Laser eye surgery: Is it worth it?
By Nick Bond
Since I was a child, I’d had the sort of vision I’m assuming they describe in optometry textbooks as ‘Hans Moleman-esque’. Without jam jar spectacles or my trusty contact lenses, my field of vision is confined to what’s waved directly in front of my face (you there, stop sniggering).
Like many of my fellow mole people, I’d often toyed with the idea of laser eye surgery – but the thought of shooting a high-powered laser into my eyes had always put me off the idea. Recently, though, I took the plunge at London’s Focus Clinics (where celebs including David Gandy get their eyes treated) and, seeing as I’m not dictating this article to a helper monkey, I can tell you the procedure was a complete success. Here’s what you need to know:
Am I suitable?
This is the most important question – if you’re not a viable candidate, you might be wasting your money. You’ll be properly assessed at your initial appointment, but it’s important to know that the surgery only has lasting success on candidates whose vision has stabilized, so if yours is still on its downward slide, it’s best to wait.
Is it safe?
Extremely. Focus Clinics director David Allamby (pictured above and below, with the eternally handsome David Gandy), who performs my procedure, tells me that while many pateients have anxieties about botched laser surgeries leaving them scarred or blinded, the most common and serious side effect of the surgery is in fact dryness in the months afterwards – nothing regular eye drops can’t remedy.
Does it hurt?
A bit – not as much as you’d think. It’s certainly not a comfortable feeling, but it’s not the nerve-jangling pain you’d associate with someone lasering your sensitive eyeballs. Instead, thanks to a local anesthetic administered into the eye, the feeling is more akin to a dull pressure. Think of it this way – the procedure itself could be likened to someone sitting on your arm, not stomping on your fingers.
How long does it take?
It’s an odd experience, playing as it does with your every natural urge not to lay back and let someone fiddle with your eyes. But, no more than a few minutes spent on each eye (and the actual ‘laser’ part of that being so short I’m given a second-by-second countdown), I can sit back up. And hey – I can see. I can SEE. The world looks a bit ‘vaseline on the lens’, but I can actually walk around without bumping into the furniture.
How’s the recovery?
I’m led to a small, dark room where I recline on a couch and have a cup of tea and a biscuit – because everything feels better after a cup of tea and a biscuit. 45 minutes later, I’m given the all-clear to leave – and I can call a taxi myself and head home solo. I’m home at lunch to spend the afternoon resting and following the all important eye-drop regimen. By that evening, I’m ready to take my new eyes out for a spin over a quiet dinner with friends.
How much does it cost?
Z-LASIK costs £3800 to £4600 for a complete treatment to both eyes, depending on prescription. The initial consultation to find out if you’re a viable candidate is free (and if you are, there’s no pressure to proceed if you decide it’s not for you). They also offer 24-month payment plans.
So: is it worth it?
In a word, YES. It’s a few minutes of discomfort for a lifetime’s change. Keep up your end of the bargain though to achieve the best results – be diligent with the aftercare, follow the instructions you’re given to the letter, and you won’t be disappointed.
Info: focusclinics.com
The writer had his procedure as a guest of Focus Clinics.