Optilase

Rosen

Hi,
I've been reading a lot of the posts on laser eye etc. and most are useful and really helpful. However I'd just like to ask those who went to Optilase to get their treatment how they got on. Im not really interested in price or health insurance just the experience you had in Optilase.

I have a pre-op tomorrow and I have booked the surgery for a couple of weeks after. I am thinking of getting the LASEK done as the risks seem less even though the recovery takes longer and also of going for Wavefront.

Im obviously nervous about the procedure and recovery so just wondering has anyone else got this done in Optilase and what do you think?

Any thoughts much appreciated and sorry if this question has been repeated in various forms throughout the forum. Perhaps it would be useful to start a thread on Optical Express, Wellington etc for ease of use?
Thanks,
Rosen

Toots

I had Wavefront Lasik with Optilase on the 23rd August and I'd definitely recommend them. The procedure itself was a bit gross for me, but I'm really squeamish so the fact that I was conscious for it and could see what they were doing freaked me out a bit. There was a lovely technician who held my hand for the whole thing .

They were lovely, really friendly and went through all the details of the procedure with me before hand and then the aftercare too. I was given aftercare details at my pre-op so I had a chance to familiarise myself with them before the surgery. In my aftercare pack, I got the antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and 3 bottles of those 'Blink' artificial tear drops. I also got plastic eye shields and tape. I had to wear the shields for about ten days after the surgery, at night.

In my first week after surgery I went through the whole three bottles of blink. (I just finished off the third one as I was going in for my weekly check up). They gave me more at my check up. I haven't had to use the drops at all for the last two days now, and my eyes feel pretty much normal. Very little halos or anything, drove down from Belfast last night and I was grand.

All in all, I found them very friendly and efficient, they answered all my questions and encouraged me to get in touch if I had anything else I needed to ask.

Good luck with the pre-op!:)

Bagheera

I just booked my surgery with optilase yesterday. So far I'm feeling very confident in them; they've been brilliant and very thorough. My surgery is on the 20th and I'm nervous but that's to be expected.

I'll let you know what I think of the surgery.

Rosen

Toots85 wrote: »

I had Wavefront Lasik with Optilase on the 23rd August and I'd definitely recommend them. The procedure itself was a bit gross for me, but I'm really squeamish so the fact that I was conscious for it and could see what they were doing freaked me out a bit. There was a lovely technician who held my hand for the whole thing .

They were lovely, really friendly and went through all the details of the procedure with me before hand and then the aftercare too. I was given aftercare details at my pre-op so I had a chance to familiarise myself with them before the surgery. In my aftercare pack, I got the antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and 3 bottles of those 'Blink' artificial tear drops. I also got plastic eye shields and tape. I had to wear the shields for about ten days after the surgery, at night.

In my first week after surgery I went through the whole three bottles of blink. (I just finished off the third one as I was going in for my weekly check up). They gave me more at my check up. I haven't had to use the drops at all for the last two days now, and my eyes feel pretty much normal. Very little halos or anything, drove down from Belfast last night and I was grand.

All in all, I found them very friendly and efficient, they answered all my questions and encouraged me to get in touch if I had anything else I needed to ask.

Good luck with the pre-op!:)

Toots - thanks a million - very reassuring. Have booked in for the surgery.

Bagheera

I probably shouldn't be on the computer this quickly, but I just wanted to report that I had wavefront lasik done yesterday in Optilase and the results are fantastic. I've gone from -6.75 to 20/20 vision this morning in my eye test.

My life has changed for the better. I can't praise Optilase enough; they were brilliant. I'm so amazed! It was much easier than getting a filling done at the dentist .

Rosen

Hi Bagheera,

Sounds like I got mine done the same day as you!
I went for the same (Lasik & Wavefront) - No problems here either. Bit blurry at times and eyes are tired from the computer but it's class not weraing glasses/contacts anymore.
I thought Optilase were great also, the surgeon (Dr Smith) was ultra professional and I found the entire process quite straight-forward because of the him and the rest of the staff.
I would defo recommend them.

Rosen

Paulie907

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2745035.stm

Limestone1

Pauli - whats the story ,judging by your 9 posts yesterday, you are an Optician with a dwindling customer base ?
Do some research, there is a lot more up to date scare stories available on the web .....

