hi live in tralee R-12 L-8 astmig in both had a "bleed" behind R eye in 2002 small black area in line of vision remains in R eye ?scar,vision stable since. can you do anything for me? 45yrs very healthy otherwise,thanking you.

I would need to examine you to determine what the problem is .

Hello, I had an assessement a number of years ago and was told that because my corneas were too thin I didn't qualify for laser surgery for myopia. At the time there was no alternative but now that lenses can be implanted I'm wondering is this a suitable option for people with thin corneas. As a photographer, I am also concerned that if I did qualify and went ahead with the surgery would it affect the sharpness of sight that I would need to take photos. Many thanks, Jane.

recent advances in laser technology have improved and it is likely that you are now suitable for full correction . You need a full assessment again or email me the records and I can tell you how likly this is !

I am 62 and wear glasses for reading. recently i have been wearing them for distance ( golf ). Am I suitable for laservision/

you may be far-sighted and may be suitable for treatment

Hi there, I am interested in lasik/lasek and have been for a while - i have been put off somewhat by "horror" stories which are so unfortunate. I wear contacts constantly 24/7 year round [they are extended wear, suitable for night time wear]. Thing is, i know i have three little scars on my eye [cornea?? i don't know]. these are from previous infections apparently. my eyes are not VERY dry but they used to be with daily contacts. Would these scars effect suitability?? my vision is -2.5 and -2.75. Thanks/

corneal scars can potencially affect lasik tretament - less likely with lasek treatment however this can only be determined by a full corneal examination with biomicroscopy of each layer by a Consultant Surgeon

Hi, I had a consulation for laser eye surgery with another company approx 6 years ago. At that stage, I was unsuitable as my pupils were too big. My script is -5.25 and - 5.0. Is this a problem that can be addressed by laser surgery or would my pupil size still cause a problem. Thank you very much.

Yes , this can be treated by a variety of  pupil- sensitive software programs on our laser platform. custom-vue wavefront guided treatment may be the best type for you

My eye prescription is -2/-2.5. I don't have any other problems with my eyes that i am aware of as I have yearly tests for my contact lenses. I mostly wear glasses as I suffer with dry eye from contacts. I am looking for an estimated cost on the surgery please as I am anxious to have it done now as I am approaching 30!

Net Cost €2040 no hidden extra costs, no pricing by prescription

The estimated cost of surgery is €2550 (before you reclaim 20% or €510 as a tax rebate-  the net cost being €2040 ) with full aftercare, a lifetime guarantee, and no additional taxes, fees or charges. This price is valid until the end of May 2010. See our pricing and finance page.
LaserVision do not vary the cost of surgery according to a patients prescription nor engage in "price-baiting " (advertising a cheap price and then multiplying the quotation at the consultation unlike some " high-street " clinics )

I am in my early 50's and am shortsighted but have recently developed dry eye. Would I be suitable for Laser treatment.

Lasek and Monovision

Lasek treatment is the best form of treatment in your case provided the cornea is healthy. The tear function is unaffected . Your optical result may be modified to give you monovision as your age would leave you with difficulty reading without glasses if your distance vision was perfect in each eye after surgery. It may be best to under correct the non-dominant eye so you could read without glasses and have full distance vision. You are unsuitable for Lasik surgery. John Fenton FRCSI

Hey there, I have a prescription of +6.50 in both eyes. I also have astigmatism of about -1.25 in both eyes. Would I qualify for the LASIK surgery? and what kind of results would I expect? 20/20? 20/40? Many Thanks, Mark.

Laser and Intraocular implant options

There are many different surgical options and alternative laser and intraocular implant options depending on the physical examination, age and occupation (visual requirements) of the patient. A young patient can have laser treatment whilst a lens replacement surgery may be best for an older patient. There are now phakic IOLs and toric implants but often fine adjustments can be performed by laser afterwards. John Fenton FRCSI

Isn't it obvious that the suction ring pressurises the eye to a high level causing vitreous syneresis (with problematic floaters) to occur at a much younger age?

Examination by fully trained retinal specialist essential

The studies and research on this topic has not found hard evidence of your hypothesis.
Recent studies do not support any higher risk of retinal detachment in the highly myopic patient group. However it is critical that these patients be examined  by a fully trained retinal surgeon to really out-rule retinal pathology pre-op and post-op. Unfortunately this is not performed by most refractive surgeons in commercial "high-street " clinics and is I believe a serious lack of  best standard in refractive surgical care. Most opticians and some poorly trained ophthalmologists cannot perform this special form of "indirect examination." Patients in this category considering surgery should insist this be performed
There is a good case for preventative retinal prophylactic treatment in these patients. This is simple and easy to perform and is no extra cost to our patients at LaserVision.
Often vitreous syneresis, if induced, is a good event as this reduces the risk of retinal detachment when complete and uneventful.
Lasek with mitomycin may be a better alternative and safer for any patient with peripheral vitreo- retinal pathology/traction. John Fenton FRCSI

I have read reports of people suffering with floaters after laser eye surgery. How common is this side effect? And are some people more susceptible?

Floaters

It is not related to the laser surgery and occurs naturally in people who have short-sightedness. The floaters can change in character and size over several months but do not necessarily disappear. The removal of these is not generally indicated or justified. John Fenton FRCSI

I am shortsighted. I am -4.75 in my left eye and -5.00 in my right eye. Could I have corrective eye laser surgery

 Average Prescription

Yes. This is a fairly average prescription and your corneal thickness would only require to be of average thickness to qualify. John Fenton FRCSI

hi, this is a prescription from 2001! RE-2.25/-1.23X90 LE-1.75/-2.00X62

Up-to-date prescriptions

Up-to-date prescriptions are important to judge suitability. Prescriptions may change with age so it is important to consider suitability only after a full assessment and new comprehensive measurements. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi Im longsighted +2.50 in left eye +3.00 in right eye my cyc in both eyes is -1.00 .My right eye is lazy.Is there anything i can do to improve my vision.i Would be very grateful for any advice.

