Laser eye surgery with optilase

Smangan25

eoing90 wrote: »

I had a consultation last week at Optilase Dublin. Does anyone have a referral please? Thinking about getting it done in July sometime.

I can’t recommend optilase enough, the team at the cork clinic were so reassuring and professional. After the surgery the after care was second to none. It’s been a life changing experience dealing with optilase and if I could give 6 stars I would. If anyone wants a referral give me dm or email me on smangan25@gmail.com and you will get €100 off your procedure☺️

mixed up

I have a consultation with optilase next week, can someone please tell me what to expect? Is it just an exam to see if I'm suitable? Also i know it says it's free but if I'm not suitable for it do i get charged for the consultation? If i am suitable would i have to wait long for surgery? Sorry for all the questions, just a bit nervous about it and would like to know what the procedure is.

Alex86Eire

mixed up wrote: »

I have a consultation with optilase next week, can someone please tell me what to expect? Is it just an exam to see if I'm suitable? Also i know it says it's free but if I'm not suitable for it do i get charged for the consultation? If i am suitable would i have to wait long for surgery? Sorry for all the questions, just a bit nervous about it and would like to know what the procedure is.

Its just like an eye test - just a bit longer. Its basically just to see if you're suitable for surgery. No you won't get charged for the consultation whether you're suitable or not. I'm not sure about the waiting list - it depends on your clinic and I'm not sure what effect COVID has had. A friend of mine went for their consultation at the end of April and was given a date in June. The consultation is honestly nothing to worry about at all.
Send me a PM if you'd like a referral - for 100€ off your surgery.

Lavieenrose

If anyone needs a referral for €100 off, PM me and I'll do it asap ☺️

polly500

Just a quick update from me...I had my laser eye surgery done in the Mater Private Eye Clinic with Marc Guerin last September. He is absolutely lovely, the price was the same as Optilase and the aftercare is all included plus you have 24/7 access if you have any issues. I highly recommend him and the whole process was excellent. I'm so glad I had it done and wish I had done it sooner. I'm 53 and shortsighted with astigmatism but was starting to have to take my glasses off to read which was awkward in work. I now have 20 20 vision and can read without glasses unless its really small print like medication boxes. I just got cheap reading glasses in Penney's for that.

Smangan25

It’s a big financial decision for anybody and every little helps on the purse strings. I can’t recommend optilase enough, the team at the cork clinic where I got it done were so reassuring and professional. After the surgery the after care was second to none. It’s been a life changing experience dealing with optilase and if I could give 6 stars I would. If anyone wants a referral give me dm or email me on smangan25@gmail.com and you will get €100 off your procedure☺️

yosser hughes

Hello all. I'm considering getting this done. I'm just starting to look into it. What ballpark figure are the prices now?
Also what's the recovery time in terms of time off work needed?
Thank you for your help.
PS: I see on the Optilase site that they offer an interest-free finance plan. Has anyone availed of this?

sportsfan90

yosser hughes wrote: »

Hello all. I'm considering getting this done. I'm just starting to look into it. What ballpark figure are the prices now?
Also what's the recovery time in terms of time off work needed?
Thank you for your help.
PS: I see on the Optilase site that they offer an interest-free finance plan. Has anyone availed of this?

I paid 3 thousand for mine but that was over 5 years ago, it's possibly closer to 4 thousand now. I paid upfront so not sure how the finance plan works.

I got the LASEK/PRK so took a week off work afterwards. The LASIK procedure might only require a weekend if memory serves me correct.

I'd recommended booking an assessment anyway, it's free and there's no obligation to go ahead with the surgery if you're not happy to do so.

Lavieenrose

yosser hughes wrote: »

Hello all. I'm considering getting this done. I'm just starting to look into it. What ballpark figure are the prices now?
Also what's the recovery time in terms of time off work needed?
Thank you for your help.
PS: I see on the Optilase site that they offer an interest-free finance plan. Has anyone availed of this?