UU

I had a consultation with them before but I've decided to go to Dundrum Eye Centre which is Eye Laser Ireland. I thought Optilase seemed good but I thought Dundrum one seemed better despite the fact they are a bit dearer because they offer 3 years post-op treatment whereas Optilase only offer one year and I think the after-care treatment is so important but it's up to you where you feel is best for you but personally I'd recommend Eye Laser Ireland.

Limestone1

Got a pre op next week with a Dr Nylander - anybody 'been done' by him ? He has carried out over 5,000 procedures.

lemeister

Limestone1 wrote: »

Got a pre op next week with a Dr Nylander - anybody 'been done' by him ? He has carried out over 5,000 procedures.

I'm booked in for LASEK surgery with him on 06/12. I have to say I found him a little indifferent, but he certainly seems to have all the qualifications you would want and plenty of experience.

Have you booked in for surgery yet?

mikekerry

got lasik treatment done 2 days ago and eyesight is perfect now.
would recommend opitilase, very professional and very friendly.
if you have health insurance you can get 1000 off the op.

tk123

lemeister wrote: »

I'm booked in for LASEK surgery with him on 06/12. I have to say I found him a little indifferent, but he certainly seems to have all the qualifications you would want and plenty of experience.

lol same here!! Had lasik done on sunday. One eye is a little dry and blurry but getting better each day.

mikemac

Had Lasek in 2004
Was -5.5 & -6.5 and went 0.0 & -.25. Can't ask for more then that

The surgeon was some Indian guy, don't remember his name
Optilase weren't as well known back then, they are doing major advertising nowadays.

lemeister

micmclo wrote: »

Had Lasek in 2004
Was -5.5 & -6.5 and went 0.0 & -.25. Can't ask for more then that

The surgeon was some Indian guy, don't remember his name
Optilase weren't as well known back then, they are doing major advertising nowadays.

That's a good result alright micmclo. How long did your recovery take? My surgery is on a saturday and I'm hoping I might be able to use a compute come Thursday.

tk123

I had mine on sunday and was back on the comp yesterday for a good while and dialled into work for my troubles atm!

Limestone1

lemeister wrote: »

I'm booked in for LASEK surgery with him on 06/12. I have to say I found him a little indifferent, but he certainly seems to have all the qualifications you would want and plenty of experience.

Have you booked in for surgery yet?

Yeah - did it 2 weeks ago . LASIK and all went very well - eyes are tip top and I can see better than I ever did with lenses or glasses.The procedure itself was almost painless apart from pressure on the clamp during the op. My eyes stung afterwards but I went to bed for about 4 hrs and when I woke up that was pretty much gone. Took the next day off work and was grand after that.
The glare thing turned out to be no more than I would see with glasses on and dry eye was noticeable for about a week - I still put drops in but apart from first thing in the morning I'd say there is probably no need now.
Had a good chat with Dr Nylander on the pre op, Ifound him to have a dry sense of humour and he answered all my queries/worries very well - I would recommend him. For the op, after the preparation you are straight in, sit down and its over in 10 mins.

mikemac

lemeister wrote: »

That's a good result alright micmclo. How long did your recovery take? My surgery is on a saturday and I'm hoping I might be able to use a compute come Thursday.

Oh, I'm an bad example.
After LASEK, I had to take 3 weeks off work and go back to the clinic several times. Man, it was painful!

But don't let that put you off. I wore glasses since I was 11 and LASEK got me in the top 3% of the population for eyesight.
Oh so they told me anyway!
But I was very slow to recover, they said I was an exceptional case

UU

micmclo wrote: »

Oh, I'm an bad example.
After LASEK, I had to take 3 weeks off work and go back to the clinic several times. Man, it was painful!

But don't let that put you off. I wore glasses since I was 11 and LASEK got me in the top 3% of the population for eyesight.
Oh so they told me anyway!
But I was very slow to recover, they said I was an exceptional case

Yeah I know what you mean! I got my right eye done yesterday (got my left done the previous saturday) and I was in agony yesterday so I just took the painkillers and the anesthetic drops and sleeping tablets. Just went to sleep for 12 hours and woke up and was grand! Bit red today and went blurry this evening but I can say €3000 well spent for myself who had glasses since I was 6 and was gettins worse and worse during my teenagehood!

