After years of deliberation, I finally underwent bilateral wavefront lasik under Mr Gartry on Saturday. My prescription was -8.5 and -6.5, with one lazy eye. Mr Gartry believed he could improve this to possibly -2, with the need for wearing glasses for driving. However, I am thrilled to say that, 3 days on, I am already 2 lines further down the chart than 20:20 vision, so technically I could become a fighter pilot!
The experience wasn't particularly pleasant - although it was pain-free, the sensation of pressure on the eyeball (I think some kind of suction is used on the eye as the flap is cut) is uncomfortable and disconcerting. All you see is halos of bright lights and colours as the procedure is performed. The treatment only lasts about 10 minutes, although I have to admit it felt like an eternity under the machine! Once it was over, my eyes felt quite heavy and sore, and it felt as though I was looking through a sauna (very misty). My friend and I were slightly over ambitious having decided to go shopping on Oxford Street afterwards - but we had to detour to a restaurant as all I wanted to do was sit with my eyes closed and rest.
The next day I woke up able to see the time on the clock radio at the other end of the room. By the time I'd returned home yesterday, my vision was easily as good as with contact lenses, and it just keeps getting clearer (and more comfortable). I'm having to use plenty of moisturising drops, but it just feels like I've had my lenses in too long (and it's getting better all the time).
Anyway, I am completely overwhelmed at how such a quick procedure has revolutionised my life. My eyesight is better than I ever dared hope for. Mr Gartry and his team are consummate (sp?) professionals, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you are considering this surgery - choose the man at the top of his profession, and relax safe in the knowledge that you are in the best possible hands.