Eye Spy (second part)

15 Apr 2011

Article published in Cork Independent, April 14, 2011.

My Laser Eye Surgery Experience (Part 2)

Two weeks after my first appointment at Optilase, my glasses and I are starting to fall in love again. Then out of love. Then back in love. I'm so confused; it was never meant to be this hard!
The thought of having laser surgery seems absolutely logical to most people, but, as I wrote last time, I've had these windows on the world since I was four. They're like old friends!
So it's fair to say I had been having second thoughts, and a little bit of me was hoping that Dr Conall Hurley, Optilase's surgeon and one of the best-regarded eye surgeons in the country, would tell me to go home and get over it. 
No such luck.
Dr Hurley, who is not just an eminent eye surgeon but is also team doctor to Nemo Rangers, talks a mile a minute and is incredibly comfortable with his subject. He has written articles for medical journals on laser eye surgery and tells me that he, unlike many laser eye practitioners, was first an eye surgeon. He still does other eye operations both with and without laser, and knows the structure of the eye like the back of his hand. 
As he takes another look at my eyes, he goes through the results of the previous tests with me and shows me how the procedure will work.
He is recommending Lasik for me, due to the faster recovery period and those "good healthy corneas" I was told about on my previous appointment. Another good reason for choosing Lasik is that it's easier to carry out follow up enhancements if the first procedure doesn't result in 20/20 vision. 
Reassuringly, Dr Hurley has carried out thousands of these procedures, which, as outlined to me in my first appointment, involves creating a flap in the epithelium and stroma (outer layer of the eye) and using an excimer laser to ablate corneal tissue under the epithelial/corneal tissue flap.
My procedure is scheduled for Thursday, 20 April, and I am told not to wear contact lenses for two weeks up to the day. That's going to be tough, but when I think that I'll never need to wear the bloody things again, it's definitely worth it. I am also advised to take Omega 3 oil and Linseed oil to improve my tear quality (not something I ever realised was a problem) so that I won't suffer from dry eyes afterwards. I won't be allowed to fly for a month after the operation, and a planned trip to London is just one day outside that window. Fingers crossed, I will be fully recovered and able to enjoy London sans spectacles for the first time.

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Patient Reviews

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Monica mc mahon
April 15, 2024

From beginning to End of my procedure with Optilase, I was treated personally and professionally. The surgery, true aftercare was smooth and efficient and I can only say it was the perfect choice for us . I highly recommend Optilase.

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Roxanne Bartolome
April 15, 2024

I recently had the PRK procedure a month ago. It's been life changing to be able to see clearly after wearing glasses for 20 years. My vision was not 20/20 after surgery since I had PRK and I was first scared that it won't get better. But give it time and patience and it will improve. Optilase was superb on aftercare and the team during the surgery really took care of me. I'm so happy ❤️ Thank you Optilase!

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Lin Walsh
April 12, 2024

Omg i thought about having lens replacement for 2 years , i just wish i did it then , I’m absolutely delighted with my eyes now , i am only 3 weeks over it and cant believe how wonderful it is to see everything so clear , i nearly want to tell everyone who wears glasses to do this , if i had known sooner how painless this op is i would have booked in immediately , Everyone in my Clinic were fantastic so friendly , just do it you certainly wont regret it , also the aftercare is amazing .

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Susan Sutton
April 8, 2024

Staff are all very nice and procedure was painless and quick

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David Hill
April 8, 2024

Delighted with my experience at Optilase. Professional staff who looked after me from start to finish. Procedure itself was very quick. A big thanks to the whole team.

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Aoife Mckenna
April 8, 2024

Absolutely delighted with the results of my surgery. I wish I done it years ago

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Denise Carroll
April 8, 2024

Does what it say, corrects your vision! Very fast and professional service.

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jessica daiana
April 8, 2024

Great price for excellent service. All staff was very professional and welcoming, great results and good aftercare

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gary Malone
April 6, 2024

Best thing I ever done ,👍

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Catriona Brady
April 1, 2024

Fantastic experience throughout, from consultation to aftercare. Professional, welcoming and calming staff. Appointments and procedure were easy and relaxed and the overall result was excellent. Aftercare was also great, nothing was ever a hassle.

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Rebecca Walsh
March 29, 2024

Worth the money. Staff guide you step by step to relax you through the surgery. Recommend

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Mark O'Keeffe
March 28, 2024

I found the whole process very professional and very well organised. They also assisted in the documentation process very easy. They were also very good to help in arranging the reference process too. If I was make one small comment is they need to add a prescription painkiller to the process. Although the after experience was exactly what was expected it could been managed better with a stronger pain relief. Other than that I have recommended 3 people to get the procedure from Optilase, all of which had a great experience. I would highly recommend Optilase for vision correction and the long term benefits have changed my life.

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