My advice to anyone getting LASEK, your eye (I'm saying eye because only one is done at a time with a week's duration between both) is that it may cause much discomfort and some pain on the day you get it done but just remember to put the Chloromycetine in for every hour for 5 and take the painkillers and use the Proxymethacaine if you experience sever discomfort. And the only thing you can do is rest and sleep and you'll be grand. The vision will start goin blurry by the end of day 2 but will clear. and improve from there. Just remember to take all the eye drops and give yourself time to recover and you'll be grand!

DingDong

I booked myself for an assessment with optilase after putting it off for long time. I only wear contact and was told I would have to leave them out for a full week before hand is it vital I do this for the full week, as I only have an old pair of glass with an old prescription but they probably will do. From reading about the different options I think I'll go for Lasik(maybe with wavefront is it worth it) if I'm suitable. I'm -3.75 in both eyes and have to use toric lenses. Anyone else who has an astigmatism had laser surgery done?.

mikemac

UU wrote: »

My advice to anyone getting LASEK, your eye (I'm saying eye because only one is done at a time with a week's duration between both)

Not so, I did LASEK with Optilase and did both eyes at the same time.
Just to repeat this was 2004 so maybe this is no longer the procedure but they certainly did it with me back then

Hey Dingdong, yes it's vital to leave out the contact lenses, follow the advice they give you. No need to invest in new glasses, the old ones will do for the week.
-3.75 isn't that bad, I don't have info on astigmatism or toric lenses, don't actually know what they are tbh. Myopia is the term I understand in my case

Have you private health insurance? I believe the wavefront is 1k extra but you can claim it back, I know I did with Vivas, now Hiberian

Limestone1

micmclo wrote: »

Have you private health insurance? I believe the wavefront is 1k extra but you can claim it back, I know I did with Vivas, now Hiberian

If using Optilase, tell them you have private healthcare (even if you don't)when you are paying and you get a grand off. They don't claim it back from the health insurer or anything like that and I don't think they can even confirm if you have it or not.

DingDong

Yeah I have VHI so I get a grand off which is nice I'm looking forward to it now. Does everyone get the 40% off this year or does it depend on your tax bracket.

lemeister

DingDong wrote: »

Yeah I have VHI so I get a grand off which is nice I'm looking forward to it now. Does everyone get the 40% off this year or does it depend on your tax bracket.

Depends on your tax bracket, so you only get 41% relief if you pay 41% income tax

Berty

I had my surgery done in Optilase in May 2006 and have not looked back since( pun intended )

I opted for wavefront surgery with Lasik done against the advice of the consultant. He said my eyeball was very soft and "may" not heal as well.

I decided against his advice because he said "I can only advise you the safest, the risk is minimal but there is still a higher risk".

I arrived on the day and took my valium. I queued up with two others in my blue coat, blue hat and blue booties. I was taken in second and it took all in all around 13minutes. Around 11 minutes of that were prepping my eye lids etc. Very painless just different having people clamp your eyelids open. Necessary of course.

The laser time is different for everybody but the laser itself only operated for around 15 seconds per eye. Having the scalpel cut open a flap on your eyeball may sound dangerous and uncomfortable but you cannot feel it and your vision is blurred but you can just about see the shine of the blade. Its not as though you can close your eyes.

After that I suffered some major discomfort. It was like constant grit on the eye. It lasted around 4 hours. I was told too sleep but back in the hotel I could do nothing but roll around the bed because you cannot rub your eyes.

The next morning was like waking up to a new world. I went out to the shop and usually dont use my glasses for walking so did not bring them. I walked outside the hotel and lit up a cigarette. I was reading a sign on the back of a bus and then realised the bus was around around 800mtrs down the road. I knew then it was all worth it. I returned for my morning check up and they said my eye sight was nearly perfect already. My vision was not very bad to start out with.

