Optimax

Just an update on my progress. I had LASIK surgery on Saturday 8th March, which I was very nervous about. I am happy to report that everything went well, there was absolutely no pain during the surgery and I only had a little discomfort for a couple of hours afterwards. What a difference from the PRK, I was in alot of pain for days. 3 days since the surgery and I notice a huge difference already. My distance vision is excellent but my near vision is still a bit hazy, I was told this was quite normal though. This is very strange for me because I was been short sighted for most of my life. I am back at work today and I am finding it a bit difficult to focus on the computer and read anything clearly. I have got another check-up this Friday, so hopefully everything it ok. I wish I got LASIK initially and then I maybe wouldn’t have had to go through this again.

I had LASIK on 27th Feb performed by Dr Patel in Finchley Road. I have had my one week post op chek up and been told that that day after my surgery, I had 0 in both eyes and that one week later my prescription was +0.25/+0.5 but that this would change again and take time to settle to a final prescription. I have been told that it takes at least a month for it to settle and someone else I know has been told that it can take up to six months. The operation itself is nothing to worry about, you can’t feel a thing, but the week following it has been very stressful. My eyes (around the rim and under the lids) have been sore, but this comes and goes as does dryness. I also have some hazing, which I find is different depending on the kind of lighting in the room and can sometimes feel that my eyes are a bit strained (although again this comes and goes, I think this has something to do with the fluctuation they mention in the leaflet – get a bit of blurring). What I can’t understand is why Doron has been told that she has reached her plateau after one week when I have been told that it can take over a month to settle down. I have also heard people say that the hazing can last for different periods of time(does this depend on how long you were lasered)? I took comfort from Neil’s e-mail saying that you have to give it time but think that based on the variety of experiences written about here, that recovery time all boils down to the individual. One thing I would say is that I think it should be made clear to people considering this treatment that this is surgery and that you will need time to heal.

Had both eyes Lasik last Thurs, by Dr Bozaart, Leeds. He’s good. op more frigtening than I’d expected – maybe I’m soft, but over quick. long-sight is so clear. Short-sight blurs a bit, but manageable so far. No light sensitivity – in fact was more problem before op. Have driven okay. So far, so good, so just fingers crossed no complics emerge.
Long wait before op, but then dealt with well, plus aftercare appointment prompt and good. I go back next Thurs.

I had Lasik done at the Edinburgh clinic on 25/1/03 and had my 1 month check up on 7/3/03. Whilst I can read the bottom line of the eye chart which would suggest a complete success, my eyes have been and still are very sensitive to artificial light and daylight and 1 month on, no sign of improvement. I decided to get the op done as I play a lot of competitive golf and the thought of being able to play without glasses was a big attraction. However, I almost feel like I still require glasses to play as the sharp focus I had with my glasses is not there. Similarly, working with my PC at work under the lights is the same and I find my eyes go out of focus very easily. Overall, I would have to say so far I am disappointed with the results and I have been asked to back in 2 months for a further check up.Both my check ups have been on a Friday at 4.45pm which suits me due to work commitments, however, I would probably advise against this slot as the opticians I have seen have been quite clearly in a rush to get finished. Happy to hear from anyone that has experienced similar problems.

Underwent bi-lateral Lasek treatment at Manchester on March 1st, procedure performed by Dr. Ilango.

All went well on the day, was not fully prepared for the strong smell of burnt tissue when the laser fired, not pleasant but a necessary by-product of the process I guess. Left immediately post-op with clear plastic shields fitted on both eyes. Could see to an extent, was even reading number plates on way back to car but shortly after getting to car the anaesthetic drops effects were diminishing and I was forced to close my eyes to stop discomfort associated with light sensitivity. Took painkillers as provided but still suffered some discomfort during the remainder of day 1.

Slept well with aid of a half dose of painkiller and half dose of sleeping tablets (I don’t do drugs!!). Had to manually open eyes in order to walk from bedroom to bathroom. Still uncomfortable and very sensitive to light. Stayed in bed most of Sunday (day 2).

Slept with no painkillers or sleeping tabs over night. Still sore on Monday morning so I chose to keep eyes closed all day, was however confident that the discomfort and light sensitivity was becoming less of a problem so hoped to be able to open eyes on Tuesday.

Tuesday (day 3). Woke in early hours and opened eyes, in darkness, to find way to toilet. No problems no pain. Likewise upon rising mid-morning. Light sensitivity became more of an issue as the day wore on so I took to wearing sunglasses indoors. Vision clarity was, at this point, about as my vision was uncorrected pre-op. (-2.00 & -2.50, no astigmatism).

Wed. (day 4). Big test today, have ticket to see Utd. play Leeds at Old Trafford. Was prepared to be unable to see much but to enjoy atmosphere anyway but happily my vision had sufficiently improved to make this worthwhile not only for the sake of soaking up the atmosphere. Seated in Tier 2 of Stretford End I had difficulty in identifying individual players when the play was near the opposite goalmouth but had no difficulty in spotting that Mikael Silvestre had scored the winning goal.

Now 1 week on from the op things seemed to have stabilised somewhat. Still a bit light sensitive, still not quite as clear a focus as with corrective lenses, a bit of dryness but all in all most satisfactory.

Check up to come on Friday when I will post again and I would hope to be able to bump up the rating another notch presuming continuing improvement.