Hi all, this is my experience with Optimax (LONG!) :

I "was" shortsighted. Approx -5 in each eye with about -3.25 astigmatism which is very high. I first contacted Optimax about 7 yrs ago but was advised at the consultation not to proceed as the laser technology at the time wasn't ideally suitable for treating my level of astigmatism.

So, I contacted Optimax again in February this year (2003). At the consultation I was informed that things had changed considerably and that achieving 20/20 vision after treatment was now in the 90-95% range rather than 60% before (1996).

So I booked up for the treatment on 24th Feb. Because my cornea is on the thin side I was advised that Lasek (Epiflap) was the only option. Also I was advised to have my non-dominant eye treated first. My consultation was with Dr Almasri who was very polite and knowledgeable. I wasn't pressured at any time and he answered all my questions.

So, 24th Feb arrived. I was a little nervous as my appointment was 8.40 Monday morning in Finchley and the drive down was hell (as usual). Upon arrival I had to complete the consent form etc. I was offered a Valium (which I took!) and about 10'ish was called in for treatment. You first enter a side room to the main operating room. I was given anaesthetic eye drops and asked to put on a cap and plastic bags over my shoes. Then I was led in to the treatment room and asked to lie down on the table. My head was positioned under the laser. I could see flashing red lights above. First a gauze was placed over the non-treated eye and then some extra gauze around the treated eye (to catch all the drops!). Some more eyedrops were adminstered and Dr Almasri (the same doctor performs the treatment as the one in your consultation) placed a clamp over the eye to keep the eyelids open. This is not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be and in fact was rather comfortable almost immediately. Next an instrument which I can only describe as a polo on a stick was placed on the surface of the eye and the alcohol solution was applied. This softens the epithelium. I could hear the nurse count up to 40 seconds when the polo stick(!) was removed and some more drops applied. Next I could (almost) see Dr Almasri use another instrument to gently push the epithelium out of the way. At this point everything went blurry. Next was the laser! I was told the laser would be applied for about 40 seconds. I had to focus on the red flashing light. A clicking sound could be heard and I could smell burning! Once finished, more eyedrops and then the epithelium was pushed back in place. A soft contact lense was applied followed by more drops - yep, you've guessed - lots and lots of eye drops! I was asked if I was ok and then left the operating room. I could see a dramatic improvement in my vision straight away - not crystal clear but not far off. In the side room I was given a bag containing antibiotic eye drops, painkillers and sleeping tablets and then sent home.

Upon leaving Optimax it was amazing being able to look down Finchley road and read signs, number plates etc!!

Later that day after resting, I could not tolerate bright light so I just closed the curtains and went to bed. The next 24hrs I couldn't stand the light. But there was no pain which was good. By Wednesday I was able to go outside again without sunglasses etc..

Thursday I had to return to have the bandage lenses removed. Leading up to Thursday my vision had gotten slightly worse but when the bandage lense was removed it was crystal! Obviously the lense, like normal contacts, was getting grubby. I was informed my vision was alreadby better than 20/20 and I left the clinic beaming like a cheshire cat.

Now this is the really important part. Over the next month or so a number of things happened. At first, night vision was poor. Sometimes my eye would get blurry. My vision fluctuated and finally settled about 6 weeks after surgery. To everyone considering surgery you must be prepared for these kind of things to happen. I'm not saying they will as we all heal differently. All i'm saying is, is that you are having surgery and you need to give your eyes time to heal. Things will change at first but should settle!

About 3 weeks ago I had my right eye treated. Again, quick and painless. The sensitivity to light took a little longer - 48hrs as opposed to 24, but the vision got to 20/20 much quicker.

I had a checkup on both eyes last week and my vision is now 20/10 or 6/4 which is absolutely amazing. All in all, I am extremely pleased with Optimax.

My only real criticism is that although the consent form informs you of all the side effects you may experience, someone should really sit down with you once treatment has taken place and go through them with you. I experienced glare, halos, blurry vision, poor night vision etc.. but all of these were shortlived and I believe, part of the healing process. Experiencing this could cause a lot of panic in some people thinking their treatment has failed etc..

I hope this helps any of you considering surgery. If you have any questions etc..drop me a line at russ@fireflyuk.net.

cheers
Russ.