Lasek or Lasik

Yes , your prescription can be treated by both lasik and lasek .It depends on corneal thickness and your age to determine which surgical technique is best suited to you . John Fenton FRCSI

I wear reading glasses and now my eyesight is failing on distance , coulld i get lazer for reading or could i get it done for both?

Reading and near distance vision

It is possible to have the vision improved in both reading and near simultaneously but it is best that the potential vision be shown to you at an assessment at the clinic. John Fenton FRCSI

What do I need to bring to the consultation? I see the term "stable prescription" being referred to a lot but how stable? In the past year one of my eyes has remained at the same prescription and the other diminished by 0.25 - do I need to bring along some proof of this? Is this stable enough?

Stable Prescription

Yes this is stable. A change of more than a 1 dioptre in 2 consecutive visits over a year is unstable. Small changes (0.25) can be the examiner error rather than the patients prescription changing and should be ignored. John Fenton FRCSI

My presciption is Right eye sph -4.50 cyl +1.0 axis 140.D left eye sph -3.25 cyl +0.25 axis 180.D I am 56 years old and also need +2.0 for reading. Am i suitable for surgery - if so can I just have surgery to correct the short sightedness and not the reading . Please can you advise appx cost. Thanks

Monovision

Yes , this is most  likely to be suitable for treatment . You may be a possible candidate for monovision Wavefront- guided Lasik or Lasek. However this is best demonstrated and assessed in the clinical consultation as a special compensation will have to be made to correct both the reading and distance vision simultaneously because of your age. Total cost is €2550  (a tax rebate of €510 if you are either PRSI /PAYE or self-employed can be claimed in addition ) John Fenton FRCSI

Hi i'm looking to find out what improvements can be done for my vision. I am shortsighted in both eyes,1.75 in the right and have amblyopia in my left. I'm looking to get as much improvement out of my left eye as possible, i can't risk touching my right as it is my dominant eye. I've heard phakik iol has some success with amblyopia. i'm not sure which procedure i should go for, the lasek my improve my vision as glasses help a bit. whereas with phakik the lens can be adjusted in the future if needed as opposed to lasek/lasik. thanks in advance

Lasek vs Phakic Iol's

If you see a significant improvement with glasses in your left eye, then lasek is the best option. The phakic IOLs have a significant complication rate and is much more invasive and unnecessary. However there is little point in treating the left eye unless you want the right eye corrected too and the main problem is your fear, lasek in both eyes is entirely safe. However it is entirely elective and can be done anytime in your life so until then you should really stick with glasses. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi, I live in the sacramento,ca area.I had a question about my being a candidate for eye surgery. I have a prescrption of +8 in one eye and +9 in the other .I also have an astigmatism. Would I be able to have surgery to correct or even lower my dependence on corrective lenses.thank you

Prescription unsuitable for laser

It depends on your anterior chamber depth,age and eye examination . Phakic IOLs can correct your vision however hyperopic eyes can be shallow and unsuitable occasionally. The prescription is unsuitable for laser. John Fenton FRCSI

My son went for an eye examination in 6th class and we were informed he had a 'lazy eye'. He is now 17 and a keen sportsperson. He is worried about getting an injury in his good eye as his vision in the other eye is very bad. Do you think it is worth my while to seek help for him. We were told 'he should have had a patch'! i feel terrible that we didnt spot this difficulty when he was younger and would appreciate your advice

Amblyopia " Lazy eye "

Yes it is possible that his vision could be improved provided that the correction of any causative refractive error is significant and beneficial. Don't feel guilty about the comment "should have had a patch" as this condition is common affecting 2% of the population including several professional sportspeople and often the eye and visual system can compensate for the problem. John Fenton FRCSI

just recently have had a consultation with Ultralase and have been told that my corneas are too thin to have the surgery in Dublin but I would be eligible to have the surgery with their surgeon in England. My prescription is -4 in both eyes. Does this sound common to you? Regards, andrea

Same range of eye treatments available in Ireland

It is uncommon for such a small prescription to be unsuitable in Ireland at any clinic and then be suitable in the UK. This makes no sense. The same range of treatments are avalable in both countries by many different clinics. Get a second opinion ! John Fenton FRCSI

hi just wondering can laser fix my eyes!! -4.25 & -3.75. and can you give me estimate to the cost would the basic fee cover or is it more expensive thanks

Lasek possibly Lasik

If your eye examination is healthy and of average thickness, then you should be suitable -at least by lasek and possibly lasik. The total cost of Bilateral (both eyes) lasik or lasek treatment would be €2550 . You are covered for all visits, medication and any possible further treatments up to a year and can claim up to €510 back in a 20% tax rebate. John Fenton FRCSI

I am shortsighted. -9 in one eye and -5.5 in the other eye. I also have an astigmatism in both eyes. Would I be a suitable candidate for lens implants. Also how much does this cost.

 Short sighted with astigmatism

Yes this prescription is suitable depending on the health and thickness of your cornea. A full assessment can determine this accurately. The cost of treatment currently is €2550 including discounts with a possible additional €510 tax rebate. John Fenton FRCSI

I recently scanned prescription from Optical Express to you, and am wondering if the prescription indicates suitability for Laser Surgery, even though it is an out of date prescription. Perhaps you could reply at your convenience. Many thanks, Maria

Suitability for laser eye surgery?

Yes this prescription is suitable with our laser platform. However I need to examine your eye thoroughly including corneal health and topography. the prescription is only the starting point. If you would like to call I can talk things over with you initially and arrange a suitable time for a proper assessment. John Fenton FRCSI

do i have to be on the same prescription for 1 year before i can have a consultation?

Previous Prescription

It is helpful at the assessment to have previous prescription information from contact lens or glasses but not essential. We re-measure everything very carefully with multiple scans and mapping of the cornea. If there is a significant prescription of over a dioptre change surgery can be postponed until we confirm stability. This is very unusual in the adult population as changes mostly affect young people under 21  John Fenton FRCSI

I would love laser surgery but cannot afford to pay all at once. What sort of financing is available?

