Note: I currently have vouchers for £150 off Lasik/Lasek at Optical Express. If anyone wants one, get in touch and I will get one in the post.
Here’s my account of having my eyes lasered by Lasek procedure. If you’re considering eye surgery, I hope the following is of some use, especially if you opt for Lasek:
I’ve been considering Laser eye treatment for years but as it’s a relatively new surgical procedure, I have been waiting some time – just to be sure it was as safe as it could be. However, since NASA allegedly started using it for their personnel I decided: if it’s good enough for NASA, it’ll probably be good enough for me.
So after another load of research, particularly reading patient reviews at www.lasik-eyes.co.uk I started the ball rolling.
Consultancy – 15/09/08
I booked a consultancy at Optical Express in the Trafford Centre. There are 3-4 tests to go through and it takes a good hour or so for the appointment. Someone is needed to drive you home from the consultancy as some of the drops administered really relax the eye muscles, making vision a little blurry for the next 24 hours (this test is to give some indication of the future changes in the eye as muscles degrade).
‘From £395 per eye’ is a sales line that gets a lot of stick on the various laser eye forums but despite people telling you it never happens, I was offered that treatment/price. However, I opted instead for the Wavefront treatment (extra £400 per eye) as Laser surgery wasn’t a procedure I wanted to repeat – wanting the best chance of success first time out. After a few weeks of procrastination and researching the surgeon (Mr Aziz in my case) I went ahead and booked my treatment.
There were many moments of changing my mind and when only 4 days away, if I could have canceled without losing my deposit, I would have. Why? There is such a thing as too much research. No matter how good something seems, online you can always find plenty of people who will tell you it is the worst thing you could possibly do.
Differing treatments
There are currently two main ‘types’ of laser eye surgery: Lasik and Lasek. LASIK works by cutting a flap in the surface of the eye, peeling back the outer surface/layer and re-shaping the inner surface of the eye. Despite sounding dramatic, this method actually offers a far faster recovery time and is therefore the most popular type of treatment. The majority of people receiving laser correction will be receiving Lasik.
However, if you have thin corneas and/or play contact sports (like me), there is a danger this flap can be dislodged in the weeks following treatment. In the event of this happening, the flap can be re-positioned but is a complication that non-the-less is best avoided. For patients more at risk of this, Lasek is the preferred option. With Lasek, instead of cutting a flap in the surface of the eye, an alcohol solution is used to loosen the outer epithelial layer of cells (the very outer layer of the eye), move this layer aside and then use a laser to reshape the outer surface of the eye. This layer of cells then re-grows over the next 7 days or so. The recovery time with Lasek is more prolonged, although the outcome, surgically, is eventually no different to Lasik.
Surgery day 10/11/08
My prescription was mild (about 1.25 in both eyes with astigmatism in the left eye). As I’d had to wear glasses the previous 7 days (even soft lenses can distort the shape of the eye and abstaining from wearing them for 7 days ensures the eyes are a normal shape prior to treatment) I was at least looking forward to ditching them. I’ve always hated wearing contact lenses and glasses.
My surgery was booked for 11am at the Trafford Centre branch of Optical Express. I was more than a little apprehensive as I sat in the waiting room with about another 10-12 people, also having treatment that day. Before surgery a few tests were re-run and this gave me time to re-ask some questions: would there be enough eye left for re-treatment in the future if I needed it? Will I still be able to wear contact lenses in future if I needed them? Can you confirm you won’t use Mitomycin C (this is a anti cancer drug sometimes used topically to reduce chances of hazing on the eye from scars – something I wasn’t comfortable with). There were plenty more and they answered them all again for me…
It was around an hour later that I was finally asked to go through to the surgery room.
The surgery room is a single big room, with a huge laser in the centre. There were 5 people there for the surgery: Mr Aziz (surgeon), his assistant, a laser technician and two nurses. All very clean and professional.
Any reservations I had over discomfort during the procedure were completely unfounded. I didn’t feel any pain whatsoever and it was literally about 60 seconds per eye for the treatment and it is all performed with military precision and organisation. The procedure went something like this:
1. A few anesthetic drops are put in each eye
2. One eye has a thin eyelid retainer placed on, the other eye is covered
3. Alcohol drops are put it
4. Epithelial layer is moved
5. Told to look up at the laser and concentrate on the blinking light
6. Countdown begins, asked to keep looking at the light, then clicking is heard from the laser as it does its thing. Countdown completes
7. Epithelial layer is re-placed
8. More drops are added
9. Bandage contact lens is inserted
The procedure is then repeated for the other eye.
I was in and out of the surgery room in 5 minutes, then led across the hall to another room with seats and dimmed lighting for a few minutes. A nurse came in, bringing all the aftercare instructions and solutions. She checked all was well and that I had some sunglasses (the eyes can be very light sensitive after) and then sent me on my way.
Immediately, making my way to the car, I could read number-plates I couldn’t unaided by glasses/lenses before. However, testing the results of my treatment didn’t last long as the compulsion to close my eyes became overwhelming on the way home…
Recovery
In the first 24 hours my eyes stung. Badly. Like I’d been cutting very strong onions. Unfortunately as my eyes had swollen, until someone returned home I couldn’t open them to see how many painkillers I needed to take.
