Laser Eye Surgery
 

I'm all booked into the clinic to have laser surgery in London when I go back home for a month in March and I'm discovering that many people need reading glasses when its done.

I'm thinking what's the point replacing shortsightedness with longsightedness?

Does anyone have experience of this? I'm -6 myopic in both eyes.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I had laser surgery in 2008 in Parsons Green, shortly after I moved back to UK from Bermuda.

I was also very shortsighted, about -6 and -7 and long sightedness was not something that I could comprehend even. i.e. the idea of having to move something away from me to read it better was alien to me, who had worn glasses since age 7.

It is about 3-3.5 years since I had my laser surgery and I am 41 a bit older than you. I am not long sighted yet, but I do think that I will be in due course and maybe in the next five or ten years I will need to get reading glasses. I have moments when I push something away from me in order to read it better and can definitely tell that things are going this way.

But if I have to get reading glasses in the future, I would consider it a small price to pay for the benefits I have now in not being short sighted any more.

Going ahead with laser surgery is categorically the best decision I have ever made.


I have posted it before but I will again, here is an online review of my process.

http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/health-thera...rgery/1124984/

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

That doesn't sound too bad. I was concerned I'd need glasses immediately for reading and close computer work - which I can actually get away with without at the moment at a push. They quoted me about 7k for both eyes in central London - I don't think I can be bothered to shop around as I won't have time as you need to leave a week prior to flying apparently.

It would be marvellous to see. I'm just getting last minute nerves and worries I guess.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

That does seem like quite a high quote but if you are comfortable with it then that is all that matters, clearly you don't really have time to shop around. (I would recommend the company that I mentioned in my review however).

I spend a lot of my working life gazing at the computer and I enjoy reading too but no sign of any reading glasses so far. On the other hand we don't have to faff around with prescription sunglasses or normal sunglasses and lenses and when we flew to US at christmas we didn't need to worry about a safe place to put glasses or lenses whilst we sleep.

It is natural to worry though, we worried, Mr BS bravely sending me for treatment first :D. I still cannot even find the words to express how much laser surgery changed my life for the better.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I had it done back in 2008 when I was 33 I was told by the eye surgeon that I would need reading glasses in my 40's because the muscles deteriorate in the eye and that's what causes long sightedness.

I went to an expensive clinic in Sydney (and had one of the most experienced eye surgeon in Australia) and had a few people tell me I was being ripped off but I figured that you only get one set of eyes so bargain hunting was not high on my list of things to do as there is no point in saving a few dollars and ending up blind.

My experience was that I had the operation and the results were excellent just better than 20/20 in both eyes although the healing process takes a few months to get to that level I could see very well the morning after the operation. The worst thing about it was having the anasthetic drops put in my eyes because they sting for a few seconds but that's it.

I have not regretted doing it it was the best decision I've made and it changed my life for the better.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Everyone will require reading glasses at some point in their lives as a result of loss of accomodation. Usually in normal eyes at around age 45-50. If you're 30 years old and corrected to 6/6 you shouldn't need readers for a good few years.

Lucky me, I'm farsighted (hyperopic) and wear a +5.5 in my right eye and +4.5 in my left for distance. I've been wearing readers since my mid 30's.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Had it done in 1995 - or at least PRK, pre-Lasik days - and was then early 30s. Did without reading specs until I was about 47.

Do it. It's life changing, and I think you are sporty so even more so for you.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

My husband had the surgery two years ago and he loves it and being without glasses. He was told that in about 20 years he would need glasses again. Also, is it advisable to have it done whilst on holiday? My husband needed several tweaks to his eyes and that is fairly normal but he had to wait numerous months to the eyes to stabilise between tweaks.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I had mine done in 2003 here by the head surgeon. Couldn't recommend him enough.
http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/featured...for-sight.aspx

I had bad myopia and astigmatism and already needed reading glasses, either on top of contacts or multifocals :eek: Cost a fortune.

The op was expensive but worth it 100 times over. Not only have I since saved a fortune on complicated prescriptions I can see better than at any other time in my life. I don't need reading glasses in bright light but I need about +1.5 in some artificial light. I can either get them from the optometrist (free with health fund) or by off the shelf ones for about $25 and treat as disposable.

Go to a hospital rather than a commercial chain and make sure you meet and get examined by your surgeon before the op. (In some places someone else does the prelim and the surgeon turns up and hasn't met you before).

