I had epi-lasek at Liverpool clinic last Friday evening 4 February, prescription -3.75 and -4. The surgery itself wasn't painful although I have to say I wasn't fully prepared for the burning smell. I couldn't believe it when I walked out of the treatment room and could see without my glasses!! I spent that evening and the next two days like a gremlin avoiding bright lights. I wouldn't say my eyes were sore just very watery and it was difficult to open them to put the drops in.
I returned on Monday to have the bandage lenses removed, this was a litle uncomfortable-I was 80-85% healed. I have been back to Optimax today (11.2.05). My right eye feels perfect but my left is still catching up. I'm back to driving standard and have to return in 2 weeks when I should be back at the standard I was with my glasses/contact lenses. I wouldn't say my eyes have been painful, dry or gritty. They do become tired a bit quicker and those dark sunglasses really are a must.
I would certainly recommend epi-lasek so long as you are realistic about the recovery time (don't think I really was). When the advice booklet says it can take upto a month then the likelihood is it will!! All that said I can still see clearer now after a week than I have been able to unaided for the past 15 years or so......