Optimax

I had bi-lateral LASIK performed on Thursday 27th February, by Dr Manek Patel at the Finchley Road, London branch.

My prescription was -6.75 in my left eye and -8.25 in my right, and I had some astigmatism too. I am 35 years of age.

My appointment was scheduled for 11am, I arrived in plenty of time, and was seen slightly early. The whole procedure took less than 20 mins, including the lasering itself, which took about 1 minute per eye. The surgery itself was completely painless, just some mild discomfort whilst my eyes were clamped open one by one, but I can live with that.I also found Dr Patel to be completely reassuring, informing me what was happening at all stages during the surgery.

After surgery, I was given 2 paracetamols and was led to a waiting room, and 20 mins later I was seen by an optometrist to check my eyes, and inform me of how and when to take the 3 different types of drops you have to take.

By midday I was in the car on my way home. At this stage I could already start to see things (motorway signs etc) – I was developing a headache at this time. Stopped to get some Solpadeine, which I took during the afternoon. As hour by hour unfolded, I could see my vision improving rapidly, which was a joy in itself. By 6pm any pain had completely gone, and I was happily watching tv – my eyes were only light-sensitive for about 4-5 hrs in total.

I had my check up on Friday, and was told I have better than 20-20 vision (could read the line one up from the bottom). This is the best money I ever could have spent on myself, and I feel fortunate that with a high prescription, I now find myself with perfect sight.

If anyone needs any more information from me, please dont hesitate to email me.

I had both eyes treated with Lasek at Finchley Road on the 19th February. I had -3.5 in my left eye and -1.25 in my right with lots of astigmatism in both.

I called for an appointment and told that consultation and treatment would happen all on the same day, this was fine for me however and agreed. I didn’t realise till later that this is optional – so if it’s not for you let them know you want it on separate days.

The Optimax staff were quite friendly but didn’t want to strike up any kind of relationship though and seemed to want me in and out without any fuss.

I was told I had large pupils (8mm).I suspected this and was told this was fine though and they can compensate by lasering at 9mm. This takes an extra blast with the laser though – totalling four in each eye for me though… no problem!

The procedure was completely painless and very quick (a couple of minutes for each eye), but it was quite uncomfortable as I knew exactly what they were doing to my eyes and you have no choice but to watch it. It’s also true that you can smell the burning!

They put a patch over one eye and a clear plastic cover over the other so you can see a little. It wasn’t much use for me though, I could only see a little. Like looking through water, but only briefly as the lights in reception forced me to close that eye after around 5mins. I took off the patches the next days but couldn’t open my eyes because light hurt them. But I had no real pain until 24 hours later when I had quite substantial pain in both eyes like a heavy ache. I slept through most of it though and it stopped suddenly the next day after which I could open my eyes and see again.

Since then my sight has gone from very blurry and light sensitive to very good and not so light sensitive in around ten days (buy sunglasses). My distance vision is almost the same as when I wore glasses, but reading computers and books is still awkward, especially in my left eye. I have to concentrate to focus on anything. I’m assured this long-sightedness will wear off though.

I’m very happy with the results so far and expect my close up vision will get better soon too. Hope all this helps, if anyone wants more info on my experience please email me.

Hi, I just thought some younger people (25>) might be intersted to know how my op went etc on 12th Feb.

I’m only 20 (the youngest age the procedure can be done- too young for ultra lase) and was explained that my eyes are “relatively” stable for someone of my age. I was about -7.5 in both eyes and have so far had pretty good success. Went back for sight test next day and comfortably had 20/20 vision (read all but bottom line of chart). A week later – further improvement (including bottom line) and given the okay. Was told about the small posibilty of having night vision problems (glare round street lights etc). Since the op I did start noticing glare etc at night – but I wouldn’t have called it a problem. However, in the last few days this has calmed down and I didn’t even notice it once today driving at night.

It does sound as though I had a comparitivley quick recovery – which I was told was due to my age and pretty good health and fitness etc.

Would certainly recommend it to anyone of similiar age (if eyes are relativley stable) as younger people appear to be in a better position regarding recovery/healing etc. A second advantage is obviously the fact that I’ve hopefully now got 25 years+ of good eyesight (before reading glasses) as opposed to someone 30 who has 10 years less benefit.

Overall, Happy with Optimax:
-Consultation – good, but felt a little “slap dash”.
-Operation – excellent, surgeon constantly telling me

Have been treated with LASIK (eyes being -5/-6) on 31st of January. I wanted to go for LASEK as the optometrist had told me that I, with my prescription, was suitable for both and that the two eyes could be treated at the same day with LASEK too (one of my criteria). At the day of surgery however, my surgeon Mr Chatterjee, told me he would recommend LASIK because of less chance in developing haze.

The first week after the op was fine- could see absolutely perfectly! The second week however, my vision started to deteriorate. I went back to the clinic as I started to get worried and seemingly I am shortsighted again (do not know my prescription but is far less than before). Still, cannot see that good and I am not even driver’s standard any more. Very, very frustrating as I could see perfectly the whole first week.
I have been told to come back in 4 weeks, to see if there have been any improvements due to fluctuation. If not, I probably need an enhancement treatment. Not what I expected, as this only happens in 2-3% of people and mainly in people with very high (i.e. -10) prescriptions. In the mean time I cannot really see clear, which ocassionly makes my eyes tired. At the moment I am thus not very happy, but if an enhancement treatment can solve this then I will be over the moon. If somebody has got any advice or similar experiences, would love to hear from you as I am a bit worried and rather disappointed.

I had Lasek on 20.02.03 (Thursday) at Finchley Road by Dr. Ayoubi. I think waiting in the waiting room is the worst thing cos your thinking do i really want this done ? and loads and loads of what ifs go through your mind. Dr. Ayoubi spoke through all the things that could go wrong and was very helpful. The laser treatment did not hurt whatsoever and I am really wimpy. Dr Ayoubi talked through the whole thing and put me at ease. I walked out with one large bandage on one eye and one clear eye shield on the other. My husband said I was getting weird looks. All I could see was about a metre in front of me everything else was a blur. The pain killers (six tablets) however, for me, were not enough I had to ring my local doctor on Friday and ask for more, by Sunday the pain had eased a lot and by Monday I had nothing and could see loads. I kept feeling dizzy and felt faint a few times, but now I feel fine. My eyes sting a bit now and then and I cant see close up clearly yet but its only been a week and each day my close up vision gets more clearer.