Optimax

Short update on my peepers!! I had surgery on the 6th Feb @ Liverpool (see previous posting). Today is the first day I have not had bad eye strain at work or driving followed by headaches and eyes feeling like a bloodhounds! (and not looking far off either). The past two weeks at work has been a "big" struggle, with close up vision very difficult, I have just felt exhausted and like my contacts were in and needed to come out for a clean and give my eyes a rest, only I cant do that now. If I was to have it done again, knowing how I have been this time I would take at least 3 weeks off my job, had never thought just how tiring eye strain is. I just saw the optimax ad and thought "oh, back at work the next day, thats good, well thats not how it worker for me". I have found using sunglasses when driving since the op a big help, not driving at night, using subtle lighting at home, avoiding smoky atmospheres and generally resting my eyes as much as possible has helped; and they are improving day by day-little by little. My long site is brilliant, like someone has turned on a light, I am still wandering round going OOOHHH!!!! Look!!! And day by day, little by little my short sight is improving. I dont expect it ever to be as sharp as it was, but you cant have both, and overall I am very very pleased and have done the highland jig on my redundant face furniture (:-

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

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 all, after my previous post expressing serious concerns about my left eye after having both eyes zapped (Posted on 12 Feb 2003 ~ double vision, un-clear vision etc), here is the update 1 month post op. The best advice about EPIFLAP PRK (LASEK) I can give is GIVE IT TIME FOLKS after the op. Ignore the 'miracle stories' on this message board, and if your eyes take a while to adjust, as did mine, it will only push you into forming rapid conclusions that are not necessarily true. I am now slightly over 1 month post op, and my eyes are still changing. The double vision has now settled down. It is now only very minor and improving day by day, and no longer noticeable under normal light. The sharpness of vision has gone from 70% to 100%. My right eye has regressed slightly from 100% back to around 95%. Don't do what I did and form a new conclusion whenever something changes. I was on my 4th conclusion, but now I am wiser and I am giving it time to heal and adjust properly! The lady DR (whose name I have never managed to get) who carried out my procedure read my previous comments on this web site, and phoned me to check everything was OK. This was a surprise, and I would like to thank her for this. The Optimax DRs have web access like the rest of us, and do read this board! If there is a slight criticism of Optimax, then it is that the supporting literature does not really go far enough to explain and re-assure about post-op changes to your sight before it settles down. The first check-up did nothing to re-assure me either. The lady DR did do this when she phoned me today, so bonus points here. My previous rating was 3 Stars, this has now gone up to 4 Stars as the op has been a really worthwhile experience, and the goal has been more than achieved. If the Optimax aftercare experience improves on the 10th March, then I will rate the experience as a 5 Star Experience. Hint- I am not a number...I have a name!! Thanks once again to the Optimax (Finchley Road) DR who called me today after reading this message board. I do not have your name! If you would like to mail it to me I would like to leave appropriate comments. Don't forget - GIVE IT TIME TO RECOVER!!

I had Lasik treatment at Finchley Road on Tuesday 25th February by Dr Patel. At my consultation the previous Friday, Dr Patel had said that he would see me at 10.00am on Tuesday and then have a check at around 11.30 before being sent home. My appointment was for 9.00 so that all forms etc could be completed before seeing Dr Patel. I was in fact seen by Dr Patel at 9.45 with the procedure completed by 10.00 and back in the waiting room. Check up by 11.00 and on my way home soon after. I was terrified sitting in the waiting room before the treatment, "am I doing the right thing" seemed to be buzzing around my head constantly. An hour and a half later after the most painless procedure I was reading the telephone numbers on the shop fronts opposite without any glasses. I have worn specs and contact lenses since I was 9. I cannot tell you how I felt, the emotions were overwhelming, being able to see unaided. All I wanted to do was call my Mum!! I am over 40...... It is now 8 days after the event. I have had no pain but my eyes have ached, very similar to someone pressing the pad of their thumb against my eye, but not all the time. I work on a pc virtually all day so I took last week off so that I could rest my eyes. Dr Patel and I discussed the fact that I would probably get 95% correct vision - if this is 95% then fantastic. Also discussed the fact that I will need reading glasses because of my age, not because of any other reason and so I have bought myself some from over the counter - better than the £350.00 per pair for my varifocals that I was having to wear along with the £150.00 per year for contact lenses and solutions. I don't have to wear my reading specs all the time but they help when my eyes are tired. This is one of the best things that has happened to me, one of the best decisions that I have ever made and some of the best money that I have ever spent. I have to go for my one week check up tomorrow. I was told last week that it can take up to 3 month's for a prescription to settle so I am not expecting any more miracles yet. I have been vigilant in using the eye drops, risking infection is the last thing that any of us need. The worst thing I think is having to wear the eye shields at night - the tape hurts your face, and boys and girls, who wants to wake up with someone that looks like a fly next to them!! I am looking forward to the end of March when I can start swimming again, and to be able to see the other people in the pool instead of having to dodge the blurred blobs. What I have to do is stop reaching for my glasses in the morning or think that I must take my contacts out - I no longer need them. I will let you know how my check up goes tomorrow. And Helen, I hope everything goes well for you.

