Optilase

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:

BlindBetty

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knows why it is that currently there is such a difference in price for lasik and lasek.

Optliase provide prices for lasik and lasek with and without wafefront - this is the lowest price offered in the four places that I went to. You are not charged for an intial consult but you are charged for a pre op.

There is a discount on

a) Vat
B)Health Insurance (e.g., VHI, Quinn etc)

Ultralase (located in Dundrum) are coming in slightly more expensive but I've been contacting them over the phone to the UK call center and they offer me discounts.

This is on top of the same VAT and Health Insurance discount

I've been to the Wellington with offers VAT and Health Insuance but does't bother your head asking if you want Wavefront or not. In fact, I'd imagine nearly everyone gets this as you want the best service on something like surgery.

It's probably one of the most expensive coming after the Mater which charges you for the consultation.


Does this difference in price reflect differences in experience or expertise. Are you actually putting yourself at increased risk by going for cheaper options? Its all a bit confusing for me.

Based on feedback from this board, I'd go with Optilase when I take the price in too.

Caroline Grovan

Hi All, i am am looking at getting the laser eye surgery done. Undergone a bit of make over with myself and getting a few things done but have been anxious to get the laser eye surgery done for a long time but have saved up a bit of funds now. I am bit of a nervous wreck so i went for a few consultations at different laser eye clinics. I went for a consultation at Optical Express and was appaled by the service. I never been sold such a hard pitch. The person must be on commision as she was more intertested in my wallet than answering my questions. This is my eyes afterall so i need all my questions answered. I was not very impressed by optical express and decided not to go with them and they have been hounded ever since which makes me think they are desperate.

I then went to Wellington clinic which i thought were good but was not 100% convinced and they were quiet expensive. I decided to go for Optilase in Ely Place. I found that the staff had alot more time for me and were not pushing me at all and answered all my queries in a efficient manner. I decided to go for the Advanced Wavefront treatment. I was quoted €2590 for both eyes. I am booked in next week with Dr,Huerly.Cant wait to get it done......!Will keep you all updated but very impressed with Optilase so fat.I am only worried i might not like what i see when i can finally see:)

Ging Ging

Caroline Grovan wrote: »

Hi All, i am am looking at getting the laser eye surgery done. Undergone a bit of make over with myself and getting a few things done but have been anxious to get the laser eye surgery done for a long time but have saved up a bit of funds now. I am bit of a nervous wreck so i went for a few consultations at different laser eye clinics. I went for a consultation at Optical Express and was appaled by the service. I never been sold such a hard pitch. The person must be on commision as she was more intertested in my wallet than answering my questions. This is my eyes afterall so i need all my questions answered. I was not very impressed by optical express and decided not to go with them and they have been hounded ever since which makes me think they are desperate.

I then went to Wellington clinic which i thought were good but was not 100% convinced and they were quiet expensive. I decided to go for Optilase in Ely Place. I found that the staff had alot more time for me and were not pushing me at all and answered all my queries in a efficient manner. I decided to go for the Advanced Wavefront treatment. I was quoted €2590 for both eyes. I am booked in next week with Dr,Huerly.Cant wait to get it done......!Will keep you all updated but very impressed with Optilase so fat.I am only worried i might not like what i see when i can finally see:)

Hi Caroline,
How did it go?
Did you investigate the discounts for the health insurance companies 50% apparently, whats the catch? Obviously everybody would like to save 50% of €2590.
Has anyone else had the procedure done and had their bill halved? I'm talking specifically about quinn and optilase but also about others.
Are dicounts only on certain(cheaper) procedures or is it across the board?

veritable

BlindBetty wrote: »

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knows why it is that currently there is such a difference in price for lasik and lasek.

Optliase provide prices for lasik and lasek with and without wafefront - this is the lowest price offered in the four places that I went to. You are not charged for an intial consult but you are charged for a pre op.

There is a discount on

a) Vat
B)Health Insurance (e.g., VHI, Quinn etc)

Ultralase (located in Dundrum) are coming in slightly more expensive but I've been contacting them over the phone to the UK call center and they offer me discounts.

This is on top of the same VAT and Health Insurance discount

I've been to the Wellington with offers VAT and Health Insuance but does't bother your head asking if you want Wavefront or not. In fact, I'd imagine nearly everyone gets this as you want the best service on something like surgery.

It's probably one of the most expensive coming after the Mater which charges you for the consultation.


Does this difference in price reflect differences in experience or expertise. Are you actually putting yourself at increased risk by going for cheaper options? Its all a bit confusing for me.

Based on feedback from this board, I'd go with Optilase when I take the price in too.

Hi betty, I went with optilase last year and i got excellent results. i asked them the same thing about why they are cheaper than the other clinics and they told me it was because they were able to spread their costs over a higher volume. i have sent a few friends there and they are happy too. I got the wavefront with lasik with Dr Hurley.

Repolho

Have provisionally booked my Wavefront LASIK with Optilase for the end of September. Meeting the surgeon (Dr. Conall Hurley) next week for the pre-operative consultation.

I'm a little bit concerned on 2 fronts:

1) I went to 3 clinics (Optical Express, Ultralase and Optilase). Optilase are the cheapest and am wondering is this what is swaying my decision?

2) The other clinics all offer the procedure with Intralase but Optilase only uses microkeratome. I think Intralase would be my preferred procedure (sounds less scary than uning a blade!).

Who else has had their surgery performed by Dr Hurley and how did you find it?

Thanks for reading:D.

Paul Kearney

hey repolho, i had surgery with Dr.Hurley not so long ago and absolutely thrilled with the results. I choose Optilase as a trust factor and did alot of reseach before. The Microkeratom is actually safer than the Intralase as there is a higher chance of infection with the Intralase. You are in the best of hands with Optilase so dont be worried at all. The surgery team were so nice on the treatment day and the surgery will be over before you left. I still cant get over my results. Let me know if you have other questions. :)

shmaido

Guys, I went to optilase 18 months ago now to have the wavefront IK procedure, I found the receptionist very abrupt with me, when I informed her I was miss-quoted my price, I also found the pre-op very hurried.

Since then I have had a few nasty eye infections, when I have contacted them regarding this they told me to go to my G.P. My eye sight has regressed and I will have to have the surgery done again. I wouldn't go near them again, When I was having my problems they told me I was discharged out of there care as it has been over a year since my op. So much for lifetime after care!!!

veritable

shmaido wrote: »

Guys, I went to optilase 18 months ago now to have the wavefront IK procedure, I found the receptionist very abrupt with me, when I informed her I was miss-quoted my price, I also found the pre-op very hurried.

Since then I have had a few nasty eye infections, when I have contacted them regarding this they told me to go to my G.P. My eye sight has regressed and I will have to have the surgery done again. I wouldn't go near them again, When I was having my problems they told me I was discharged out of there care as it has been over a year since my op. So much for lifetime after care!!!

I had a great experiecne with optilase. they did warn that if you dont rest your eye properly that you can get an eye infection. however, i went back for all my after care appointments and they told me if i needed anything to call into them. i found them friendly and good and sent some family there too!

shmaido

Veritable - are you in any way affiliated or employed by optilase because it sure looks like you are...

veritable

shmaido wrote: »

Veritable - are you in any way affiliated or employed by optilase because it sure looks like you are...

Absolutely not. Laser eye surgery changed my life and i have no problem sharing this experience with other people. do you not allow that? or are people only allowed say negative things about businesses?