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I was really pleased when I saw the blathering yesterday about laser eye surgery because I had this post ready to go. I’ve been suggesting that the husband thinks of getting it done, but hes wriggled out thus far because he has astigmatism in his eyes (a wonky shaped eyeball he explained to me). They can now correct the vision in those types of wonky eyes though I discovered, so he’s resorted to these reasons instead:
a) “It might hurt”
b) “It might go horribly wrong”
c) “I don’t like anyone doing anything to eyes”
Fair enough.
And having looked into it, I don’t really blame him for not wanting to get it done.
The good news
There are a couple of different methods/lasers used depending on what is causing your poor eyesight. With Lasik for example your cornea will be peeled back by the laser and the underneath area operated on. The laser will make teeny changes to the eye surface and this simply changes the way the eye focuses light.
It’s this ability to focus light that makes perfect sight achievable. If all goes well you may wake up in the next couple of days and throw your glasses away for ever, such will be the improvement in your sight. This is a really successful procedure and tens of thousands of people are living proof of that. The price has dropped dramatically in the last while and you can now get one eye operated on for around €600 in the cheapest places.
Does it hurt?
No, you’ll be ok. Just lie back and think of the Irish rugby team. Now, you feel better already don’t you?
The less good news
Laser eye surgery can in some instances have side effects like dry eye syndrome or even a worsening of vision, but this is rare. What you must never ever do is choose a laser surgery because it’s the cheapest one. You must get recommendations, talk to people who’ve had it done and make sure you go to a reputable and highly skilled surgeon.
This is your eyesight. You’re not going to a salon to get a couple of spots squeezed – make sure you take your time with this decision. Check out Specsavers who have a good guide or VHI who have a slightly scarier one. Above all do your research.
Now over to you. Any thoughts or recommendations?
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Interesting post! I’ve worn glasses since I was 9 years old, and contacts since I was 17 so am well used to poking and prodding my eyeballs! While I wouldnt be squemish about having surgery on my eyes, I would be concerned with the side effects, in particular the long term effects of getting it done. As this is a relatively new procedure, I guess I just feel that while all might go well now and for the next few years, what about 20-30 years down the line! Would your eyes be OK then? Also, I’ve heard that there is no guarantee that your eyes will not return to their previous near-blind state at some stage and (not sure if this is true or not) if they do go bad, you cant wear contact lenses again!
That said, I have a few friends and relations who have had the surgery done and continually go on about how it has changed their lives and telling me that I am living in the stone age with my glasses and contact lenses!
But all pros and cons considered I think i’ll be sticking to the specs and poking contact lenses in my eyes for the foreseeable future!
I’d love to do it, but I’m a bit of a chicken
I’m too scared it won’t go well. Got recomendations from people in the industry, might consider it a bit later this year. Would definitely do one eye at the time!
best. money. i. ever. spent.
LASEK on both eyes in the Wellington Clinic, i went from -7 to perfect & its remained that way. I got it done 3 years ago and don’t suffer any negative side effects. If anyone has any specific questions feel free to ask.
Aphrodite thats funny your hubby says he prefers not to see you properly- what does he mean?!!
Do you wear glasses at all? Its easy to tell people who do (but you dont) they should get laser- but unless you’re actually a glasses wearer- its a decision you can’t really think about making if you get me- I’d love to have laser but probably wont as the risk of things going wrong for me is too high…and I’d rather crap sight than be blind (one of the things that haunts me to my soul is I will be blind later in life!!)
I change my mind about getting it done every few years tho at the same time but always decide no…so far!!
Aphrodite – really can’t recommend this proceedure enough. I had LASIK and they use a blade to slice a ‘flap’ in the cornea which is peeled back and then the laser is used to ‘remodel’ (i.e. burn) the cornea(and yes you do smell this). The flap is then replaced and you then go home to bed. Next morning you wake up and you can see! I had an astigmatism as well and all went fine – have 20/20 vision in one eye and slight less in other but still better than most! I do get dry eyes sometimes but this easily dealt with by using saline drops and is certainly no worse than wearin contact lenses all day. Some people get ‘starbursts’ around artifical lights at nighttime as well. And absolutely – don’t try and save money on this!
