peg]

It's a relatively simple procedure really.

That's pretty much the technique I require to get contacts in

[Red Beret]

That's pretty much the technique I require to get contacts in

Me too.  Including the screams.

Remember cursing once at how I couldn't get a contact in.  Was at least five minutes before I realised it had fallen off my finger and I'd just been poking myself in the eye.

[Davidbowie]

I had it done about 7 years ago at Optimax on Castle Street (don't think it's there anymore). Was about £2500 if I remember correctly.

Anyway, the procedure itself wasn't too bad, if you can cope with a faint burning smell whilst the laser is doing it's thing! Afterwards was very, very uncomfortable, my eyes and nose streamed for 24 hours or so and were extremely bloodshot for a week or so.

However, literally within a minute of stepping off the bed after the procedure I could immediately tell my eyesight had improved and after years and yeas of pissing about with glasses and contact lenses it was a great feeling.

7 years on, the only difference is that my left eye (which was the weaker of the two anyway) has ever so slightly deteriorated, but not to the point that I even notice unless I put one hand over the right eye and then I can see that its not quite as sharp.

Is it worth it? Yes. Will you probably need reading glasses once you reach 50 or 60 yes, but to get good eyesight for 25 or 30 years for £2k or so is a good deal in my.. eyes.

[HeartAndSoul]

Has anybody ever had this done abroad? My missus has been looking at getting it done and it's a fraction of the price in countries like Poland for example. She's wanting to go ahead with it but will the procedure and quality of work be the same? She's seen the reviews of people flying out from the UK to getting the treatment and it's got great reviews but there's something that just doesn't sit right with me?

Why would it be almost half the price to get the surgery over there?

[ToneLa]

That's pretty much the technique I require to get contacts in

Oh gawd, got the new TruEye Moist I think they are called, they're so thin they fold over when you try to scoop it out the pack, then it pokes into your eye. I go through two or three pairs just trying to get them out correctly!

This is what's making me think "laser eye surgery"... cause if I'm jabbing myself in the eye every day why not just have ONE dose of discomfort under a laser that fixes em? 

[God's Left Peg]

I had it done about 7 years ago at Optimax on Castle Street (don't think it's there anymore). Was about £2500 if I remember correctly.

Anyway, the procedure itself wasn't too bad, if you can cope with a faint burning smell whilst the laser is doing it's thing! Afterwards was very, very uncomfortable, my eyes and nose streamed for 24 hours or so and were extremely bloodshot for a week or so.

However, literally within a minute of stepping off the bed after the procedure I could immediately tell my eyesight had improved and after years and yeas of pissing about with glasses and contact lenses it was a great feeling.

7 years on, the only difference is that my left eye (which was the weaker of the two anyway) has ever so slightly deteriorated, but not to the point that I even notice unless I put one hand over the right eye and then I can see that its not quite as sharp.

Is it worth it? Yes. Will you probably need reading glasses once you reach 50 or 60 yes, but to get good eyesight for 25 or 30 years for £2k or so is a good deal in my.. eyes.

Two and a half grand is a lot less than I thought it'd cost.

[God's Left Peg]

Oh gawd, got the new TruEye Moist I think they are called, they're so thin they fold over when you try to scoop it out the pack, then it pokes into your eye. I go through two or three pairs just trying to get them out correctly!

This is what's making me think "laser eye surgery"... cause if I'm jabbing myself in the eye every day why not just have ONE dose of discomfort under a laser that fixes em? 

I've done the 'lessons' at Specsavers. Fuck me. Bombed into the remedial class. Publicly shamed, it was pitiful!!!

[ToneLa]

I've done the 'lessons' at Specsavers. Fuck me. Bombed into the remedial class. Publicly shamed, it was pitiful!!!

Haha that sounds fun! I thought my technique was spot on for years but these new contacts.... no chance

That's me in the corner, a D on my hat I have on 

[Jake]

Has anybody ever had this done abroad? My missus has been looking at getting it done and it's a fraction of the price in countries like Poland for example. She's wanting to go ahead with it but will the procedure and quality of work be the same? She's seen the reviews of people flying out from the UK to getting the treatment and it's got great reviews but there's something that just doesn't sit right with me?

Why would it be almost half the price to get the surgery over there?

I had it done in England last year, March I think, I needed a touch up in October as I'm a high prescription and I'm so grateful for the constant aftercare.

Wish I hadn't had it done at all to be honest, waste of 3k, but I wouldn't have it done abroad in case you get complications.