How Much Should You Pay for LASIK?
Here you have a comparison of what LASIK costs at London LASIK clinics. You can see 4 typical prescriptions and what each clinic charges - and you will see the huge variation in LASIK laser eye surgery prices!
For example, for a simple -1 dioptre correction there is an enormous variation in LASIK cost. The lowest is £295 per eye for wavefront LASIK and £595 for femtosecond laser blade free LASIK at FOCUS Laser Vision (http://www.focusclinics.com). The highest are £2145 at Moorfields eye hopspital (www.moorfields.nhs.uk) and £2250 at Centre for Sight in East Grinstead (www.centreforsight.com).
All three centres offer fellowship-trained specialist NHS London teaching hospital consultant surgeons and advanced wavefront LASIK treatments. Yet the difference in price (money you will save) is up to £3,000-£4,000 for both eyes treated for a -1D correction. For an common prescription, e.g. -2.75/-1.50 x 90, you will still save up to £2,600 from the cheapest to most expensive. And this includes teaching hospital NHS consultant surgeons at both centres, plus the best blade free all laser LASIK option. It’s a remarkable price difference.
The chart below shows prices for wavefront keratome (mechanical) LASIK laser eye surgery. Optimax and Optical Express will charge approximately £300 more per eye for all laser blade free LASIK, as do FOCUS Laser Vision. London Vision Clinic and Centre for Sight include blade free in the prices shown. Ultralase only now offer blade free LASIK but curiously still offer non-wavefront treatments, and so are not in the chart below. They charge £1895 per eye for wavefront blade free LASIK.
Check out this chart for London centres. More on this coming soon. 
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Comment by David Woods on 2 April 2008:
Hi!
I see a comparison of costs on your website and I do know that each individual prescription will undoubtedly bring its own unique cost. Can you give me a ballpark figure, as in the examples given for the many laser-capable surguries in London, for a prescription of -6.75x-1.50×170. This is one of my eyes, however both eyes are similar in requirement and a ballpark fiqure would give me guidance on affordability.
Thank you
D K Woods
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 April 2008:
Hi David. I have written a longer reply directly to you, but overall, you can expect to pay only £995 per eye for wavefront LASIK with this highish prescription. If you opt for advanced dual laser technology, the price would be a bit higher.
Dave Allamby
Comment by David Serra on 7 June 2008:
Hi David, I have just been to a consultation with Optical Express and they told me that the laser machine they are using is the only one in the world to treat 240 parts of the eyes instead of only 80 with the machine used by Focus clinic. My chances to get 20/20 with Optical Express are more higher than with any other clinics. Is that right?
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 June 2008:
Hi David, thanks for the mail. Hmmm. Best to be sceptical and check the facts (as you are doing, wisely). Really not sure what they are talking about, based on the comments quoted:
“the only one in the world to treat 240 parts of the eyes instead of only 80 with the machine used by Focus clinic” does not make much sense to me.
The US government FDA trials clearly measure the chances of getting 20/20 or better for each machine in wavefront/custom trials (their best treatment options).
Results vary for OE’s laser based on your prescription. Higher prescriptions do significantly worse on the OE VISX laser. Here are the official FDA results. On every measure here, their laser falls behind the WaveLight laser.
You can see all the data at:
http://www.focusclinics.com/treatments_results.php
(Best results in bold)
% patients seeing 20/20 or better after surgery for -6 dioptres upwards:
FOCUS laser: 93.4%
OE laser: 84%
% patients with treatments that were very accurate for -6 dioptres upwards(+ - 0.5 dioptres):
FOCUS laser: 95.2%
OE laser: 77%
% patients seeing 20/20 or better after surgery for up to -6 dioptres:
FOCUS laser: 93.4%
OE laser: 93%
% patients with treatments that were very accurate for up to -6 dioptres (+ - 0.5 dioptres):
FOCUS laser: 95.2%
OE laser: 90.3%
You can decide for yourself from these data! We have the better laser overall and we are cheaper. Plus a fellowship trained corneal specialist NHS consultant for your treatment.
Best regards, David
PS VISX laser users (such as Optical Express) sometimes quote a 98% 20/20 success rate but you can see the official data at the above web link.
Comment by Peter Trystek on 7 June 2008:
Hi David,
I have a low miopia -1.75 (both eyes), some doctors suggest me to go for a PRK or a LASEK, they said to me that lasik even with the ultralase option is for my case not the most appropriate option, moreover they say to me that Lasik in general is risker (because of flap).
Does Focus Clinic offers PRK and LASEK?
If yes what laser uses and what are is prices?
For low degree of miopia which tecnique is the most appropriate(for. till -3.00 degree of miopia)?
Thanks
Peter
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 June 2008:
Dear Peter, thanks for your questions.
We do all procedures, including PRK/LASEK and LASIK. Prices vary according to prescription. For a plain -1.75 prescription, prices are:
£495 per eye for either PRK/LASEK or blade wavefront M-LASIK
£820 per eye for blade free all-laser wavefront Z-LASIK
Wavefront (superior vision) is included as standard. Most patients (90%) choose blade free LASIK which we have found to be very safe, now that the blade has been eliminated. I believe Optimax recommend PRK for lower levels of myopia, but we dont. The patient can choose the procedure that they want.
The final level of vision is the same for all procedures. You will see well within 4 hours from blade free Z-LASIK. PRK/LASEK will take about 4 days for your vision to recover, so you need sometimes a week off work with this option, plus with the post-op pain, this is not so popular. LASIK is pretty much pain free.
We use the WaveLight Allegretto 400Hz laser, ranked #1 by the FDA results, which you can see here:
http://www.focusclinics.com/treatments_results.php
Hope this helps
David
Comment by Omer on 15 June 2008:
Hi David,
Could you tell me what would be the cost of an M-Lasik and Z-Lasik treatment at your clinic for a -5.00 x -0.25 prescription (both eyes)?
Also, could you point me to any literature available on the advantages (or disadvantages) of the blade free treatment versus traditional LASIK?
Many thanks!
Omer
Comment by Dave Allamby on 16 June 2008:
Hi Omer, yes can let you have the prices, no problem.
