Laser Eye Surgery - What Options and Advice

urzu on 14/10/2016 - 12:28
Last edited 16/10/2016 - 16:05

Hello everyone,

I've been thinking about getting LASIK done since my mum got hers done, and recovered brilliantly. She lives in New Caledonia and had been told 20 years ago in Australia that because of some of her health issues, she wasn't eligible. She had forgotten all about it until her optometrist in NC recommended she try. She woke up the next day with perfect vision, having had truly awful eyesight since childhood. That sounds like a dream come true for me.

I'm 25, have been wearing glasses all the time since I was 10. My script hasn't changed much in the last 5 years. It's actually gotten a little bit better (optometrists say I was over-corrected before).

Although there are several topics about Laser Eye surgery, I wanted to hear from other Ozbargainers who've been through it. I'm trying to weight options. I haven't had a consultation yet. Quality and safeness would be my #1 priority over price. Being an ozbargainer through, it's all about value.

Here are the options I think I have, so far:
- Pay cash, upfront in Australia
- Travel overseas for operation
- Get Bupa top level and do the operation in Australia in 1 year, then cancel.
- Get other private healthcare which covers part of the cost and pay the rest cash

I see some clinics around Brisbane (where I am) have different "packages" for LASIK. Silver, gold and platinum. This is just scary tbh, as I'd just want what is safest and yields the best results. What package would private health cover?

A few places charge money to do a screening eligibility test, so I would like to hear from other people first before I commit.

I look forward to your feedback!

EDIT: Thanks so much for all the feedback. I think I won't take the operation overseas anymore. I purchased BUPA's top cover last Friday and due to the cooling off period, I basically have 30 days to decide if I want to keep it. I've booked a couple of appointments at clinics Bupa cover. I'll see if I can offer to pay upfront for less that what the Bupa premium is.

Flying to Sydney to see that $1300/eye surgeon sounds quite feasable as well. It all depends on what type of surgery I can get and if I can manage to get time fof work.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • whoopdeedoo on 16/10/2016 - 20:22
    +4

    numerous friends and myself had ours done by Dr Sebban. www.eye.net.au

    • a1ch3my79 on 26/10/2016 - 10:42

      hey :D was looking to have mine done with dr sebban too - was hoping that maybe someone may be able to give their name as a referrer. would help a lot!! thanks :)

  • Shutterfish on 17/10/2016 - 05:21

    Does Anyone know about ICL? Heard it's very expensive but less risky.

    • itchyscratchy on 17/10/2016 - 22:44

      It gives you a higher chance of angle closure glaucoma though (depending on a few other factors)

  • Wallyt99 on 17/10/2016 - 07:21

    Seems Bupa is the go… If I move up from my current healthcare to the to the top for one year it shouldnt cost to much.

    • cuppaciano on 17/10/2016 - 11:02
      +1

      I've asked the Bupa consultant and he said it is no hassle at all moving from ultimate to your preferred cover after the year :)

  • mchoodie on 17/10/2016 - 08:10

    Might go to the Sydney Eye Clinic a visit for a consultation. Thanks for the positive responses.

    Any experiences in claiming back partial fees from existing private health cover? I get $250 allowance to spend on opticals with HCF. Only joined a couple of months ago so haven't called on any of the services yet. Will be giving them a call to see what they can do, just wanted to see what others have experienced. Also, I am 99% sure waiting period was waived for me but will have to double check.

  • fullmetal on 17/10/2016 - 10:11

    I have done mine about 3 years ago. The first few weeks require lots of care, putting eye drops every few hours etc. It is great after that no more glasses.

  • mparf on 17/10/2016 - 12:04

    I got PRK in early August.
    If you asked me at the time I'd say HELL NO.
    The boredom, stress and irritiation wasn't worth it
    But now it's amazing. I paid $4000, and Peoplecare covered $1000 so only $3k OOP

  • syousef on 17/10/2016 - 13:07

    I'm still legal to drive but would need glasses if I were to be a professional driver as that requires close to perfect vision. (Tested in April).

