I had Lasik Wavefront Intralase at Newcastle on 24 July 2007. I was -2.00 in each eye beforehand.

The biggest surprise I had was when the nurse showed me all the bottles of eye-drops I needed to take - there were more than I was expecting - but actually they're not too bad: The eye-drops I had to use were Exocin (antibiotic) 4 times a day for a week and FML (Flourometholone (Anti-inflammatory)) 6 times a day for a week and then 4 times a day for three weeks. I also got Refresh ‘artificial tears’ to use for dry eyes whenever necessary (always first thing in the morning, but otherwise not very often). All of the drops are clear, watery low-concentration drops - not stinging or sticky - they're about as easy as eye-drops can get. I'd never used eye-drops before so it took a day or two to get used to them (to stop flinching everytime I put them in!), but after that they've been fine.

I think it’s definitely worth buying some cotton-wool pads before the operation and having a bottle of sterilised (boiled then cooled) water ready at home - it's the only way to clean your eyes for the first few days and it's nice to have it all ready to use straightaway.

The operation itself was pretty easy - not pleasant (apart from when the laser's working - it's pretty cool then) but not so bad really (just uncomfortable and exciting/scary (a little bit of both if you know what I mean) – but really nothing to worry about). Afterwards I kept my eyes closed as much as possible for that night and the whole of the next day.

I went back to work two days after the operation – it wasn’t easy working on a computer all day but it was do-able. I was just really tired at the end of the day.

On the third day I worked all day and went out to the movies on the night – my eyes felt as good as normal all day long. Drove home at night - lights looked like they do on a misty night (you know that pretty halo/glow effect?). It’s less prominent now and gradually improving but even at first it didn’t make driving difficult at all.

A week and a half on and I’m really appreciating how incredible it is to have perfect sight again! (20/20 as tested one week after the operation).

The question of which clinic to go to seemed to be the hardest decision I had to make. I researched plenty beforehand – and I eventually came to the conclusion that pretty much everywhere that offers laser surgery is a professional, accurate, careful place. Optimax won on price and proximity – but I’m sure I’d have been as happy anywhere. Although having said that the staff at Newcastle were all really friendly and their waiting room/reception is a plush, relaxing place. Which is nice! :-)

I bought through e-bay - although I have to admit that it did take a while before I could come to terms with the idea of discounted surgery! I had to make absolutely sure that it was no different from the non-discounted kind (It isn't).

So that’s it I guess – a couple more weeks of eye-drops and then I’ll be done! It’s amazing how easy and quick it all is! What an extraordinary and wonderful thing to have done!