Surgeon: Susanna Boytha
Branch: Inverness
Date of Surgery: 28 July 2007
Surgery Type: LASIK Wavefront

Had taken a few years to pluck up the courage to have surgery, due to the incredible fear of what might go wrong. Eventually decided to visit Optical Express after my newphew had successful eye surgery there, we both received a 50pounds discount due to his recommendation.

Was very impressed by the welcoming attitude of the staff in Inverness and their product knowledge. The pre op tests were more superior to any eye tests I had previous had in other establishments. On the day I was petrified and even cried, and told them I wasn't going through with it, but Gemma was very comforting and reassuring and I did go ahead with the procedure which in total lasted no more than 10minutes, actual lasering was only seconds per eye.

I found the procedure quite uncomfortable, but not painful. The worst part was probably the pressure applied when the flap was created. Afterwards my eyes were, incredibly light sensitive (get a good pair of dark sunglasses before you go) very nippy and streaming. I was advised to go home and sleep for a few hours as rest is the best thing, which is exactly what I did. Woke up and was delighted to find that I could now see and read the TV subtitles and displays perfectly without glasses. Success!

However, I was less than impressed and far from happy though the following morning when I tried to read the Sunday paper and couldn't. I thought that this was probably due to the healing process, but unfortunately not, this is for life!

Following my check up on Monday morning I was informed that my distance vision was a perfect 20/20, and that I could drive now if I felt up to it. My distance vision has since improved more, which is great. I'm due my 3month check in a few weeks. But due to my age (40+ unfortunately) I now need reading glasses of +1.50. I do feel disappointed, because before the procedure I could actually read without my varifocals. I originally had one long sighted eye and one short sighted eye with an astigmatism.

Now because I have "perfect eye" I find any form of close work virtually impossible without my reading glasses to aid my vision - I can't read, see my mobile phone screen, the computer monitor, sew and feel that I need glasses on to whilst preparing meals. Working as a swimming instuctor I have to peer over the top of glasses perched on the end of my nose whilst watching the kids swim and trying to strike a happy medium completing the necessary paperwork as I go along.
I know you are warned, but I honestly didn't expect for it to happen to me, as everyone I had spoken to, even the over 40's were totally spec free. WHY ME?????!!!!

Have also suffered with dry eyes since the procedure, although it seems to be improving gradually, left eye which as the weaker of the two having been the worst, taking longer to heal.

Well worth the money to be able to live life day to day with out specs, but not so if you are a great reader and deal with computers and paperwork on a daily basis. Think carefully which is more important to you. Have spent a few days wondering if I have done the right thing.