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lancsamb
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![[*]](./images/oxygen/default_icon.gif) posted on 28-11-2004 at 02:46 PM |
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I am very frightened can anyone help
I have been told that you are awake during the process and that you can actaully see everything thats happening. I would be totally frightened rigid
if I saw something coming into my eye. I would probably want to jump of the bed. How do you get around this problem . I really want to have this
process but the fear is greater than the results. Can anyone give me some idea how I can over come this fear. 
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Kate25
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| posted on 28-11-2004 at 05:35 PM |
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Hi lancsamb
I had my treatment in August this year, and I can honestly say that there is nothing to worry about, you really don't feel a thing as your eyes
are anaethetised, you are aware that there is something going on, but you can't feel it.
I believe if you are really nervous, the Dr can give you valium to calm you down.
I just found that because this was sometihng I really wanted done, I didn't let it bother me and just knew that after about 15-20 mins of lying
on a table, it would all be done and sorted - I'm so happy now, it really is unbelievable, in actual fact, 3 of my colleagues have had their eyes
done, 1 in october and 2 last week - they are all really happy with the results.
Keep us posted
Take care
Kate
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hayleyhartley
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Location: Blackburn
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Mood: I CAN SEE!!!!!
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| posted on 29-11-2004 at 10:49 AM |
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It doesn't hurt!
Hiya lancsamb,
I had my treatment 3 weeks ago and like you I was worried about the thought of something coming towards my eye and having a panic attack.
By the time you have the surgery you will be well informed of everything that is going to happen and the staff will talk you through each stage as it
happens so you know what to expect. I had my eyes lasered at Ultralase in Manchester...the staff were lovely.
The whole proceedure from start to finish is only a couple of minutes per eye and like kate25 I really wanted to be able to see without glasses, so a
few minutes is nothing compared to the benefits of sight.
No part of the proceedure hurts at all. The only bit I was concerned about was the cutting of the corneal flap. I can honestly say it took seconds
and was over before I realised they had begun and you can't feel anything because your eyes are anaethetised (hope i've spelled that
right).
Good luck!
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Robin Jones
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| posted on 29-11-2004 at 11:53 AM |
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Dear Lancsamb
I can only echo what Kate and Hayley have said. I have had LASIK myself and, although it's only human to be apprehensive, it's all over
very quickly and the local anaesthetic eye drops ensure that it's painless.
Have a look at www.TheGiftOfSight.com and click on the "search"
facility. You can then click on various reasons why people have had treatment and even those who have worried beforehand. There will then be
displayed a number of testimonials from those who have been in the same situation as yourself.
Don't worry about it - most of our patients say it's much easier than a trip to the dentist's, and we can offer a sedative to those who
are particularly nervous.
Kind regards
Robin
Robin Jones, Ultralase Forum Manager
Clinic Adviceline: 0800 096 2070
FREE consultations may be booked by calling freephone 0808 144 20 20
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JerryO
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Location: Durham
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Mood: couldn't be better!
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| posted on 29-11-2004 at 03:53 PM |
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Hi, lancsamb,
I just made an appointment for mid-December and those damned butterflies* were just waiting for me to make the call. I can't offer anything by
way of experience but I'll post here afterwards and let you know...
They have aspirations to become golden eagles, these butterfiles.
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lancsamb
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 posted on 2-12-2004 at 07:59 PM |
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Thanks for the info but I am still not convinced. I got a leaflet from Ultralase and it says you will feel discomfort for a few days after the
procedure. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ????
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Robin Jones
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| posted on 3-12-2004 at 10:14 AM |
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Dear Lancsamb
I'm sorry that you felt the information we sent you was too vague. We can't be too specific, because the healing process varies so much
from person to person. Much will depend on the treatment type, their pre-treatment prescription, pre-disposition towards light sensitivity, and so
on.
The treatment itself (whichever procedure) is painless, because the eyes are anaesthetised with eye drops. Most patients find that the experience is
more unusual than anything else; however, some find that the lid guard (used to keep your eyelids open during the procedure) is uncomfortable, and
others report that the "pushing" sensation as the pressure is raised in the eye during the creation of the corneal flap in LASIK is not
particularly pleasant.
Bear in mind, though, that the treatment itself lasts less than 5 minutes per eye, and the creation of the corneal flap only takes about 30
seconds.
In terms of recovery, most LASIK patients report that their eyes sting (as if they are chopping onions or have got some shampoo in their eyes) and
that they are more light-sensitive, for a few hours after the anaesthetic wears off. Our advice is to shut your eyes and rest during this time.
Because of the nature of the treatment, LASEK patients are likely to experience this pain and discomfort for a couple of days after treatment. Again,
our advice is to rest your eyes as much as possible; the pain may be controlled with your regular painkillers.
I would advise that you come in for a free consultation and we can give you more specific information relating to the appropriate treatment type for
your eyesight prescription.
Consultations may be booked by calling freephone 0808 144 20 20.
Kind regards
Robin
Robin Jones, Ultralase Forum Manager
Clinic Adviceline: 0800 096 2070
FREE consultations may be booked by calling freephone 0808 144 20 20
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JerryO
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 posted on 3-12-2004 at 06:30 PM |
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I know how you feel. I'm quite edgy about the whole thing myself. My main reason for deciding to "go for it" is because recently I yet
again found I was having no joy with contact lenses despite innovations in lens technology over the past few years. I prefer being spectacle-less but
I must confess that the post-operative prospect of not being able to relieve any problems with dry eyes (my main concern) by hauling out any offending
lenses does fill me with a tad more than mere trepidation. I’m still going for it: I can always change my mind on the day and fork out the
cancellation fee (a fair amount considering the personnel etc involved). I don’t think I’ll bottle out though. I hope by “painkillers” they don’t mean
industrial strength ones though. Anyone ??
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lancsamb
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| posted on 3-12-2004 at 07:24 PM |
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Thanks Jerryo , When are you going to have it done and will you let me know the after effects you had please
[Edited on 3-12-2004 by lancsamb]
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JerryO
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| posted on 4-12-2004 at 08:23 PM |
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I'm getting fried on Saturday 11th December. I'll post again as soon as I can see.
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Kate25
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Mood: So happy and amazed
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| posted on 5-12-2004 at 11:24 AM |
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Hi JerryO
Just wanted to say goodluck for the 11th, just think, a few minutes on a table and its all over and you can see - it really is the best feeling in the
world. I can honestly say that I had no pain afterwards and didn't, therefore touch any painkillers, and believe me, my pain threshold is low.
(I'm sure you'll be fine.
Take Care
Kate
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JerryO
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| posted on 11-12-2004 at 12:53 PM |
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Here we go 2,3,4...
[Edited on 11-12-2004 by JerryO]
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hayleyhartley
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| posted on 11-12-2004 at 01:08 PM |
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Good Luck JerryO! I hope everything goes okay for you. Let us know how it went.
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lancsamb
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| posted on 11-12-2004 at 01:22 PM |
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Good luck with your treatment I hope you have a great experience. Please could you tell us about it afterwards. I would appriaciate your thoughts and
comments. 
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JerryO
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| posted on 11-12-2004 at 08:46 PM |
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That was interesting!
I had my appointment at 3pm and it's now 7pm. I had only one eye done 'cos there was a slight problem during the cutting of the flap and the
epithelial cells wandered about a bit - though the flap's ok. I had the wavefront treatment, which apparently went well but I have also ended up
with a bandage contact lens until tomorrow’s visit. Sometimes there are slight glitches in any procedure but this has not affected my confidence in
the staff or the procedure. I’m going back next Thursday to get the other eye done – perhaps if I were a Cyclops it would have been easier.
The surgeon wanted to wait until the first eye had started to heal before frying the next one is all. I’m not worried about it.
I had a chill-pill as recommended by the surgeon. I would go along with that as it can feel slightly intimidating lying there with all of these
machines clanking away.
They were very professional and told me throughout the procedure what was happening and although it’s not the most pleasant experience in the world,
I’m going back to have t’other one done.
There’s no pain at the moment (the cutting onions phase has been and gone – knowing my luck it’ll come back). Hopefully I should be able to see in the
morning…
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lancsamb
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| posted on 11-12-2004 at 09:01 PM |
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Hi Jerryo
Thank you for tgakingthe time to twll me what happended and why. What does the wavefront treatmnet do??
I am glad you did not have any real pain and that you seem to be okay. When will you be able to see out of the eye that was operated on?? How long did
th onions feeling last for? What is a bandage contact lense, can you actually see from the new , sorry repaired eye?
Sorry for being a pain with all these questions but you really are the best advocate to tell me as you and only you know what it is like . Oh just
thought of another question If you have the other eye done next Thursday will the firsr one be ok by then?? or will you be a little blind??
Thanks
Lancsamb
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JerryO
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| posted on 12-12-2004 at 09:08 AM |
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Hiya, Lancsamb, (and Kate :-)
The wavefront treatment is designed to map your eye and account for any aberrations (natural or otherwise, I think) that enhance the procedure by not
just carving the prescription generally in your eye but smoothing out any bumps that there may be. I think there’s a better explanation on Ultralase’s
site!!
The discomfort is easily bearable, onionitis lasted for a couple of hours and it’s really not that bas. I’ve no pain or discomfort whatsoever at the
moment (no dryness at all either) but that may be due to the “bandage” lens I have in (which is totally unnoticeable, by the way). The
bandage lens is designed to make sure that the epithelial cells (and presumably the flap) stay where they’re supposed to be if there’s a slight
complication. My case is quite rare but, as they say, $#!^ happens.
My vision this morning in the said eye is totally bad (6/36 I reckon), though. I think it’s to do either with the contact lens or the epithelial cell
thing but I’m not worried – that may be why the surgeon wanted to wait a few days until my vision improved before doing the next eye. I’ll find out
this morning.
Maybe I should do a diary but I don’t know how to.
As Arnie says, “Eye’ll be back…”
The Termineyetor
[Edited on 12-12-2004 by JerryO]
[Edited on 12-12-2004 by JerryO]
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Kate25
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| posted on 12-12-2004 at 01:03 PM |
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Hi JerryO
I'm glad you had one eye done at least, my vision was blurry for about 3-4 days and then started getting a little more clear about a week or so
afterwards, I didn't achieve 20/20 vision on my next day check up, so I was worried at the time, but give it a week or so and it was
brilliant.
I'm sure you'll be happy when it's all settled, good luck for the other eye (it's lovely, by the way when the bandage contact
lense comes out).
Anway all the best for the other eye, keep us updated.
Take care
Kate
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JerryO
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| posted on 13-12-2004 at 11:11 AM |
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I’ve had the contact lens removed and, although I’m still blurred (about 6/18), there is absolutely no discomfort at all. The surgeon had said that my
lack of discomfort was due to the presence of the contact lens so I was anticipating all sorts of trouble when it was removed. That hasn’t happened
and I don’t have any dry eye symptoms or pain. I’m due for a return visit on Tuesday for a check up to see how the epithelial cells are behaving but
I’m not expecting a miracle result in such a short time. Basically I’m not worried about it although I’m hoping my vision will improve significantly
when the healing is complete.
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lancsamb
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 posted on 13-12-2004 at 10:58 PM |
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Hello Jerry,
Good news about the pain but 'I am some what surprised about your vision being 6/18. Did they tell you that you would not be able to see from
your eye after the op. When do you expect to be able to see properly from that eye. I thought that the results were very quick and that you could see
straight away, ?? Still the pain thing must be a relief. Please keep us all updated as I can wait for the next episode of the Jerryo saga.
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JerryO
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| posted on 14-12-2004 at 01:09 PM |
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Hi again. I’m pleased that there’s no pain too!! As I said before, there was a slight problem with my procedure and they want to wait until the
epithelial layer has repaired itself. I’m rather disappointed with the vision but here is an analogy to my temporary problem, which is why I’m not
worried:
Imagine you have a room that is carpeted and you have to change the underlay under your carpet because a door is catching on it when it opens. You
can’t alter the door; you like the carpet and the underlay is easy to replace once you get the carpet out of the way. On top of the carpet is one of
those protective plastic sheets to stop your dog getting muddy paw prints on it. You fold back the carpet layer and sheet at the same time, replace
the underlay and flop the carpet and sheet back down again at the same time. The carpet’s gone down properly but the sheet has a bit of a wrinkle in
it that’ll settle in time. Basically the carpet is the flap that was cut and the fact that that’s where it should be is good. The protective sheet is
the epithelial layer that needs to repair itself before the full benefit of the operation can be known. The reason for the blurring I have is not
therefore due to a poor correction of my prescription but that there is a slight, temporary fault with the first eye layer that is in contact with the
air. Any disruption to this layer, no matter how slight, will produce blurring because it’s optically significant . This is the first place at the eye
where refraction starts and if it doesn’t work properly here, the fault gets “magnified”, if you like, as the light passes through the corrected area
and to the retina.
