Optimax

Well I’ve been in for my checkup today and as expected I was 20/20 in both eyes. The only side effect I’ve had is a slight haze, but hopefully that will clear in the next couple of weeks. Unlike some other posts, I’m glad I waited until now to have the operation. I always got on well with contact lenses and I suspect the advances of technolgy and experience have been significant with the laser eye surgery over the past few years. This made me very comfortable with the entire procedure and the expected results.

The only other point I’d like to mention is the choice between Lasik and PRK. I was suitable for either treatment, but opted for Lasik due to the faster recovery. People in a similar situation need to carefully weigh the pros and cons between the two procedures and make an informed choice. I’ll post again after my next check up, but ifn people are suitable for laser eye surgery I would certainly recommend it.

Well I had lasik treatment about 4 hours ago from Doctor Hynes at the Manchester clinic. My prescription was -4.5 in both eyes. The procedure itself was much as I expected. It was slightly uncomfortable but certainly not painful in any way shape or form. The smell of burning flesh isn’t especially unpleasant and you get a fantastic light show. Once the anaesthetic drops wear off it’s a bit painful for a couple of hours, but everything seems fine now and I CAN SEE CLEARLY !!

I’ll post again after the aftercare appointmnets, but I’m confident that I may even be 20/20 by tomrorrow.

Another patient in Manchester today had travelled from Milton Keynes specifically to see Doctor Hynes and I would certainly recommend him to anyone else considering treatment.

Had bilateral epiflap on 13th September at the Southampton clinic. My prescription was -2.75 in right eye, -2.5 in left. I found the staff in Southampton very helpful. My operation was performed by Dr Ayoubi, who took great care to explain everything carefully beforehand, giving me the chance to decide whether to have one or both eyes done and even to back out altogether if I got cold feet. My topography appointment was officially 2 hours before my laser appointment, but as the clinic weren’t busy on the day, they gave me the option of going straight in for the surgery which I chose to do. Dr Ayoubi was great – he explained exactly what was happening every step of the way, and was very calming and reassuring – praising me for keeping still and telling me I’d done well. It may sound corny, but it’s little things like that which really help you panicking at the time! The procedure was all over very quickly – I was in there for about 15-20 minutes total. The anaesthetic wore off after about 25 minutes – just after I arrived home. My eyes started to water like mad and it felt like chopping very strong onions – more discomfort than pain. After another 1/2 hour I just wanted to go to bed and sleep, so I took my sleeping pills and tried to sleep (surprisingly easy!). Couldn’t open my eyes for the next two days (which made putting the ointment in pretty difficult), and like Jane Barnes, I found that a gel eye mask helped soothe things. I was excited when I could open my eyes on Tuesday, had no more discomfort and could see fairly well, and things have just got better ever since. The only downside was the horrible greasy ointment which I had to use for 7 day as it blurred my vision. Stopped using the ointment two days ago, drove to work today and feel great! Would recommend laser surgery, Optimax and Dr Ayoubi to anyone!

I had my bilateral Epiflap surgery on 13th Sep at the Optimax Finchley Rd clinic (-1.5 (L), -1.25 (R) plus astigmatism in both eyes). So far my experiences are very positive, exactly what I was expecting. It offers one of the cheapest options in the market so don’t expect a red carpet treatment but in my case there were no delays, I was dealt with quickly and efficiently. If anything they are a little short on the information front so ensure you research everything properly beforehand and have your questions ready and I would advice to have visited at least one more clinic for a consultation (the expensive ones offer it free) as a comparison. Optimax is a perfect option for people who want an in and out service (whatever you do do NOT be late there) ideally with no complex medical history.

The consultation with Dr Almasari who treated me was, like everything else, quick and efficient. The treatment was pain free and lasted around 15min (the actual timing of the laser was 23 sec for each eye!) Once the anaestetic drops wore off (ab. 1 hr) the pain really started to kick in and lasted until the next morning. Despite all the odds try to have a few hours sleep as in my case it helped enourmously. I opted to have the bandage contact lenses as apparently the eyes heal more evenly then. The removal of the lenses 3 days later was not painful at all as stated in a few sources. After four days I have almost 20/20 vision if slightly longsighted still. I notice a slight improvement every day although it does take time. The other thing I noticed was that the pain and visual sensations are different in both eyes, eg. my left eye was much more painful than the right and I think it is healing more slowly as well (don’t know why). I have another checkup in a weeks time so will send another update.

Generally thumbs up for Optimax, the lower price has nothing to do with the quality of the actual treatment I don’t think, maybe just the aftercare but then again you do get what you pay for!

Had Lasek treatment at new Southampton clinic on 5th September. Both eyes were -3.00 and had slight astigmatism. Staff helpful and on all appointments i was seen on time. Treated by Alex Theodoris who was very reassuring and put me at ease by talking through each step of the procedure.
Couldn’t believe how quick it all was, about 35 seconds of laser in each eye. I moved my second eye slightly and the laser stopped and was started again but this was not a problem. one eye was fully bandaged (no bandage contacts were used) and the other had a plastic shield on for some visability. given sleeping tablets, pain killers, eye drops and sent home. I had made my following aftercare appointment before the treatment and this was a good idea because afterwards i couldn’t see clearly and probably would of forgot anyway. Drive home (not by me!!!!!) was about 45 minutes and after about 30 minutes eyes started to ache and water a lot. got straight into bed and rested. Husband had to give medication as i could not read all the instructions (although they had explained all at the clinic i didn’t remember the times) just wanted to take sleeping tablet as the pain was bad and i hoped it wouldn’t last up to 4 days i have heard about. Next day rested but still couldnt see much, very light sensitive but not in pain. Scary point came on Sunday morning when my four year old daughter came home after being shipped of to nannas for two nights. lying in bed next to me she stretched out and accidently punched me straight in the left eye! my automatic scream sent her screaming as well! however it was fine and no pain just a bit sore. By Sunday evening watching telly as i was so bored by not being able to drive or read. It was a bit blurry but a lot clearer than it used to be without my glasses or contacts. I found that when I wanted to rest my eyes the best thing I found was a soft eye mask I had from an airline care kit, it was so handy for a couple of days especially went lying down. I think optimax could really minimize discomfort by providing something like this. On Monday afternoon Optimax phoned up to check how I was getting on, and it was one of the girls that had been in the treatment room which i thought was good aftercare. Each day vision gets clearer and clearer didnt need anymore pain killers than those given to me by clinic but may be a good idea to have some handy just incase because you are only given a couple of days worth. Felt fine to drive but waited just in case for my first check up which was a week later on Friday 12th. Saw Mr Theodoris for aftercare which i was pleased about because sometimes it is not with the person who did the treatment. Vision up to driving standard and was told that over next two weeks will have 20/20 what a great result. Have to go back in two months time and will give results then. Compared to what other clinics are charging i am so glad that i chose optimax. I hope my account puts people at ease because i am the worst when it comes to pain and nearly talked myself out of it a hundred times. I am so glad I didn’t.