What to consider before getting laser eye surgery at Optilase

29 Jul 2020

If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, chances are you've considered getting laser eye surgery at some point in your life.

The fact is that laser eye surgery (also known as "refractive surgery") has become increasingly popular over the past decade. And while the technology has become safer and more sophisticated in recent years, the procedure still has certain risks associated with it. Below are a few things you should consider if you're thinking about getting laser eye surgery with Optilase.

1. Should you get laser eye surgery?
When it comes to laser eye surgery there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, there are a number of conditions that can prevent you from getting laser eye surgery, including severe dry eyes and corneal diseases. Speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist first to find out if you're an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery.

2. Types of laser eye surgery
Most people tend to think of laser eye surgery as a single procedure. In fact, there are multiple types of the surgery. Two of the most common are LASIK and PRK eye surgery (short for Photorefractive Keratectomy), both of which can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. With LASIK, a flap is cut into the cornea through the top layer, to access the treatment area, whereas PRK removes the top layer of the cornea, which then grows back in place over approximately 72 hours. A PRK variation called LASEK also involves removing a layer of cornea and then replacing it afterward.

3. Is your surgeon qualified?
Despite now being widely available, laser surgery can only be performed by an experienced and licensed ophthalmologist. Optilase is Ireland’s leading laser eye clinic and we were one of the first private clinics established in Ireland. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments using the world’s most advanced technology and are dedicated to providing patient care of the highest professional standard throughout every stage of the laser eye surgery process.

At Optilase, we believe that laser eye surgery should revolve around the patient. Our focus is on trust, reliability , quality and care. With clinics nationwide and flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings, including Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork, our experienced team would be delighted to welcome you for a free consultation.

As a forward-thinking company, Optilase is committed to providing patients with the latest and most effective products, surgery techniques and care programmes. Our passion for delivering exceptional results shines through in everything we do. We are constantly seeking ways in which we can improve our services.

What’s more, we will keep you informed of the latest advances in laser eye care. Be sure to check our websites, blogs and social media channels for the latest news and developments in the exciting world of optical care and laser eye surgery.

4. The risks associated with laser eye surgery
There is no such thing as a "minor eye surgery". Laser eye surgery is still an invasive procedure and complications can occur. The most common risk is over-correction or under correction, which leads to decreased vision. In addition, it's also possible (though rare) to damage the cornea, resulting in inflammation and infection. In some cases, patients may need a second surgery to deal with an overcorrection or under-correction. Talk to your optometrist about the risks involved in the procedure.

5. What are the limitations?
While most laser surgery patients will experience an improvement to their vision, no surgeon will guarantee 20/20 vision or that patients won't still require corrective eyewear after the procedure. One other important thing to consider is that laser surgery will not correct presbyopia, meaning that as you age you may still need reading glasses.

6. What can you expect after surgery?
Be sure to speak with your surgeon to find out what kind of post-operative eye care they provide and what exactly you'll need to do to ensure the procedure is as effective as possible. Optilase offers a free Lifetime Care Guarantee as part of our on-going commitment to patients and provide you with a thorough aftercare programme for the 12 months following your laser eye surgery procedure. Depending on the individual, this will 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 – our doors are always open if you’re ever unsure of anything or have any questions regarding the treatment.

While laser eye surgery can offer freedom from corrective eyewear, it's important to consider all factors involved. The more you know about your own eye health, your surgeon and the procedure itself, the better you'll be able to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.

To find out if you're a laser eye surgery candidate and to get a referral, book an consultation with Optilase by calling or by clicking here.

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Patient Reviews

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Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

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Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

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PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

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Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

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Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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damien mcandrew
August 9, 2023

Great experience all tound from start to finish. Every step explained in great detail. Eyesight was better than 20/20 the next day. Would highly recommend using optilase for laser eye surgery

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Eve Murphy
August 9, 2023

Surgeon was great! Talked me through everything as the surgery was happening. Bit of discomfort during surgery and very painful for 2-3 hrs after but put more drops in and took a nap and then completely fine after. Colette for my consultation and post op was so friendly and helpful. Overall, great experience.

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Josman Ibarra
August 3, 2023

I highly recommend Optilase for laser eye surgery. The process from the initial consultation to the post surgery check ups was quite smooth and professional. The staff working at the clinic was very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. The surgery was over in minutes and I didn't feel any pain. The doctor kept an open communication with me during the surgery what made a big difference.

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