Laser eye surgery with optilase

Hi folks,

Couple of weeks post-PRK with Optilase and just wanted to come on and share my recovery experience. I know when I was in the thick of it over the first few days, there were definitely some things that I wished I could have found reassurance online over - so hopefully this summary brings comfort to anyone who is going through that right now or in the future reading this!

First off, prepare yourself for a 12-hour period on day 2/3 which will be the absolute peak of any pain and discomfort. I think once you know its coming, it becomes a little bit less daunting. Thankfully I had been warned by a friend who had went through it 6 months ago, so I was mentally prepared. The special drops you get in the aftercare pack are for precisely this period, so don't be afraid to use them. Your eyes will be streaming, nose running and it will feel like you have got sand in your eye. It's tough and there is no sugarcoating it. If possible, get yourself some good painkillers beforehand (I had Neurofen Plus, a life saver). The FML drops are a real help during this period too, and don't be afraid to use a little extra as needed.

After that, things get considerably easier, I promise! The main discomfort on days 4 and 5 is when the bandage contact lens begins to irritate due to being in there for a few days. During this time, you will also feel like your vision is getting worse, but don't panic. That is purely just the contact lens getting fogged up due to the volume of drops you are using. The irritation and blur will be lifted as soon as the contact comes out at your 5-day post-op check in.

My vision has been improving day-by-day over the last few weeks, and I'm probably pretty close to 20/20 now. There is still a slight blur with screens and that if I'm staring at them for a prolonged period (not ideal when you work at a computer all day), but otherwise everything has gone well thankfully.

If you are after reading horror stories about PRK and have been put off it, I promise it isn't as bad as some make it out to be. I read every single review and blog I could find in the lead up to my surgery, and although that day 2-3 was definitely not easy, it was nowhere near as bad as I have seen it made out.

Finally, I can't recommend the Optilase crew highly enough. Always only a phonecall away for anything, and really reassuring on the day of the surgery itself.

TL:DR - don't make the same mistake I did, stop putting off PRK!

Hi all

Some very useful information in this thread. Thanks!

I’m going to get the surgery done but am trying to decide between Mater Private and Galway Clinic. Galway would suit me better but haven’t read much here about it.

Im presuming nobody has been to both 😂 but would still love opinions on them… And surgeons.

thanks :-)

That's exactly right. Once you get through that few hours its plain sailing, but definitely make sure to get yourself some good painkillers and don't hesitate to use the drops they give you. Otherwise, the very best of luck with it!

Hey guys, going in for PRK with Optilase next week. Have been years threatening to do it but finally biting the bullet.

This thread has been very helpful in hearing peoples experiences and what to expect. It doesn't sound pleasant but definitely sounds worth it. How soon were people back to work after PRK? Or able to drive even? I hear your vision gets gradually better over a number of weeks, but what did people do in the mean time while it was slightly blurry? Use their glasses or just endure the blurred vision for while it lasted?

Also, would anyone have a referral code they could send me? :)

Ronan

PM sent

Hi, I'm going fir a consultation next week for PRK. What kind if price range are we talking? TIA

Mine cost €3k but that was 5 years ago, I'm sure it's probably closer to €4k now. The consultation is free anyway so there's no harm in going to that and see what they say you're under no obligation to go ahead with the surgery if it's too expensive.

€3840 is my total price. I have applied to a finance company called humm that they recommend, to pay it off in instalments, I have a direct debit going out for contact lenses as it is so I'm rationalising it that way. I think the cost of credit will work out at €400 over two years, so brings the total price up to €4240

They require a €400 deposit to book the surgery date.

I have a health insurance which I should be able to claim 20% back from and tax relief should come to another 20% too I think so that will bring the bill down 🤞

I've my pre surgery consultation this evening, so all going well I'll be given the all clear for next Mondays surgery.

Hope that helps

Had mine done in mid-August (Lasik with Optilase). Had no pain during or after the procedure, just a very mild stinging sensation and sensitivity to light for a few days. I have had quite a bit of dryness so am still taking drops. I also find driving at night a little challenging due to flare, but apparently this will ease at time.

I was shortsighted and my long distance sight is excellent now. However, I now find I struggle to read font on things like shampoo bottles, ingredients on jars etc. where I had no issue previously. I feel like my parents - adjusting my arm length and trying to find the perfect lighting conditions! I mentioned this at Optilase during a check up and they assured me it would settle down, but it hasn't yet.

Has anyone else had the same experience?

Got mine done 7 years ago. Lasik.

Was grand for years apart from glaring when looking at lights or reading bright text.

The last year or so eyesight is worse than it was before the surgery. Dont think id bother getting it done again.

I couldn't keep my eyes open after the surgery anyway so walking around town would have been totally out of the question for me! You're better off staying in and resting for the evening to be honest. The lights could drive you crazy even with sunglasses.

Yeah my eyeballs were bruised alright after - just little blood marks. They cleared up after a week or two.

Out of interest, would something like this not be covered by the lifetime guarantee they talk about?

1. Shouldn't matter that your brother got it done in Belfast. When you give his name as your referral, he will need to ring wherever you're getting it done to confirm the referral and he'll be sent his cheque a few weeks after your surgery.
2. I was told that I'd have to ask for sedation. They don't seem to offer it openly but will give it to you no problem if you ask for it. Takes the edge off if you're anxious so would definitely recommend it.
3. No idea regarding finance and waiting lists. I'm assuming you'll have to go for another consultation as your one was so long ago. They'll give you all the details then. Ask to be put on the cancellation list. They'll take more money off the price if you can do it last minute.
4. Make sure to claim your 20% back after the surgery. Try to refer people to make back some of your money.

Best of luck!

Always read the small print :)