Optimax

For the past 40 years since I was 19 I have been short-sighted and always wore spectacles for distance vision. Over the years this myopic condition had slightly got worse, but it was relative. Where does long-sight finish and short-sight begin? At first I could watch television without glasses and only needed them for driving or outdoor pursuits, but gradually the ‘distance’ became shorter and shorter. Until recently I needed them all the time except for anything that was less than 3 feet away. I have never used contact lenses only spectacles and I made enquiries about laser eye treatment. It proved to be expensive and at that time beyond my means, until talking to friends who all had laser eye surgery, and three of them were patients of Optimax. I telephoned and made enquiries and received the booklet, and was surprised at the cost, which made it affordable for me. Pondering over a weekend I made the decision and booked a consultation, which was about 4 weeks in the future. I was informed that on the same day of the consultation a timeslot for the actual surgery had been reserved, subject to the consultation result and my agreement. Time off was booked at work following the date and eventually it arrived. My wife drove me to the clinic and even though we were about 30 minutes early, I was immediately examined in the topography room in preparation for my consultation with the doctor. Again earlier than anticipated I met the doctor who examined the topography results gained earlier, I read the eye charts and was eventually viewing them through the mechanical spectacles which was my new ‘prescription’. I qualified for the Epi-Lasek treatment and I was given three options and a decision was needed as to which treatment I wanted – or none at all, if I decided not to go ahead. I could have both eyes under corrected, which would greatly improve my distant vision and still give me some long-sight for reading, or I could have Monovision. Only one eye is corrected for distance vision, whilst the other remains long-sighted for close-up work. The brain then compensates and a compromise is reached giving distance and also reading vision. The third option was to have both eyes fully corrected, but at the expense of having to wear reading glasses for close-up work. I chose the latter, and I was asked to return at the appointed time for the surgery. I was escorted into the treatment room and asked to lay horizontal on to a bed platform. Anaesthetic drops were applied to both eyes and the bed was then swung sideways underneath the laser instrument where I was asked to stare into the coloured light. My right eye was treated first. At some stage a small clip was applied to keep my eyelid open but I cannot remember or feel it being connected. A transparent film appeared to be applied over my eye with slight pressure but no pain or discomfort was experienced. I then saw the epithelium being slowly peeled back and it was at this stage that I had to concentrate on to the light. The laser was switched on and I heard a clicking noise and also a ‘sparking’ sound and I could also detect a slight singeing odour. After what appeared to be a few seconds cold water was then dropped on my eye, the epithelium was folded back and a bandage contact lens was fitted. I was then asked to close my eye (the clip must have been removed by then, although I could not tell) and a compress was applied for a few seconds. The whole process was then repeated on my left eye. I am not squeamish by nature and during the whole process I remained calm and confident and the whole treatment was completed in about 15 minutes! A nurse then took me into another room and gave me my medication pack and explained its use. The anaesthetic would wear off in about 30 minutes and I should be prepared to take the painkillers. She said that the next 48 hours would be uncomfortable and the best recovery would be aided by sleep, and included in the pack were two nights sleeping tablets. During the ride in the car home, all I wanted to do was keep my eyes closed so I did. I did not feel any pain only slight soreness, and I did not even bother with the painkillers. Once home I took my sleeping tablet and went to bed. The next morning the soreness has gone and I have experienced NO DISCOMFORT since! The ensuing few days I religiously applied my eye-drops as prescribed and wore a comfortable pair of sunglasses, more to protect my eyes from dust and foreign bodies rather than the sunlight. My vision has improved immensely after all those years and within 1 week, both eyes had returned to 20/20 vision for distance viewing. I know that I must now wear reading glasses for close-up work but this is a small price to pay for my distance vision. It was a question of priorities – I had the treatment to improve my quality of leisure life as I enjoy country walking, gardening and photography. I can now look through a camera eyepiece or use binoculars without the hindrance of spectacles. To me these factors were more important than my working environment behind a desk, where I now accept wearing reading glasses. I do not regret my decision and would recommend Opimax to anyone – it is a painless, very quick procedure – and you do not miss anything under anaesthetic as you see everything that occurs!

