Optilase’s FAQ list - all the Laser Eye Surgery questions you want answers to

You’ve finally made your mind up, you’re signing up to the unknown. Saying goodbye forever to your glasses and contacts, and moving over to the wonderful life that Laser Eye Surgery promises. But, there is a but. While you’re not afraid of the procedure, or even some possible side effects, you do have a LOT of questions. Good, you should have! You’re about to undergo surgery that will change your life, and dramatically improve your sight for the better. You should have questions, but the better news? Optilase, Ireland’s premier provider of Laser Eye Surgery, has all the answers.

And here’s why. In the past 20 years Optilase has looked after, and improved the sight of thousands of people across the Island of Ireland. We’ve answered countless questions about the treatment based on our experience and expertise and so we do really have all the answers. And here they are.

How will I know if I am suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
In short, it’s impossible to really know without visiting us for an initial assessment. Generally though there are a number of factors that may make you unsuitable for laser vision correction - include prescriptions stronger than -10 or +5, or having a squint or a lazy eye. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is necessary to wait for 6 months postpartum before starting your treatment.

Why Optilase?
If you’re looking for eye surgery but don’t know where’s the best place to get it, look no further. Call us a little biased, but we KNOW that you won’t find a better eye surgery provider than Optilase across the Island of Ireland.

Since 2003 Optilase has been well known as Ireland’s most trusted private eye surgery clinic, performing over 40,000 eye surgeries since its inception in the market - making it a household name that can be trusted.

Our Optilase consultants are among the best in the industry and are expertly qualified to deliver the best possible outcome. Our Consultant Team members are all registered with the Irish Medical Council. We’re proud to offer you the latest techniques for your eye surgery and because we use state-of-the-art equipment, our clinics and the experience and results we deliver, are second to none.

With no hidden costs or upselling, a lot of Optilase patients end up paying less than our published price. And that’s always a plus, especially when you are guaranteed to receive Ireland’s No.1 professional eye surgery experience with great results.

What will happen at my initial assessment?
Your journey with Optilase begins when you attend your initial assessment. One of our Laser Optometrists will meet with you and spend the next hour thoroughly examining and testing your eyes. You will find out if you are a suitable candidate, what treatment will be best for your eyes, and how much exactly it will cost. It’s important to note that you will not be able to drive after your assessment for at least 6-8 hours.

How long does the treatment take?
The laser vision correction itself takes around 7 minutes per eye. Between preparation, treatment and aftercare, you should expect to stay in the clinic for up to 2 hours on the day of your procedure.

Is the treatment painful?
The laser vision correction process itself is painless. Your eye is numbed using anaesthetic drops and you are offered diazepam to reduce anxiety and relax muscle tension. Depending on your treatment type, there can be some discomfort in the days after your treatment but this is generally temporary.

Is the treatment safe?
At Optilase, your safety is our No. 1 priority. We use the most advanced and safest laser technology and all of our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists, Laser Technicians and surgery nurses are highly experienced and fully accredited.

Is it long lasting or actually permanent?
Yes, long term follow up studies indicate that after the healing process is complete, eyesight remains stable. Some patients may develop the need for reading glasses as they age but this happens to most adults regardless of whether they get laser vision correction.

How long will I need to take off work?
This depends on the type of Laser Eye Surgery that is best for you. Once your eyes have been assessed we will be able to give you a better idea. It could be as little as 1-2 days or up to 7 days.

Will the surgery make my eyes look different?
No, there is no permanent change in the appearance of your eyes. The day after surgery your eyes should be white and clear. The healing process can take 4-5 days and during this time your eye may appear slightly red at times.

How long will it take for my eyes to heal?
For most of our patients, it takes one or two days for their new improved vision to settle. However, we do advise you to rest your eyes properly for the month following surgery.

What happens after my surgery?
You’ve had your surgery, and now it’s time to relax and let our medical team
explain everything about the aftercare programme. Believe us when we say that at Optilase, you’re in the best hands possible. The team will give you a post-operative information pack containing eye drops and a schedule of when to take them. This will also include our 24 hour patient helpline number should you need any more information.

Am I given any type of guarantee with my treatment?
Yes. Optilase offers a free Lifetime Care Guarantee as part of our ongoing commitment to patients and will provide you with a thorough aftercare programme for the 12 months following your Laser Eye Surgery procedure. Depending on individual cases, this may contain an average of four post-operative appointments to attend throughout the year.

After the first year of check-ups, you’ll be discharged from our aftercare programme, but don’t be a stranger – Optilase’s doors are always open if you’re ever unsure of anything or have any questions regarding the treatment.

Where are the Optilase Clinics located?
Optilase have a number of clinics nationwide on the Island of Ireland. You can find a full list here.

What are your opening hours?
We have flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings. Please note that the services Optilase offers are deemed to be an essential service to the public and it’s Clinics remain open throughout Lockdown ( Note - This piece was published in Winter 2020)

What makes Optilase Ireland’s No. 1 Private Eye Surgery provider?
Optilase is Ireland’s only eye surgery provider to be rated as five star on both customer and clinical patient review websites. If you come to us for your eye surgery requirements, you’ll absolutely experience Ireland’s No.1 eye surgery care in every sense of the word.

If you’re looking for an eye surgery provider, it’s always good to go with a recommendation . Testement to the patient care and services we provide is the fact that many of our patients come to Optilase after a recommendation from a friend or family member. We have also had a large number of recommendations from GPs, Optometrists, Optical Chains and Ophthalmologists, proving that the experience that you get in Optilase really is thoroughly professional and market leading. And your results will speak for themselves!

Anything else I should know?
Laser Eye Surgery is a truly life changing experience, and if you decide to let Optilase take you on this journey, then we’re sure you’ll never look back. With clinics nationwide and flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings, including Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork, Optilase’s experienced team will be delighted to welcome you for a free consultation.

We offer the flexibility of appointments at weekends and late evenings because our patients are always at the core of our business, and so we can build your consultation, treatment and after-care around your busy schedule.

Learn more at Ireland’s No.1 Eye Clinic today
Optilase are a proud, family-owned Irish business and are privileged to have some of the world’s leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists and Medical Staff working on the Optilase team, all of whom are focused on providing the very best laser eye treatment available, using the latest and most sophisticated technology.

To date Optilase has performed over 50,000 eye surgeries since its inception in the market - making it a household name across Ireland that can be trusted. The company has Clinics all over Ireland, so no matter where you are across the country, you will have access to a premium Laser Eye Surgery experience. Check out our YouTube channel today for more on this procedure and other services that you may be interested in.

For more information on Optilase and the services we offer call +353 1 223 8821 now - you’ll never regret it and you’ll soon see the difference!