No problem. Based on those numbers, wavefront M-LASIK (keratome) would be per eye:
FOCUS Laser Vision: £895
As a comparison for the same prescription:
Optical Express: £1295
Optimax: £1,295
Ultralase: £1,945 (dual laser)
Moorfields Eye Hospital: £2,145
If you want the safer dual laser (blade free) wavefront Z-LASIK, prices per eye are:
FOCUS Laser Vision: £1220
As a comparison for the same prescription:
Optical Express: £1,595
Optimax: £1,685
Ultralase: £1,945
Moorfields Eye Hospital: £2,145
Recent research from the USA comparing blade free (femtosecond laser) versus traditional blade LASIK showed better vision results with more patients getting better than 20/20 with the femtosecond laser blade free approach. According to the report 18% more patients who had the blade free correction were seeing better than 20/20 one week after surgery:
# In a study of different methods to create the LASIK flap, 370 naval personnel underwent bilateral (both eyes) wavefront-guided LASIK with either the femtosecond laser (blade free) or microkeratome blade. One week after surgery more than 76 percent of femtosecond laser patients achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/16 (better than 20/20) compared to only 58 percent of microkeratome patients
Hope this helps!
Dave
Comment by Maggie on 7 August 2008:
Dear Dr Allamby,
I have read about the Intralase Lasik and it seems to be safer than the traditional Lasik procedure with the mechanical flap cut.
At this stage, can you confirm if you offer the Intralase Lasik, and a can you provide me with a quote for the following:
Age: 37
Right Sphere: -3.25
Left Sphere: -3.25, Cylinder: -0.25, Axis: 80
Also, due to the competitive offers available in the market (mostly led by Optimax), at this stage, do you envisage offering competitive prices to beat the competition and increase your client portfolio?
Many Thanks
Maggie
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 August 2008:
Hi Maggie
Yes, femtosecond lasers appear to be safer than mechanical blade cut techniques ( I will be posting on this topic very soon).
There are now four lasers available for blade free LASIK, and the Intralase machine was the first. However, we have bought the next generation Swiss Ziemer laser which appears to us to be superior in performance. But both will do a very good job of creating a LASIK flap without need for a blade.
Curiously your prescription is identical to another just posted from Paula…
If you opt for blade free wavefront LASIK the price per eye will be £1020, or £795 for blade wavefront LASIK.
As for competitive pricing, we are still the lowest price overall and with better technology, as proven in the FDA laser trial results:
http://www.focusclinics.com/treatments_results.php
…and our client portfolio is heavily booked up so we wont lower these excellent prices further! I suggest booking soon as the prices will go up after September.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Maggie on 7 August 2008:
Dear Dr Allamby,
Thanks for your prompt response.
In order to have a definitive result that will not trigger a re-operation which procedure do you suggest? From your articles it sounds as if the blade free procedure offers better vision with a lower risk, but I wonder if the blade wavefront LASIK has additional benefits, apart from being cheaper.
As for my prescription details, my apologies, I actually copied and pasted your previous blogger’s details (Paula) to make my life easier and overtype mine, but I sent you my details before actually editing the coordinates. Please let me know if the quote changes greatly.
These are:
Right eye: Sphere: -3.25, Cylinder: 0.50
Left eye: Sphere: -4.75, Cylinder: 0.25, Axis: 80
Age: still 37
With many thanks for your feedback.
Maggie Septe
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 August 2008:
hi Maggie
We are compiling results right now for blade free laser flaps versus blade flaps. Early results are fairly compelling in that the results are significantly more accurate with less chance of a re-do procedure, vision settles more quickly and there seems to be less dryness afterwards.
Further, the thin laser flaps leave the eye stronger and will heal more strongly. We will continue to gather data on both methods so we make our decision on a scientific basis. I dont see any advantages beyond price for choosing a blade (keratome) flap cut.
I will post more on this topic next week.
For you numbers, the right eye looks the same at £1020 for bladeless wavefront LASIK, where the worse left eye will be £100 (maybe £200) more, depending on what we measure at your consultation.
Please quote LT01 if you would like a free consultation with us.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Anne Segenhout on 11 August 2008:
Dear Dr. Allamby,
I have been looking at the Focus website and wonder if you could advise me if you have any treatment that will be suitable for my requirements. I am aged 61, started wearing reading glasses at approx. the age of 47, and was advised to start wearing glasses for TV and driving approximately 3 years ago. My last prescription for my right eye was Sph:distance +1.25 and near +3.50. Cyl: distance and near -0.25. Axis: distance and near 75.0. My left eye was Sph: distance +1.50 and near +3.75. Cyl: distance and near both -0.50. Axis: distance and near both 90.0 I would like to have the latest no-blade lazer treatment and my dream would be not to have to wear glasses for reading or driving etc. Is this possible and what sort of cost am I looking at - hopefully, also taking advantage of your special offer for treatment of surgery date before end of Sepember, 08, as I am available for treatment at any time, as I am retired.
Look forward to your comments.
Anne.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 August 2008:
Hi Anne
thank you for your message.
Your prescription does fall in the range of who we can often help. I have treated many similar prescription in patients of a similar age.
I can tell you more accurately after a consultation of course but based on your numbers, there is no obvious reason to not look further.
Prices for treatment depend on the prescription and the outcome desired. Our lowest prices are for short sight (glasses for e.g. driving etc) and these are the ones that will be going up.
You have long sight as well as reading trouble so we would want to fix two problems at the same time, aiming to clear both the distance AND reading vision.
TO just correct your distance vision would be around £1100 per eye for blade wavefront LASIK or about £1500 per eye for blade free wavefront LASIK.
To correct distance and reading would be, per eye, £1695 for wavefront LASIK with a blade, or £1995 for dual laser blade free LASIK.
These prices are not changing at present so no need to rush in. I have a waiting time for surgery now of about two months as we are heavily booked.
If you would like a consultation at FOCUS, just quote LT01 and then there is no charge for that.
Thanks for your mail
David
Comment by Tim Whitfield on 12 August 2008:
Any chance of putting on the webpage a little “Calculator” type package so we could pop in our pre-scriptions and get a quote.This would free you up as you spend a lot of time answering these questions and we could ask you more interesting things.It would also be more useful for us and the potential customers.Thanks Tim
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 August 2008:
hi Tim
Yes, it can be a good idea and would certainly save me some time.