Financing -range of options at LaserVision

There are a range of options available and our office can be called at 01 -6674778 to discuss. However the first step is to see if indeed you are suitable or would benefit from treatment and this is best done by a consultation This is free! John Fenton FRCSI

Im 45years old and have a lazy eye . Ive become more aware of it in recent years and Im very conscious of it now ,I sometimes wear contact lenses but mostly glasses, Im shortsighted -7.5 in one eye and 8.5 in the other ( i think) would laser surgery imporve my lazy eye?

Lazy Eye and refractive surgery

Refractive surgery is designed to maximize the potential unaided (without spectacles or glasses ) vision in both eyes .With regard to " lazy eyes " ,this is called amblyopia. .Let me explain by providing an example, Take the case where the dominant or stronger eye has 100% vision with correction and  the weaker eye only has 50 or 60% vision with the contact lens or glasses . The weaker eye may only have less than 10% vision when unaided. In this case the vision can reach 100% with laser treatment in the good eye bit no better than the 60% vision in the weaker eye after laser . In other words the lazy eye cannot  be improved to 100% John Fenton FRCSI

I have been told at a consultation with Optical Express that as I had steep corneas I would be unsuitable for Laser Surgery. My prescription is +4.5. Is there any point in having a consultation with you?I am now 55 years and am wondering if there is an upper age limit?Your help is very much appreciated

Steep Corneas

It is worthwhile having a consultation with us. We use a different laser platform and provide a wider variety of treatment options that may suit you. I doubt if you were seen by a surgeon at Optical express as they often have assessments provided by Opticians who are not surgically trained and may not consider the best treatment options. Call us at 01-6674778 and we can book you in a suitability assessment. alternatively if you scan us your medical records from your assessment at OE -in particular your "Topography" I could provide some preliminary view. You should be able to ask OE for a copy of these records.

I have just had a consult with Specsavers for laser eye surgery & have been told that as my prescription is 5.5 I will not be eligable as the scope for surgery is 4.5 max. Is this correct for all suppliers of laser eye surgery? Is my only option intraocular lens treatment? Many thanks

 Prescription 5.5 treatable

No, this is incorrect. The Visx Star S4 laser platform at LaserVision is FDA approved to treats this prescription and I personally have performed lasik and on  20-30 patients successfully . I may add that the enhancement rate is higher in this group of the order of 10-15% depending on the age of the patient as compared to 3-5% for smaller prescriptions but as there is no additional cost to patients (some other clinics charge by prescription) in this event this is well tolerated.

Hello I am wondering if i would be suitable for laser eye surgery. my prescription is r +625 -375 -160 l +4 -175 -13 if laser eye surgery not suitable would iol be an option thanks elaine

Mixed Astigmatism

Yes this prescription is fully treatable provided the cornea is healthy and the tear film function normal. I have found excellent results with lasek with mitomycin in this group however lasik may  also  be an option. John Fenton FRCSI

Do Laservision do cataract surgery? How long does the procedure take and is it painful?

Cataract Surgery

Yes we perform cataract surgery in our theatre at the LaserVision Clinic and also at the Park West Clinic in Dublin if General Anesthesia is required. New implants are now available which enable us to correct near as well as distance vision in patients . Have a read about Multifocal Implants on the laservision procedure page for more information. John Fenton FRCSI

hello.is there any way in which high prescription could be treated without icl's in the future. would prefer to have laser.pres=+5.5/-0.75 +6.5/-1.25.are lasers likely to get more advanced. many thanks

High Prescription

You need a full assessment to determine this. If your cornea is healthy and sufficiently thick,your prescription is treatable at present with a thin-flap technique and the Visx Star S4 laser platform .There is a 20% possibility of the need for enhancement treatment within a year but you should become independent of the need for glasses for your distance vision. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi, I keep seeing that surgeons won't perform laser eye surgery if you have dry eyes already. I get dry eyes when I wear contacts and they are often uncomfortable-does this mean I would not be eligable for surgery?

Dry Eyes

You may not be suitable for lasik treatment if your tear function is poor however lasek does not cause dry eyes and may be suitable for you. There are many causes for contact lens intolerance other than dry eyes so the first step is a proper evaluation before considering any laser treatment. Book in for an assessment and we can determine what exactly is the problem and solution. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi how are you doing. Im 23 years old and had a lazy eye as a child. I wore a patch and it went away. In the last 6 months its come back in a big way. I dont have it 7 days a week but it is quite a problem. Im not sure of my presciption but I am long sighted. Is there anything that can be done? also what price etc.

 Lazy Eye "amblyopia"

Yes, laser treatment can improve the weaker eye to its maximum potential vision but this may only be wortwhile if the vision improves on examination at a free consultation in the clinic. Alternatively, a recent eye examination result would give us more information and help us determine the potential vision. John Fenton FRCSI

 

My right eye contact lens prescription is -5.75 & my optometrist has advised me that I have developed astigmatism. I have always had a left lazy eye so would not be interested in correcting the vision in it. What are my options for my right eye & how much € are we talking? (I live in west of Ireland). Thanks!

Lasik or Lasek?

You could possibly have either lasik or lasek treatments depending on the health,thickness and symmetry of your cornea.The cost varies between 1000 and 1275 euro . The first step is a proper consultation and assessment to discuss the relative benefits and advantages of one treatment versus the other. John Fenton FRCSI

im 16 and my prescription is -4.75 for contacts lenses, will that prescription change when i get older? and can i get Laser eye surgery done at what age?

Minimum age for laser eye surgery

Your prescription may change over the next few years so I would advise you to wait untill your prescription is stable . If your prescription is stable for at least 18 months you could have treatment at age 19 or 20 however the possibility of becoming undercorrected (becoming myopic again) is high and the possibility of enhancement becoming necessary is approximately 30%. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi, I'm 35 and am -4.5 in both eyes with astigmation in the right eye and from reading your Q & A section I think I would be able to have the surgery done. However, I get very weak when it comes to needles of any sort/injections etc - is it possible to get "knocked out" for the surgery?