I had LASIK done and it was €3800, but you can get €100 off with a referral. With LASIK you are recovered by the next morning, I think with the other types it's closer to a week. The finance plan isn't actually run by Optilase, it's a loan from a separate company which I would be wary of. If you have any questions DM me and I'll answer as best I can! ☺️

Gerard93

Just a question for those who had it done say few years is your sight still as good now or does sight deteriorate with age or is this different for each individual

sportsfan90

Gerard93 wrote: »

Just a question for those who had it done say few years is your sight still as good now or does sight deteriorate with age or is this different for each individual

Mine is still very good 5 years on. I’m sure there would eventually be some deterioration, but I’ve yet to experience it anyway.

mixed up

I'm having my surgery in optilase Ely Place in just over 2 weeks, i will be paying for my surgery today or Monday, does anyone have a referral code i can use? Also how do i use the referral code? Thank you

Paranoid Mandroid

Gerard93 wrote: »

Just a question for those who had it done say few years is your sight still as good now or does sight deteriorate with age or is this different for each individual

I had it done about 14 years ago and have been wearing glasses for the last 3 years maybe. I'm 42, -1.50. It was like a switch, they just got bad all of a sudden. I didn't expect that but hey best money I ever spent. It wasn't in optilase by the way. I know three people that had it done about 10-16 years ago and no deterioration (late 30's early 40s).

alicenyhan

mixed up wrote: »

I'm having my surgery in optilase Ely Place in just over 2 weeks, i will be paying for my surgery today or Monday, does anyone have a referral code i can use? Also how do i use the referral code? Thank you

Pm sent

mikemac2

Gerard93 wrote: »

Just a question for those who had it done say few years is your sight still as good now or does sight deteriorate with age or is this different for each individual

I did it 15 years ago with Optilase

Went from -5.25 & -4.5 to 0.0 & -0.25

Best money I ever spent

I think sure it has deteriorated a little bit but that’s age I reckon. I’m still good for driving or everyday tasks. Reading on screens is a little more difficult than 15 years ago but I expected that

Tcx123

I got it done a month ago now. Couldn’t recommend it enough! Really is life changing. I got lasik and could see the next day. I took a week off as I work in front of a computer and wanted to let my eyes recover. If you need a referral I can give you one.

picturehangup

I had it done 15 years ago. My daughter now wants to have it done, but I think you had to be over 25 back then.

Daughter is 21. Is she too young? She is about -5.5 or thereabouts. Many thanks.

Alex86Eire

picturehangup wrote: »

I had it done 15 years ago. My daughter now wants to have it done, but I think you had to be over 25 back then.

Daughter is 21. Is she too young? She is about -5.5 or thereabouts. Many thanks.

They still recommend that you're over 25 to make sure your eyes don't change. If she's had the same prescription for a few years they may take her so its worth giving a ring.

Caathrionaa

mixed up wrote: »

I'm having my surgery in optilase Ely Place in just over 2 weeks, i will be paying for my surgery today or Monday, does anyone have a referral code i can use? Also how do i use the referral code? Thank you

I have one if you still havent paid!

siobhan5454

I'm 26 and getting Lasik in August. A bit nervous. I'm -4.25 in each eye. Thought I wouldn't be eligible as my eyes are still deteriorating every year but had my consultation and she said I was suitable. Price is €3840 for me.

Alex86Eire

siobhan5454 wrote: »

I'm 26 and getting Lasik in August. A bit nervous. I'm -4.25 in each eye. Thought I wouldn't be eligible as my eyes are still deteriorating every year but had my consultation and she said I was suitable. Price is €3840 for me.

I sent you a PM

CrummyOldDanish

Hi everyone.

I'm looking at getting surgery done with optilase in the next month or two. However, I'm not happy with the price.

I've seen plenty of people had success haggling with them. I'm just curious how people got on and what "tactics" they used when negotiating. Was it by email, phone, or both?

