Originally Posted by BrewMonkey

Hello. I'm new here and this is my first post. I've been lurking for a week and found so much invaluable information I had to sign up to join in. The mix of genuine, informative replies and the pithy, sarcastic ones is just right - keeps it British! I'll be posting a thread about our planned emigration to the states and I expect helpful responses and healthy piss taking/sarcasm in equal measure

I posted this on another site once, so I've just pasted it verbatim (this was all done in the UK at Optimax):

The GF had her eyes done about two years ago. We did a lot of research and it took a lot of courage on her part but it was one of the best things she has ever done. No problems whatsoever, although she did say that the burning smell was quite worrying during the operation, but not painful! She's very active, regularly swimming etc. and has not had a hint of infection.

She needed to use eye drops for a short while after as part of the normal healing process and it was quite uncomfortable for a week or so afterwards (over the counter stuff).

The consultant will do a thorough examination to see type of surgery you are eligible for (flap or surface ablation) and if you can do either, will give you the choice.

The one she chose was the flap option (Epilasik?) and is the more expensive option, but the one that will heal quickest. They effectively sliced the top off the cornea to form a flap, then did the laser surgery to correct the shape of the cornea and then put the flap back. She also had both eyes done at the same time, which was not the ideal recommendation from the surgeon, but she wanted to do this as she only wanted to go through the surgery once. Again, this proved to be ok. She used Optimax and we found the surgeons and staff to be knowledgeable and refreshingly honest about the whole process (no hard sell - just lots of advice and checks with the ultimate decisions being left to you).

She now has 20-20 vision, but it's worth pointing out that although she has great sight, she said that in her contact lens days, she could actually see clearer than after the surgery i.e. the prescription for her contacts was somehow giving her slightly better vision than with her now 20-20 vision. She's immensely satisfied though and hasn't looked back (pardon the pun!)

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

I saw halos and stars around every light...

Originally Posted by Thydney

Some people have been made Saints for less

Originally Posted by nai_in_av

Anyone had this done? I have had to wear glasses since I was a kid and hate the things.

Just curious if anyone had laser surgery and if they did what were the results? what was it like? how long was recovery time etc

Originally Posted by anotherlimey

I'm thinking of having it done; but on the other hand once my vision is corrected I'll still be stuck in front of a computer all day.

So my question is - will my eyesight just go bad again?

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

That's the one...his Q & A site wasn't operated through his practice.

Originally Posted by Elvira

He looks like Alex in Gray's Anatomy!

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Haha...you're right.

The guy on the right looks positively geriatric. Wouldn't want him messing with my eyes. :scared:

Originally Posted by Elvira

Don't tell me you're one of those Youth-over-Experience floozies...

Originally Posted by anotherlimey

I'm thinking of having it done; but on the other hand once my vision is corrected I'll still be stuck in front of a computer all day.

So my question is - will my eyesight just go bad again?

Originally Posted by nai_in_av

Good point there, I also spend all day stuck in front of a computer. Might be a question to ask at an initial consultation.

Originally Posted by anotherlimey

Please let me know what you find out

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Hello I've had no problems. Why should you?

Originally Posted by Elvira

Are you able to read and/or usde the computer without glasses?