Anaesthesia

Yes . It would be simple to treat your prescription. Different forms of sedation or anaesthesia can be chosen however we find that if our patients are informed and the procedure explained, very few need anything other than verbal reassurance and relaxing music in the operating room. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi, I'm 36 years old and have battled with my eyes all my life. I have a bad astigmation in both eyes. I cant even get glasses that can give me good vision.

Astigmatism

There is a maximum reliable, predictable and effective level of astigmatism that the wavefront driven and tracking software can deliver the excimer laser beam. In our experience upto 6 dioptres can be successfully treated with mitomycin by lasek or lasik. Mixed astigmatism is more likly to result in a myopic shift following treatment and is less sucessful.This is why we like to refract our patients ourselves and not rely on other peoples measurements. John Fenton FRCSI

Hi, my prescription is high and my glasses don't even give me good vision, my optometrist has said that he cant give me stronger glasses and this is the best vision i can get. I am so frustrated about my eyes I'm 36 and have had this problem all my life. my prescription is +2.00 3.50 135/+1.75 2.50 40

High Astigmatism

Laser treatment can potentially give you better vision than you have with your glasses as there are a lot of optical aberrations caused by the spectacles in astigmatism .You need to start with a thorough examination and assessment at the clinic and discuss your options. Your prescription is within the treatable zone if the rest of the ocular examination is normal. John Fenton FRCSI

MY PRESCRIPTION IS LEFT EYE +2.00 3.50 135 RIGHT EYE +1.75 2.50 40.would I be suitable for laser

Wavefront or Lasek

Yes using wavefront-guided lasik or Lasek. John Fenton FRCSI

My right eye is +0.50sph and -0.75Cyl, 175.0 Axis. My left is +0.75sph and -0.50cyl, 179.0 Axis. Would i be suitable for laser in both or even one of my eyes?

Small Prescription

This is a very small prescription. You may not get a huge benefit from treatment and it depends on your age as well as a cycloplegic refraction so a full assessment is required initially. John Fenton FRCSI

Diabetes

Hello I have type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Would these conditions prevent me from having laser surgery?

Diabetes not a problem

No, It is safe and effective in order to get rid of your glasses. A thorough examination of the retina and the eye for diabetic eye disease is required initially and if everything is healthy Lasek treatment could be recommended. John Fenton FRCSI

-7.0 myopia in both eyes


Hi there, Had a consult in another clinic and told that at -7.0 myopia in both eyes with corneal thickness of 500 micro mm and 490 in left eye I am not suitable for lasik/lasek and Phakic IOLs would be better for me. would your clinic have better technology where lasik/lasek could be performed?very cautious about whole procedure

LaserVision have the latest technology

Yes , I believe we have more experience and better laser technology to treat this type of prescription . We have many sucessfully treated patients in this category. Come and talk to us with a suitability assessment in the clinic. John Fenton FRCSI

hi, i ve had checked for laser treatment but my eyes to back they said there was another operation they could do, what is it called?

Different Procedures

There are many different operations for different conditions but lasik and in particular lasek is the safest. Perhaps it is the Phakic IOL or implantable Lens that you are referring to? John Fenton FRCSI

High Prescription

Hi there, am really interested in getting eye lasersurgery however my prescription is quite high. My left eye is -11.25 cyc -2.75 and axis 25, my right eye is -10.00, cyc -3.50 and axis 156. Is this an option or would IOL be more suitable. Thanks.

IOL more suitable

IOL is definitely more suitable but carries a higher complication rate of 1-3 % John Fenton FRCSI

High Astigmatism and Lasik Risk Good day. What are the expected outcomes of Lasik surgery on the following prescription: R: +2.25 -5.75x86 L: +2.50 -.5.50 x 85 What is the realistic possibility of my not needing glasses/contact lenses after the procedure? Should I still need a correction, would I still be abler to comfortably wear soft toric lenses? Based on my prescription alone, am I at any ADDITIONAL risk to other patients that I should be aware (assuming my cornea is thick enough, tear film and general eye health is good)? Many thanks in anticipation of your answer.

High Astigmatism

The options are limited as the degree of mixed astigmatism is very high. It depends on the degree of functional difficulty you are experiencing. There are more frequent complications with the combination of  Phakic Toric  intra-ocular lens and subsequent lasek treatment than conventional laser treatments. However, depending on your age and lens maturity, cataract surgery  with additional lasek or lasik may be a better alternative. I wouldn't rush particularly if you are not having a great deal of trouble at present! john Fenton FRCSI

Long sighted with lazy eye

I am 28 and long sighted with a lazy right eye. i am wondering if i am a suitable
candidate for lazer eye surgery?

Lazy eye

It depends entirely on your best vision corrected with glasses or contacts . If your vision is improved significantly then it is very probable that you are a candidate. You need a full examination and discussion . Results can be excellent with the correct procedure and you should not need glasses or contacts ever again  John Fenton FRCSI

+7 Corrective Options

I am a 34 year old man and a +7 glasses and contact lens wearer. I was wondering if there are any new corrective surgery options available to me? Is there anything new that is not so invasive?

new options for high plus prescription

The two options for treatment are lasik and phakic intra-ocular implants. Both techniques are invasive with the lasik option less so . The technology in laser treatment is constantly being updated and improved and results are better now than ever previously. A full suitability assessment will determine the best technique to choose and the relative benefits of one versus the other can be explained fully. Your age is an important consideration as is your visual requirements. John Fenton FRCSI

Lazy eye in adults

Do you treat lazy eye (amblyopia) in adults?

amblyopia- "lazy eye "

When vision is asymmetrical between eyes as a child , if glasses are not worn sometimes the vision does not develop fully in the weaker eye. This is called amblyopia. Laser treatment will correct the vision to its maximum potential but it depends on what level of potential is present to determine if the treatment is worth pursuing. Often lazy eye can be accompanied by a "squint" or a turn in the eye position which may benefit from a different type of surgery. In short a full examination is required before any determination can be made. John Fenton FRCSI

blade less eye treatment

Hi, im interested in the blade less surgery and was wondering what is the price of this using the lasik wave front method.

cost of wavefront lasek

Wavefront Lasek is also 'blade free' and costs 2,900. In addition there is a 15% discount for VHI and Quinn Healthcare members. You are also entitled to a 20% tax rebate so the net cost is 2030 euro. See http://www.laservision.ie/content/pricing-and-finance for details. LaserVision admin.

