Attn: Ken Dog's Dad

I had laser eye surgery done in 2003 at Boots. I was 3.25 / 2.75 short sighted. My left eye is now 0.25 and the right 20/20.

The actual op is not great, eyelashes taped back, clamps to stop me blinking and anaesthetic eye drops. The actual procedure took around a minute for each eye, and was counted down by a computer which was very unnerving. The machine cuts a flap in the cornea (which MUST be of a minimum width otherwise they won?t go ahead) and the laser does the rest. I do recall the smell of burning flesh during the operation though!

Recovery was around three days, with cleansing and antiseptic/antibiotic (?) drops for a couple of weeks after. I needed artificial tear-drops in my eyes for a couple of months after ? that?s normal as the tear ducts are damaged during the op, but do recover.

I was told that no-one has ever gone blind from laser surgery, but all the problems encountered have been from folk not following the aftercare properly.

The cost was around ?2400, it was still quite expensive then, but as I was paying monthly for lenses which were giving my eyes grief, and I was still playing sport it was well worth it.

I was 38 when I had it done and was told 52 was the average age when long sightedness starts to kick in and glasses may again be required. So I may have 14 years of spec-free life.

The cost may well be cheaper now, and the procedure better, but that?s how it was for me.

Good luck with it.

Posted By: KentonCanary, Jun 5, 20:09:20