Wondering whether your eyes are suitable for Laser Eye Surgery? Here's where to start

20 Nov 2020

Is it time for a better plan for your vision? Decided that 2020 is the year you’re going to find out more about Laser Eye Surgery? Renowned as one of the most life changing every day surgeries, it has been tagged as the easiest way to great vision if you are a glasses or contacts wearer. And the feedback? You won’t be disappointed.

Laser Eye Surgery certainly is a very attractive option if you’ve suffered at the hands of bad sight over the years. And why not, it’s fast, affordable and absolutely life changing - so where’s the snag?

Well the good news is that there isn’t one, but like every surgery, you will need to be a suitable candidate for the treatment before you undergo it. But don’t despair, the odds are stacked in your favour, as 85% of people are now suitable for laser eye surgery thanks to rapidly advancing technology.

Here Optilase, Ireland’s No.1 Eye Surgery providers take us through patient suitability, and what you need to think about before starting your Laser Eye Surgery journey.

Where to start
Wondering how you’ll know if you are suitable for the treatment? In short, it’s impossible to really know without visiting Optilase for an initial assessment. The good news is that now, more than 4 out of 5 people, or 85% of people can have laser eye surgery even if they’ve previously been turned down for treatment. So thanks to the speed of technological advances, there’s a good chance that you’ll be suitable too. And who wouldn’t want to improve a wide range of prescriptions, including short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism?

So if you’ve been thinking about Laser Eye Surgery, but are still juggling glasses and contact lenses to be able to see the world clearly, take the first step. It’s time to book a no-obligation consultation with Optilase now.

Is there anything that might make me an unsuitable candidate?

Generally speaking there are a few factors that may make you unsuitable for the treatment like prescriptions stronger than -10 or +5, or having a squint or a lazy eye. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is necessary to wait until 6 months postpartum before starting your treatment.

But whatever you think of your suitability, the best advice is always to get professional advice - and your next step should be to go to Optilase for a free no obligation consultation to professionally assess your eyes, it will cost you nothing but your time.

What will happen at my initial assessment?
As Ireland’s premier private eye surgery the team at Optilase knows that not everyone is suitable for Laser Eye Surgery, and so to determine your suitability they offer a free laser eye surgery consultation.

Your journey with Optilase begins when you attend your initial assessment. One of their 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.

They will then explain in detail the processes involved and answer any questions you may have and the whole assessment takes approximately one hour to complete. At the end of the consultation a pre-operative consultation is then arranged with your Surgeon.

How is Laser Eye Surgery performed?
The idea behind laser eye surgery is to produce small changes in the surface layers of the cornea, which in turn produce significant changes in the way the eye focuses light.

To do this, we use the most technologically-advanced lasers available to subtly reshape your cornea, transforming your vision and giving you the joy of clearer and sharper sight. The procedure begins with anaesthetic eye drops being applied, which quickly numb the eye.

The laser works in a matter of seconds, sending pulses of laser beams onto your cornea to reshape any imperfections.Most patients experience improved vision within a few days, though full recovery can take up to a week. It depends upon a range of factors, including the speed at which you naturally heal.

A little bit about the different types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are two types of laser eye procedures called LASIK and LASEK/PRK. The key difference between these procedures involves the method of preparing the cornea. LASEK, also referred to as PRK, was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and is the predecessor to the popular LASIK procedure.

LASIK laser eye surgery treatment involves creating a very thin circular ‘flap’ in this outer layer of the cornea, using a laser surgical tool (femtosecond laser). In LASEK surgery, instead of using a laser, the surgeon simply loosens the top layer of cells of the cornea using a special solution.

When you visit Optilase for your free consultation we will be able to determine which type of surgery is best suited to you.

How long does the treatment take and is it permanent?
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.

Yes it is permanent, 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 or not they get laser vision correction.

After your surgery
Laser Eye Surgery truly is life changing, and in the aftermath there’s so much to look forward to - great vision, no more of the inconveniences that glasses and contacts can sometimes bring either as well as a new found confidence. But what about your post surgery aftercare? This topic often weighs heavy on patients, and rightly so.

Once you’ve had your surgery, it’s time to relax and let the Optilase medical team
explain everything about the aftercare programme. Remember 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.

Lifetime care guarantee
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.

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.

Market leaders in Eye Surgery
From a lifetime guarantee to Optilase’s promise to always use the World’s latest technology, there is no doubting that Optilase are at the top of their game in Ireland. There’s some other perks too - like a finance package to fund your surgery that offers 0% finance, as well 20% tax relief.

Book a free consultation today!
Ready to take the next step and find out more? Optilase offer a free one hour consultation process that could be life changing for you. Their experience means that they’ve had thousands of happy customers leave their Clinics feeling like they can see like never before, why not check out some of their testimonials for an insight into what your laser eye surgery journey with Optilase will look like!

Call Optilase today
Optilase has Clinics, all over the Island of Ireland, including four Clinics in Northern Ireland.

For more information on Optilase and to book your free consultation +353 1 223 8821 now, you won’t regret it!

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Book a Free Consultation Today!

At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
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Patient Reviews

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Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

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Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

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Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

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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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