I had Lasik treatment at Finchley Road on Tuesday 25th February by Dr Patel.

At my consultation the previous Friday, Dr Patel had said that he would see me at 10.00am on Tuesday and then have a check at around 11.30 before being sent home. My appointment was for 9.00 so that all forms etc could be completed before seeing Dr Patel. I was in fact seen by Dr Patel at 9.45 with the procedure completed by 10.00 and back in the waiting room. Check up by 11.00 and on my way home soon after.

I was terrified sitting in the waiting room before the treatment, "am I doing the right thing" seemed to be buzzing around my head constantly. An hour and a half later after the most painless procedure
I was reading the telephone numbers on the shop fronts opposite without any glasses.

I have worn specs and contact lenses since I was 9. I cannot tell you how I felt, the emotions were overwhelming, being able to see unaided. All I wanted to do was call my Mum!! I am over 40......

It is now 8 days after the event. I have had no pain but my eyes have ached, very similar to someone pressing the pad of their thumb against my eye, but not all the time. I work on a pc virtually all day so I took last week off so that I could rest my eyes. Dr Patel and I discussed the fact that I would probably get 95% correct vision - if this is 95% then fantastic. Also discussed the fact that I will need reading glasses because of my age, not because of any other reason and so I have bought myself some from over the counter - better than the £350.00 per pair for my varifocals that I was having to wear along with the £150.00 per year for contact lenses and solutions. I don't have to wear my reading specs all the time but they help when my eyes are tired.

This is one of the best things that has happened to me, one of the best decisions that I have ever made and some of the best money that I have ever spent. I have to go for my one week check up tomorrow. I was told last week that it can take up to 3 month's for a prescription to settle so I am not expecting any more miracles yet.

I have been vigilant in using the eye drops, risking infection is the last thing that any of us need. The worst thing I think is having to wear the eye shields at night - the tape hurts your face, and boys and girls, who wants to wake up with someone that looks like a fly next to them!!

I am looking forward to the end of March when I can start swimming again, and to be able to see the other people in the pool instead of having to dodge the blurred blobs. What I have to do is stop reaching for my glasses in the morning or think that I must take my contacts out - I no longer need them.

I will let you know how my check up goes tomorrow.

And Helen, I hope everything goes well for you.