I find the comparison with other centres also very useful for patients. Ultralase and Optimax, as well as pretty much all other centres, make their price (one price for all prescriptions mainly) available on their respective sites.
The main exception appears to be Optical Express where it seems nigh on impossible to get the prescription from the call centre before attending for a consultation.
So it is not easy to be sure of every prescription, but we have lots of people who have already had a consult at OE and found that the price is higher than they expected - and end up coming for surgery with us. So we have lots of data points to put that together, but would need a rider to say only OE can confirm a price and ours would be assumptive and for guidance only.
Please call OE if you like and let me know if you have success or not getting a quote over the phone.
At FOCUS, we have one price only for when we combine reading and distance corrections for those age 45+, either £1695 for M-LASIK and £1995 for Z-LASIK, so that one’s easy.
We do a prescription based model for distance vision correction for either short or long sight, and we have our starting price on the Treatment & Costs page. We start at £295 for myopia and £995 for hyperopia (long sight). NOTE: some of our prices will certainly be going up in September, as we are hugely cheaper for some prescriptions compared to the competition. We need to make it more realistic going forward.
It would be fairly easy to code for a “Enter Your Prescription Here” box, and also present prices at other London clinics plus the money saved by choosing FOCUS.
Hope that (longer than planned!) answer helps…! Would you mind if I posted this reply to you on the main blog?
Dave
P.S. We DO INVITE everyone to let us have the prescription first so that we can quote over the phone and save people a journey if it looks too expensive. It just wastes everyone’s time otherwise and can build bad feeling.
Comment by Paula on 16 August 2008:
Dear Dr Allamby,
a while ago I wrote to the blog to enquire about the IntraLasik with the femtosecond technology; as a result I booked a consultation. On our correspondence I provided you with my prescription details, for which I obtained a quote. As I have been wearing contact lenses for 20 yeas (a mixture of PMMAs and Gas Permeables) it’s safe for me to wait 8 weeks before the consultation, which takes me to October.
Yesterday, however, I have received your newsletter stating that prices will probably go up in September, which puts me in a position of disadvantage due to the time I have to wait before the operation. On this basis, can you tell me if the prices you quoted me are likely to change?
With many thanks for your kind reply.
Paula
Comment by Gavin on 16 August 2008:
As a 48 year-old GP I’m a nervous prospect for Lasik but find the tone of your site and straightforward answers refreshing in a hype-filled field. My script is -5.00/-0.25 and -4.75/-0.75 with no near vision problems so far. This seems to fit your range so wonder what technique you would recommend and how much it might cost…and what the thoughts are on best options for divers/windsurfers. Thanks for any advice.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:
Hi Paula
No problem if we asked you to wait because of the contact lenses. We will defintely honour the old price for you.
Perhaps you could print this page and bring along on your treatment day so that there is no confusion on the treatment fee.
thanks
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:
Hi Gavin
Hope the GP world is treating you well. Have treated quite a few medics and they do tend to the nervous side! The blade free dual laser LASIK will give you the safest approach.
You are very close to presbyopia so would likely need LASIK blended vision to give good distance and near. You would likely need reading glasses very soon after the op if we just correct the distance vision.
But the choice would be your yours. Dual laser blended vision for distance AND near correction is £1995 per eye. If you opt for distance vision correction and are happy to wear reading glasses, the price would be around £1220 per eye, for the next month. The latter price will increase a bit in mid Sept.
Hope this helps
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:
Hi Maggie
sorry for the delay, as away on hols still.
The prices for you prescription, approx, likely to be £1020 for one eye and £1120 for the other (worse) eye.
Prices going up mid Sept but can hold if you have your consult prior to then, even if treatment not taken place.
thanks
Dave
Comment by Tim Whitfield on 18 August 2008:
Thank you for the reply.Please feel free to post what ever you want.
Tim
ps can you run a comptetion for free treatment maybe you could draw a picture and the person who comes up with the best caption could win a free treatment or some vouchers for 20 - 50% off for example.Just a thought as i like entering competitions.
Comment by Francesco on 13 September 2008:
Hi,
I have mild astigmatism with no long or short sight. Is Lasik suitable for this?
Would you be able to give me a rough quote for blade free Wavefront Z-Lasik?
I’m 36 and my prescription is:
R Sph: plano, Cyl: -2.25, Axis: 100
L Sph: plano, Cyl: -1.75, Axis: 80
I’m a computer programmer and I normally work longish hours 10-11 per day. How much time away from work would you recommend after having the surgery?
Final question; the FDA results list Wavefront Optimized and Wavefron Guided separately. What is the difference and which do you recommend?
many thanks,
Francesco
Comment by Dave Allamby on 16 September 2008:
Dear Franceso
Yes, Z-LASIK is suitable for your prescription and you would need one day for the surgery and the next day for the post op check. you can go back to work straight after that.
Optimized treatment works best for most prescriptions. You will get more info at the consultation.
Pls call to FOCUS on 0845 5000 500 and they can help with pricing directly.
regards
David
Comment by John Clarke on 27 September 2008:
Dear Mr Allamby
I’m impressed by the professionalism and your transparent (no pun intended) approach on this and the focusclinics.com site. I’m considering blade-free Z-lazik with you. I do have two questions to which I can’t find an answer however:
First, what is the aftercare deal - in other words, should re-treatment be necessary, either immediately or some years later (other than due to presbyopia), what guarantees do you offer?
Second, I’m approaching 40, have mild short sight (-0.75 and -1.5) and no sign so far of presbyopia. I understand that treatment will effectively hasten its onset however since my short sight will no longer be available to balance the ageing lens and muscle. What is a realistic strategy, thinking say 5-10 years ahead - get treatment now based on my current script, and accept it’ll be reading glasses later, consider a second treatment when the time comes, or what?
Thanks for your help
John
Comment by Dave Allamby on 27 September 2008:
Thanks for your kind words John!
If your -1.5 eye is the dominant one (we will test for that) then you might just treat that eye and leave the -0.75 alone to help with presbyopia in your 40s. You compromise a bit on the best distance vision, but only a bit, and it would keep you out of reading glasses until around 50. You could then have the -0.75 eye treated to boost the reading.