It was an uncomfortable first day and as you might expect it was around this time I was wondering if it was worth the trouble. Painkillers were the saviour in the first few days. Every 4 hours I would dose up and it would allow me to sleep. On the subject of sleeping – goggles are provided to be worn when sleeping for the first 7 days. As my eyes were streaming constantly they became a major irritation during that first week and was extremely happy to do without them.
The 24 hour post surgery check at Optical Express revealed all was fine. My eyes remained puffed (as you can see from the photos) for a good few days but all was well.
As I waited for my first check up, a man entered from the day before who had had Lasik treatment. You couldn’t even tell to look at him, whilst I looked like I’d done a few rounds with Ricky Hatton. Suffice to say, if you don’t need Lasek, Lasik seems like a far easier experience.
3 days post-op I stopped needing the painkillers and the constant streaming stopped and by the Friday I was feeling pretty much back to normal. For Lasek, on my experience, I would clear 5 working days for recovery.
Now
At present the only slight imperfection with my vision is a 0.25 astigmatism in one eye. I was told that when my eyes are fully healed this may go but if this is all that is left, it will still have been a very good result.
Personally I have almost forgotten I had it done. It’s great to wake up and get straight on with the day. Lenses getting dry late at night isn’t a problem. I can go swimming and read the clock, play football without worrying about my lens getting knocked out etc.
Nightvision problems, something laser correction has historically been associated with, are non-existent for me. If anything I would say my night vision is marginally better now than it was with lenses/glasses. I also have no problems with dry eyes or the like although this problem is more commonly associated with Lasik (due to the the cutting of some nerves during the flap creation).
Payment
You can obviously pay for surgery outright. But there was payment options for deposit then interest free payments over 10 months, or deposit and then interest bearing payments over 24, 36 or 48 months. The APR rate for the interest bearing options was competitive for the relatively small loan amount.
My laser treatment cost was the equivalent of 8 years of contact lens payments. So, if in eight years my prescription hasn’t changed, I will consider it well worth it.
Money Off
Should anyone read this who is interested in eye surgery – I have a £150 off treatment voucher for Optical Express – the £150 is sent to you once you have paid your deposit (I also get £150 for referring you so it benefits us both!). Not a massive amount but it helps all the same. Any readers of this post considering eye surgery at Optical Express, get in touch if you’d like to get the £150 off.
Like any surgical procedure I would encourage anyone looking to go ahead with laser eye surgery to perform as much research as they need to make them self comfortable. Despite the discomfort of those first few days I feel the procedure was well worth it for me. Lots more patient experiences can be found at the very helpful Lasik Eyes forum 
Tags: Lasek, Lasek recovery, laser treatment, LASIK, optical express
Good read thanks,
I have my op with OE on 14th may, they originally recommended LASIK, 2 weeks before the treatment they have now said due to contact sports I should have LASEK!
How painful is it? You do look like you have been fighting lol! How did you find computer work following the surgery?
I am a little apprehensive now after gearing up and researching into LASEK.
Cheers
Paul, I’m a baby when it comes to pain and it honestly isn’t that bad – despite the swollen eyes. The first 24 hours can be rough if you don’t take the pain killers. As long as you have a couple of Codeine or Paracetamol every 4 hours it is fine.
If you do contact sport I’d definitely opt for LASEK. Last thing you want is a dislodged flap (possible with LASIK but not with LASEK) – that could be very uncomfortable indeed. With LASEK you’re basically trading a little initial discomfort for safety down the line.
Computer work the day after isn’t really advisable. I answered a few emails but you couldn’t really do much more. Realistically I think you’d need to set aside 3-4 days for recovery. After that you’re absolutely fine (I work at a screen all day).
If you can still use a voucher, let me know and I can post you one of the £50 off ones. Any other questions, feel free to ask.
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the reply! It really doesnt sound too bad then, I will ensure I have everything I need before hand, including pain killers..
I think the point about a little pain now, compared to the possibility of a lot of pain in the future is a good one.
With regards to the voucher unfortunately I have already paid for my surgery so I dont think I can use it now (although I will find out as I am expecting a call to inform me that I am receiving money back for the intralase I paid for and I also believe LASEK is slightly cheaper), which is a shame because any saving is worthwhile when spending such a large amount.
Thanks again for the blog, its really good to actually read something online that shows laser eye correction in a good light, as it seem most people document their experience when things go bad but not when things are good.
Thanks,
Paul
I had LASEK last tuesday and finding this page about your own experience has been a godsend. I have had a very similar experience and pretty much begged for extra analgesic drops to at least give me a few hours sleep. My only concern now is that my sight is not top notch. I would say that everything is still a bit blurry. Is this something you experienced? thanks
Your eye sight with Lasek takes longer to be spot on. 1 week post op I wouldn’t be too concerned. If it’s still not right after a month perhaps ask the question. The anaesthetic drops delay the healing as far as I remember (hence why they tell you to only use them if you have to). Opt for over the counter pain killers instead if I were you. Hang in there, take all the other drops exactly as described and I’m sure you will be fine. Give us an update in a week or so. All the best.
