Optimax

I had both of my eyes done on 12th December 2002 (PRK Epiflap) it cost £990 (Newcastle upon Tyne) I couldn't open my eyes for the 1st 3-5 days and being blind is not very nice at all. The next 8-10 days I went through a lot of changes e.g., blurred vision, double vision and felt very disorientated. I am now on day 18 and it's much much better now. I still feel very weird without glasses (I've worn glasses for 14 years and I still go to push them up my nose and they are not there). I can see clearly now, although not perfectly yet. All I can say is, the first 15 days are absolute hell, but I think it's worth it. Good luck & go for it.

-3.00 both eyes. Booked consultation and treatment for Thursday 19th Dec. Wouldn't recommend - suggest consultation first so you know exactly what treatment you're having on the day. As I'd decided to have both eyes PRK'd on 19th, but after discussing mono-vision option with surgeon (Mr Ayoubi) changed mind and only had one eye done. The actual treatment was very quick and painless - surgeon really nice - did not feel under any pressure to have the treatment on the day and talked me through the actual surgery. Expect to rest for the next 4/5 days - pain killers and sleeping tabs knocked me out. Started to see clearer after 7 days -drove after 10. Had aftercare appointment 31st Dec which I thought was pretty poor. I Expected to see the surgeon - but was told they're too busy to see aftercare patients! Took all of 10 mins for the optician to advise that I am +1.50 in treated eye - explains why I am finding it hard to read! Said this was normal and my vision should improve within 4 weeks. Have next appointment in 4 week's - watch this space!

Follow on from note of 9 December. I've had three aftercare appointments since the operation (PRK having been -2.25 in both eyes). My right eye corrected much quicker than the left which I found disconcerting for a while but things have improved over time. I'm currently on steroid eye drops which seem to be doing the trick. I was able to drive after about 8 days but sometimes struggled to focus with one eye being stronger than the other. After about 3 weeks I was able to drive and do everything that I had hoped for without thinking twice about it. I think I expected a more immediate dramatic improvement and I did panic after about 2 weeks when I was still struggling and I started to regret having it done. I am now really pleased that I went through with it and if my left eye continues to improve and becomes as good as my right then I will be completely happy. My only words of caution are that people heal at different speeds and you may need to be patient - try not to panic if you don't get the results as quickly as some of the people who have sent in their comments to this site, and don't be afraid to seek some reassurance from the consultant who did the operation. I insisted on having a second opinion when things did not improve as quickly as I thought that they should and this made me feel much better.

Had PRK treatment on both eyes on January 10th. My prescription was -2.5 in both eyes. I did suffer allot of discomfort for the first 36 hours, I was almost blind for that time, and there was a lot of pain. Thankfully the pain killers did do a good gob. Within 2 hours I could see pretty good with 1 eye. 7 days later and my 1 eye was perfect and the other eye was the SAME as it was before I had the surgery. By now I was very worried...but thought I would wait for my after care in 3 days time. Woke up on day 8 and...well it was a miracle, I could see clearly in both eyes !! It all seems worth it now. The only downside to Optimax was the doctors seemed very un-sympathetic and did rush the consultation and after care. The thing to remember here is everyone heals differently, some people only take a day or two to have their perfect sight. It took me almost 9 days, so hang in there you guys and girls...try not to worry (easier said than done !!) Mail me any questions - glad to help

I had my laser treatment at the Edinburgh clinic and am very happy with the result. I am amazed of the impact it has had on my life. To take the children to school with these rainy days and no glasses that steam up is without a doubt worth it. I was very impressed with the staff, I had done a lot of research and they took the time to explain everything to me. The staff were very helpful, took time to answer all my questions even my silly ones. I am so happy I made the decision to go ahead and have my laser eye treatment. I now look forward to swimming with my children, no hassle with glasses or worrying about losing a contact lens in the pool. I had no problems with waiting times, after being told I was suitable for LASIK I could not wait for my treatment time and was given a date 8 days later. That was a little disappointing but when I received a call four days later to tell me a sooner date was available seemingly someone had been for a consultation and unfortunately was not suitable poor sole, shock it was for the next day, I jumped at the chance of my treatment sooner and am so happy I did. Would recommend the treatment and the Advanced Laser Eye Clinic.

Went back for my 2nd check up on 20th Jan. Saw another optician, who was much more thorough. Said I'm only +25 now in the corrected eye (was +1.50 at last check-up). She also said it can take circa 3/6 months for the vision to be perfect. It's now been circa 2 months since I had one eye corrected and overall I'm very happy with the outcome. I am looking at getting my other eye done in April.

Had the Epiflap treatment at the Finchley Rd clinic in London on Thurs 20th Feb with Dr Almasari. I was -3 in each eye with an astigmatism in both eyes. Dr went through all the pros and cons of the treatments and at the end of the consultation asked whether I wanted one or two eyes together, I asked for eyes advice and he suggested one for safety reasons, however, as I already booked time off work and people to look after me I opted for both. In treatment room for 20 mins, pain free but found it important not to think about it as you can see everything! Straight after the appt vision was hazy within half an hour they became really light sensitive - I would recommend sunglasses whatever the time of your appointment! Light sensitive for the next 36 hours and a dull ache although the last two days have been much better. I still have hazy vision although it's much better and I am off to have to bandage lenses out this afternoon. Will update in due course!

I'm having lasik next Monday (3/3/03) at Finchley Road with Dr Almasri. Am really nervous now and was having doubts today but after wanting it for 7 years I'll defiantly go through with it. My prescription is -5R and -5.5L. I have quite large pupils so was told I have slightly more risk of side effects. Anyone else been told this? I'd appreciate an email from anyone with any advice or comments. And I'll let you know how it goes.

Had my surgery on the 12th of February, conducted by D Masilami, Prescription was -2.50 left eye & -2.75 right eye. Treatment was no problem. Eyes uncomfortable for the first night even with the pain killers and sleeping tablets, Had my bandage lenses removed 3 days later. When removing the right hand lens had excruciating pain in the eye. Doctor put a few drops of anaesthetic and gave me the cream for home treatment After a week my left eye had perfect vision, the right lagging behind slightly Today had my first aftercare appointment, I am +0.50 in each eye, even though my left is far sharper in vision. It was explained that the left eye had healed better and had a smoother surface, the right eye should follow suit All in all worth every penny, just hope the right eye catches up with the left in clarity, please email me if you have had similar circumstances

I had my PRK treatment on Monday 17th Feb 2003 at the Manchester Clinic. I came out of the clinic looking like something out of the movie The Fly with big plastic pod like things stuck to my face!! To stop myself from scratching my eyes no doubt. I strongly recommend that you take all the pain killers on offer and also take the sleeping tablets as this is the only way I got any rest. The first couple days were a bit of a nightmare as I couldn't see very well and had a constant headache. Putting in the cream and eye drops is difficult if you are on your own, make sure someone is to hand to help you as I couldn't even see well enough to do this for myself. I do think that the 3 - 5 days recovery period is a bit unrealistic. During this time my eyes were constantly tired and I really struggled to keep them open. I am now on day 8 feeling much better and my vision is nothing short of fantastic. On the whole, I am definitely glad I went for it as unless you have worn glasses you will not know how wonderful it is to get up in a morning and actually see for a change.