We follow all patients for 1 year and any adjustments are usually around 12 weeks after LASIK (with our Z-LASIK blade free technology enhancements are now pretty rare). Myopic corrections are very stable at this level so I wouldnt expect to do anything again to your distance eye. Presbyopia will be the issue for you.
Hope that helps
David
Comment by Stephanie on 5 October 2008:
Hi Dave,
I have been reading your questions and answers page and no-one seems to have a + prescription. My right eye is sphere +4.25, cylinder -0.75, axis 85 and my left eye is sphere +4.50, cylinder -0.50, axis 120 which I think will be for distance and both eyes are plus 2.00 for close work. This is my latest prescription, tested in June this year. I have varifocal lenses. What sort of cost would I be looking at for both distance correcion and also distance plus reading correction?
Thanks
Steph.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 5 October 2008:
hi Steph
You have a very high long sighted prescription as I am sure you know! Laser correction here is best aimed at distance correction as the reading benefit does tend to decrease with time because of the extreme correction needed. Can I ask please how old you are?! Dave
Comment by Kat on 6 October 2008:
I am a middle class working 33-year old (Somerset) and dream of having my short sight corrected. I am shocked how much this cost as advertising is always so optimistic and when you look into it truth is totally different, sadly. It’ s so painfull to see all those thousants of people being able to afford it and I can’t. Laser eye surgery has been around for years now and so I would expect the prices to go down - but instead you have increased yours. I never thought I was poor but this has opened my eyes and made me realised I simply can not afford it althought millions can. Where do people get money for it? And where is the justice when us, who were born shortsighted, have to pay thousands just be be closer to normal??? So not fair…
David, have you got an idea, if the prices will go down in the future?
Comment by Stephanie on 6 October 2008:
Hi Dave,
I’m 52. Does this mean that I won’t be suitable for the treatment?
Steph.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 10 October 2008:
hi Steph
if we aim for distance vision correction you will be happy with the result of laser eye surgery. this is £1845 per eye. if we aim also for reading vision correction, you will initially be good for both close and far, but as you have a bad degree of long sight and you are only 52, it is highly likely that your eyes will continue to get worse and you would loose that reading benefit. so better not to try to do something that will not last long. the distance improvement will be more effective but your eyes have not finished getting worse i am afraid.
the other option is to go for reading/distance lens implants in both eyes, similar to a cataract operation, and long sighted patients are usually happier with that approach overall. More expensive operation which is done in a hospital theatre. Costs are £3000 per eye for multifocal reading implants.
Hope that explains more!
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 10 October 2008:
Dear Kat
Even though we have the UK’s best prices, overall all laser eye surgery prices are increasing. The cost of new technology to give you better and safer surgery is very high and needs to be constantly updated.
For example, laser clinics used to need one laser at a cost of £1/3 million. Now they need two to offer blade free dual laser LASIK, total cost £2/3 million and treatment prices are no different on average to back in 2000. In a nutshell it costs a lot to do this type of treatment and costs are only increasing. The benefit of that though: highly accurate treatments with better safety than ever before.
At FOCUS, we made a decision to buy the very best technology and to bring that to the UK at the lowest price so that more people could afford to get fantastic levels of surgeon, service and technology, all without compromise. That is not hype. It is just what we have wanted to do.
But all of that does cost and has to be paid for. And no government bail-outs for anyone in healthcare! Unlike some banks we have to be prudent, cautious and look after our customers without risk so that we will be here next week, next month and next year and still here for our patients.
Price wars in the US a few years ago meant cheaper surgery at first. Then lots of bankrupt clinics closing with patients having to pay all over again in order to get their aftercare. Not a good result for patients in the end.
Regards
Dave
Comment by susan janneh on 11 October 2008:
I am interested in blended vision surgery. I tried monovision contact lenses and found medium distance fine but neither close up or far sight good enough. Are much better results achieved with blended vision particularly near sight? My last prescription taken 2/4/08 was R eye sph -3.50 cyl -2.25 axis 90 L eye sph -5.00 cyl -0.75 axis 85 and both eyes add +1.75
The eye test before this was on 22/12/06 and was R -4.00, -1.00, 105 and L -5.00, -.50, 91 both add near +1.75
Have I left it long enough to check whether my prescription is stable enough to have a consultation? ( I am planning to come to London at the end of October.)
Regards
Comment by Stephanie on 11 October 2008:
Hi Dave,
Thanks very much for your honesty. I have been in touch with Paula and have arranged for a consultation which I know will give me more information. Is it possible that you may find that my eyes aren’t as bad as my prescription states? I was looking forward to doing without glasses completely but it appears I will still need them for work. Can I just ask how you come to a cost for laser surgery? Isn’t the treatment the same for ie, all Wavefront or all Lasik or all Lasek? I can understand the high prices for the RLE due to the nature of the surgery but I just assumed that the laser treatment came in bands depending on the type of treatment rather than how bad my eyesight is.
Many thanks.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 11 October 2008:
Hi Steph
Thanks for booking in. You will get an very comprehensive set of tests and we can confirm your prescription. If you can see well with your current glasses then that prescription will be very close to your true measurements. It will be checked FOUR times with us anyway, at your appointment,and twice again before the actual surgery!
For LASIK pricing, there are two common ways to charge. The first is 1 price for all prescriptions - in effect the lower prescriptions are subsidising the higher more difficult cases. The second method, used by ourselves and some others, is to charge based upon the prescription. So the easier the treatment and the simpler the case, the less that patient pays - and vice versa. This seems the fairer way overall.
Also, younger patients (who are mainly short sighted) generally have less money and so can more easiy afford to have laser eye treatment with FOCUS, as their prescriptions come in at a lower rate. Long sighted treatments are more complex (we specialise in these, unlike most clinics) and are more expensive. These patients are typically in the 40s and 50s and often can often afford a bit higher price.
I know it sounds rather like Robin Hood(!) but allows more people to get a superb level of treatment with a very experienced surgeon, with lots more time in a relaxed clinic, away from a high-volume quick turnaround setup.