I had lasek last year and I am really happy with the improvement. However, it did take 2-3 weeks for my eyes to stop drying up so much and I looked aged during this time. There were lots of wrinkles (crows feet) but it doesn’t last long – so don’t worry. Even my vision took six months to get the optimum results. I only wish I had had it earlier. But everyone’s experience is different ad there are no guarantees. Visit this website which shows some videos of the surgery itself (animated) and also lists the risks and benefits to guide you: http://www.youreyeguide.co.uk/lasereyesurgery/index
Hi again – you asked for an update…
basically 3 weeks today since LASEK….sigh nowhere near optimum. No chance of driving really….am starting to panic but the fact that my sight is somewhat better in the morning is giving me hope. Have checkup on friday.
Hi Clare, thanks for that. Keep us posted on your progress. Out of interest, what was your prescription pre-op? Be interested to hear what the Optical Express team (presuming it was Optical Express you had surgery with?) say.
Hi thanks for the info on the site it has been useful. I am going back for check up today, I had Lasek with wavefront on the 27th May just on my right eye. Like Clare I am at two weeks and I am unable to drive and vision is still unfocused at all distances………….. feeling concerned as I have been unable to work as my work is paperwork and computer based (I am just depending on my left eye).
I did not have much pain just the first day and I only used the pain killing eye drops once. I have been told to put in as much of the Blink drops as possible as this helps the healing, so I am using them hourly.
I had straightforward Lasik back in 2000, my eyes were very shortsighted -10 and -11, I understand from info that they probably wouldn’t laser them nowadays, I would have been recommended lens replacement. However, I did have excellent results back then and my eyes had started to slightly regress over the last 2 years, I started needing glasses for driving and distance, which I just wanted to sharpen up.
Anyway thanks again for comments and information, I will update after my check up.
Thanks
Carolyn
hi, I had lasek eye surgery last friday and since then my vision has remained blurred. Has anyone else experienced this and did vision improve
thanks
sharon
Sharon, with Lasek vision should improve over the coming weeks. It can take a bit of time for your eyes to really settle. What was your vision prescription pre-op? Have you had your 1 week check up yet? What did the optician say?
Hi All,
I Had Lasek Wavefront done on the 1st August 0i9 and my o my am I glad I have no more pain, touch wood! Gotmy bandage contact removed today, 5th Aug, and I am rather disapointed with the results, I am seeing double vision? Benfrain, did your eye sight improve after a number of days once bandage was removed?
Hi Jez, I don’t remember double vision but my prescription was only slight. What was your prescription pre-op? Did the surgeon/optometrist say your eyes appeared fine when they had taken the bandage lens off?
There will be some accumulation of debris which we will clear now the bandage lens is removed. Your eye sight should get noticeably better in the next few days. It’s hard not to panic but you do need to give it a few days. However, there is nothing to stop you getting in touch with the centre you had it done and ask their advise. I know I would.
Keep us updated how you get on.
Hi, my prescription was left -3.5 and right -4 pre-op. Now I’m not sure as they haven’t tested them yet. Woke uo this morning and I could see clearly but this then faded into a bit of a blur
.
Iwill give it until monday – my weekly check up and see what they say then. I got mines done with optical express, brilliant service.
Regards.
And yes, they did say all was okay…fingers crossed.
Jez
Just to let you know I had double vision for a while, had op lasek wavefront at end of May. I just had one eye done, which is just starting to come clear now and double vision/ghosting is going. It does take time.
Cheers
Carolyn
Hi All
Update, got my treatment done 1st week August 09 and 4 months on it’s a disappointment, I am getting headaches and even though my eye sight is much better before I done surgery, things are still at a blur, I still need to put drop in my eyes to get clarity – without these it aint clear – I have my appointment in two months time – my consultant did say that I might need a retreat?
Not happy
(
[...] If you want one of the vouchers or have any queries, get in touch… In the meantime, you may be interested to read of my own experience of Lasek corrective eye surgery… [...]
Wow I can’t believe your eyes were so swollen after the surgery!! I had Lasek too and had no swelling and no pain (apart from when the bandage lenses came out)…i guess I was lucky! The optician said I was the first person he’d seen who had so little pain! I have to say though it took about 1 full year for the dryness to get back to normal and a good few months for optimum vision. My right eye isn’t great but optical Express don’t want to admit it. I get hadaches a lot and i think it may be connected. I found it interesting reading your blog, it fascinates me how everyone has completely different experiences.
Hope your eyes are good now.
Claire
Hi Claire,
Yes, your right – I was surprised having read some of the replies to this post just how different peoples experiences are. At the one year checkup one of my eyes was about .25 long sighted but I don’t even notice it. Never had any dryness and I don’t regret having them done at all at the moment. Wearing contacts and glasses infuriated me so I’m chuffed to be rid of them.
Thanks for stopping by…