Before deciding who to go with i checked out the lasik-eyes website and did my research thoroughly. When I finally decided to go with Optical Express I made an appointment with the Birmingham branch and found out that I could have either Lasik or Lasek. The knowledge and professionalism of the staff was second to none and I decided to go for it (Wavefront Lasek)! So, making an appointment for 4th March 2006 I had a month to wait....
The day finally came and I went down to the reception area. The staff were brilliant and immediately put you at ease with their smiles. I only waited about 5 minutes before I had to go and have a scan of each eyeball. Once out in the reception area I waited again a further 10 minutes where I was then asked to go upstairs to a further waiting area in readiness for the treatment. I then got called into a room where I was greeted by Mr George who went through which procedure was going to be best for me (at the end of the day, the surgeon's decision is final!).
I then went back into the waiting area and waited for a further 30-45 minutes. Then I got called into a room where I was going to have the treatment. I was asked to sit in a chair and Mr George came in. I was very comfortable and didn't feel anxious in any way because the staff were talking to me the whole time. The actual procedure did not hurt at all and although my sight was blurred, I could actually see things a lot more clearer than without having my glasses on! Once it was all over (only took about 20 seconds an eye!) one of the nurses took me into another room and talked me through the eye drops I should take. She did tell me that once the anaestetic had worn off (about 10 minutes) I would be streaming and have gritty eyes and she recommended that once I got home I should go straight to bed. My shaparone arrived to take me back on the train and I thought I would have to hold onto him because my eyes would be watering so much. But this wasn't the case at all. I can honestly say that although my eyes were a little light sensitive I had none of the other problems that I was expecting! I finally got home and went straight to bed and took a sleeping tablet to make sure I did actually sleep. After a number of hours I woke up and could see quite clearly, although still very blurred! Over the next few days my vision got better and better and I could really see number plates on cars at the end of my road. When I went back for my post op visit on the Tuesday, I saw Sam who took the clear lenses out and did an eye test. My vision was better than 20/20!!! Sam asked if I had had any problems with grittiness or watering eyes. I said not at all! He was very pleased and I booked myself in for a further check up in two weeks time. A week has now passed and I can see brilliantly. I still try to take my glasses off before I go to bed but all in all I can honestly say its the best £2000 I have ever spent! Are there any downsides??? Well I do get dry eyes particularly at night and when I wake up but once the drops have gone in I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed! Hope I go from strength to strength. I would highly recommend to anyone who is scared to go through the procedure, do your research but go for it!!! Its certainly changed my life. I cannot thank Mr George and all his staff enough! xx