Anyone squeamish get laser surgery?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hey all.

I'm considering getting laser surgery done (essential if I'm to join the Gardaí). However there's a problem...

Even since I was tiny, I've always had a major fear / phobia about eyes. I absolutely cringe at the thought of anything to do with touching or messing with eyeballs. Funnily, nothing else can gross me out at all.

A few years ago I had to be practically restrained by my doctor who had to put eyedrops in my eyes. I just couldn't help batting her hand away or blinking

Anyways, the thought of the surgery (the clamps, the drops, everything) just leaves me terrified.

Anyone else have any experiences with this? And is there ever any chance of getting more than a local anaesthetic for the op?

Thanks

JB

sillisome fiend

Hey,

I'm considering laser eye surgery at the moment and I'm pretty bad when it comes to eyedrops or anything going near my eyes.. but the fact is I'm going to have to get over it as I'll need to put eyedrops in everyday for a few weeks after the surgery!

I'm very nervous about getting it done but I'm sure the result will outweigh the fear/pain in the end.

As far as I know you get valium before the op which should help you relax!

Theres a slight possibility I may be getting the op as early as next week(theres an opening) so I'll let you know how it goes, otherwise it'll probably be april before I have it done.

BopNiblets

I'm not sure about that valium thing, but they do put anasthetic drops in your eyes first.
The surgeon even checked my palms for sweat beforehand to see if I wa nervous, it's better not to be nervous so your eyes don't move around he said.

I got Lasek and it was a bit uncomfortable and I'm not very squeamish!
It was uncomfortable afterwards for a few weeks too, but thats just the Lasek, Lasik is supposed to be much easier.

3 months later and it was totally worth it though!
I went to Optical Express.

Jimmy Bottlehead

BopNiblets wrote: »

I'm not sure about that valium thing, but they do put anasthetic drops in your eyes first.
The surgeon even checked my palms for sweat beforehand to see if I wa nervous, it's better not to be nervous so your eyes don't move around he said.

I got Lasek and it was a bit uncomfortable and I'm not very squeamish!
It was uncomfortable afterwards for a few weeks too, but thats just the Lasek, Lasik is supposed to be much easier.

3 months later and it was totally worth it though!
I went to Optical Express.

Do the valium make much of a difference? I avoid medication except in exceptional circumstances, so its not a case where I'm used to medication, so it'd work well hopefully?

tickle_monster

Im the same, would love to get laser treatment but i watched the procedure on the internet...bad idea!! have you tried using contact lenses they might help ease the feelings about things going in your eyes and its totally painfree

David03

I got my eyes done a few months ago. Sorry now, not that I got the surgery done but because I went to 'Optical Express'. They did not tell me the full facts and when I questioned them afterwards they didn't want to know. They seem to have the attitude "we have your money now so shag off". Very, very disappointing!

juke

I had Lasik done 1 1/2 years ago - no regrets. I'm particularly squeamish - tried contact lenses - bit of a disaster.

I took valium the morning before - but I was so wired, 1/2 an hour before the surgery, they gave me more. It really only kicked in in time for the 2nd eye.

It's not fun, it's uncomfortable, but for the sake of 1/2 an hour - go for it!

Jimmy Bottlehead

David03 wrote: »

I got my eyes done a few months ago. Sorry now, not that I got the surgery done but because I went to 'Optical Express'. They did not tell me the full facts and when I questioned them afterwards they didn't want to know. They seem to have the attitude "we have your money now so shag off". Very, very disappointing!

Wow... thats not nice! But I really appreciate this post man, cos Optical Express were one of the places I was considering and its good to hear what they're like.

I actually kinda have my heart set on the Wellington as evernthing I've read has been encouraging. Any other experiences would be great to hear!

juke wrote:

I had Lasik done 1 1/2 years ago - no regrets. I'm particularly squeamish - tried contact lenses - bit of a disaster.

I took valium the morning before - but I was so wired, 1/2 an hour before the surgery, they gave me more. It really only kicked in in time for the 2nd eye.

It's not fun, it's uncomfortable, but for the sake of 1/2 an hour - go for it!

Thats also good to hear! I'll deffo be asking for their strongest dose of valium possible! I'm really worried that just as they go to put the clamp on and start, I'll freak out and not be able to go through with it

David03

Well I wasn't even offered any valium. Just given drops.

David03

As far as I know, 'Optical Express' and 'The Wellington clinic' are one of the same, so check it out first.

Jimmy Bottlehead

David03 wrote: »

As far as I know, 'Optical Express' and 'The Wellington clinic' are one of the same, so check it out first.

Just double-checked and they seem to be seperate - the Wellington's address is listed as:

Wellington Eye Clinic,
2nd Floor,
Suite 36,
Beacon Hall,
Beacon Court,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18.

whereas the Optical Express Dublin clinic is listed as:

2a Wellington Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin , Dublin 4
Tel: 1800 818 543



And they've different websites, so I'd doubt they're affiliated? Can someone clear this one up please?

David03

I don't know for sure but I went to an independent specialist for a second opinion after the op and she informed me that 'Optical Express' took over the Wellington eye clinic.

Cl0ud9

Okay heres my advice....

I'm super squemish about dentists, doctors anything like that, I was so sensitive about my eyes I couldnt even try contact lenses.

I figured though that a half an hour of messing with my eyes during the surgery would be better than a lifetime of taking in and out contacts, so last January I went for it and it was the best money I ever spend (and it was a lot of money!)

I went to Optical Express in Newbridge and yes they are running a business so they will be pushing you to have the surgery with them. They are professional in the whole process though which I happened to like though other people may expect more from them.

I always haggle when I'm spending a lot of money and I did manage to get a discount from them a year ago and I think if I was getting it done now I could have managed to get more from them, so if you are considering two different places, play them off against each other to get the best deal.

The only other advice I can give you is stop researching it and thinking about it, theres far too many scare stories out there, and its very easy to focus on these. The more you run it through your mind the more stress you cause yourself. I can give you the details of my surgery, if you wish but I think if you really want the results then just go for it. I, for one, have no problem recommending it.

juke

David03 wrote: »

I don't know for sure but I went to an independent specialist for a second opinion after the op and she informed me that 'Optical Express' took over the Wellington eye clinic.

Can't comment. I had it done in the Wellington - and service was exemplary. But it was awhile ago.

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Thats also good to hear! I'll deffo be asking for their strongest dose of valium possible! I'm really worried that just as they go to put the clamp on and start, I'll freak out and not be able to go through with it

In fact - it's the clamp that was what was difficult for me - but they are well trained and used to nervous types - and they talk you through it step by step - so no surprises.

sillisome fiend

Well I had Lasik on Tuesday morning with Optical Express(Newbridge) and everything was fine! I had been nervous over nothing. The staff in Newbridge were fantastic, I had my consultation in Ballsbridge and even though the staff were friendly enough there I'm glad I had the surgery in Newbridge.

Honestly I'd go through laser eye surgery again over a trip to the dentist anyday!

I had my checkup yesterday and my vision is 20/20 already... definitely worth it.