I really have tried to make top-end ‘Harley Street’ laser eye treatment available to more people, hopefully in a fairer way. I wish everyone with glasses could afford to come for treatment but, if you see my answer to Kat above, this is not likely to happen.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 11 October 2008:
Hi Susan
Your right eye prescription has changed significantly, whereas the left appears stable. The astigmatism (irregularity) in your right eye prescription increased from 1 unit to 2.25 units over 18 months to April 08. Usually this is related to contact lenses so I would need to know more about whether you were wearing lenses in Dec 06 through to April 08 and if not, when did you stop wearing them? There are other problems that can happen with the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) to cause increasing astigmatism, and we would need to exclude those.
Basically, let me know the history of your contact lens use and then I can advise you better about the likelihood of you being stable enough for laser treatment. We really need to do a consultation with special scans to know more.
Also, having significant astigmatism makes a blended vision trial quite difficult and would diminish likely success of contact lens monovision. However, a failed contact lens monovision trial does not mean that blended vision wont work. I have done plenty of patients who didn’t get on with lens monovision but who were delighted with blended vision. Contrary to a widely held view amongst eye clinicians, contact lens trials for monovision are not overly helpful for laser eye surgery blended vision.
If you are happy to get good distance vision and wear reading glasses as needed then that simplifies everything. You could have laser blended vision and if you didn’t ultimately get on with it, you could have an enhancement so both eyes are then focused for distance vision and go back to only reading glasses.
If you are determined that you only want surgery to get rid of all glasses for everything and wouldn’t be happy to still need reading glasses, then it will be hard to promise that result.
Still, the main thing is first to work out what is going on with your increasing astigmatism. Pls book in for a consultation at FOCUS.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Chris on 12 October 2008:
Hi I am 24 and I am looking into getting laser surgery for my short sightedness. Can you give me a rough quote please.. I am a bit conufused with the different procedures
My prescription is R -3.00SPH -0.25CYL 35.0 Axis
L -3.00SPH -0.50CYL 130.0 Axis
Thanks in advance
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 October 2008:
Dear Chris
You want to look at safety, always. For that choose blade-free dual laser LASIK (flap created without a blade, no real post op pain, good vision in about 3-4 hours) or PRK (surface laser, no flap, but painful after for 2 days and takes 5-7 days for vision to recover).
Always get the wavefront option which will give you better high definition vision and night vision.
Blade free wavefront LASIK is the most popular version - better vision and no blade. At FOCUS, all our treatments are wavefront.
If price is a big issue, you could go for PRK instead - this is a surface laser correction. Need a few days off work and can be pretty painful afterwards. Not very popular compared to LASIK
Prices for your numbers are the same for each eye:
Blade free dual laser wavefront LASIK = £1145 per eye
Wavefront PRK = £795 per eye
If you can afford it, go for the blade free LASIK option, wavefront included. Patients love it. You may be suitable for financing through FOCUS if you want to spread the payments.
Regards
Dave
Comment by ali on 14 October 2008:
i am thinking about lazer treatment but because of money worries can’t go ahead
my prescripition is -6.00 and -7.75 how much will it cost me
Comment by Una on 14 October 2008:
Hi
Thinking of having lasik blade free. Been short-sighted since 11y/o with age-related long-sightedness (onset 2 yrs). Have tried monovision with lenses but not hugely successful. My current lenses are not optimal for either correcting myopia or as monovision - been wearing these for 11/12 now so time for review anyway. Prior to the age-related changes my myopia script was pretty much unchanged for many years.
I’d probably go for the myopia correction but haven’t totally ruled out the blended vision option. Would I still be suitable for surgery even though not ’stable’ as such because optician has varied script for monovision?
Thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 15 October 2008:
Dear Ali
Based on your numbers (need to confirm at consultation) wavefront M-LASIK would be £1095 for one eye and £1195 for the other (worse) eye. If you would like advanced blade free wavefront LASIK just add £350 per eye.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 15 October 2008:
Hi Una
Yes, as long as your myopia is stable, you could be fine for laser eye treatment, depending on a full exam and consultation of course. We will look then at how you would handle blended vision and advise you.
I certainly have successfully treated patients with blended vision who did not do that well with contact lens monovision. Best choice is to come for a consultation to get a better understanding of you and your eyes.
Thanks for writing
Dave
Comment by Vikki Horrocks on 16 October 2008:
Hi,
I just wanted to say a great big thank you. You operated on my eyes last week and they are fantastic… I have recommended this to several people i work with ( at Southend hospital), all of who’m will be in touch shortly!
It is so lovely to be able to wake up and see an alarm clock and i cannot thank you enough for this.
Once again, thank you so much…
With Kind regards
Vikki.
Comment by Kay on 17 October 2008:
Hi Dave
I am exploring having laser surgery and was hoping you could clarify a few points for me please?
Both Optimax and Optical Express suggested that I go for blade free Wavefront treatment, but also said I could opt for the cheaper treatments. If technology is now more advanced and the blade free method is considered safer how is it ethical to allow patients to opt for a sub-standard treatment?
Statistics published on complications and results achieved seem to be quite limited (i.e based on a small amount of patients compared to the 2 million a year having treatment)but overall (from my limited reading) there does not appear to be that much difference between microkeratome Lasik and blade free Lasik. Is there any studies or statistic that you can point me in the direction of to support either treatment?
At a third consultation (at the Birkdale Clinic) the surgeon strongly recommended Lasek over Lasik on the grounds of biomechanical stability. (This is a link to an article on this subject for anybody else researching this subject http://www.otmagazine.co.uk/articles/docs/98b3f4f1a6338c3d722db8ec550fab58_shah20030613.pdf) The same surgeon also suggested after my eye exam that Wavefront treatment for me would not necessarily offer any additional benefits.
Im now completely confused as I can’t work out whether the first mentioned clinics are trying to sell me the most expensive treatment to get more money or if the Birkdale is behind on the technology front. (The Birkdale do offer Wavefront Lasik and Lasek but not blade free).
Do you think some clinics are pushing the more expensive treatments to pay for the lasers they have already invested without the evidence being conclusive at this stage as to whether it will achieve better results?
Finally when I rang Focus to obtain some information I was told that you would probably not even treat my right eye as the prescription is too low. My prescription is
RIGHT SPH -050 CYL -075 AXIS 110
LEFT SPH -025 CYL -225 AXIS 90
Obviously there is a huge difference between £0 to not treat the eye and £1700 at other clinics. Is there any way to get independent advice (outside of the clinics selling the procedure) on what the best treatment for me is?
