Laser Eye Surgery

[muchlovex]

I am thinking of having laser eye surgery.

Has anyone on AB had this done, if so what is the procedure, costs per eye and is it painful?

Thank you

[sara3]

I've had it done, both eyes at the same time, about 8 years ago. it's not painful at the time, but once the anaesthetic drops have worn off it stings, and you need various drops while your eyes heal.

I paid about £1200 with Optimax, but prices may have come down since then. you can google to find out options with procedures.

[DSJ]

Were you happy with the result, sara3?

[squarebear]

A girl at work had it done to both eyes and could see a black line around everything for months afterwards. She eventually left so I couldn't ask her if it ever cleared up.

[sara3]

I think it's fantastic, but 8 years on I think my distance vision isn't spot on any more.. but it's really really good, probably still 20/20, and certainly not enough to consider glasses.
I had dry eyes for a while and mild "halo effect" around lights, but that went quite quickly.
I wish I'd had it done sooner, as they say in the ads!

[Coldicote]

Don't confuse laser surgery with cataract removal. I've had both kinds of treatment. Neither were painful, if perhaps a little stressful. The lazer surgery involved first some drops in the eye. After that it was rather like sitting in a dentist's chair and someone with a gadget watching closely. Two or three minutes with a few weird light effects and a whirring noise and it was all done - no problems. Sorry I can't help re cost as it was several years ago. Perhaps other readers can help by adding their experiences.

[Mosaic]

Laser might correct your vision now but it won't stop your eyes changing over time. If your parents wear specs, ask when they started / how their eyes have changed over time, as the same changes are likely to come your way. What I mean is, some people with normal vision need reading glasses in their 30s, others not till their 50s - and if you have laser surgey for distance vision you may still need reading glasses at some point.