+5.25 -1.5x 180 l +4.75x -1.00x 165 R

I have a lazy eye in my left eye and am desperate to find a surgeon who would be willing to correct my vision. I understand hat I may experiance double vision but I am willing to take this chance. I am 27 and want to be an RCMP I am willing to pay and travel for this surgery if you know anyone who can do this surgery please contact me at marriott.crystal@live.ca I was told yesterday that I am not a candidite for Lasik because of my lazy eye. There has to be someone out there who can do it.

Astigmatism

Hi, I am just enquiring what are the odds that i would be suitable for your treatment. My contact eye measurments are as follows Right -4.00 -1.50 *180 left -2.75 -1.50 *180 I realise it would be impossible to give me a definite answer without a visit but if you could give me an indication it would be great

astigmatism

We can treat up to 6 Dioptres of astigmatism with our laser so you are well within the successful treatable range if all other factors and examinations are within normal limits. John Fenton FRCSI

Suitablility and nystagmus

My prescription is RE:+3.25/-0.25X80 and LE:+5.00/-2.00X5, I also have nystagmus in my left eye. Would I be suitable for laser eye treatment or is my prescription too strong?

nystagmus

It depends on what type of nystagmas you have. There are latent types which are easily treated with very good results and manifest types which cannot be treated unless the eye is " frozen" or immobilised with anesthetic .A thorough clinical examination is the first step. Book a consultation with us and I will advise you if you are treatable or not. John Fenton FRCSI

not suitable for laser eye surgery?

Hi - I've just been told over the phone whilst setting up a consultation that I'm not suitable for laser eye surgery. Prescription is: Right +2.00(SPH) -2.50(Cyl) 20(Axis) Left +2.00(SPH) -2.75(Cyl) 10 (Axis) I'm age 44. Reviewing details on major company websites I don't understand why this presciprion precludes me from having laser eye surgery. Can you explain please? Thanks.

Suitability

This doesn't make any sense to me. At a minimum you deserve an examination and discussion by a refractive surgeon. This prescription is well within the range of treatments with excellent results with our laser platform. Call or email us and set up a free consultation. John Fenton FRCSI

High risk?

Hi John, Would it be advisable to get laser surgery for a very high level of nearsightedness : I've got -9.5/-1.50 x 135 in the right eye, -8.75/-1.75x40 in the left, and my cornea thickness is 580. Many Thanks, C McDonald

high prescrption

At one level yes, it is possible as your cornea is sufficiently thick to achieve full correction with laser treatment but there are a number of issues that need to be discussed and there are other alternatives including Phakic Implants. A lot depends on the health of your eye, age, tear function and retina. A detailed examination and discussion of the issues is required. John Fenton FRCSI

Eye prescription

Am i suitable for the laser threatment? Right Left Sph Cyl Axis Prism Sph Cyl Axis Prism 2.50 4.5 40 - 1.00 4.00 130 -

Prescription insufficent information

A prescription by itself is insufficient information to answer this question however there is nothing that unusual about the numbers you have described if everything else in the examination was healthy and average. John Fenton FRCSI

Blurred vision after customised wavefront lasik

I had laser eye surgery two days ago to correct far sightedness +6.25 in both eyes with astigmatism, my vision is really blurry and the only clarity of vision I have is in close range. I can appreciate that there is no guarantee of 100% correction with my high prescription and i have been told that things should improve in time as it heals but how much better can things improve the laser has re-shaped the cornea now so surely the results should be evident. I need some re-assurance that things will get better as I am missing my old vision that I had with my glasses.

Post op recovery time

It takes several weeks for everything to heal and vision to attain full potential. be patient--it is early days yet ! John Fenton FRCSI

Bladeless Lasik(intralase) Vs Lasik with blade

Hi there, Can you clarify why you don't use intralase technology and maybe point out the pros and cons of using it?

The complications from INTRALASE

The complications from LASIK INTRALASE are more serious and more frequent than lasek wavefront treatment and more patients see better with Lasek treatment than Intralase. It is more expensive and has more problems associated with it. John Fenton FRCSI

Same question re contact lenses

Good question, I too have found that with 3 different clinics I am being told 3 different timeframes - (1) 24 hours, (2) a week and (3) 2 weeks?

There is no standard answer

There is no standard answer. Soft contact lens make very little change to corneal shape for assessment purposes unlike GPC or hard contacts. Most surgeons advise soft lens be left out for a week prior to treatment and will repeat measurements again on the day of treatment to recheck if there are any significant changes which is very rare. John Fenton FRCSI

Contact lenses

How long do you have to leave contact lenses out before assessment? One clinic is saying 24 hours, another 2 weeks -is there not a general standard?

25 years old my prescription

Hi im 25 years old my right eye is -4.50 -2.75x060 left eye is -3.00 -2.25 x140 Many thanks

25 years old

I would recommend wavefront guided lasek treatment for this young astigmatic prescription as the iris recognition software with the Visx system gives excellent results and no complications. John Fenton FRCSI

age 19 stable prescription

hi im 19 with a prescription of R -2.50/ -0.75 x 23 and L -2.50/ -0.75 x 160. my prescription has been stable for the last 4 years and I am just wondering am I suitable for surgery?