Apologies for the extremely long post
Kind regards
Kay
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 October 2008:
Hi Vikki
Delighted to be able to help. Please enjoy your new high-definition eyes!
The surgery is so quick, isn’t it?!
Warm regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 October 2008:
Hi Kay
Great questions! Thank you! In fact, I liked them so much I will write a series of answers over the next 3-4 days as blog posts to cover all your points, entitled ‘Kay’s Questions” !
Series starts tomorrow. How does that sound?
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Thanh on 25 October 2008:
Hi Dave,
I’ve been quoted £3,200 from Optical Exp. for the Intralase, Lasik Wavefront. This was recommended by friends who had treatment done there, I dont know anyone how has been to Focus. But from what I have read from this website, I could get the same treatment (Z Lasik) and save money, I am confused on how the price could vary so much. Can you give me a 2nd opinion quote.
Right eye: Sphere: -5.25, Cylinder: 0.50 Axis: 180
Left eye: Sphere: -5.00, Cylinder: 0.25, Axis: 160
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.
Thanh
Comment by Cathy McBain on 25 October 2008:
Dear Dave
I am thinking of having Lasik surgery. However I will be going travelling for three months to Asia two months after the Lasik operation. Is this safe and do you think this is a sensible decision?
Thanks for your help.
Cathy
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 October 2008:
Hi Cathy
I remember traveling in Asia. Fantastic experience so pls enjoy! Yes, you will be fine two months after LASIK so no reason not to go ahead with your trip.
Have fun!
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 October 2008:
hi Thanh
Yes, our Z-LASIK is similar to Optical Express’s Intralase wavefront treatment. We use the newer Ziemer laser instead of the Intralase for the flap part and for me it is better technology, but no major difference from your point of view in the experience of the surgery. Both those lasers will do a great job of a blade free flap creation. For the second stage of the procedure, reshaping the cornea, our vision laser is German rather than American and had better sight results in the US FDA clinical trials for your prescription, so we have the edge on technology. But again, both good machines.
For price, based on your numbers which we can confirm at consultation, OE is about £1600 per eye whereas FOCUS is £1345 per eye so you will save £500.
Why the difference in price? We grow by word of mouth and don’t spend the millions that OE need to do to feed and grow their many clinics. We are a single specialist clinic with NHS teaching hospital corneal consultant surgeons and also deal in corneal diseases, glaucoma etc - OE just isn’t the same kind of centre; they are a commercial laser eye clinic. I have set our prices below OE exactly because I want patients to be able to get Harley Street specialist consultant quality at an affordable price.
If you come along for a consult, you will definitely see the difference at our centre! It is quite special.
Take care, Dave
Comment by JennyW on 28 October 2008:
Dear Dave. I have been to both Ultralase and Optical Express for my consultations and still so very worried that it will not work for me. I appreciate there are many people who it has worked for but also there are people it is has not been so great for. I have been recommended your clinic so would be interested to come along for a consultation however I would be interested to meet with the surgeon as part of the consultation - is this possible? Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:
hi Jenny
Yes, definitely, you can always meet your surgeon as part of the consultation. Can give you a straight assessment of success etc. You can meet with either myself, Mr Ali Mearz or another of our NHS consultant specialists. Pls just confirm when you book in that you would like to be able to talk with the consultant when you attend. Pls call and talk with Paula on 0845 5000 500.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:
Hi David
My brother and I I’ve been wanting to get wavefornt LASIK eye surgery for the last 5years. We have been at least a couple of times to various clinics, (Optical Express, Ultralase, Optimax) over the years and every time they have said both my brothers and my corneas are too thin.
Now we hear about the bladeless Lasik and we really want to go for it. My prescription is:
RIGHT
Sph: -5.5
Cyl: -1.75
Axis: 175
LEFT
Sph: -6.00
Cyl: -1.25
Axis: 10
How much would it cost and was is the success rate? My brother has a similar prescription is there a discount available for 2 simultaneous bookings?
Thanks for everything, great site.
–
Asif
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:
Dear Asif
thank for your mail. Honestly, if you were told that your corneas were too thin for LASIK by multiple clinics, you are likely still to thin, even for blade-free Z-LASIK. I presume these other clinics offered PRK (LASEK) also? Were you too thin for that as well?
Regards
Dave
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:
Hi Dave
Oh you have dashed my hopes. I was so optimistic about this blade free option
My optimism was fueled by the comment on the OE website it says:
IntraLase is of particular benefit to patients with steep, flat or thin corneas, some of whom are not eligible for LASIK/LASEK surgery performed with a standard microkeratome.
http://uk.opticalexpress.com/laser-eye-surgery/intralase.html
The last time my brother and I went was probably over 2years ago. They did offer PRK LASEK. But the blade free option I’m sure was not available then.
I thought the blade free option would allow you to reduce the amount of corneal tissue you would have to cut through, hence people with thinner corneas could be treated.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:
Hi Asif
Yes, you are quite right, the thinner laser flaps do allow us to treat some people now who were out of range with a thicker blade LASIK. However we are also moving towards leaving the residual cornea thicker and so stronger.
FYI Our WaveLight laser requires less tissue to be removed than other lasers, e.g compared to the Bausch & Lomb laser used at Ultralase, so like-for-like we can treat a wider range of prescriptions.
We are happy to see you for a consultation, but I don’t want to build your hopes up for LASIK if you are set on that. My guess is that you will likely be best served with PRK/LASEK as your prescriptions are pretty high, but we wont know until we have your numbers.
PRK will work very well for these prescriptions too but there is a longer downtime during healing.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:
Hi Dave
Ok I will book an appointment to come to your clinic. My main concern was the longer downtime with PRK and also I imagine surgeons do fewer PRK ops so they may not be as experienced with this technique (so more prone to error?). The particular surgeon at optimax I went to who suggested PRK, just did not fill me with confidence when I quizzed him on his experience of PRK. Could you explain to me if my concerns are justified and if so how experienced are you and your team in PRK?
Somebody also told me that after laser eye surgery you are recommended not do any contact sports again. I play a lot of sport, football, squash etc, so it would be good to know where you stand on this.
Thanks for all your help.