I always thought i would love to but I now have 2 pairs of specs which I love and so , like the fact I can look different depending on my mood! I also have disposable contacts for the no glasses look. I’m not sure I could be bothered..nice to wake up in the morning and see though…the jury is still out
Ah. I was too bad for laser – you need to be about -7/-8 maximum. At -18/-20 I was double that, but I got a different procedure (clear lens insertion) done last year in the Mater Private, which I can’t recommend highly enough. It’s been the best thing ever. I can see, while before, I couldn’t see a thing ( really, -20 people!) I am now perfect in one eye and really good in the other. It was €5k (sob sob, so long SSIA), but you get €2k back in tax.
I was scared for years but all of us with short sight who did laser etc ( 2 sisters, 1 cousin, 1 brother, 1 aunt, 1 father – genetically blessed, I know) have been really happy with the result.
Sorry for big saga! I have the name & number of the fab consultant if any one wants it.
morning, oh i would LOVE to have this done but too scared!!! the thoughts of getting double vision for life if it went wrong… i know someone else who got clear lens insertion and thought it was fab too.. am just too scared of side effects!
ems im intrigued- what is the name of the clear lens insertion procedure so i can read up on it?
I didn’t realise I couldnt have laser at -8.5!
Ems, how long could those lenses be ‘worn’ for? Do you change them, like, in few months or is it a permanent? I’ve heard about it and thought that this could be a good alternative to laser. Can I please get the details of your consultant? Ta
Evanna, I also have 2 pairs of fab glasses – both suit me so much, but I still would give them up for not wearing contacts – kill my poor eyes after few hours!!, as well as wearing glitter and falsies on a night out. Besided, I can spend ages applying my eye makeup, then put on the glasses, and most of the beauty is hidden behind teh frames
As well, have anyone heard of regular contacts that are worn by nite, and then as if by magic you can see alright for a day without contacts/glasses? I think I’ve heard about them few years ago back home, but never heard them being mentioned anywhere in Ireland…
Hi Ems, can you tell me what the clear lens insertion involves. Is it like a permanent contact lens in your eye? My sight is bad (-11/-11.50 in contacts) and I was onto a laser eye place last year and talked to them on the phone and told them how bad my sight was over the phone, and they said that it would be no problem. Got myself all excited that I might be able to ditch the glasses & contacts. But when I went to get the tests etc, they told me, ‘No your sight is too bad’. But I had told them this over the phone like a hundred times. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was leaving. I’ve worn glasses since I was 6 and contacts since I was 16, but now only wear the contacts when I go out as my eyes dry up too much in the office with my contacts. I would be interested to see how the insertion thing works but unfortunately can’t afford it at the moment!!!
Hello all, just saw this post about laser eye surgery and just wanted to add in my tuppence worth!! I had it done in 2005, was the best thing I ever did, I was sorry I put it off for so long (because I was scared at the thought of it)…but nothing to be nervous about.
I was a -5 in my right eye and -4 in my left so quite shortsighted,and had been wearing glasses since age 11. I had it done in Belfast and had no problems afterwards.
Long time glasses wearer and always thought I would love to have it done. Thought about using the SSIA for it but decided to go for contacts first to see what it would be like. HATED myself without glasses – felt like there was something missing (kinda like Pat Kenny – still looks odd without his!)So sticking to the spectacles. Husband of a friend of mine had it done in the Blackrock Clinic in September and had to have corrective surgery and has blurred vision as a result – will not improve he’s told. However, I do know three other people who it was extremely successful for.
Goldengirl blackrock clinic was recommended to me.. god to know.
Clear lens insertion as far as i understand it is when they put lense all folded up inside your eye through your pupil and unfold it once its in there. think tahts what they do anyway, i remember it sounded terrifyin but meant to be fab!
Had this done in 2002, when it still cost a fortune. I went to the Blackrock clinic for treatment, the procedure itself was fine, no pain no side effects etc. just uncomfortable but absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
The only down side for me was the results. I had both pretty bad shortsightedness ( 3.75 and 5.0 ish) and astigmatism. All was perfect for about 3 months and then my vision slipped back noticeably. seemingly the eyes take 3 mts to settle.
