Ultralase

I had bilateral LASIK treatment on the 21 December 2001 at Ultralase Hammersmith clinic, the surgeon was Mr Gupta. My eyes were -5.00 and -5.75 with a degree of astigmatism, the exact amount I cannot remember, I was 38 at the time of treatment. When I had my pre-op assessment my pupil size and corneal thicknesses were found to be OK as far as the LASIK procedure requires it to be (it would have been interesting to have been told just what the measurements were). I received no pushy sales pitch and the atmosphere was relaxed, almost casual. The emphasis was on “playing down” rather than “hyping up” my chances of having post-op perfect vision, but my questions were well dealt with and I was sent off with all the required information to consider in order to make up my own mind about my options. I decided to go ahead with the procedure partly on the basis that I could see that their track record with the Technolas 217c laser were good and that they had some very experienced staff. Come the big day I was extra lucky to get Mr Gupta how has amassed a very significant amount of experience as a refractive surgeon and latterly as a LASIK practitioner. I was not so much nervous as fascinated. The micro-surgery was hitch free, although the suction on the eye was uncomfortable-but necessary. The laser application only odd in that you can smell a slight burning smell! My flaps were floated back in place and there were no difficulties such as wrinkling or poor adhesion. I waited in reception for 30 minutes with my eyes shut before Mr Gupta had a look and pronounced that I would not need contact eye shielding. My sight was poor at this stage and very light sensitive, the fact that tears streamed down my fact was a good sign, if they didn’t it would have been a bit odd! Next morning after a peaceful night I looked out of the window and I had at least 20/20 vision. That was confirmed at the next day follow-up at Ultralase. One week on the day time vision was getting better all the time although I did notice that I was a bit Long sighted and low light level acuity was poor, I also had halos around high pressure sodium street lights. All this was normal and would, with time, improve I was told. This was a correct prediction as my sight steadily improved as recorded at the one and the final 6 month post-op follow up consultations at Ultralase. I would say that almost one year on I have possibly 20/15 eye sight, but not “super vision” or 20/10-8 eye sight. Would I have had this level of visual acuity if I had been custom treated with moving Wavefront diagnosis? I can’t say. However, I do think that a lot depends on the competency of the practitioner. No matter how good the laser is, in terms of its power of resolution and its active eye tracking system, if the stromal surface of the cornea to be ablated has been poorly prepared there will not be a good, and possibly a very poor result. Mr Gupta at Ultralase was perfectly competent so a good result was reasonably predictable. My only residual concerns are for the future, will my eyes be affected by as yet to be documented side effects due to the thinning of the cornea and will the flap maintain its adhesion and fully heal with time? No one can know at this stage. My view is that if you have good health, thick corneas and a competent surgeon using up to date technology and techniques the risk is acceptable.

Had my consultation this morning and all questions dealt with. Very professional and realistic. I am keen to go ahead only worried about coping 4 weeks with one eye, how are you managing Angela?

after having my left eye treated at the above clinic on 1st Nov., I can say I am really pleased with my result. It is not perfect, but my prescription was -6.5 and my sight is getting better each day. no pain, which I am grateful of, and can’t wait to get my other eye treated so I can perhaps wander around without specs

Had my consultation today. Very friendly and answered all my questions. I have very thick corneas (560 microns) but have large pupils (7-7.5mm) and they told me that there is a good chance of night time problems.
If anybody has had surgery with large pupils, please let me know your findings. I will not go ahead until I have researched this more.
Thanks.

I had my treatment at Tottenham Court Road in London, on Friday 11 October. I was treated by Dr Pascal Annonier, who was very calm and reassuring. I was a straightforward myopia case (-4 in both eyes) and it was confirmed the morning after the treatment and again yesterday (11 days after) that I now have 6/5 vision which is excellent. I have to check whether my night vision is not as good, but it has not occurred to me yet. The first few hours after the operation I was very light sensitive, but the next day my eyes already felt almost normal. Service at Ultralase is in general fine; especially on the day itself there were some very friendly nurses who ‘talked me through’. I still have dry eyes in the morning and my eyes overcompensate that by tearing/crying for 2-3 minutes and a burning sensation, but apart from that everything’s fine. Looking forward to taking of the protection glasses, but obviously care still needs to be taken for the next couple of weeks.