–
Asif
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:
Hi Asif
If you do a lot active sports, PRK is a better option as there is no risk to a flap later on. In terms of doing the surgery, actually, PRK is technically an easier operation to do than LASIK. However, at FOCUS we have a huge amount of experience with this technique. Prior to the arrival of thin flap femtosecond laser flaps, we were one of the advocates of surface laser techniques, so we have done a LOT.
You will certainly be in very good hands.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Cathy McBain on 29 October 2008:
Hi Dave
Can you please tell me more about the drops you need to put in after Lasik surgery - what type they are, and how long you need to put them in. I would like to know the full aftercare regimen before I go ahead.
With thanks
Cathy
Comment by Dave Allamby on 29 October 2008:
Hi Cathy
You will use two kinds of drops for 5 days after LASIK. One is a broad spectrum antibiotic (called Exocin) to protect against infection and the other is a steroid to reduce inflammation (called Pred Forte, contains prednisolone). After this time you can use artificial tear drops if the eyes feel dry, but not everyone needs those.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:
Hi Dave
I am booked in to have z lasik with you this Thursday having previously been told my cornea were too thin for Lasik and would have to have Lasek. This bothered me because of the additional downtime. I am a keen horsewoman and am now concerned that this is classed as a contact sport so I would again be unsuitable for Lasik. Can you let me know what you think please?
Thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:
Hi Andrea
Yes, I looked through your scans and numbers and thin flap Z-LASIK is fine, still with a wide safety margin, so there is no need to switch over to LASEK. Its one of the benefits of moving away from the thicker flaps from blade LASIK.
Contact sports include those activities where there is the possibility of repeated direct physical blows to the face, such as boxing, martial arts, rugby, etc. I don’t put horse riding in that group.
I am a cautious and conservative surgeon but I think you can safely benefit from Z-LASIK.
Hope that was helpful. Please let me know if you want more information.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:
Thanks Dave
Look forward to seeing you on Thursday - I can’t wait although feeling a little apprehensive about the procedure. Just one more question, will I be able to go back to work after my appointment on
Friday morning?
Thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:
No problem Andrea. And don’t worry, it will be much easier and simpler than you imagine! Yes, you can go back to work after the one day check up.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:
See you on Thursday afternoon then!
Best regards
Andrea
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:
Hi Dave
I have a couple more questions if that’s OK. How long after surgery will I be able to resume running and horse riding and will it be OK to muck out my horses stable if I wear protective googles like swimming goggles? She is on a low dust paper pulp bedding.
Thanks again
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:
Hi Andrea
Running and horse riding is OK after 7 days. You should avoid dust and dirt also for 7 days. Please do not wear the tight small style of swimming goggles during the first 2 weeks as they can put the eye under high suction… best avoided! It is OK to use the large mask type of goggles if you need to go into the stables during the first week, but definitely do NOT go there during the first two days under any circumstances.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:
Thanks Dave
Andrea
Comment by James Wong on 3 November 2008:
Hi Dave
Could you confirm whether it is possible to have LASIK if I have moderate dry eye which prevents me from wearing contact lenses? Is it a general recommedation to not have LASIK if one has dry eye and would this cause any problems post surgery?
My concern is that I have read on some websites that dry eye is a contraindication to having laser eye surgery as surgery would exacerbate an already present condition?
Thanks
James
Comment by Dave Allamby on 4 November 2008:
Hi James
Laser eye surgery will increase dryness for typically 6-12 months after treatment. So that can increase some pre-existing dryness. It all depends on how dry the eyes are and what kind of dryness it is (yes, there are different kinds!). We do have a range of measures to increase lubrication of the cornea however so often we are still able to treat. Sometimes we start a few weeks before LASIK to get the eyes ready, depending on the case.
So certainly worthwhile getting seen and we can advise you better. I have done lots of cases with moderate dryness who have done just fine. So, as long as we manage it appropriately doesn’t have to be a problem but all are measured on a case by case basis.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 7 November 2008:
Hi Dave
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for my z-lasik treatment which I recieved yesterday. The whole process was painless from start to finish even though, as you are well aware I was really nervous!. Today, when I had my check up, I had better than 20/20 vision in both eyes! What is more, I can read smallish print (the newspaper) without my reading glasses - which I couldn’t do with my contact lenses. I can’t thank you enough.
My husband is having his consultation next Tuesday and hopes to get his eyes done before we go skiing in December.
Thank you so much again
Warmest wishes
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 November 2008:
My pleasure Andrea!
Comment by Boris on 7 November 2008:
Dear David. I’ve been considering treatment for a few months now but am concerned about over and under correction. I realise with under correction that retreatment can be done, however is there anything that can be done for over correction?
Do you have any figures for your clinic for over and under corrections? Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 November 2008:
Yes, Boris, all over- and under-corrections can be treated easily. In fact, the whole treatment can be reversed. The move over to the Ziemer blade free system (Z-LASIK) has dramatically reduced the need to re-do LASIK treatments. Most clinics quote enhancement rates of around 5% BUT with Z-LASIK for short-sight I have only had to adjust one case in the last 200, so that’s a 0.5% rate. Without any hype or spin, that’s just very impressive and a great step forward.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 8 November 2008:
Hi Dave
Perhaps you could give me a small piece of advise? My eyelashes are now crusty I think due to the vast amount of drops that I am putting in my eyes on a regular basis! What is the best way of cleaning them?
Many thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:
Hi Andrea - it’s the steroid drops that do that. They are a suspension of white powder in water and leave white deposits on the lashes. You can GENTLY clean the lower lashes with a moistened cotton bud while pulling the lid downwards away from the eye. Do not try to clean the upper lashes for the time being as you can put pressure on the cornea. You will stop the drops in three days time and can clean the lashes more then. Enjoy your new vision!
Dave
Comment by Boris on 8 November 2008:
Thanks for that David and you have some impressive stats there. Just one thing though, how can the treatment be fully reversible if the laser takes away cells during the original procedure? To reverse the treatment, does the laser reshape again? I’m a little confused. thanks.
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:
Dear David. I attended your clinic on Friday for my consultation and was very impressed, however I’m a little concerned over a couple of things and wonder if you could help alleviate my worries.
First of all, I have mild blepharitis, is this going to be a problem for treatment or could it introduce problems after treatment, ie introduce infection?