I'd be more than happy to go through with it but the price isn't right for me at the minute.

Thanks!

sportsfan90

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117652620#Comment_117652620

I haven't heard of anyone who's been able to haggle down the price, I'm not saying it doesn't happen but I doubt it's that common or that they'd give much off. No harm in asking I guess, maybe try telling them that you were quoted X for whichever procedure with another company.

The prices are only going one way so if you are planning on getting them done then I wouldn't be holding off in the hope that there'll be better deals down the line.

MarkY91

I have glasses that I just use when watching TV. Out and about, things are a little blurry but not enough to ruin my life. I'm by no means in desparate need of laser eye surgery but I think I want it just to eliminate the need for glasses and to have that extra clarity in my day to day life.

I'm sure people in my situation would not go ahead with it due to the costs involved but I'm willing to pay.

Has anyone else gotten surgery that didn't actually have horrible eyesight? Or are ye all blind as a bat without glasses on?

Dez102

I’m considering getting the laser eye surgery but what’s this referral you all talk about. Does that give some discount to the price

alicenyhan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117674324#Comment_117674324

Pm sent :)

mixed up

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117653030#Comment_117653030

I was the same as you, i only ever wore glasses to watch the tv, I gave up wearing contact lenses as my eyes were getting really dry, my eyes were - 2.75 and - 2.25, i could see enough to get by but everything would be blurry and couldn't read things, i only got my surgery 2 weeks ago today.

My eyes are now better than 20/20 vision, it's expensive alright, cost me 3840 but i got 100 off for referral, I'm delighted with the results and it feels great to finally be able to see perfect. Good luck if you decide to go ahead with it.

BobbyMalone

Is there still a cut-off point for laser eye depending on how bad your vision is? Or are there different factors at play. I have really bad vision, and was told by a consultant I was visiting for an eye-related matter that he wouldn't do it based on my vision - but that was maybe 15 years ago. Hoping things have changed now and technology is more advanced!

irishgal23

Hey guys I had my consultation for laser eye surgery woohoo. I am due to travel to Dublin in a few weeks for pre op consultation. Is this similar to the first consultation but with the surgeon?

siobhan5454

Hi @irishgal23 So I think the "pre op consultation" is where you meet your surgeon directly before your surgery. I just had my Surgery on Thursday 12th. On the email it was down as "pre op consultation" but that's the actual date of your surgery. You meet the surgeon directly before it so he/she can see your eyes themselves before the operation.

If you need a refferal let me know, you will get €100 off the procedure. Someone kindly gave me a refferal a few weeks ago before my surgery.

GSPfan

After 15 years of contact lenses I finally got laser eye surgery (Lasik) and I instantly regretted it. But then 2 hours later when the stinging subsided I kinda changed my mind and was happy again. 😃

Got it done in Ely Place yesterday. All went well and my vision is already really good about 14 hours later. Have to return for my one day check up later today.

Some things I wish I knew going in….

1. Be prepared for a few excruciating hours afterwards. Think of any time your eyes were stinging because you got soap in them or something like that. Well imagine that for about 2 hours. And you can’t touch your eyes or squint or anything to relieve the irritation. Bring the strongest pain killers you have and get them into you as soon as you can. I’d say even take them just before you step into the surgery room cause you’re only in there for about 10 minutes. The pain for me started about 2 minutes after i left the operation room.
2. The pre laser surgery itself is uncomfortable. Not completely painless, it’s just as weird as you’d imagine it would be when someone is messing with your eyes. There was pain for me when they were putting something onto my eyeball at the start. I think it’s a suction thing but I have no idea and don’t want to research it. It’s not a sharp pain, but just more of a pressure pain. But it’s bearable, it’s not a show stopper at all.
3. The laser part of the surgery is over in like 15 seconds for each eye. It’s the weirdest thing. You’re looking up at a blurry red dot and the laser makes a cracking sound. You can feel the heat of the laser and you can smell something burning. Ha. It’s not painful, just weird. It’s over very quickly though.
4. My sister had it done a few years ago and got a valium tablet beforehand. They never offered me one…. I’d have loved that. I was nervous but the staff are really good so it’s a nice experience overall.
5. There are a lot of aftercare rules in terms of not touching your eyes and using 3 sets of drops for a week. Not getting water in your eyes is another one. Just prepare yourself for at least a week of disruption and please follow whatever they tell you to do. :)

