Laser eye surgery

Marian Moore

Hi. I am thinking of getting laser eye surgery. I have worn glasses for years and am now 60 years old. Is it more risky at this age and less successful ? I would like to hear from anyone who has had laser surgery later in life. Thank you

CrazyRabbit

I don't think there is any difference in risk due to age.
Main thing is for the lens to be thick enough to allow reshaping.
I was 30 when I had the surgery, so I can't really give much advice about having it in 'later life'. But I can say that it was an almost pleasant procedure and the best money I've ever spent. 30 years of everything being a blur and then suddenly having 20/20 vision is amazing.

Mousewar

You might be best served going to a clinic that has experience with older patients. A lot of laser clinics will just deal with the typical laser surgery candidate which is usually a person aged 18-45.
Maybe, visit someone that also does cataract operations as well as the laser surgery (a procedure with a high ratio of older patients). I got my laser surgery in the Wellington so I know they do it there. I imagine the Mater Private do it as well.

Marian Moore

When you say Wellington, I am from Sligo and know there is a place on Wellington Road, Ballsbridge? Is this the place you mean? How much does it cost there?

Mousewar

No, I'm referring to the Wellington Clinic in Sandyford.
1700 an eye when I had it done for LasEk

Marian Moore

Did you have both eyes done at the same time. How long before you felt no pain. How long before you could see clearly. How old we're you when you had it done?

Thank you.

Marian

Mousewar

I only ever had one eye done. This resulted in monovision where my treated eye sees in the distance and my untreated eye sees up close so no need for reading glasses.
I was 29. Monovision only applies after mid-40s but it's kind of an investment in the future.

Lasek is slower to reach clear vision than Lasik. It was clearer straight after the operation but took 6 weeks to become perfect. No pain whatsoever.

Marian Moore

Thank you for this information. Did you wear glasses until the eyesight became clear. How long for the operation? How soon after for check up? I think I will only get one eye done as I can read perfect without glasses at moment. Much appreciate your insight in this.

Mousewar

Marian Moore wrote: »

Thank you for this information. Did you wear glasses until the eyesight became clear.

No, it was perfectly serviceable in the interim. But if you get LASIK as opposed to LASEK, it'll be perfect almost straight away.

Marian Moore wrote: »

How long for the operation?

7 or 8 minutes. The laser part is only a matter of seconds.

Marian Moore wrote: »

How soon after for check up?

1 Day
3 Days
1 Week
6 weeks
3 months
6 months
1 Year
..or something like that.

Marian Moore wrote: »

I think I will only get one eye done as I can read perfect without glasses at moment.

Well then yes, monovision may work very well for you but you should discuss with them. It can be discombobulating for some people to have two eyes with different prescriptions. You're at an advantage though that you can currently read unaided. You can have one eye done. See if that works for you. Then if it doesn't you can just get the other eye done later.

Percyxoxo

Hi all,

I am getting surgery on a Friday evening.. but cant get anymore time off work ... if I do have to take a day to recover, will I Doctor give me a note? Or will they refuse as it i elective surgery?

Work wont take a note from the clinic.

Thanks

Mousewar

You should be fine if it's Lasik but as for the note, I don't see what the problem is. Doctor has a doctor's pad - he just has to write on it that you're not able to work. Your job can't question a doctor's opinion and make you work.

Percyxoxo

Mousewar wrote: »

You should be fine if it's Lasik but as for the note, I don't see what the problem is. Doctor has a doctor's pad - he just has to write on it that you're not able to work. Your job can't question a doctor's opinion and make you work.

Thank you for your reply. It is Lasik so hopefully I will be in good shape by Monday. Work are very hung up on the fact it is elective!