19 years

You may be .It is possible (20% likelihood ) that your prescription could advance by 1 dioptre or more in a few years which would mean that you could have to have additional top-up laser then to keep you 20/20 but even that may not be necessary. John Fenton FRCSI

Eye correction with astigmatism

With my prescription for astigmatism - Right +3.25 / +3.50 / 7 1/2 and Left +2.75 / 4.25 /162 1/2 I have been advised to wait until I need another prescription for reading to have any form of eye correction, but this could be anytime from 1 - 10/15 years, not sure I can wait until then. I have also been told that my eyes are not suitable to wear contacts. Please advise me what I can do for the best. Located: Slough, Berkshire, England,

Astigmatism

You have high astigmatism. You may still be suitable as we treat up to 6 Dioptres commonly and you appear to only have 4 Dioptres but it depends on your total eye examination. Find an experienced surgeon to advise you and don't wait years to see if there is any change. If you are an adult and mature there is unlikely to be much change. John Fenton FRCSI

suppressed immune system

Hi, I was just wondering if it is generally advisable for someone with a suppressed immune system (due to taking azathioroprine (imuran) for crohn's disease) to get laser eye surgery? Thanks

immune suppression

In general, a suppressed immune system can have a increased chance of complications such as infection or inflammation. Also there is a higher incidence of dry eye and for this reason I prefer not to perform lasik. However lasek and lasik has been performed safely in a large published series of well controlled patients in the US with adequate prophylactic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication, so it can be safely and successfully performed. Provided there is careful control and treatment it can be performed but not as a routine. Personally I have performed 6 cases without complications . Contact lens wear have a high incidence of complications for these patients also so it is not a clear cut yes or no for surgery as an alternative. John Fenton FRCSI

price of laser treatment

Hi, could you tell me a rough price of how much laser treatment would cost if my prescribtion is -4.50 in both eyes with having a slight Stigmatism in my left eye? Many thanks Edel

LaserVision do not charge by prescription

Laservision does not charge different prices for different prescriptions unlike other clinics. The cost is 2000 euro for both eyes to be treated with standard lasik or lasek treatment or 2550 euro if wavefront guided lasik or lasek is chosen. Only a particular type of patient with astigmatism, glare, large pupils or large prescription benefits from wavefront treatment so depending on the assessments this is the total cost including surgery, aftercare for a year, medication and any further treatments as well as a lifetime guarantee of clear vision and satisfaction. John Fenton FRCSI

Orbital Myosis

I have had 2 episodes of Orbital Myosis within the past 5 years. I am told it may come back again. It didn't affect my vision which is -6 & -6.5. I did go for consultations for laser a couple of years ago but was told I was not suitable as my cornea was too thin but I may be suitable for the contact lens implant. Would you consider someone who has had an orbital inflammatory disease?

inflammatory disease

Further investigations would need to be done. Auto-immune inflammatory disease which may include orbital myositis is a relative contraindication for refractive surgery but there is also good evidence that it can be safely performed if the underlying condition is under control. On balance I would not encourage refractive treatment. John Fenton FRCSI

Thin cornea and high prescription

I have since obtained the following info - my cornea depth is 491. My prescription is -8 and and -7.75. Would you still advise against LASEK? I am a little scared of the alternative. I would be happy to wear contacts however I have noticable blood vessels on the white of my eye which I think is due to years of contact lens wear. I wear high oxygen lenses and take them out every night but I struggle even with these. Thanks again for your advice, Catherine

thickness of 490

That's a little better than initial impression. Treating your prescription with tissue sparing lasek treatment and mitomycin use would remove approximately 96 microns leaving approximately 400 remaining which is reasonable . Yes I would consider Lasek but there are alternatives. You need a consultation to discuss this properly. John Fenton FRCSI

Surgery whilst pregnant

Can you tell me if the surgery can be carried out whilst pregnant or would I have to wait until after the baby was born??

pregnancy

All elective surgical procedures are postponed usually untill 4-6 months post - partum and laser surgery is no different. There are slight changes in the cornea during pregnancy and it is best to wait untill the tissue returns to normal before any surgery. Sometimes there is an increase in the prescription which returns to normal within 3 months on average. John Fenton FRCSI

High prescription and thin cornea

I have been told I am only suitable for LASEK surgery due to thin corneas. My prescription is very high (-8). I have also read that due to the correction required coupled with the thin corneas I would be considered high risk. I would be grateful to know your thoughts. I am not sure of the exact depth of cornea but I know it is in 400's. What is the minimum depth you would consider surgery for my high prescription, thanks, Catherine

thin cornea 400 and -8 prescription

There are other alternatives than lasek here including phakic IOLs I would consider first. There is a risk of "haze " with this prescription treated by lasek even if mitomycin medication is used. Yes I have treated a prescription as high as this on the surface but not on somebody with this corea so thin. I wouldn't advise it but discuss alternatives again with your surgeon before making a decision. John Fenton FRCSI

Methotrexate

Hi, I'm aged 46 and taking 15mgs of methotrexate once a week for treatment of Arthritis. Another eye clinic said I was unsuitable for laser surgery while on methotrexate due to the remote possibility of the cornea dissolving on contact with the laser (owing to immuno suppresant effect of thus drug). They said I would need to be off my treatment for c. 3 months prior to any surgery but my Rheumatologist does not want me to stop treatment. Do you have any experience of operating on patients taking this drug? Any thoughts or advice on this?

Methotrxate

Yes . I have operated on many patients who are taking immunosupressants without stopping their medication. This can only be done in close consultation with the Rheumatologist and using lasek is my preferance for small ( up to -4D) treatments only. 