Im sorry If my description sounded grim but you should know everything in advance. They are great in Optilase and really make you feel at home. Your friend that goes with you(you must be accompanied) is allowed if you like to watch from behind a window but my GF did not want to so stayed upstairs in the reception drinking water and watching a movie. The nurses along with the valium(optional) really make you feel comfortable.

I cannot recommened them enough. I know 4 people who have had the surgery done on the back of my recommendation and were all the happier for it.

Book with confidence.

DingDong

Do they use a microkeratomes for doing Lasik in optilase or all laser surgery?

tk123

DingDong wrote: »

Do they use a microkeratomes for doing Lasik in optilase or all laser surgery?

I know they used them for my lasik because I could see it happening - I was chilled out on the Valium thou so it was all good! :pac:

DingDong

tk123 wrote: »

I know they used them for my lasik because I could see it happening - I was chilled out on the Valium thou so it was all good! :pac:

I read they have to cut a deeper flap using the blade and the eye is never as strong again. So I was hope for the all laser method. I might go for Lasek instead now

tk123

Doublecheck with them - i could be wrong But i'm pretty sure they used it on me. I went with LASIK because of the recovery time and I'm glad I did. A month on and no probs.

DingDong

tk123 wrote: »

Doublecheck with them - i could be wrong But i'm pretty sure they used it on me. I went with LASIK because of the recovery time and I'm glad I did. A month on and no probs.

Yeah checked with them and they still use a microkeratomes . Don't think its a major thing but just the idea of having a weaker eye afterward kinda puts me off plus there is less risk with Lasek.
Thanks tk

Lisie247

tk123 wrote: »

I know they used them for my lasik because I could see it happening - I was chilled out on the Valium thou so it was all good! :pac:

Which is better- lasik or Lesek?

Berty

Lisie247 wrote: »

Which is better- lasik or Lesek?

Its not possible to say one is better than the other.

Lasik is 24 hours recovery.

Lasek is around 7 days.

Then again, you cannot simply decide to have Lasik instead of Lasek because you want a quicker recovery. Your eyes and the thickness of your cornea may be unsuitable for using the scalpel so you may have to have Lasek done to be safer.

It was suggested that I had Lasek done but turned it down and opted for Lasik. My surgery was an outstanding success and 3 1/2 years on my eyes are still perfect and never having a single problem.

SuperHans

Has anyone gone to LaserVision operated by Dr. John Fenton? Went for a consultation with him there last week and he seemed very good. Am going to Optical Express for a second opinion just to confirm what was said and gonna make my decision then.
So any opinions of Laservision?

Caroline N

Yes, I got my eyes done at Laservision over a year ago by Dr Fenton. Would definately recommend. Liked the fact that it was a small personal clinic so I wasnt dealing with different people each time I went. My eyesight was perfect at the checkup the morning after surgery but they still offered further checkups to ensure everything was ok (part of initial cost).

jimmay

SuperHans wrote: »

Has anyone gone to LaserVision operated by Dr. John Fenton? Went for a consultation with him there last week and he seemed very good. Am going to Optical Express for a second opinion just to confirm what was said and gonna make my decision then.
So any opinions of Laservision?

Let me know how you get on in Optical Express and what you decide and how you compare with Laservision. I have been to Optical Express about 2 weeks ago and am planning a second opinion consultation with Laservision (other way around than you ).

OE seemed really nice and very friendly. I have received several phonecalls from OE obviously enquiring as to had I made a decision, etc but also very keen to address any concerns I had and even put an Optom on the phone to me once.

I am more than likely seeing Laservision next week, I spoke to their admin but need to confirm due to the contacts out for 3-4 days before assesment requirement. I like the fact that apparently you meet the surgeon at the consultation at Laservision and from what I could see on their website, he certainly seems welll qualified (Dr. Fenton)

I too will then make my decision.

SuperHans

Well went to OE just there and got a consultation with an optometrist in there. Very professional and rigorous in their testing etc. Was recommended a slightly different treatment there ie. Lasik with Intralase as opposed to the Lasik with the microkeratome blade in Laservision.
More impressed with Laservision in terms of meeting with the surgeon, felt the OE guy was a little waffly when answering some questions, but generally he was good.
Wasn't happy with the answer I got when asking why they use the intralase laser to create the flap as I know that Laservision and Wellington used to use it, but don't anymore due to various reasons. The answer I got from OE was that it preserves more corneal tissue, but I'll have to get that verified as I'm not too sure about it.