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I can't seem to find any agreement on how soon you can scuba dive afterwards?

Similarly with flying - when do you think I could fly back to Oz after the op?

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

My wife is getting it done in two weeks' time. She can't wait. She hasn't been able to do it for years, even though we could afford for her to get it done, due to her breast-feeding, which apparently affects your eyes (somehow:confused:). But she's now had the test and ready to go.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Can I ask how much she's paying in Brisbane? What's her prescription?

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

About 3 months after, my son had it done in September and was told to leave diving until his eyes had completely healed.

Best thing he ever did, he's 18 now and had worn glasses since he was 10. Good luck, it really has changed his life :D

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I've known people fly off to have their eyes done somewhere cheaper so would think flying not a problem. Wouldn't recommend it myself, however - like to know if something goes wrong I could just pop down the road for a check-up. (And the one that had it done in BKK did have complications.)

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I had Lasik surgery 12 years ago to correct slight myopia and astigmatism. Can't remember the numbers but my astigmatism was severe. Best $6K (US) I have every spent. There was no pain and I could see clearer almost straight away. I went home...went to bed for a few hours...when I got up I had 20/20 vision. :thumbsup:

I know there are plenty of low cost laser procedures available...my advice would be to go with the very best eye doctor you can find.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I don't know her prescription, but we are paying about $7k as I think her op is more complex than the standard ones. We can get 75% on interest free I believe. I will ask her tonight, as she will know more details

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I agree I'd rather have it done locally but that would mean Brisbane - 1000k away. I had an eye issue last year after my cornea got scratched and infected and after being misdiagnosed and not given antibiotics in time to prevent a bit of sight loss (in Cairns) I'm thinking I wouldn't be happy doing it in FNQ anyway. London has to be the best bet I think.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I love the idea but a mate of mine had it done, it went wrong and he is now basically blind a few years later. I know the chances are miniscule - and he in fact succesfully sued the bloke for a hefty sum, not that any amount of money compensates your sight - but its a pretty major thing to risk and has put me right off. Not trying to discourage anyone else, but going for top quality, long established professionals is definitely a good idea!

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

:thumbdown: oh bugger. Now you've got me worrying - both eyes? What happened?

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

In the old days of PRK they did one eye at a time, six months apart. They had to as it took a few weeks for the eye to clear and it was a much more painful procedure (I was given painkillers and eyedrops galore, and basically went to bed for a couple of days as I had to keep my eye closed and then wear shades for a couple of weeks, couldn't drive) but I've always thought it a much safer option in case one procedure went badly.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I'm not exactly sure what went wrong tbh. He wasn't a hugely close friend, I mostly saw him down the football. It was terrible to see as over time his eyes got worse and worse until he basically couldnt see what was happening on the field and then at a certain point he just stopped coming and I didnt see him after that.

It all got a bit nasty, he used to to go and picket outside the company every day warning people not to go there (i cant for the life of me remember what it was called now), he even sent some dodgy threats to the doctor until eventually he got it into court, the doctor got sacked and he recieved a payout.

This was about 8 or 9 years ago now, so I'm sure standards have got better. I know lots of other people who have had it succesfully but poor tommy and his bloody weird thousand yard stare sticks in my head.

Really not trying to put you off, I'm sure it'll be absolutely fine!

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I'm definitely doing one at a time - a week between I was thinking. As I've had a few kerotapathies in my left and its not as good as the other one I'll start with that one.

Can you do the surgery straight after the appointment providing there is a space? I seem to remember drops which affected my vision after the consultation.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

The Geek's not in to ask about his Lasik but I'm sure somebody else on here can answer that as I can't remember, it was 11 years ago. :o

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Erm you are not trying to put anyone off ... but have just related a tale about someone who went blind. :confused: I must say, I researched and researched and researched and I did not find a single one such story.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

The drops that affect your vision after the exam are dilating drops so the ophthalmologist can see your retina. It's only because your pupil can't contract and you can't accomodate for close up that you were unable to see.

Yes, if there's an opening on the doctor's schedule there's no reason why he/she can't do LASIK right after. The drops you need for the surgery are topical anaesthetic and the dilating drops won't affect anything.

Why not save all that money on flights and pesky doctor's visits? Do it yourself....http://www.lasikathome.com/
20 years working in ophthalmology and I did see people who lost vision because of having procedures done. Infections after cataracts, people who see haloes around lights or "starbursts" in the shape of the scars cut into the cornea. We also saw patients with infections under the flap after LASIK, mostly from bacteria on fingers and drop bottles.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

She said her prescription was -2.75.