Any hope for strong + prescription

I have a high prescription R +6.5 sph, -1.5 Cyl, 110 axis. L +6.5 sph, -1.0Cyl, 60 axis. Also +1.75 L & R for reading. I am 49 & wearing glasses for 40 years. is this outside the correction range of lasers? thanks Frank

Outside range

No, you are not outside of possible range numerically but it really depends on your corneal thickness and tear film. This prescription is at the higher end of the scale anf the possibility of a need for enhancement is approximately 20% ie a second treatment may be necessary to maximize the potential vision . There are other alternatives including phakic IOLs and cataract surgery " clear lens exchange " with a multifocal lens and each alternative has pros and cons -- It really is best to discuss this with a consultation before we decide what is best for you. John Fenton FRCSI

i am short sighted just

i am short sighted just wondering will i be able to get rid of my glasses altogether if i have laser surgery?

Short-sighted

Yes, that is the entire reason for refractive surgery --- to remove the need for and dependence upon spectacles for clear vision. With the advances in technology it has become even more accurate,safer and suitable for a wider range of patients than previously. John Fenton FRCSI

Difference between R & L Prescription

Hi, my OS is -1.25 -1.00 x 115 and my OD is -10.00 -0.75 x 93 Is the right eye within treatment parameters? Would there be any issues with correction of such disparate prescriptions? Thank you.

Unilateral High myopia

Yes both the type of treatment, recovery time and potential benefits and risks are entirely different. The issues of the correction of these prescriptions will be the dependant on the examination, corneal thickness and shape (topography), retinal examination and potential vision. Sometimes the highly myopic eye does not have 100% potential (amblyopia ). Different sizes of the image taken from each eye are best corrected by surgery as compared to glasses. Other methods can be performed than laser vision correction with different potential problems such as phakic IOLs or clear lens extraction depending on the quantity of best corrected visual acuity, corneal thickness and of course the age of the patient. John Fenton FRCSI

Is Laser surgery for me.

My perscription is Right eye sphere -2.00 cyl - 1.00 Axis 60 Left Eye sphere -10.00 cyl -1.00 Azis 20 Would laser sugery be possible , especially on the left eye. Because the big difference in both eyes, the opticians will not correct the left eye completely, only to - 6.00 lense . could laser surgery work for me?

High unilateral Myopia

Yes at the very least , Refractive surgery could improve your vision to the level that is acheived with contact lens but a more complete examination is required than simply stating this. Your situation is unusual and the optical effects of equalising your vision with glasses or contacts may result in different image size, (aniseikonia). Sometimes we find that a phakic implant gives the best result in this situation. John Fenton FRCSI

Insurance cover

I have Tricare prime insurance and I have been wondering if they will cover me for lasik surgery. On their page it says covered only to relieve astigmatism following a corneal transplant. So I ask with my prescription can you tell me will this qualify me. O.D. (right) SPH: -10.00 CYL: -2.25 AXIS: 173 O.S. (left) SPH: -9.50 CYL: -2.50 AXIS: 007 THANKS SO MUCH

Insurance cover

Unless you have had a corneal transplant it sounds unlikely your insurance will cover you. Refractive surgery is performed at a discounted rate for members of VHI insurance and Quinn healthcare in the Laservision clinic. John Fenton FRCSI

Business

I read in last Sunday?s Business Post that two Dublin eye clinics are in examinership. I am worried about booking my surgery in case there are problems and I will need aftercare. Presume I am safer to book one of the hospital clinics instead? Is Laservision still open for business?

Business

Yes, LaserVision is still open for business. Obviously people are slower to book surgery during the current climate when jobs are at risk etc. but most are aware that a once off cost for surgery saves on annual contact lenses, prescription glasses etc Wavefront bilateral surgery is more than 1,000 euro cheaper at our clinic than the hospital clinics. LaserVision is owned and managed by medical consultants not business men. We do not have huge overheads and a large chain of clinics to fill so no need / plans to re-structure the business.

enhancement

i am due to have enhancement surgery-less than a yr after initial surgery. are there greater risks with enhancement? is the eye not still v weak from the first surgery? could my eye sight actually be worse from enhancement? i also am the 1% or 2% which has corneal abraison,my lens is loose and needs to be corrected with laser-is this procedure risky & if it didnt work the first time, how do i know if it will work the 2nd time and my lens will be ok? Am nervous about having to have these two things done again-can you advise? thanks.

enhancement

Enhancement is considered if the refraction (prescription) changes following laser treatment. Sometimes this is a natural change with time (as can happen without surgery) and occasionally it is due to a mild regression or minimal reversal of the treatment effect. It is rarely more than 10% of the original amount of prescription initially treated. So if a patient had a treatment of -5 dioptres treated less than 5% of patients can regress on average approximately -0.5 Dioptre with slight distance blurring. It is easy and safe to retreat particularly with lasek (surface enhancement ) and should not recur again. Another rare complication after lasek is Corneal Erosion and can occur in 0.1% of patients Syndrome. In this case the surface skin may not be as adherent as normal in a small area leading to symtoms of a tearing sensation classically after opening eye in the morning. It usually responds to lubricant and heals itself by closing the eye for 2 hours and never affects the sight. If this is not sufficient and if it persists laser resurfacing called PTK can cure the problem. This is very similar to lasek .It is a very safe and effective treatment. John Fenton FRCSI

+5.50 military

I'm currently active duty military and was curious about something. The optomitrist i saw told me they could only correct up to +3.00 vision, my eyesight is +5.50 in each eye. The comment below is saying treatment is possible up to +6. I desperately want my eyes fixed, because next year i plan on getting out of the Navy to join the Marine Corps, and i do not want to go through bootcamp again with magnifying glasses on my eyes, that is so embarassing.

+5.5D far -sightedness

Your prescription can be treated. However, it is up to each individual surgeon to decide what in his experience he is happy to treat. I have many successfull cases with this prescription. The incidence of enhancement is higher approx 20% and there may be some regression but the goal of being independent of glasses should be achievable if the examination of the eye is otherwise healthy. John Fenton FRCSI

Am I suitable?

I Have been told about 2 Years ago that i was unsuitable for laser eye surgery, but that I am suitable for ICL. My prescription is Left :+5.25 cyl -0.5 Axis 10.0. Right: +5.5 cyl -0.25 Axis 130.0 I would prefer laser eye surgery, has there been any advances since my last consultation. Alison McCann, Newry.

