Lasek/time off work for elective surgery

fungun

Hi,
after years of 'considering' I finally bit the bullet to get Lasik. Went for consultation and told only Leasek would be suitable. Am more nervous now as this seems less straightforward (i.e. Lasik you could see right away so you kinda know one eye is ok before they start on the second) and more painful. Also seems to require ~ a week off work.

So....any negative stories with Lasek? Do people normally get both eyes done together? Seems like from searching here that the hospitals dont....do they say why not?

also, I know you get a med cert, but is there any problem with taking time off work for elective surgery like this? and if you cant see a PC screen properly for a few weeks and you need to for work, what happens?

peter_dublin

fungun wrote: »

Hi,
after years of 'considering' I finally bit the bullet to get Lasik. Went for consultation and told only Leasek would be suitable. Am more nervous now as this seems less straightforward (i.e. Lasik you could see right away so you kinda know one eye is ok before they start on the second) and more painful. Also seems to require ~ a week off work.

So....any negative stories with Lasek? Do people normally get both eyes done together? Seems like from searching here that the hospitals dont....do they say why not?

also, I know you get a med cert, but is there any problem with taking time off work for elective surgery like this? and if you cant see a PC screen properly for a few weeks and you need to for work, what happens?

Depends on the company but the organisation I work for (global multinational) does not give time off for "elective" procedures.

ScottSF

I had Lasik done in January (should have done it years ago) so I don't know much about Lasek but the one piece of advice I would like to offer is to get a second consultation if you haven't already. While they may give you the same thing recommendation, you can at least compare their services and how well they are able to offer after surgery exams and care. That is a big part of the process in case of any unlikely complications.

murrayp4

Foe LASEK- read my diary below- honestly; I'd be looking at at least 10 days off work.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80881900

endacreav

Hi...i had lasek on both eyes over a yr ago..constant problems since and constantly in pain. <snip>
Educate yourself on dry eyes and sands of the sahara syndrome. I wouldnt wish what i am going tru on anyone

fungun

hmm, I cant seem to find a site that really has the stats on these issues

Seems like the issues are worse for higher prescriptions (mine are -7) but still no real idea of how bad. Also no real idea of the difference between different clinics.....at the moment im going to a more expensive one, but dont know if (a) it is worth it and (b) what their stats are

i hate important decisions!

endacreav

fungun wrote: »

hmm, I cant seem to find a site that really has the stats on these issues

Seems like the issues are worse for higher prescriptions (mine are -7) but still no real idea of how bad. Also no real idea of the difference between different clinics.....at the moment im going to a more expensive one, but dont know if (a) it is worth it and (b) what their stats are

i hate important decisions!

If i knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have had the procedure - have been back approx 30 times and now suffer from constant pain as well as dry eyes. The problem with high street clinics is that they will tell you that you are suitable - they are in the business of selling. Make sure you use a provider who gives proper aftercare.

I would consult with Mr Power in Blackrock to get an opinion you can trust. If you want to pm me i can tell you more regarding my own situation.

Mousewar

Took me two years to decide to do it.
Now life is exactly the same except I can see clearly. Six months and I can't even remember wearing glasses.

fungun

thanks murrayp4 for your diary and others for inputs also

i sent a few follow up questions to the consultant as i was less familiar with LASEK. Asked what % ended up with worse eyesight and was a bit taken aback by the answer which was 6%....was expecting less. This can be attempted to correct afterwards but given the discomfort and time off for LASEK, im veering towards not getting it done now; or at least doing 1 eye at a time

Charisteas

fungun wrote: »

also, I know you get a med cert, but is there any problem with taking time off work for elective surgery like this?

Depends on who you work for I guess. I gave plenty of notice to my employee and took two weeks off as sick leave (10 working days). My company paid me for the first 3 days, the rest I claimed back from social welfare. But The Mater wouldn't give me a medical certificate, I had to go to a GP to get one.