And it will come to $6400. Apparently, the reason it is more expensive than standard is because they are using Intralase, which is supposed ot be the latest laser technology that means they don't have to physically cut the eye

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Son has just had both his done (-2.75 both eyes) 19th dec in perth, $6100 had to go back the next day for check up every thing ok, just been back again 27th jan check up, has to go back again in two months every thing ok, he says best thing he has ever done,


does not need reading glasses at all,
best to have it done local, how do you go back for check ups,

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

They don't do it locally. Brisbane is my nearest place which is an hour away on a plane. London is half the price too. Apparently any opthamologist can do the check up

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

How will you handle any additional surgical tweaks that need to be done if you are in Australia and your clinic is in the UK? Every eye surgeon we saw in the UK said that the majority of people need some sort of tweaking done once the eyes have settled down after surgery.

ETA: My husband was told not to fly for 2 weeks after the procedure and no diving for at least 6 months.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I've never been told about the need for tweaking. The clinics I saw in London didn't mention it as being necessary. If I did it in Oz it wouldn't be any different as it would mean a 2 day drive to get to Brisbane anyway. May be I should give up on the idea. I had thought a month in London should be enough to do it.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I would be running a mile from any surgeon who had to tweak the eyes after the original surgery - that was exactly what I wanted to avoid by going to the best surgeon I could find. The place I went to was the centre that fixed bodged jobs from other practices.

People did fly in from Europe to get it done there. They would do the assessment one day, then, IF suitable, have the op the next, followed by a check the day after.

Do you wear contact lenses, TE? I had to stop wearing them 6 weeks before I was assessed so my eyes could go back to their natural shape.

Why not contact a UK surgeon now and ask what he recommends?

Edit: Moorfields in London is the bees knees of eye hospitals.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

My husband consulted the leading eye surgeons in the UK and they all said the same thing. Maybe that was for his type of problem. He would never have used a chain for something this serious.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I already have an appointment lined up after a consultation last time I went home - for ultralase on a -6 prescription on Harley Street - cant remember the name. They said flying was a 'dry eye issue' and suggested a week to 10 days wait. They were going to check nothing had changed from the previous prescription and then book me in.

I can't wear my connies any more due to dry eye discomfort in the air con here so no issue there - eyes au naturel.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I actually prefer to wear glasses than opt for lasic surgery, IMO not enough research is available for long term problems, ie when your old and may need cataracts removal or any Anterior segment surgery common with advanced years, no one really knows how the Cornea will react to conventional opthalmic surgery post Lasic surgery........ implantable contact lenses could be a better way to go (maybe)
One has to ask ones self why the most senior Anterior Segment Surgeons at Brisbanes biggest (non lasic) opthalmic hospital wears glasses..

I suppose its like do you believe butter is a better option than margarine..

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

When I say tweaks he was told that as the eyes healed the vision would not always stay 20/20 and one eye may be more dominant and therefore further small procedures should be done to make it 20/20 again. This is what he as told by the top eye surgeons in the UK and the same as what my mum was told by her surgeon in Manhattan, who is apparently (according to her) the world's leading expert.

Though saying this maybe these other doctors were simply happy to take the patients money without continuous follow ups to check the eyes over a 2 year period like my husband had.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Does this answer your question about flying?

http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/New...spx?NewsId=105

I think Intralase sounds absolutely fantastic.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I know a lot of post-Lasik people, who have been done in a variety of countries including the UK and Singapore (where a best friend's father is a well-respected eye surgeon), and I only know of one who had complications - as I mentioned above, and she chose her surgeon based on cost.

If I thought "tweaking" was the norm I would never recommend it.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

Well I guess those Moorfields doctors and my FIL, an eye surgeon, have no idea what they were talking about. I guess people naively assume that once you have the surgery that your vision will stay 20/20 and not need to have any alterations ever.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

I went to Moorfields Eye hospital first before I booked with the Harley Street one and they didn't mention any 'tweaking'. Perhaps it's something to do with your partner's particular prescription.

Re: Laser Eye Surgery
 

PD, why are you being so defensive? I noticed it in the cookery thread as well and I find it amusing that you accused somebody else of being rude. :lol:

People on forums won't always agree with you, and may well have different experiences from yours, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're having a pop at you. Chill out.