I had laser surgery done in June 2001 (PRK) at the Glasgow clinic. My left eye has been a total success and my vision is perfect. However, the vision in my right eye is still quite blurry (better than it was before though). I had to wait a year before they would even think about enhancement surgery. I then had to go back for regular checkups until my prescription stabilised. Eventually, last month I was given the all clear to the enhancement surgery which I am getting done this Saturday (8th March) at the Edinburgh Clinic. This time I am having the LASIK surgery, which I am really nervous about. It is the thought of them actually cutting my eye! Fingers crossed all goes well and I regain perfect vision in both eyes. I don't think I can go through this again.

Had eyes operated on Sunday 8 Sept 2002 in Edinburgh and so far brilliant! Took a couple of weeks to settle down but since then no looking back - just forward as far as I like! Would like to hear how the woman before me and the man after me got on. We'd been cancelled due to illness from the week before (twice) and were all pretty fed up before the operation! We had a change of surgeon because of it. If they remember me, please add a comment.

Underwent bi-lateral Lasek treatment at Manchester on March 1st, procedure performed by Dr. Ilango. All went well on the day, was not fully prepared for the strong smell of burnt tissue when the laser fired, not pleasant but a necessary by-product of the process I guess. Left immediately post-op with clear plastic shields fitted on both eyes. Could see to an extent, was even reading number plates on way back to car but shortly after getting to car the anaesthetic drops effects were diminishing and I was forced to close my eyes to stop discomfort associated with light sensitivity. Took painkillers as provided but still suffered some discomfort during the remainder of day 1. Slept well with aid of a half dose of painkiller and half dose of sleeping tablets (I don't do drugs!!). Had to manually open eyes in order to walk from bedroom to bathroom. Still uncomfortable and very sensitive to light. Stayed in bed most of Sunday (day 2). Slept with no painkillers or sleeping tabs over night. Still sore on Monday morning so I chose to keep eyes closed all day, was however confident that the discomfort and light sensitivity was becoming less of a problem so hoped to be able to open eyes on Tuesday. Tuesday (day 3). Woke in early hours and opened eyes, in darkness, to find way to toilet. No problems no pain. Likewise upon rising mid-morning. Light sensitivity became more of an issue as the day wore on so I took to wearing sunglasses indoors. Vision clarity was, at this point, about as my vision was uncorrected pre-op. (-2.00 & -2.50, no astigmatism). Wed. (day 4). Big test today, have ticket to see Utd. play Leeds at Old Trafford. Was prepared to be unable to see much but to enjoy atmosphere anyway but happily my vision had sufficiently improved to make this worthwhile not only for the sake of soaking up the atmosphere. Seated in Tier 2 of Stretford End I had difficulty in identifying individual players when the play was near the opposite goalmouth but had no difficulty in spotting that Mikael Silvestre had scored the winning goal. Now 1 week on from the op things seemed to have stabilised somewhat. Still a bit light sensitive, still not quite as clear a focus as with corrective lenses, a bit of dryness but all in all most satisfactory. Check up to come on Friday when I will post again and I would hope to be able to bump up the rating another notch presuming continuing improvement.

Had both eyes Lasik last Thurs, by Dr Bozaart, Leeds. He's good. op more frigtening than I'd expected - maybe I'm soft, but over quick. long-sight is so clear. Short-sight blurs a bit, but manageable so far. No light sensitivity - in fact was more problem before op. Have driven okay. So far, so good, so just fingers crossed no complics emerge. Long wait before op, but then dealt with well, plus aftercare appointment prompt and good. I go back next Thurs.

Just an update on my progress. I had LASIK surgery on Saturday 8th March, which I was very nervous about. I am happy to report that everything went well, there was absolutely no pain during the surgery and I only had a little discomfort for a couple of hours afterwards. What a difference from the PRK, I was in alot of pain for days. 3 days since the surgery and I notice a huge difference already. My distance vision is excellent but my near vision is still a bit hazy, I was told this was quite normal though. This is very strange for me because I was been short sighted for most of my life. I am back at work today and I am finding it a bit difficult to focus on the computer and read anything clearly. I have got another check-up this Friday, so hopefully everything it ok. I wish I got LASIK initially and then I maybe wouldn't have had to go through this again.