Secondly, during my cornea scans, there seemed to be some concern over the figures, something like an irregularity in the shape of the cornea? The optometrist therefore asked the consultant to look at the scans and he said for safety, the best procedure would be Lasek (my prescription is -3.50 and -3.25). However at the end of the consultation, I was then advised that Lasik would be the best treatment. As I was confused as to what would be best, I was told that my details would be shown to Dr Mearza next week for his comments. Would you please be kind enough to look at my file and give me your opinion. I just want the safest procedure according to my scans. Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:
Hi Boris, yes you are quite right about the laser removing some corneal tissue in the original treatment, for example in the centre part of the eye for a short sighted treatment. To fully reverse the EFFECT we remove some tissue from the outer part of the cornea to put the corneal curvature back to where it started. So now an equal amount of tissue has been removed across the cornea and so the focus would be back where it started. Of course, the cornea is a little thinner than before, but still strong enough for its role.
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:
Hi Julia, Thanks for your questions. Mild blepharitis is not a big problem typically, but we should treat that to get it under best control prior to treatment. On Monday I will take a look at your scans and notes also and get back to you on what I think the best treatment would be for you.
We are obsessed with safety at FOCUS and I will make sure you get the absolute right treatment for your eyes! There are some cases where you could opt for either treatment. Anyway I will know once I see the pictures and figures and I can call you to chat about that. Sound good?!
Thanks Julia
Dave
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:
sorry David, one other thing. I have moderate dry eyes (only bothers me when wearing lenses) and the optomotrist recommended getting some Blink eye drops to help. Would my file detail what sort of dryness I have and again help decide if I should have Lasek or Lasik? I notice on a previous post, you recommended preparing the eyes prior to surgery, would the Blink eyedrops be adequate or would I have to get something different from your clinic? Sorry to be a nuisance but this is a big step for me.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:
No problem Julia. I will advise you on the best treatment for your kind of blepharitis when we speak. Sometimes it involves cleaning of the eye lashes, drops and/or tablets, just depending on the ‘kind’ of dryness you have. It’s not complicated, just needing to be tailored to your own eyes.
Dave
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:
Thanks Dave, I appreciate your help and look forward to speaking with you. Julia.
Comment by Julia Bicker on 11 November 2008:
Hello Dave. I had a good chat with Paula today and have booked treatment for early December. I have had cold sores in the past and wondered if this could cause problems in the future (does this mean I could be prone to herpes eye infection)? Just wondering if this means the virus could be present in the eye nerves? Thanks, Julia.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 November 2008:
Hi Julia
Your scans are fine for Z-LASIK so no problem there. Having a history of oral cold sores is fine for LASIK. As long as you don’t have active oral sores at the time of surgery then all is well. The herpes issue is only for people who have had infections in the eyes in the past.
Thanks, Dave
Comment by Asif on 14 November 2008:
Hi Dave
I know I have to take a week off work to go ahead with LASEK, would I after this week be able to see well enough to do my normal day job as a computer programmer?
Thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 14 November 2008:
Hi Asif, Yes you will be fine after 1 week. You will benefit from using artificial tear drops every few hours while working at a PC during the first month. That will help the healing.
With best regards
Dave
Comment by yiwei jiang on 17 November 2008:
Hi Dave, I have two questions to ask.
The first one is about the cost, besides the eye treatment costs, is the consultancy and eye monitoring for free? I know some of the clinic charges hidden costs.
And how long will it take before doing the operation to confirm the stablitiy of the eyesight condition?
Thanks a lot for your coming reply.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 November 2008:
Hi Yiwei yes, all post-op care is included and you get our LIfetime Care Guarantee. If you have distance vision Z-LASIK, refractive aftercare and enhancements are free, for life. That’s nice, isn’t it?!
Consultation is free from this blog if you quote LT01 when you book in (refundable deposit applies though, which you will get back when you attend the clinic).
Stability is determined at the consultation. Please bring any previous prescriptions from the optician that you have available.
With best regards
Dave
Comment by yiwei jiang on 18 November 2008:
Thanks Dave,
That is really great. I am planning to do the Z-lasik surgery in early Jan. 09, when do you think is better to do a consultation? Do you think it is necessary to do one eye first, and later the other one? Another thing is that some points metion that all-laser cut heals itself? Will this happen to me? In addition, I am really care about the night vision problems as well.
By the way, does your clinic open on Saturday?
Many thanks for your kindness reply.
Yiwei
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 November 2008:
Hi Yiwei
You can have the consultation anytime to suit your schedule, so you can choose that. We do both eyes at the same session for almost every patient, unless there is a clinical reason not to. Laser eye surgery has been demonstrated safe enough that we haven’t done eyes at different times for many years now.
Yes, the thin laser flaps do appear to heal again, unlike the blade cut flaps, so that’s an excellent reason to choose all-laser Z-LASIK.
Night vision problems were a problem in some cases with early lasers, so you can find reports of that from the 1990’s. With our WaveLight laser treating short-sight, with its advanced wavefront treatment profile and size,I just have never seen a patient get night time difficulty, ever. It seems to be no longer an issue with this laser. But note that not all lasers at other clinics have the same laser profile as the WaveLight and the FDA trial results are not as good as this German laser. That’s why we bought this one!
Best regards, Dave
Comment by Asif on 18 November 2008:
Hi Dave
What success rate do you have for people of relatively high prescription like mine. By success rate I mean what level of correction could I expect and would it be more likely, due to my higher prescription, I would need a 2nd op. Also if a 2nd op is needed how soon after the 1st op can/will it be done.
Thanks for all your help, this blog of yours is so refreshing.
My prescription is:
RIGHT
Sph: -5.5
Cyl: -1.50
Axis: 167
LEFT
Sph: -6.00
Cyl: -1.00
Axis: 180
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 November 2008:
Hi Asif
With our Z-LASIK dual laser approach you can expect an excellent results, even with your prescription. Based on what we have seen this year since using the Ziemer femtosecond laser (blade free method), your chance of a second op to adjust the focus is less than 1%!
If you did need that, it would be about 12 weeks after your treatment.
You will also get our Lifetime Care Guarantee with Z-LASIK so distance vision enhancements are free for life. although i would expect your result to be very stable over the years.
Glad you like the blog!
Dave