Was also told I could be a candidate for Lasek(after I inquired about it) although it wasn't specifically recomended. Dr. Fenton sort of ruled that out as an option as my prescription is a bit too high for it according to him.

Some more conflicting info when I asked about potential enhancement surgery(about a 10% chance for me).
OE told me they'd reopen the Lasik flap, but laservision said they could do an enhancement, if needed, by Lasek since not as much corneal tissue would have to be removed for minor adjustments. It's just that sort of detail (in terms of explaining the WHY of things) that would draw me a little towards laservision and I think that meeting with the actual surgeon is a big plus.

Yeah, so jimmay give me your thoughts on Laservision after meeting with them.

jimmay

I'm really looking forward to meeting with Laservision and getting a second opinion. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get an appointment this week (perhaps a good sign) so I am meeting late next week.

It's mad how the adds on tv make it seem like you're popping into get a checkup in the dentist or something. At least I will rest assured that I did my homework and if anything did go wrong it was out of my hands

I am really looking forward to having it done though.

Berty

jimmay wrote: »

I am really looking forward to having it done though.

Getting it "done" is a strange experience from my own experience of it. Having clamps around your eye lids is uncomfortable because you naturally want to blink and close your eyes when somebody is putting implements near it but alas you cannot.

It was a quick and painless procedure though which was the good part and the nearly instant results I noticed were fantastic. Literally from the chair to the surgeons office for a check up I noticed a vast improvement then within a few minutes the uncomfortable pain set in which lasted around 8-9 hours.

After that 100% perfect eyesight.

shazba

hi, just wondering if having M.S would prevent meb having laser eye surgery or not, also if anyone with M.S has had eye surgery

jimmay

Superhans,
I had my consultation there yesterday with LV and booked in for LASEK next week :P

Was well happy with my consultation and what Dr. John Fenton explained to me. Massive reassurance speaking to him and again even on the phone today to ask a question.

Given a previous eye infection I caught whilst wearing contacts in a swimming pool on holiday I am going for the "safer" LASEK treatment. As it is less invasive and slightly less complications than LASIK (we are talking fractions of a %) I feel this is the best option for me. I have thought about this for a long time so I'm excited albeit nervous about going through with it.

Have you made any decisions yourself?

SuperHans

Just had the surgery yesterday and my check up this morning. Everything went smoothly for the operation, no pain whatsoever. Only a slighty weird sensation when the suction was on my eye for the microkeratome blade, but that doesn't apply to Lasek.
Actually wanted the Lasek myself originally, but John suggested that Lasik would be safer in my case given my prescription.
I had an uncomfortable three or four hours after the local anasthetic wore off, but it calmed down after that and I got asleep no problem when I actually went to bed.

Woke up today and my vision is much better than before, but still a bit away from 100% as I had quite a high prescription. My eyes have been checked over and are healing well.
Am looking forward to them improving over the next few days. Have a slight halo effect which should improve so everything isn't quite as crisp as I'd like it yet, but am confident it will get better. Will keep you posted on my progress.

No real discomfort at the moment, just some grittiness. Lasek is supposed to have a longer healing period and a bandage lens which I don't have to wear so can't give you any exact advice, but I think the main thing is to be prepared for a good bit of discomfort for a few hours after the surgery. Maybe bring some painkillers with you for the journey home.

I can't give my final judgement until my sight has settled down, but I have to say that so far I'm quite happy with how everything went and I believe your in very good hands with Dr. Fenton.

jimmay

Dr. Fenton actually said to me that the procedure is the easy part it's the 'aftershow' that's challenging. Well done taking the plunge, it's a big decision, however you, like me did your homework so it's out of our hands now!

With the LASEK there is less of a wow effect as the progress is slower and as you pointed out a longer healing time. Although you got the LASIK your prescription was high and you sound cautiously optimistic and appropriately so from what I gather. I know people sing and dance and say about how they only wish they had done this sooner so I hope to hear that from you soon!

I just booked it today and I am already anxious so I hope I'm ok on the day and don't do a runner! Definitely interested to hear how you get on and I'll do likewise.