    I would never do it because I love my astronomy and at 41 the fact that my eyesight is likely to decrease is already depressing enough without adding bright flares/stars from point sources. It could totally ruin my view through the scope. I will just keep wearing glasses. My ophthalmologist agrees. I've read that the stats for these are under reported because for most people they are a minor inconvenience. Even without the astronomy I think this would drive me crazy.

  • DWH on 17/10/2016 - 13:57

    Make sure you research MONOVISION!!!

  • Baa on 17/10/2016 - 16:32

    Any recommendations for clinics in Perth?

    • huacker on 18/10/2016 - 16:47

      I am curious to know too

    • peterpaoliello on 18/10/2016 - 17:32

      wondering the same

  • ronnknee on 17/10/2016 - 16:47
    +14

    This is an example of confirmation bias. The people who have become blind after surgery cannot see this thread and therefore cannot report their negative experience.

    • Black Brown Blue on 17/10/2016 - 23:29

      Great point that no one has mentioned yet.

    • wyrmy on 18/10/2016 - 09:22
      +5

      I was being selfish and not bother replying to this thread. I had surgery a few years ago and regret it everyday. Cant leave the house without eyedrops, need daily and ongoing management to prevent painful corneal erosions and ongoing discomfort. I'm not blind but stopped wasting time telling people about risks a long time ago. Most people just ignore the nay-sayers because its easier to imagine the positive blissful life without glasses than the trauma if something goes wrong. People like to think they are somehow biologically superior and it wont happen to them because they are healthier.

      Weird thing is I know a lot of people who had LASIK and its not until you probe deeper and ask the right questions that some of them stop sugarcoating the benefits and admit they have issues which in hindsight would have made them reconsider the surgery. Partly because its not easy for everyone to admit "I screwed up and consciously made a bad =life decision"

      • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 09:59

        I hope you are doing well, I also suffer from dry eyes. Not sure if you have heard about scleral lenses. But look into those if you haven't yet already.

      • justjack on 18/10/2016 - 17:34

        Optimism bias

    • syousef on 18/10/2016 - 13:15

      Those that have friends or family that have suffered such a fate are likely to chime in though.

      I should add mine
      My wife's friend had Lasik and got a big payout after losing most of her vision because she should not have been given the go ahead (wasn't suitable). She still has enough to walk around.

      On the other hand my wife's cousin and a friend at work have both had very positive experiences.

      • ronnknee on 18/10/2016 - 15:00

        My wife's friend had Lasik and got a big payout after losing most of her vision because she should not have been given the go ahead (wasn't suitable).

        Wow, that's terrifying :(

        • syousef on 18/10/2016 - 15:19

          Yeah. Last I heard I think she was scheduled for cornea transplants. She was good friends with my wife in highschool or uni but lives about 7 hours away so I don't speak to her often.

  • Pricebeat on 17/10/2016 - 17:58
    +2

    Read this website before you go ahead http://www.lasikcomplications.com/ and join their Facebook group before you do it https://www.facebook.com/groups/LasikComplicationsFaceBookGr…

    Also ask the following questions to your doctor (Quoted from the FB group)

    Questions to ask a LASIK surgeon before LASIK:

    How likely am I to still be experiencing dry eye symptoms six months after LASIK?

    How likely is it that I will experience persistent corneal neuropathic pain after LASIK?

    Is my dark-adapted pupil diameter larger than the optical zone (not counting the blend zone) of the LASIK treatment that you would be performing?

    Will higher order aberrations be reduced after LASIK or increased?

    How likely is it that I will experience persistent halos, starbursts, and/or ghost images after LASIK?

    I've heard that the LASIK flap never fully heals and may be accidentally dislodged for the rest of my life. Is this true?

    I've also heard that the biomechanical strength of the cornea is permanently reduced after LASIK, which may lead to corneal structural failure, known as corneal ectasia, months or years after surgery. How likely is it? Have you ever had a patient develop corneal ectasia? Do I have an irregular corneal topography? How many microns of corneal tissue will remain under the
    flaps after my treatment?

    Does LASIK cause falsely low intraocular pressure measurements for the rest of my life? How can I be assured that I'm not in danger of losing vision from undiagnosed glaucoma after LASIK?

    Does LASIK lead to problems with future cataract surgery, and how can I be protected? Will you provide me with a copy of my pre-LASIK eye measurements?

    If I decline to have (myopic) LASIK, will I be able to avoid the need for reading glasses after my mid-forties?

    Do you offer LASIK on one eye at a time so that I can decide if I am happy with the first eye before undergoing surgery on the 2nd eye?

    If LASIK doesn't give me 20/20 vision, will I be able to return to my current form of vision correction and see as well as I do now?

    • scruffypuppy on 17/10/2016 - 22:23
      +2

      I second that. Was going to get Lasik myself until researching heavily. Not worth the risk at this stage of technology. A flap is a flap regardless of if they cut it with a laser or a knife. If it reseals slightly off you're buggered and it can't be corrected with contacts.

      • Pricebeat on 17/10/2016 - 23:13

        True! Also there is research being done on a new drop which might be able to provide similar results with less to no risk http://www.optometry.org.au/blog-news/2016/5/7/keratoconus-e…

        Furthermore people who are complaining about LASIK or have had negative experience with LASIK have nothing to gain from it. But LASIK surgeons on the other hand make profits from it. So one should be able to differentiate who they should believe.

        • syousef on 18/10/2016 - 15:21

          For the most part you are correct. Some people thrive on attention and that is their payoff. Others proceed with treatment elsewhere when advised they should not go ahead. But they are the minority.

    • syousef on 20/10/2016 - 10:44

      Wow that group doesn't pretend not to be biased but the issues they raised are horrific. They describe LASIK as a flawed procedure and make a very good case for that. I'd have to look at their claims and evidence to verify any of it but if I was considering it I'd have run away based on the descriptions.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2016 - 04:08

    My daughter had hers done about 10 years ago at Meadownick in Richmond Vic. No problems at all healthwise but about 3 years after she noticed one eye slightly blurry. No problem they corrected it no cost. I know you are in Qld but may be worth a trip to Vic as I believe they are the best. I paid for it so I had a vested interest for it to be good

    • Wallyt99 on 18/10/2016 - 10:59
      +3

      Given it went wrong. Thats not a great recommendation is it? I mean warranty is great…. On a TV. On my body I prefer if it just works.

  • Methodical on 18/10/2016 - 17:35

    Had LASIK done in South Korea 3 years ago. Had discomfort for the next 3 days but was fine after that. Every so often I can get dry eyes in the middle of the night and use drops but this is happening less frequently.

    Prior to LASIK i wore contacts for over 10 years and had numerous issues. You end up saying money in the long run and don't have to worry about lenses , saline solution etc.

  • coko savage on 18/10/2016 - 19:08
    +2

    I reckon u stick to your binoculars, or wear contact lenses instead.
    You only have two eyes for life…..

    • urzu on 19/10/2016 - 00:23
      +1

      Problem is: part of the reason I want surgery is that I am thinking of getting into a line of work which requires good eyesight.

  • tik tok on 18/10/2016 - 23:04

    Out of the way question, does LASIK or PRK correct floaters ?
    As I get older I just see them all the time.

  • Arcticfox on 19/10/2016 - 09:37

    Great read this thread :-)

  • Ion on 19/10/2016 - 12:08
    +2

    Talked to my friend who had this done. She was raving about it saying that it had her changed her life. I asked her if there were any complications.

    "Oh yeah…I can't see anything at night and can't drive…the halos are too big and bright"

    • Mad Max on 19/10/2016 - 13:01

      Night vision and driving at night with halos and starbursts from cars headlights coming towards you has always been a major problem for this type of surgery. And unfortunately it is not reversible.

    • Pricebeat on 19/10/2016 - 13:42

      That is why this surgery has false high satisfaction rate

  • TaniaJ on 19/10/2016 - 13:08
    +2

    Hello,

    My 28 year old son was like you and even though he had minimal vision loss, and didn't need his glasses all the time he hated wearing them. He could afford to pay for the laser surgery so decided to see his optometrist.

    The optometrist would not refer him for laser surgery and said that he really needed to look into the problems and also that the majority of people still needed to wear glasses at a later stage.

    Ortho K was discussed and as they return your vision to 20/20 simply by wearing them when you sleep, were the better option. They also keep your vision at 20/20 whilst you are using them.

    What did he have to lose.

    My son hates anything near his eyes however, he is very determined and it took him months to get used to using the trial lenses. From the first night they worked perfectly.

    It has now been about 3 months and he can miss a night here and there and his vision at his 6 week appointment was better than 20/20, a fabulous result.

    No more glasses,
    No Surgery,
    Vision never deteriorates

    And best of all he didn't have to pay anything until after the trial lenses were shown to work and his permanent lenses were made.

    You should give this a try prior to surgery, you can always get the surgery later however bad results can never be undone.

    Good luck to you.

    • urzu on 19/10/2016 - 15:38

      Hi Tania,

      Thanks for your input regarding Ortho K. It is true that most people will need to wear glasses later on even after laser surgery; those are just the effects of old age, and I don't expect to remain glasses free for the rest of my life.

      Ortho K seems like an interesting alternative based on your and other feedback from this thread. It is not a permanent solution however and would still require putting on contacts every night before bed, which isn't much different to simply wearing regular contacts on occasion during the day.

      My appointment at the laser clinic is tomorrow to discuss my options. Nothing is off the table at this stage. Because of my rather poor eyesight however, I'd rather have permanent correction: I can't afford to forget my contacts at home one day because I can't see a thing without correction.

  • MatchK on 19/10/2016 - 15:55

    Hello,
    I definitely also recommend Sebbans too, I travelled from Victoria and made a long weekend of it with cheap flights, chose a comfy hotel etc near the clinic. No harm in checking with a local laser clinic that has no obligation free consultations to see if you're eligible, you may like them and end up booking through them. I found them here to be too pushy sales wise and wanted me to give them the date i'd book surgery in after my no obligation consult plus deposit. I felt uncomfortable with their sales tactics and their pushy reps, especially surrounding surgery you want to feel comfortable with who's looking after you. Sebbans was great, professional, it's over in a matter of seconds and then you sleep for the next 2 or 3 days, you'll be very well rested and refreshed with an amazing new outlook on life. I absolutely recommend laser surgery whether you do it in your state or with Sebbans.

    Good luck.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2016 - 17:11

    I had LASIK in Jakarta Eye Centre with one of the Professor for around AUD$3000 for both eyes, with all the check up and stuff it would cost you around $3300. Both my sisters and my partner also had LASIK there and we never had to wear glasses again.

    my eyes were so teary in the first 3 hours, but i just went to sleep, the next morning, voilaaaa, i have the perfect vision. it was so worth it :)

  • Wazzza on 19/10/2016 - 21:58

    I have done LASIK back in 2012 in Ireland cost was around 2800 euro. Best decision of my life. First few days I struggled a bit with dry eyes but its worth it.

  • Powderhound303 on 19/10/2016 - 22:02
    +2

    Ok mate I've had lasik about 20 years ago. Since then I've had complications with the right eye and had 3 further operations resulting in a cornea transplant.

    I get halo effect at night from lights.

    My eyes are now ok but you need to first consider the risks or downside in case it all goes bad. Worst case is blindness so don't screw around.

    Don't screw around with saving a dollar. Don't go overseas because u need ongoing support for years afterwards to monitor progress and most surgeons will operate and support you if things go bad. Not so easy if your doctor is in Thailand.

    The left eye is on the way out now so more operations are being quoted $5000.

    Your eyes never stop changing so be mindful.

    • syousef on 20/10/2016 - 10:39

      I'm much more interested in stories a decade or two out than someone that's had it in the last 5 years and is just happy their vision improved.

      Many surgeries have a terrible long term health cost and this creates a conflict of interest for surgeons who are going to profit most if they sell you on the short term benefits. Often it's very hard to get long term data and studies become biased if there is any as no one makes money pointing out the flaws. If you dig you find stories and sometimes you do find a study. This is true for everything from weight loss surgery to joint replacement and fusion. Sometimes surgery is still the right (or only!) choice and risk is the best option to take but often you're better to let well enough alone and try something non-surgical. It seems these kinds of eye surgery are no different.

  • Hunter14 on 24/08/2017 - 13:09
    +1

    I got lasik done around your age. Over 2 years on and I couldn't be happier. Firstly, it is important that you get the all clear from your eye doctor that you are a good candidate for lasik and it sounds like you are since your eyes haven't changed much. The doctor will explain to you the risks are very low. I don't see hallows at night or have problems with bright lights. My only regret is I didn't get it done sooner. I hated glasses and contact lens. I spent about 7K for both eyes with no health insurance to a reputable doctor in Perth. I probably paid too much but life is too short to not have perfect vision and for me, it was worth every penny. If you don't mind glasses or lens, more power to you, but for me I've never felt more free.

  • urzu on 01/11/2017 - 00:17
    +5

    Thanks to everyone who commented and provided me some feedback about their experiences. I can now share mine.

    My waiting period was over two weeks ago, so I got LASIK done a day later. I chose Vision Eye Institue in Auchenflower, Brisbane. The procedure, pre assessments and follow up assessments were all covered by my health policy, Bupa Ultimate. I was shortsighted. My script was -4.25 and -3.75 I think, with slight astigmatism in one eye.

    The procedure was very quick and not painful at all. I spent far longer simply waiting for my turn, as they process all their operations on tuesdays every fortnight. The experience is a little surreal and your eyes are numbed by drops. You lie under a machine. The surgeon drains your eyes in fluids and forces them open with a special tool - due to the amount of fluids used I didn’t feel like blinking at all. The surgeon uses some specialised tool which, by the noise I assume is some sort of small rotating blade that cuts the flap in the eye which is necessary for the laser to work. The flap is then lifted and the laser works on the eye for about 30 seconds. The surgeon then replaces the flap closed and starts on the other eye. During this whole process I am told to stare at a red light above me. Occasionally, when pressure is applied or when the laser works, my vision blackens briefly. A few minutes later, both eyes are done. The laser worked on my eye with astigmatism for about 40 seconds.

    With the operation completed, I am told to go to the waiting room where I will meet a friend who has agreed to drive me home.

    I still haven’t adjusted to not wearing glasses. My vision is better than 20/20 now and everything feels so strange without glasses. My routine is interrupted daily when I get out of bed by no longer having to reach for my glasses. I still gesture to remove my glasses as I enter the shower. I can see myself without glasses in the mirror… It will take me quite some time to get used to that!

    I’ve been religiously applying 4 types of eye drops for two weeks. This week just 2 types remain. My eyes don’t feel any dryer than pre-op. I don’t have any halos at night. If anything, i feel like night driving has improved for me, as I am no longer as distracted by headlights.

    Some drawbacks at this stage, aside from having to apply eye drops every day for 6 months are that my vision under fluoro lighting while still great and infinitely better than my unaided vision previously is slightly blurry at a distance. Under natural lighting everything is crisp. I may also now be less sensitive to light. That might be my imagination but the night seems darker than before. I can’t see in my apartment at night as much as I feel I could and driving on country roads is very, very dark. None of these drawbacks are dramatic and would absolutely not alter my decision to have completed the surgery.

    Overall, another successful LASIK operation. I am very pleased with the result. I notice I can see well every day, and enjoy every day so much more thanks to that. 10/10, would recommend.

  • MementoMori on 10/11/2017 - 18:32

    Don't just go and get both eyes done - make sure you research MONOVISION first.

    I only have one eye done, LASIK, 10+ years later it's still amazing. Half the price too.

  • karma007 on 17/03/2018 - 00:15
    +2

    My Eye laser surgery experience (LASIK)
    Thought I would share my laser surgery experience to help others decide. I am 43 yrs old male and decided to get it done before recommended age of 45. I chose Vision Eye Institute at 600 St Kilda Rd. Melbourne.

    Chose them based on the fact that I know they have existed for many years. Knew about their centre in Chatswood, NSW when I use to work there. Plus people on forums (including this one) mentioned it as well. My choice was Dr. Guy Olorenshaw based on other peoples recommendation. Fantastic doctor who made me feel really comfortable. He looks way older than any photos you see of him on their site.

    Here are details of what I experienced.
    Day 1 (Wed)
    Already decided on surgery just wanted to make sure i was eligible. Optometrists can do this for you for free, or you can choose a doctor which will cost $200. Mine were verified by optometrist, Natasha, who was very friendly. Once confirmed I asked when Dr. Guy Olorenshaw (Dr. GO) will be available and i was advised he only performs procedures on Thursdays. I arranged things with work and my wife and I was lucky there was a slot next day.

    Day 2 (thurs)
    I was told to arrive 9am and would be discharged by 11am. After some checks and seeing Dr. GO I was given valium to sedate me and 20 mins after that had to put anaesthetic drops. Actual time in theatre was 20 mins. Two moments during the process things felt very weird and little uncomfortable but everyone has different tolerance levels. For me worth the trouble looking at the benefits. My wife came to get me and I left the clinic soon after 11:30am. There were clear plastic patches on the eyes. I was asked to keep my eyes closed till I come back for check the next morning. Was told to only open them when going to toilet or to the car. I am stickler for following instructions and only really opened them once or twice. Plan was to get home and sleep, I could not and this is the first time I regretted going through it all. For two hours eyes were burning as though someone had put lemon juice in them. I did manage to sleep and when I woke up at around 6pm, the pain was almost gone. Was awake till 10pm then took the sleeping pill the clinic provided. If only I could have this earlier it would got me through the tough period earlier.

    Day 3 (fri)
    Had 8am appt with Dr. GO who checked the eyes and I was amazed at my vision, 20/20. Amazing, didn’t have this clear a vision even with glasses. Eyes looked and felt very swollen. The plastic patches were only to be used in the night during sleep for three nights. Also, no rubbing or scratching of the eye for two weeks. I was given drops to put which i did religiously as prescribed. Despite this eyes felt dry.

    Day 4 (sat)
    Similar to previous but did watch a bit of TV and use the ipad/smartphone sparingly.

    Day 5, 6 (sun, mon)
    Much the same as previous day, dry eyes. Had a domestic flight to catch and was informed this would not be an issue. Back to work and on laptop full day.

    Day 7 (tues)
    Only on the night of this day did my eyes for the first time felt normal. No dryness or soreness. Used laptop full day with similar results as yesterday.

    Day 8 (wed)
    Eyes getting lot better and feeling normal. At times seeing blurry text on laptop, this is expected.

    Day 9 (thurs)
    Feeling so much close to normal. Just slight soreness in the eye, but thats after being on laptop all day. Of of three drops provided I can stop using two of them.

    This is where I am at today. My next check up is in 8 days. If nothing goes wrong been very satisfied with my decision. Hope it helps readers if you are debating to get it done. Oh, it cost me $6000. This includes any treatment required for next 24 months. Thus far money worth spent !!!!

  • DanceDance on 21/06/2018 - 08:41
    +1

    Hi all - Bupa is changing its policy for new members from the end of this month to make the waiting period 3 years for Lasik.

    See the link below

    https://www.vistaeyes.com.au/important-change-to-bupas-ultim…

  • jrad0 on 01/08/2018 - 20:04

    Hi everyone, great reading everything within this thread. Have visited Dr Brian Harrisberg at Central Sydney Eye Surgeons and he has indicated I'm an excellent candidate for LASIK. Thinking very strongly I'm going to go ahead with it as I want to be out of glasses for my wedding and for the prime years of my life for all the activities mentioned above and more!
    Cost is $6600 for both eyes. Seems this is on the higher end compared to what others have paid? But the ol saying you get what you pay for usually rings true. Also, this surgeon is quite busy ie operates one day per week and next available morning surgery is 6 weeks from today.

    TL;DR Is $6600 a reasonable price these days for LASIK?

  • arctan on 11/08/2018 - 14:38

    Any health insurance covers LASIK apart from Bupa as now I have to wait for 3 years.

  • lonewolf on 03/12/2018 - 12:38

    I am 41 and have been considering getting Lasik done for the past several years due to sports and i find contacts tiresome over long periods of time so i only wear them for sports and the rest of the time rely on glasses. I didnt realise there were so many negative posibilities from it. I thought it was a very refined process now with very little side effects till i read this thread. Now I am having second thoughts.

  • SnowDragon on 14/04/2019 - 19:37
    +3

    If anyone is still looking at this thread (I did before my surgery), here is my experience; copied and pasted from Whirlpool.

    "Finally got my eyes done by Dr Sebban at Sydney Eye Clinic on Friday the 23rd. I flew interstate for it.

    Arrived at around 11:45 for my appointment and was given a waiver to fill out. Later on in the assessment the woman said I would fill one out later, but I had already done it. I guess it saves them time.

    After that I went through a series of tests. Just basic optom tests really. All went along quickly. The woman (can't remember her name unfortunately) told me that I was suitable and then explained how TransPRK worked and what will happen in the surgery and then answered any questions myself or my carer had. She was knowledgeable and took the time to answer without trying to hurry us along.

    After this we then sat down and waited for a few minutes at met with Dr Sebban. He seemed like a nice guy. He had a look at the results the other optometrist had come up with and then did his own quick examination. My carer and I agreed he went a bit too quick, asking "what's better, one or two" barely giving me time to recognize the difference. He then dictated something to be sent to my optometrist.

    After that we went to the desk for payment. $1288 per eye + $65 I think for a blue bag which had some drops and other stuff. Then we went downstairs to a chemist and got a script which was $45 or something.

    One we had all the drugs we were lead into a room where the woman explained to us what the drugs were for and when to be used. I then put on some scrubs, had some xanax and sat on some chairs along with 2 other people waiting to be zapped. I was called in and laid on a table. Then positioned so I was looking up into a green light. Some weird stuff was applied to my right eye. Local anesthetic was applied I assume and then my eye was held open. I didn't really feel it at all. It happened really quickly. Just was told it was about to begin and then a humming sound. Then my vision slowly began to look like this:
    https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/wmpvis/images/a/a7/Spike…
    Or kind of like I was going into hyperspace. Then the machine finished and Dr Sebban wiped away all the muck or whaever was clouding my vision and everything as clear. My eye was then washed out with water, given some other things I can't remember and then a contact was inserted. Then the table I was on moved to the right and it was time for my left eye.

    Overall it was probably 4-5 minutes I was in the operating room. I was asked to sit up, asked what the time was on the wall and then lead into a darkened room where I was given two valium and some more instructions I think. Here it gets a bit hazy.

    Got a taxi back to the hotel and once there had something to eat and took 3 more valium. Woke up an hour or two later with my eyes burning. That wasn't a fun experience. Luckily was able to get back to sleep where I woke up probably every hour or 90 minutes. I'd open my eyes and tears or something would fall out then I'd go back to sleep.

    The second day my eyes were a bit swollen and hard to open. My carer had a bit of a hard time getting the drops in. I basically just spent the day sleeping again, being woken up periodically for the drops.

    The third day was better. I could open them nearly all the way. I went outside as well, but I had my eyes closed/squinty for most of the time because of the brightness and I was tired.

    The fourth day (Monday) was good. Woke up and had my eyes wide open, looking like a normal person. Not very sensitive to light, if at all. Walked down to the Opera house and back. Eyes still a bit blurry though. Up close I could see things, but things further away would be double vision/blurry. Went and had contacts taken out that afternoon which was nice because they were getting quite dry and annoying.

    Returned home on Tuesday and could probably drive if I wanted to. Some things are still blurry. Looking at the screen now it's like I'm wearing a contact lense that's a day old. Just a little bit cloudy. But looking long distances seems fine and It's basically like I'm always wearing contact lenses. Back to work on Monday!

    Overall not an experience I'd do again quickly. Especially the first night. I'm lucky I had a diligent carer looking after me. It was just as taxing on her as well.

    Hope you enjoyed my blog. Send me a pm if you need a referall for Sydney Eye Clinic."

    It has now been 5 or so months since I've had it done and no complications. The first 3 days were a bit rough as you may gather from the above but otherwise I've been completely fine. I forget what it's like to live with glasses.

    I understand that some people have issues. I'm young and thought I'd take the risk early. Worst case scenario is that I'd have to keep wearing glasses. Ignore people like the above posting a facebook page with complications. I was somewhat turned off the idea as well when I read about the complications websites.

    At the end of the day thousands of people get the surgery done and end up alright. How many of those write good reviews online about it? I am only motivated to write bad reviews when I've had a bad experience otherwise I don't bother.

    Hit me up if you need a referral, I've given out plenty already!

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