All in all I’m happy I done it. But yeah that after surgery pain was bloody awful. They said you might want to sleep afterwards…. No I was pacing my bedroom with my eyes closed while they streamed water. It was my way of dealing with that pain/irritation. About 2-3 hours later the painkillers and some slight relief in the irritation allowed me to relax and i kind of drifted off to a bit of a semi-sleep state for an hour and when I woke I could see much better and get up and walk around with little restrictions.

I wouldn’t tell someone to not do it, but I would warn them about the few hours afterwards. Just get the strongest painkillers you can into you early. That’s my advice.

GSPfan

Follow up on my Lasik surgery:

Went back for my 24 hour post op check up yesterday. All good. Took about 15-20 minutes in and out. Met with a very nice man (optician) who checked my vision by asking me to do an eye chart test. I have 20/20 vision now. Hurray. He also looked in my eye to check the flap part was sitting perfectly. All good.

I have yet another thing that I wish I knew before going in…… This one is funny.

The optician put these orange coloured drops in my eye to look in and check all was ok. What he didn’t tell me was that my face under my eyes was covered in orange dye. I walked out looking like a fool with big orange rings under my eyes. Lucky i got straight into a car so not too embarrassing but note to anyone attending the 24 hour check up…… look in a mirror before you leave! 😃

Alex86Eire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117765068#Comment_117765068

Just to balance #1 a little in case anyone is feeling apprehensive... At no point was I in any serious pain. It was uncomfortable after the procedure. It felt like I had grit in my eyes and there was a little tenderness but I wasn't in much pain. I slept for a few hours after the surgery.

larkos

Hi Guys, I'm looking for a referral discount for Optilase Corkif anyone can help me out. Thanks!

alicenyhan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117779723#Comment_117779723

Pm sent :)

danoriordan1402

How old it too old for surgery - mid 40's myself and been debating this for a while, so I know that after 40 the eyes naturally will start to deteriorate more. Just wondering if anyone in my age range in here would have feedback.

Alex86Eire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117787633#Comment_117787633

I referred a woman in her 40s recently and she's really happy with the result. She'll probably need reading glasses at some stage like the rest of us but her short sightedness was corrected. Its worth going for the free consultation anyway!

TomSweeney

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117787633#Comment_117787633

Me too, I am 43 and have been wondering about this, problem is I am -7 or so on both eyes - blind basically, have been wearing glasses since I was 12 and am used to them, so not a massive deal, I went for a consult about 10 years ago and it was 2,500 PER EYE !! .... So I did a James Woods on that one ...

KayleighRen

Hi Guys, I'm looking for a referral discount for Optilase Cork if anyone can help me out. Thanks in advance!

alicenyhan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117805038#Comment_117805038

Pm sent :)

iSeano90

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117765068#Comment_117765068

This, 100%. I had it done 2 weeks ago!

I found the whole thing to be very uncomfortable. Not 'sore' but certainly not a nice experience. Then the pain going home and when I got home was awful, and had me questioning my decision.

But, after a day or so, I could see the benefits of it. I would recommend it, but I would prepare people for what you have to go through. There was no sedative before- and I asked, but they said no.

Also, if anyone wants a referral, please do let me know - its uncomfortable, but worth it :)

Johner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117771547#Comment_117771547

I was walking back to a carpark today after my consultation and was getting a few weird looks realised it was because of that orange dye!