SuperHans

Well Day 3 after the op and vision has improved a good bit since Day 1. Halo greatly reduced with a little still remaining. No pain, very slight negligible grittiness.
Hope to improve a litlle more over the coming days.
Was even driving last night which was slightly tricky, but manageable

Peter1983

I had surgery 3 months ago with Optilase and haven't looked back since. I play a lot of rugby and am really looking forward to playing this season with my new eyes. I have told lots of my team mates about optilase and one of them has just gone for the pre op and has the green light. I read an article in the paper that Brian O'Driscoll recently had surgery so if it's good enough for BOD it's good enough for me.
The clinic is very nice and the staff are really friendly. I highly recommend Optilase to anyone thinking about laser surgery.

Peter1985

SuperHans

One week after the op at Laservision and things are progressing a bit.
Just went for my one week check up and eyes have healed to the point where I can resume playing sport and basically anything I was doing before (except maybe swimming).

Since I've been back at work I've noticed a little dry eye, but it is a minor inconvenience and the drops help. It's to be expected for a little while anyway. Slight halos around lights still, but has improved a good bit and expected to dissappear after a while. Next check up in 4 weeks.

Overall eyesight is excellent though not quite 20-20 yet. In general it takes the eyes 3-6 months to stabilise so I'm expecting to get there or better soon.

jimmay

Just had 'em done 9 hours ago! Has to be one of the maddest things I've ever done! Crazy experience all in all (the valium helped )!

Eyes are ok, because I had the Lasek I read it would be very blurry immediately after and so expected to be blind however I could read a few rows on the sight test conducted after, so I was pleased enough although Dr. Fenton asked me was I sure I couldn't read a certain line which concerned me a bit because I couldn't.

Had a few hours kip and my eyes are very dry and obviously slightly uncomfortable but I have had no pain which I expected so I am happy about. Although I may take a couple of panadol before bed just to make sure I sleep!
I expect when the contact lens is removed on Tuesday that after a day or two my eyes will settle more and my vision become much sharper!
I suppose like Superhans I'm cautiously optimistic. But fingers crossed no more contacts/glasses for a long time!

jimmay

4 days post LASEK op and I just got my contact lens 'bandages' taken out and OMG my eyes feel so much better now, the relief! Oh not to mention my vision That's what it's all about! I can't wait for it to settle even more but already my short sightedness is gone! I'm sure I'll be singing and dancing about this for a while so I'll post back 8-)

Porkpie

Jimmay,

Looking forward to hearing more about your progress over the next days/weeks. I've done a good bit of research so far. I'll most likely go with Optilase or Laservision as these seem to get the best recommendations.

SuperHans

Just a quick update on how I am a month after my laservision procedure.
Am now better than 20/20 at 20/15, no dry eyes anymore, barely use the drops. Still a slight halo effect at night which I am told should disappear over the next 6 weeks as the flap fuses back fully to the eye.
So a pretty amazing result so far given my prescription beforehand.

jimmay

I just went for my checkup after 6 weeks there and I have better than 20/20 vision. I was a bit hesitant to post before as at my 2 week check up my left eye was still healing and I wanted to wait and get the all clear at the next assessment.

It is a bit more than a month and to wake up in the morning with pinpoint eyesight is an incredible feeling. I look forward to more first time experiences such as swimming in sea on holidays and god knows what else. It is unbelievable how a procedure lasting less than 10-15 minutes can change your life so positively. I don't have the hassle of fiddling with contacts/glasses. I never have to worry about taking out or putting in my contacts, them coming out or indeed purchase them again.
In fact I had dryish eyes before whilst wearing contacts but I believe that was mainly due to the contacts! And now I find that is pretty much GONE as I don't have a foreign body ie. the contact lens on my eye.

I was without doubt the most dubious/nervous/indecisive person ever but I would without doubt recommend the procedure. Do your homework and you will be brilliant. I am so glad to say it was one of the best things I've ever done in my life.

mawgs

Hi everyone, am going to get my eyes done in Jan and all the comments sound good about Optilase, is this the Optilase in Ely st?? If so thanks for all the info they sound pretty good, am dying to get this done!!
:pac: