I had Wavefront LASIK done 10 days ago at Accuvision. I did a lot of research in advance - I have a PhD in engineering, so probably had a slightly keener interest in the technology. I looked into Wavefront LASIK (which gives a custom correction based on your complete optical system) over a year ago, and decided it was too much in its infancy. However, now the technique seems to be well understood and the results much more predictable than in the early days.

Wavefront is available elsewhere (Sunderland Eye Clinic or Site for Eyes, Manchester Centre for Vision) but the kit differs greatly, and the devil is in the detail. The two key things are the laser that Accuvision use (visit ww.ophthalmic.lumenis.com) and the Tscherning aberrometer. These are the most advanced for various reasons and I believed are at the point of diminishing returns in terms of detectable effect on the outcome. The laser spot is small, the eye tracking is fast, the treated area is large (so you don't get a blurred image bypassing the treated area when your pupil is dilated creating a halo) etc. etc.

Added to all that, the treatment is friendly, sympathetic, patient and comfortable. The place is run also by the proprietor Darius who takes a tremendous interest in the treatment of every individual. As a result you do feel treated individually, rather than being on a production line.

The operation is undoubtedly rather nerve-wracking. Mild pain/discomfort, but better than having a filling done, and over quicker. Once the first eye is done, you will not be worried about the second.

My corrected vision was 6:3 in my left and 6:4 in my right so I had high expectations. Post treatment, I already have 6:3 in both eyes although with a slight but reducing fluctuation in the left. Contrast sensitivity is fantastic - shiny objects appear brilliant. Night vision is excellent now though I had a lot of glare for the first week. No halos at all. Stars are bright pinpricks of light rather than spiky smudges.

As for the people who write negative stuff about LASIK, well sure there were lots of circumspect outcomes in the early days but I think this technology has come of age. Besides, is it more likely that I will have problems in the future with my LASIK legacy or complications from 20 more years of continued contact lens wear?

As for the cost, yes it's more expensive, but whatever you do don't make a decision based on cost. If you can't afford to do it properly then don't do it at all - these are your eyes.