It is about two years now since I had laser eye surgery at Accuvision. Prior to deciding whether to have treatment I looked at a number of sites & found this one the most useful. I was interested to know what peoples experience was some while after surgery, rather than just after a few weeks. As I am now in that position myself, I thought it might be useful to recount my own experience. I had laser eye surgery two years ago when I was 51. The entire process was speedy, without pain & completely successful.

Pre-treatment, I had short sight. My prescription was between –8.5 & -9.5 with severe astigmatism in both eyes. I became aware that some clinics only dealt with less severe conditions & after some six months of looking at the web, dithering & irresolution, I decided to make an appointment at Accuvision who seemed to cover all eventualities. They had received almost evangelical praise from people having used them & I think that was what tipped the balance for me. When I visited, there was no hard sell & I felt that I was being given space to make up my mind. Measurements were taken & I was assured that I was a suitable case. After a few more days pondering, I made the appointment for the surgery a few weeks hence – in May 2003. I did nothing in particular before surgery other than have a couple of days off work to rest (if not relax) before the treatment.


The actual treatment was a pleasant anti-climax. I recall having some form of drops put in my eyes a few minutes before being ushered into the treatment room. The laser didn’t look much different to the sort of equipment I’d see in a dentist’s room (but of course my sight wasn’t very good!). I think I recall some checks to line up laser & I. There was no discomfort as such, but there was some form of fitment to make sure I didn’t blink mid-zap.

Each eye took only about 30 seconds to a minute. I could hear whirring & it looked like I was looking through an old fashioned kaleidoscope. The instant it was over, I could see better albeit through slightly watery eyes. I doubt I was in the treatment room for more than 10-15 minutes. After treatment, I sat out in the main reception area for some minutes & then back in to another room to check that all had gone to plan. I was already seeing well, but it was emphasised that I should keep my eyes shut for the rest of the day & take drops in the eye for a two or three days at gradually increasing intervals. I was told that the first 24 hours were very important & to stick to the regime suggested.

Although I’d read of others going straight out after surgery, I followed my instructions to the letter. We took a cab home & I had a very boring afternoon & evening with my eyes shut, but with the consolation of Radio 4. I took the drops at the times recommended. There was no pain. Once at home, I found the first two or three hours mildly uncomfortable – a bit like your eye might feel if you’ve taken a lash out – when it still stings a little, but that was all. For the first couple of nights, I had to wear goggles (to protect the eye in case you rub it unintentionally when asleep) & could do a fair imitation of a human to bluebottle mutant. I took a further week off work to give my eyes a good rest. Personally, I think this is a good idea. You might not feel you need it, but having paid good money out to get good eyesight, it seems worth taking a few extra days just to make sure. If nothing else, it gives you time to get used to what you look like in a mirror!

And that was that! I returned the day after surgery & was assured all had gone well. I could see perfectly. I returned at the requisite times – as I recall it, a week after, a month after & three months after. For good measure I returned after a year & (finally) recently after all but two years. Each visit confirmed that the treatment was a success, that there was no problem with the eyes & that all was fine. I have no need of glasses, I can read perfectly, use a computer. I have no problem driving – day or night & experience on ‘night-vision’ problems. I’ve no need to go back to Accuvision anymore – but I think I will actually miss it! I felt I owed them a debt, for what they have done for me – hence this message.

This surgery really can be life changing. I had worn glasses for 40 years & resented the fact for about 39. The psychological effect of my not wearing glasses has been immense. I feel far happier inside my own skin & I think my dealings with the outside world – friends, family & work have all been enhanced. This is a big step & you would be well advised to think it through at your own pace. If my experience is anything to go by, Accuvision are well worth a visit. For me, everything promised has come about with minimum hassle & to considerable effect. I really cannot emphasise enough how much better it has made me feel – hence my recommendation & thanks to Accuvision.