If anyone has a referral for the Dublin clinic that would be great I’ll be using it in the next few days. Thanks.

alicenyhan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117832965#Comment_117832965

Pm sent :)

GSPfan

Update from 2 weeks and two days after surgery…

All good. No real complaints. I think I’ve done everything asked of me. The hardest part of it is ensuring you don’t get water in your eyes (or sweat). I’m showering more normally now but keeping my eyes away from direct water still, just to be sure.

Another thing I hadn’t really factored for was the blood stained eyes. The blood In my left eye is almost completely gone. You’d only see a few streaks of red the equivalent of drawing on a page with a red pen.

My right eye still has a blob of blood around the Iris. It’s less noticeable every day but I’d say it’ll be another week at least until my eyes look somewhat normal. No big deal though.

One thing I’m hoping gets a bit better is that my near sight (things close to me within 12 inches) has gone a bit blurry at times. Maybe it’ll settle but the odd time i have to move things away from my face or just try to refocus to see it. Reading something like a book or phone from arms length is perfect.

I’d consider it but my prescription tends to drift which has me wondering if it would be worthwhile at all. I’ve gone from -3.75 to -4.75 over the last few years.

On the other side of it, I had a series of ear surgeries in my late teens, some of the procedures were just absolutely indescribably awful and extremely painful, to the point I still (15 years + later) wake up with nightmares about it, so I’m not sure I should put myself through it.

It seems really handy to no longer need glasses or lenses but I don’t know if I could bring myself to doing it.

siobhan5454

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117834235#Comment_117834235

Hi,

I would totally recommend it. Yes it was uncomfortable while the actual laser was happening, but it was at most 10 minutes of lying on a chair (similar to one at the dentists office). The worst part was the pain after, not so much pain, but my eyes felt like I was staring at the sun, even with my eyes closed. However the pain started at 5pm and was over before 9pm. Just dose up on strong paracetamol!

Over the years my eyesight was -2.5, then -3.5, then -4.5 and at my consultation was -4.75 in each eye. The laser is tailored to your specific prescription on the day, so no need to worry if it deteriorates from the consultation, to the day of the laser as it will be tested again.

I had my Surgery on August 11th and nearly 1 month on, have 0% issues. 20-20 vision the next morning at my 9am appointment, after my 4.30pm surgery the day before! Highly highly reccomend!

Let me know if you need a referral for €100 off, I gladly got one from someone here too.

GSPfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117834235#Comment_117834235

That’s unfortunate that you still have bad memories from your ear operations. If only there was a surgery to fix that too!

I definitely don’t think the laser eye surgery compares to a traumatic event. That’s obviously just my opinion but even if you had a more painful experience than others then I still don’t think it’s something that would haunt you. I’d describe it as uncomfortable with temporary pain but 3 or 4 hours afterwards you are grand. By the following day you are almost normal.

If you haven’t already done the consultation them maybe start there. You could tell them you nay get anxious on the day so they may give you a sedative. You might be one of the lucky ones.

Well, it was a 4 hour procedure, followed by two further shorter general anaesthetics in the weeks following to change dressings. Head shaved (one side only but shaved rest to match), I was really sick after it due to vertigo and my jaw locked due to swelling of joint and I couldn’t eat properly for weeks and lost about 2 stone, and my neck muscles took about 3 months to loosen up. I failed 4 subjects in the LC, including ones I was very good at and had to repeat.

Hearing is fine sorta, but I still have extremely bad tinnitus on one side.

Fun times!

Main reason I was considering the laser treatment is that I find glasses uncomfortable because the area behind my ear is still sensitive to the arms of glasses (and headphones). If I wear them for a long time I get like twitches in my scalp and a darting / achy pain, so I’ve basically worn contact lenses almost full time ever since. I get on fine with the lenses, always wore them for sport (since I was 13 or so) so I guess just a convenience issue.

timple23

How soon are people able to drive after Lasik?

siobhan5454

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117849304#Comment_117849304

I had my laser (LASIK) at 4.30pm. My check up was 9am the next day and she said I was good to drive then!