I went back and got a top up in the worse of the two eyes but the doctor wouldn’t redo the other as he said it wasnt bad enough v’s the risk of surgery. I doubt they want to burn away too much eye as they may need to go back to that area for more zapping when the cataracts arrive in 40 years!
So I had to leave it at that, I am still glad I did it but disappointed that it wasnt fully effective. Apparently this is the risk you run if you are at the higher end of the scale in terms of poor sight.
My advice, go for it, there is nothing to be afraid of except the cost, but go into it with your eyes open (no pun intended) ie you may not get 100% results so be prepared for less than perfect eyesight…still better than been dependant on glasses/contacts
Jill – can I ask you a q?
I’d really love to get this done. I’m -7.5 in each eye and thought that meant I was too blind for it to work. do ou have to stay at the same prescription for a number of years before they consider you? I get a little worse each year lately.
Heh heh Mrs. Goldengirl, d’you remember the big squaredy specs Pat used to wear on Kenny Live?! Woejus they were!
I suffer from horribly dry eyes and was told this is not the procedure for me. Sigh. I know someone who went ahead and did it anyway and all she does is put drops in her eyes like every hour. No way – so if you’ve very dry eyes (I put a gel in my eyes every morning and night as well as during the day), then be sure to check with the doctor on this.
Hi girls. Had LASIK done in 2005 & in past ten years I know about 15 people who’ve had it done & would highly recommned it. How & Ever around Nov last year I noticed my eyesight quite blurry so went to get eyes tested & unfortunately I’ve had to get glasses again..I’m -1 & -.75. Had my app with consultant yday to discuss & they can’t explain why regression happens but it does in very rare cases.
Don’t want to put anyone off but it is worth noting that this it not always a permanent solution..sorry!!
Hi Admin & Aphro, hope ye don’t mind me posting this info!
Right so: my consultant was Prof. Michael O’ Keefe – his entire team is just lovely. The number is : 01 8858621.
You make an initial appointment to see what they can do. This cost €100 last year, takes about 1.5 hours. If you wear your glasses for the week before the visit instead of lenses ( which was the hardest thing) it makes it easier for them to gauge your eyes (though naturally double check when making app).
They test everything – numbers of cells in eye, pressure etc and then give you their recommendations.
Clear lens insertion is what I was recommended. They do one eye at a time, cut your eye, pop a lens in that would correct your sight, sew it back up. My brother got the same done as me a couple of months later – they have even improved the technique – I had 3 stitches, he only had to get one.
As you are knocked out for this, there is no pain during the procedure. I took painkillers afterwards (once) but did not need anything at any other stage – it is supposed to be less painful than laser.
My favoutite part is that this procedure is totally reversible ( they can always take the lens out if need be)as you are not removing any part of your lens/eye.
They also give a promise (in writing) that if you are not completely perfect they will provide laser to sharpen your your eyesight. I did suffer a bit from halos at night for a month or two afterwards but this has totally settled now.
I have looked at the stats for the side effects of this (I am a statistician in my other life). The incidence of problems is 4-5% for laser surgery, which includes problems like dry eyes (how would you like to put drops in your eyes 3 times a day for life?), reduced night vision which would make driving impossible, and even serious deterioration of vision. 5% is 1 in 20. So, while you hear many stories about the friend of a friend who had it done and ha been grand, never better, think if the one n twenty chance of things going pear shaped sits OK with you.
Clear lens insertion is similar to cataract surgery, which has a complication rate (according to my ophthalmologist) of one in 1000.
I got mine done last Aprils fools day by one of the corneologists in the Blackrock clinic and it’s the best decision I ever made. Since then 5 people I know had have it done in various places and the results have been the same. Perfect vision in both eyes. I woke up the next day with better than 20/20 vision. I have absolutely no regrets.
I got it done about four years ago by Frank Kinsella in the Galway Clinic and it is the Best Thing Ever!! I had slightly dry eyes for a year or so afterwards but they are fine now.