Had Bi-lateral Epi Lasek on Thursday 17th at Southampton, performed by Dr Ayoubi. Arrived at Optimax 10 mins early for my appointment & was seen immediately for my topography. Was slightly late going in for my consultation but again, no problems (was very worried beforehand that I would be turned down at the last minute). Popped out to West Quay for some lunch & arrived back at 1.50 for treatment. I won't go into detail about the procedure as it's already been done many times in this forum. Anyway, Dr Ayoubi explained everything in detail as he was doing it (including counting down to the laser starting.. it's like something out of James Bond!). I wasn't in the treatment room for more than 10 mins! All went smoothly & I was shown out to the waiting room to make my aftercare appointment. In hindsight, my Stevie Wonder impression probably wasn't a good idea as I entered the waiting room :) . On the way home, sure enough, the anaesthetic drops wore off & my eyes & nose started streaming... The pain really kicked in after an hour & I couldn't open my eyes for the rest of the day. I felt like someone had scratched my eyes with their fingernails. Not nice. The worst of the pain lasted for about 5 hours, but I didn't leave the bedroom for the rest of the day. Really didn't feel like eating either so the KFC earlier in the day was a good idea. Friday was odd. Like someone had smeared vaseline over my eyes. Eyes were very light sensitive all day, but ventured out in the afternoon complete with sunglasses & cap with wife to meet my son from school. Upon leaving school got hit full in the face by a football! Sods law i suppose... No damage done thankfully. Attended first aftercare appointment on Saturday (48 hours later) to have the bandage lenses out. Dr ayoubi informed me that my left eye is already driving standard! Right eye is lagging however, & even today, 4 days later is very blurry. I'm not too worried as I've heard that this is not unusual & will have to be patient I guess. Overall, I'm extremely impressed so far & the pain after the treatment on Thursday is an extremely small price to pay for not having to wear contacts or glasses any more & is easily the best £700 I have ever spent. For some reason I still keep my glasses beside my bed... I have no idea why. Will post follow ups as & when there is any improvement. Feel free to e-mail me any questions. Gary

Had Epi-Lasek at Birmingham clinic on 14th February 2005 (Dr Islam). Booked in at 11:15, had lots of tests and consultation with Dr Islam. I was told that surgery would take place at approx. 2pm that day. The surgery itself was painless, but I must say the weirdest experience of my life!, most bizzare the way the surface of the eye is 'pushed' to one side and to hear the laser 'crackle'!! - after the first eye, I tried not to smell the second eye! After the procedure, a clear bandage contact lense was placed on eye. I was given a 'goodie bag' with contained antibiotic eye drops, sleeping tablets and strong pain killers and was told by Dr Islam that the pain should kick in within the hour and suggested that I went home to bed. Sure enough about an hour later as we returned home, my eyes just clamped shut and I went to bed. That night I found it hard to open my eyes for a second before they shut tight. The pain was like rubbing your eyes if you had been peeling onions! and your eyes and nose just water constantly, I only had to sit up out of bed and my knees were wet - nice! After more painkillers and a sleeping tablet I woke up the next morning unable to look at any bright lights. My eyes really puffed up on day 2 but went down again a couple of days later. My vision was like looking through somebody elses prescription, to which I was disappointed with as I naively thought that I would be able to see straight away! After the 2nd day my left eye was clearing up nicely and the vision returning but the right eye was terrible! On the Thursday I went back to the Birmingham clinic to have the bandage contact lenses removed (pain free)and I was informed that my left eye was nearly up to driving standard. However, with my dodgy right eye I didn't feel safe to drive at all. After two weeks, not much improvement in the right eye and had my follow up appointment again at the clinic. I was informed that my left eye was better than 20/20 whilst I could only read the very top line of the sight chart with my right eye, but was assured that this was normal and not to be too concerned. Still no improvement and at one stage I really wished that I'd not had the treatment, but for only one second! I was back at work (mainly PC based) 2 weeks after the operation and struggled both with driving and focusing on monitor of PC which resulted in terrible eye strain and headaches. However I started to realise a slight improvement in my right eye and eventually it began to 'catch up' the left eye! - YIPPEE!! 5 weeks after and my eyes are brilliant and absolutely NO REGRETS in having it done! I'm due to go back to the clinic for a follow up appointment at the end of April which I'm sure that my eyesight will be 20/20 in the right eye and slightly better than in the left. My advice to anybody is to do lots of research, this website was invaluable to me, however I struggled to find many people who had one eye better than the other which worried me at the time, but if anybody is worried, please don't, it will get better but you just have to be patient. When it gets as good as the other eye it is fantastic! The staff at Birmingham are great and the surgeons are so professional. I actually bought my new eyes from e-bay for half price, what a bargain! I have recommended Optimax to everybody who I've talked to, from friends and family to the check-out lady in the Supermarket!

Just a follow up to say that I had an aftercare appointment on the 31st March & both eyes are now 20/20! It's fantastic, although sight is better on some days than others. I have learned that this is not unusual & should settle in a short while. Again, definitely the best money I have spent without a doubt!

I had epi-lasek treatment at Optimax in Finchley Road on 22/03/05. My appointment was at 9.30am and I was seen within 10 minutes of arriving. I was nervous but there was no need to be. The treatment was uncomfortable, as each eye was clamped open for aprrox. 10 minutes, but it was less painful than I had expected and my surgeon talked me through every stage, which was very reassuring. After the treatment was completed, I was given my medication and advice for the next few days. I made on appointment to have my bandage lenses removed 4 days later and felt OK to travel home. At this point the anaesthetic had not worn off and I felt fine. As I left the clinic and walked to the car I was amazed that I could see everything clearly straight after treatment and did not feel unwell. However, after about half an hour in the car the anaesthetic wore off and I was in so much pain I couldn't open my eyes at all. When I arrived home I took a sleeping tablet and went to bed for 4 hours. When I awoke I could still only open my eyes for about 10 minutes at a time, but the pain wasn't as bad. The following morning I felt a lot better, but still a bit tired as I still needed painkillers and eyedrops. I needed 5 days off work to recover fully. At my follow up appointment 3 weeks later I was told that my eyes were making a very good recovery and that I now have 20/20 vision. I can still hardly believe that I no longer need contact lenses and as I got 2 eyes for the price of one, it will have paid for itself within 5 years. The staff at Optimax were very friendly and helpful and I would recommend them to anyone.