To answer you questions specifically:
Did they tell you that you would not be able to see from your eye after the op?
Yes, which is why they wanted to wait about a week before doing the next eye.
When do you expect to be able to see properly from that eye?
Soon, I hope, but that will depend on my own healing process of this damned epithelial layer.
I thought that the results were very quick and that you could see straight away.
They are normally; I was just a little unlucky. It’s not put me off and I’ll let you know what they say today.
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lancsamb
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| posted on 14-12-2004 at 07:38 PM |
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Thanks Jerry for that story book explination , I did get a little confused with the under lay but after I read it twice I realised that you should
have bought smaller doors. Even with one good eye you might trip up on them so be careful.Still joking apart I think I understand the problem lies
with your outer layer. This was caused by the laser ??. I know from your responses that you are not worried at all because you really understand what
has happended and you are confident that it will sort itself out soon. Thank you for being so brave in telling us all about your live and current
experiences. Please keep going as we are all behind you and hope that things will sort them selves out soon. Its great that things dont hurt but sad
that it has happended. How many times do they say this can happen, have you asked that question??
Still please keep up the diary as only you can tell us how it is.
[Edited on 14-12-2004 by lancsamb]
[Edited on 14-12-2004 by lancsamb]
[Edited on 14-12-2004 by lancsamb]
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12 Ltd.
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| posted on 15-12-2004 at 09:56 AM |
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Hi,
I have my treatment tommorow afternoon at Guildford.
Surprisingly I find myself pretty calm about the whole process as I am very squemish when it comes to eyes (I have real difficulty with eye drops, and
could never wear contact lenses).
My biggest concern is that the treatment begins at 5.30 and I am concerned that the staff will be keen to get home and rush me through the procedure,
if I feel I'm being rushed that is when I may start to panic!
I had my consultation some time ago now and chose to wait a few months to have the treatment because of business commitments, but I recall being
offered the treatment the next week If I wanted, my advice is to bite the bullet and get it done quickly giving you less time to dwell on it.
Good luck and I'll let you know how I get on.
Chris Davenport
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JerryO
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| posted on 15-12-2004 at 10:40 AM |
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All the best, Chris, and let us know how it goes.
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JerryO
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| posted on 15-12-2004 at 11:51 AM |
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I’m feeling quite “up” about this now. This morning my vision was a reasonable 6/12 bordering on 6/9, which, considering there was a slight problem
and the op was only 4 days ago, is great. It seems to be getting better each day (and no discomfort). The optometrist I saw yesterday noted that the
epithelium was healing well and that I should remain booked in to have my left eye done on Thursday. I expressed concern about this in view of the
relatively poor vision I had yesterday but he said I should wait until Thursday to make my decision about whether to proceed then or leave it a few
days because, who knows, I could be 6/6 by then. I have a feeling I will be and I’m psyching myself up to go for it (be taken to it is more accurate,
thanks dad!).
Regarding the epithelium problem I had, Lancsamb, as far as I know it wasn’t the laser but a combination of the structure of my eye and the keratome
device. I do recall now that I managed to damage my epithelium once with a contact lens years ago so maybe my eye structure is a bit weak. I haven’t
yet established how common (more likely uncommon) this problem is.
The most annoying thing as far as I’m concerned is the difference in vision between my eyes. I’m -4.5 in my left and, for the sake of argument, -1.0
in my right at the moment but I don’t have a correcting lens (a lens wouldn’t work anyway as it’s not a prescription fault with me at the moment). The
vision in my left eye is therefore better with my old glasses so I have to put up with a blurred right eye or wear a pirate patch over it (a wise
investment of £1.50 if you do get one eye done at a time). I have a dominant right eye and I therefore have poor binocular vision and can’t judge
distance well until the next op.
I studied ophthalmic optics many years ago and I thought I had a solution to my problem: get a plane (called plano) lens put in my old glasses so I’d
have the required right eye protection and both eyes would be corrected. Good idea? No way, José! Because of the way the brain works, if you correct
one eye with specs and the other eye is ok, you’ll get double vision. A waste of £36 on a plano lens. Don’t do it! I’d forgotten that lecture.
Basically get them both done at once!!
On balance I’d say go for it and more later…
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