I had LASEK done 3 years ago and like everyone I waited till my friend had it done first. I was too chicken!! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’d been wearing glasses/contacts since I was 12. No side effects and no regrets. I had it done in Optilase in Ely place and was so nervous my legs were shaking but they made me feel very comfortable. I cannot describe how good it is not to reach for glasses every day. The EK laser rather then the IK laser has less complications with it but you take 3 days to recover rather than 1 day.
This is a great post Aphro thanks for puttin it up, im seriously considering it, but need 2 save a bit first for it. And do a lot more research into it so if anyone has any reccomendations in particular the surgeons that be great, the Mater Private seems to have v good reputation. I went to Optilase bout 18months ago and was in there for 20 mins and was seen by optmology technician but felt it was very vague consulation. Think i would prefer 2 be seen by a consultant opthamalogist at least and for longer than 20 min, put me off so it did.
I’ve been so tempted to get this done for years after hearing so many positive stories. Almost took the took the plunge a couple of years ago until a friend’s husband had a bad result which left him with very poor night vision. Then my uncle had it done last year with an even worse result and complete loss of night vision and blurred sight during the day. He can’t drive at night and it’s hard for him to leave the house after dark. Very depressing.
That being said – he did go to a couple of consultants who told him that he wasn’t suitable for it. He wasn’t happy with this so he hunted around and actually ended up going to the most expensive place – it’s funny how they didn’t turn him down. He’s had corrective surgery twice since but there’s nothing they can do unfortunately.
Sorry to be dramatic – this wasn’t meant to be a warning against it – just to take what the consultants say seriously. If you’re told you’re not suitable then stick with the specs, it’s just not worth the risk.
Lynnie – sure everyone wore big glasses then – twas the fashion! Mind you my brothers used to call me Deerdree (Barlow) Might have been something to do with the haircut I was sporting as well!
princess lisa i’ll get back to you later with explanation (just cant do it in work right now but wanted to let you know i did see question!)
Oh, just remembered – my boyfriend’s sister’s brother in law (closest person I know who had a laser eye surgery) was that 1 in 20. His eyes weren’t all that bad, just wanted to get rid of the glasses, so he went for a laser. Ended up with eyesight way worse then original, and nothing can be fixed now… Come think of it, for the price of the surgery I can get few more stylish specks
Ems thanks for posting all the info about clear lens insertion – I think I might well look into (see what I did there?) getting that done. At my most recent eye test the optician told me that my prescription (-8.5 and -9.5) is probably too bad for laser surgery to be feasible. I like the sound of clear lens insertion though, and the treatment you received at the Mater Private was evidently very good as you are happy to recommend them.
i cant get over the amount of people whose sight is the same/worse than mine- I’ve never actually met anyone in real life who is anyway as bad as me!
hiya!
its my first post! though be on beaut most days to see whats going on!
i had laser eye treatment just last week in the allclear clinic in belfast. my eyes were about -3 and -4 before and one of them had astigmatism. its a brillant job! the operation aint too sore, bit uncomfortable when they are putting the pressure on your eyes but its over so quick that you soon forget about it. had to go home for the rest of the evening and lie in a dark roon as eyes were real stingy and watery. by the next day i was grand again and eyesight totally improved. keep fogetting i’m seeing all around me without my glasses!
my eyes are still a bit bloodshot from the whole affair but am sure this will ease in time – they told me it is just bruising (yuck!!) but is pretty normal. not allowed eye make up for a couple of weeks, but im coping ok thus far (i’m a urban decay addict!).
i had all the doubts about it as well but so glad i went ahead with it now – it wasn’t cheap (£3700), but think will make all the diference to me.
Welcome Starlete!
I can’t even put contacts on, let alone getting my cornea peeled. Nothing touches my eyeballs!
I’m surprised by how blind so many of us are! (or were, yay!)
I wasn’t a suitable candiate for LASIK as my corneas are too thin to lift. Thats the basic difference between the 2 types – LASEK they go straight at the eye from the front. Hence, less chance of cornea related complications, but the longer recovery time.
About 8 years ago I got a consultation in the Mater Private where they couldnt do the laser surgery due to the cornea issue. She assured me that the technology was moving so fast that it would be there soon (which it was). I was offered the implanty lens thing at that point, but could really find no info on it being offered as an alternative to laser at the time so I didnt follow up on it.
getting operated on at -7 wasn’t an issue at all. My prescription was basically stable for the previous few years. No matter what your eyes are at be it -.5 or -10 they wouldn’t do it unless it was stable afaik. Before I had the surgery I was in contact with a number of people previously with the same prescription to ask about their experiences of the same surgery & then I did the same after I was all done.
