Eye Spy (part 4)

Article published in Cork Independent, May 5th, 2011.

 

My Laser Eye Surgery Experience (Part 4)

 

ONE week of antibiotic drops four times a day; anti-inflammatory drops three times a day; lubricant drops whenever I needed them; odd-looking Darth Vader goggles in bed; and better than 20:20 vision. You read that right. Better than 20:20 vision.

 

On my 24-hour checkup I'd been told my sight was completely improved, and it has remained that way. Distance sight is perfect, clearer than I've ever known. Seeing up close is still very slightly blurry, while my eyes adjust to having to do all the work for themselves. Spending a minimum of eight hours a day in front of a computer screen doesn't help, and last week's print day was certainly not helpful - my eyes were dry and tired afterwards. But that much computer work would do that to most people.

 

I usually spend time reading or watching TV in the evenings, often while checking emails and tweeting on my iPhone. I've been doing less of that since the procedure, as my eyes are quite tired after the working day. My colleague Liane, who also had the procedure done, tells me this passes after a month or so - in line with what I've been told at Optilase.

 

The first week of aftercare is nothing major. The drops are not a big deal, and the slight redness in my eyes faded within a day or two. I have continued taking the flaxseed and omega 3 oil and drinking lots of water - as Marie in the clinic reminded me, once you're hydrated, your eyes are hydrated. And it's been doing wonders for my skin!

 

The goggles are rather a pain - particularly as they have to be taped on and leave strange red marks in their wake each morning. But the paranoia about rubbing my eyes in my sleep is making sure I wear them - there's nothing like the fear of taking your eye apart to keep you awake at night!

 

I went out on the town over the weekend, and some things were notably different. One, being able to go into a pub and see who I was looking for, immediately. Being able to read prices and menus without squinting - with my contacts, previously, I could never see particularly well. Walking into a warm pub or restaurant from the cold outside without having to remove steamy glasses - same thing goes for cooking and using the dishwasher. It's a lot easier. At the moment, my main drawback is being unable to wear eye makeup. I rarely leave the house without mascara, and of course always had my glasses on too, so it's like I'm missing two layers of armour. I can't wear eye makeup for another two to three weeks, so I'm currently exploring the options for lipstick. A whole new world, indeed.
 
 

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amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
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Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
February 5, 2026

My glasses has always made me feel self conscious to the point of not wearing them. I had my free consultation for eligibility with Rachel who was helpful and really put me at ease about the entire procedure. Elizabeth in reception was friendly and welcoming throughout each visit helping me set up all my upcoming appointments and fit me in for my surgery to meet my schedule. The day of surgery I was brought upstairs for re-scans. Paul did these and he was extremely kind. He answered all my questions making me feel at ease. After I was then called by Fiona who was assisting Dr. Tom in my surgery. I met Dr. Tom who ran over the procedure and answered questions I had. Fiona then went through the things to be mindful of after surgery showing me the three different eye drops to be taken and then helped me prep for surgery. The surgery itself was so quick. I first laid down on the chair and they dosed my eyes in eye drops which were to stop infections and aesthetic to keep my eyes open. Dr. Tom and the team began. It was such a quick painless procedure I couldn’t believe it was finished so quick. Already getting up I felt I could see better although a little fuzzy. Fiona guided me to the dark area of the reception while I waited to go home. The girls in reception had already called my dad and he was on the way. Sitting there I could already read the signs on the wall (I couldn’t when I had come in). Paul and Fiona came and sat with me for a second in reception asking me how I was and how I got on which was so nice of them. My dad collected me and I put my sunglasses on. It was a sunny day and I’m going to be honest the car ride home for me was the hardest part. Fiona told me my eyes would become heavy when the eye drops wore off. I felt the light from the sun in the car ride home was harsh on my eyes and my eyes stung. This was instantly relieved when I got home and went to my room which was in complete darkness. The first two hours my eyes were a little sore and stingy. Then this all faded very quick. No stinging. No pain. Nothing. All great. My eyes improving more and more as the day went on. I was nervous about the eye drops but set them up on my table with an alarm and it’s so easy to just pop them in. My eyes were quite red with two red dots on each side. I rested up for the evening and I wore my dark glasses they provided for a lot of the evening to really rest my eyes and by that night my vision was very sharp it was amazing. I slept very well with my eye mask and not once did I have to take painkillers. My follow up appointment was with Michaela who was lovely and stated I have 20/20 vision and my eyes look good. She also said the redness is 100% normal and is just bruising of the eye from the suction. My experience has been amazing. I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. Each and every one of them were so nice and welcoming and the liking to answer all my questions. If you have any doubts at all; I wouldn’t. Get it done if you can. I wish I got it done sooner. Any questions or using a refer a friend find me on fb or instagram with the name above 😊

Laurence Lee
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Laurence Lee
November 25, 2025

It was the best decision I ever made,I can see better now than I ever did.

Teddy Sheehan
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Teddy Sheehan
November 20, 2025

Finished LASIK eye surgery yesterday. Unbelievable how crystal clear next day was. Bit nervous on day, but staff put me right at ease. Very professional, Clean, fast. Definitely should got it done years ago..

Lazer
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Lazer
November 19, 2025

I recently had my LASIK eye surgery done at Optilase and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. A special mention goes to Optometrist Dan, who was incredibly professional, patient, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Dan explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident before and after the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and comfortable, and my vision improvement has been amazing. I highly recommend Optilase and especially Dan for anyone considering LASIK. Excellent service, fantastic results, and a team you can truly trust.

manon Clairbaux
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manon Clairbaux
November 18, 2025

Nice and helpful team !

Endija Ozolina
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Endija Ozolina
November 13, 2025

From the day 1 I felt I was important client ! Carrickmines clinic is sooo clean & neat in every way On the day of the surgery I felt even more cared for and soothed while being a VERY anxious customer the staff & surgeon made me calm and also advised on a better future treatment then initially was thought , which I though was wonderful and showed they care Small downside 🫤 can’t reach directly clinic but when call the number given it’s going to main customer care ( which is also very helpful) But the reason for that is that they work the load between the clinics , which is understandable Overall , even if you’re the most scared person to do this - please TRUST you feel no pain and the gain is fare more worth, then few pre-stressful moments And the actual procedure is honestly less then 10 min

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