I had epi-lasek surgery with Mr Tuft on 3rd July. That's the process where the complete epithelium, surface layer of cells, is scraped off and removed, the laser treated and a protective contact "lens" is used for a week. Mr Tuft said that the eye heals better of the epithelium is completely removed and not replaced as in Lasek. I think it makes it more painful as well.
I could only have surface treatment as my corneas were at the critical 500 micron thickness, not enough for the Lasik flap.
I found it very painful for the 1st 4 days. However the operation was virtually painless. I asked for more anaeshetic drops as I was about to run out.
I live 100 miles from London so asked for a prescription to go to my local chemist - this was not possible. I took the precaution of ordering the anaesthetic from my chemist, which would take a day, even though they could not release them without a prescription.
Two days later I was still in pain whenever he anaesthetic ran out after about an hour. I went back to Moorfields by train as could not get anyone on the phone numbers I was given. Mr Tuft examined my eyes and said they were healing well and that I shouldn't need any more anaesthetic drops. He gave me 2 further vials. The next day these had run out. I phoned the the hospital and eventually they agreed to send a faxed prescrption to my local chemist. I was very releived to have sufficient anaesthetic drops. On the 4th day I didn't need to take them any more.
The problem was more the anxiety of having extreme pain with no way of relieving it.
7 days later Mr Tuft removed the protective lens and reported that the epithelium had grown over. He was very professional and I am sure an excellent surgeon but did not want to indulge me in re-assuring an anxious patient. I think he thought I was a major fuss pot.
At the 4 week eye test - both eyes were 20/20 but left eye had a 2.5 astigmatism and I couldn't see the 2nd to bottom line.
Mr Tuft said the astigmatism may go over the next 5 months and that there was a 60% prob it would improve. Re treatment was a possibility if no improvement but this carried an exra risk of scaring over and above the risk of the 1st operation. I would like to know the probabilities but can't find any references. Most information on-line seems t be from surgeons selling treatment.
Overall I am extremely happy with the results. Oh, I was -6 and -5.5 with a slight astigmatism about 1.25
Obviously I really want perfect eyes and to be able to see the bottom line or even 2nd to bottom line with both eyes - but it's still amazing that I can see without lenses. I would nevertheless recommend Moorfields and Mr tuft, despite their disorganisation and bad admin and poor communication.