I chose my clinic because of
* reputation (and a personal recommendation)
* aftercare appointments – no travel costs, no time off work really. Aftercare appointments are frequent in the first month, then after 3 months, 6 months, and a year as far as I remember.
* peace of mind – if i’d any problems i could get to my clinic quickly & i had my surgeons mobile number (which I used!)
I think mine came to about €3500 after i got €1000 off by being a VHI customer at the time, and then I claimed tax back on the rest. I never considered travelling away from where I live, and I didn’t want to go to a recently opened chain place who offered me consultation appointments within hours of my calling them even though you’re not supposed to be wearing contacts for a couple of weeks before you begin the whole rigmarole.
hi,I had ek done in optilase a year and a half ago, I chose ek as it said that there was less risk of complication on the day of the procedure. However, major wrong decision, I could not see properly for three days and had to stay in a darkened room for three days in constant pain, it was horrific! When I phoned to say how bad it was ,they told me that ek is alot more painful than ik (pity they didn’t tell me before the procedure). On the positive side, I have fantastic sight now and can’t imagine life with glasses again.
Jill did u go with the Mater Priv in the end, and what consultant did u go with, thanks!
I had LASIK three years ago in the Mater Private and have had no problems since. I’d recommend that if you are thinking about it go and see a consultant. They will honestly tell you if you are a suitable candidate and not everyone is. Then you can make the decision based on that consultation. If you’re happy with contacts/glasses I would say stick with them. This is a surgical procedure and not for everyone. For me though, it was the best decision and I was very happy with the results.
M – yes you’re right – I don’t wear glasses so I’ve no idea of the trauma of getting my eyes lasered! I honestly do understand though that he just doesn’t want to do it and I haven’t mentioned it since!
SF – I know my mum had laser done and she was -11 in one eye so check that there isn’t another reason that they can’t do it.
Hey LauraF it was wellington clinic, who were on wellington rd in d4, but are now in the Beacon quarter in sandyford, my surgeon was arthur cummings. I really cannot recommend them highly enough.
http://www.wellingtoneyeclinic.com/
Lasek does have a longer recovery than Lasik, but its 3 days as opposed to 1 its still not long. I had no choice anyway as i couldnt have lasik. There was a quite a bit of pain the day after, but I had valium, sleeping tablets & the surgeon on the end of the phone. The following day wasnt as bad at all.
Interesting reading all these posts. I’ve had cack eyesight for as long as I can remember (glasses at 7 that would have been jam jars unless I got contacts, so I got those at 9 and I’m 27 now!). I also have RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses and apparently they’re so rare now that the last time I went in to get an eye test etc., one of the newbies working in the place came in to have a look at them when I was wearing them. Always good to be the freak show!! Every now and again I think about getting it done as my brother got it last year and he has an astigmatism as well. He’s delighted with the results. I’m afraid I need braces as well so I’m not sure if I’ll ever get around to doing anything (false teeth and eye patches await!)
Thanks so much for this post – Laser is something that I have been thinking about for the last number of years. Like some of the others, I’m quite surprised at the number of people out there who are as bad as me – I’m -7 in both eyes.
The positive comments on this post have made me decide to go for the consultation. So thanks all!
thanks so much for the info Jill and everyone – really am thinking about it!
Great post I ended up getting it done myself. Thought it would hurt a whole lot more than it did!
My sister has been agonising for years and finally got it done last year. She had Wavefront Lasik and was absolutely thrilled with the results. She had 20/20 vision after 24 hours and no complications whatsoever. Three of her friends had it done on her recommendation. Two of the guys had Lasek (blade free) and took about 6 weeks or so to adjust but are perfect now. They had gone to Laservision on Leeson Eye street because the surgeons are based there and available for aftercare. They also have clinic audits available where you can look at the success rate. And no, there were no horror stories! The clinic won’t do surgery if you are not suitable.
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