Been for my check up today and I've got 20/20 vision in both eyes! - YIPPEE! Final check up in 3 months time. Still full of praise for consultants at Birmingham clinic.

I had a consultation with Dr Patel on 14/4/05 after researching this subject, and to my disappointment found very little comment from people with long sight who had received surgery. Dr Patel appeared quite quiet at first, but he was more than willing to answer my many questions. He infomed me that I had researched very well and that I was suitable for Lasik and as a result I went ahead with it the next day. I am quite squeamish and was even uncomfortable about putting contact lenses in my eyes, but even though I was a little nervous found that there were no surpises in store. Dr Patel talked me through the procedure. I can say there was no pain whatsoever, and afterwards waited in the reception area to have my eyes checked to ensure the flaps were correctly in place before being allowed to leave with my goody bag of drops etc. On the way home I just wanted to close my eyes and took two paracetemol and fell asleep on the train (I would add that I had no pain). 2hrs later I woke up and was surprised at how clearly I could see. I returned the next day to be advised everything was fine and that I was well above driving standard. I returned 22/4/05 for a further checkup and was advised to continue to use the FML drops until empty as I still and a little inflammation and to continue with the refresher drops as directed. I was advised that I was now slightly short sighted -0.50 and -0.75 which was to be expected and this should get better, I have slight blurring from time to time, particularly on arriving home after using a compter most of the day. I am very pleased so far with the results and have to go back for a check up on 20/5/05 and will update you as to my progress. As everthing stands, after wearing specs as a child until 45yrs old, I would certainly recommend this procedure, but would advise that you do lots of resarch to satisfy yourself it is right for you.

I had both eyes Laseked on the same day two years ago. About half an hour later my eyes started watering and they ran and ran for hours. Went to bed and slept for hours. When I got up the next day I could watch TV but it took almost a week before I could read again (with the aid of a magnifier). Now I still need reading glasses (my extreme old age, you know) but have discovered many wonders of being specless 1. Your eyeballs don't steam up when you open the oven door. 2. I can see when I walk in the rain. 3. I can wear real sunglasses at last. 4. I can put on makeup without being 2 inches from the mirror. The glare disappeared once the cells had repaired and the light stopped bouncing off the torn edges. It took a bit of time but not too long. Best thing I ever did.

What can I say ??? Superb !!! I had bi-lateral epi-LASEK in Manchester just 3 days ago, and am already better than driving standard. I saw Stephen Doyle, and am so happy that I eventually decided to go ahead with the surgery. On the day itself, the operation is not painful, just a really "weird" experience - The crackle, the smell and that's it, all done. Dr Doyle even corrected a slight astigmatism in one eye that I wasn't even aware of. Once the anaesthetic drops wore off - Discomfort is NOT the word for it !!!!! I couldn't open my eyes without them streaming, and I had to wait for my lift for 45 minutes. I just kep t my eyes firmly closed and went straight to bed when I got home. I used the dilute anaesthetic EVERY hour for the next 12 hours or so, although after the first 5 hours, it was just to shift the scratching feeling from the bandage lenses. TBH, those bloody lenses were the worst thing about it all. They were in for 2 days, and I could feel the edges of them scratching away the entire time. As soon as they were taken out - Superb - What a relief. 2 days post-op, my vision was driving standard. Today, 3 days post-op, I have had my first drive, and even took a short ride on the bike. Not a problem at all. The only thing is that the eyes (one in particular) are a little dry, but nothing that a few drops of the artificial tears doesn't sort out easily. I can't recommend Dr Doyle and Optimax highly enough. The only SLIGHT problem was that I booked my operation 4 weeks before going, yet 2 DAYS before I was due to attend, Optimax phoned to tell me that they had double-booked and would have to postpone my operation. I was originally down to see Dr Hynes, but after telling them quite firmly that I was NOT being postponed, I was switched to Dr Doyle's list, and I could not be happier with the outcome. If you're researching or deciding whether to go ahead or not, please feel free to email me, as I have nothing but praise for the surgeon and the procedure, with only a slight issue with the attempted postponement. I let you know more after my next check-up in 10 days.

Well. I've just come back from my (almost) 2-week check-up and eye-test. What a pity that I can only give 5 stars on here. I am now BETTER than 20/20 in BOTH eyes (Left one slightly better than right). Again, I cannot praise Dr Doyle and Optimax enough. THANK YOU. I'll update again in a month, after my next (probably final) check-up.