Advances in Treatment parameters

Indeed there has been . Treatment is now approved for Hyperopia up to +6 D using the Visx S4 laser that we have in our Dublin Clinic so if your cornea is healthy and your eye examination normal you may be suitable for Laser treatment to correct your vision. A proper consultation with one of our Surgeons will determine your suitability. John Fenton FRCSI

Who carries out actual procedure?

I just wanted to check who carries out the actual laser procedure? Also my optician recommended that I go to one of the big 3 clinics (Blackrock, Mater, Beacon) and I was wondering what the difference is between these 3 and your clinic with particular regard to the qualifications of the person carrying out the procedure, the initial consultation and the after-care?

Differences between three clinics

Essentially the treatment is being given by different surgeons but otherwise there isn't any difference. . The same laser platform is used . However the cost varies.

Quality of care at LaserVision

At the LaservVsion Clinic all the initial consultations, surgery and all aftercare is done by one of our Consultant Eye Surgeons, either Mr Fenton or Professor Moore. Both are on the Specialist Register in Ophthalmic Surgery of the Irish Medical Council and are experienced Refractive Specialists with several thousand cases previously performed. Both hold the Qualifications of fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and in addition Mr Fenton is an American Board Certified Ophthalmologist and holds a Fellowship in Vitreo-retinal Surgery. Mr Moore holds a Phd . All details are published on the Medical Team page of our website.

Conflicting Opinions?

I have been for a laser consultation in two places. The first said I was not suitable and the second said that I would be suitable so long as I did not show symptoms of Keracatonus and that I had a stable prescription. My contact lense presciption is Left: -5.00, CYL -1.75, Ax 150. Right: -6.00, CYL -0.75 AX 20. I have quite big pupils, 7. I have relatively thin corneas, at the thinnest part they are 480 microns. One of my concerns is that if I have big pupils maybe they will need to take away more of the cornea? Would wavefront be beneficial to me perhaps? I do not know what to do or what to think??

Different opinions

It would be best to havre a thorough examination with an experienced surgeon. Some "commercial" laser centres rely on opticians who are not qualified nor experienced at reading corneal maps to outrule keratoconus..Astigmatism can give a similar but distinctly different appearance and this may all that you have meaning you may be suitable for Lasek treatment. If there is any evidence of keratoconus other alternative treatments may be more effective such as cross-linking. It would also be important to evaluate any changes over the last few years too. It really is worth getting a proper consultation -- most surgeons will have the same opinion and will not advise treatment if there are risks or evidence of keratoconus. John Fenton FRCSI.

Do I Need to have worn glasses?

Hi, I am 32 years old and have never worn glasses. I have over the past 18 months or so noticed a deterioration in my long range eye sight (I play a fair bit of golf and was finding it more difficult to track my ball in the distance). I went to an optician and was told I was myopic (I think) and given a prescription for glasses. I didn't get glasses at the time and have been putting up with the problem since. Would I need to have worn glasses prior to being considered for laser surgery?

need to be wearing glasses

Small amounts of myopia are very easy to treat It is not necessary to have worn glasses but if your dependency is so small the benefit will be small also. Your vision will be improved for sure but I'm not so certain about your golf! John Fenton FRCSI

Thin corneas

Hello,about 4 years ago, whilst i was qualify for the Police Dept, i was told i had a corneal thickness of 330 in my left eye, and 380 in my right eye. Do you think i will have any problems in the future regarding the health of my eyes? Id really appreciate some feedback. Needless to say, i couldnt get laser surgery and didnt get in the Police Dept because of it. thanks and regards.

thin corneas 330 um

This is extremely thin and I am surprised. The average thickness is 550 um so you are only 60% of average. What is your prescription ? There are other alternative ways to correct your vision rather than Lasik which may be suitable for you. Phakic Implants work well if the eye is healthy but your age is another consideration. John Fenton FRCSI

Drug interactions

Is anything known about various medications and their possible affect on laser vision surgery? I have an anxiety disorders/benzodiazepines chronic pain/opiates - I know that some medications can affect pupil size. Would this make a difference?

anti-anxiety medication

Yes, some of these medications are "anti-cholinergic" which means that they cause the muscle within the eye responsible for near vision or "zoom focus" to work more slowly . This could cause inaccuracies in measurements and consequently treatment if we did not counteract the effect of these medications at the assessment with special drops. This is particularly relevant for patients who are far-sighted. This is why it is important all assessments are performed by the surgeon and not by opticians and paramedical staff. John Fenton FRCSI

Thin Corneas

I recently went to another laser eye surgery for a consultation and was told I was unsuitable for laser eye surgery as I have thin corneas and a relatively high perscription (-4.75 and -5.45). Is it worth getting a second opinion?

Thin Corneas -- Second opinion

Definately worth a second opinion. Different Clinics use different technology and diferent surgeons have widely different experiences and skills. Often patients with thin corneas are best considered for Lasek treatment although using " Thin Flap " technology it is often still possible to do Lasik sucessfully and safely. It is posible that this other clinic does not have the latest technology available and are limited in what can be offered. A full re-evaluation is the best approach. John Fenton FRCSI

Very High Prescription

I have read your comment about prescriptions regarding -8D and - 9D.What is the success rate of doing it on a prescription of -13D with asigamatism of -1.25D , with a relatively thick and healthy cornea.

-13D very high myopia

The best form of treatment here is phakic intra-ocular lens or clear cataract surgery. I would not do Lasik on this high high a prescription. The results in this category would have a high regression rate and stability and long term corneal bio-mechanics could be reduced. I dont believe this is safe or prudent. John Fenton FRCSI

Blurred Vision

I am still on FML drops for another week and the blink drops as well, I was concerned as the blurriness has gotten worse over the last few days. Is there added complications due the fact I had Lasik done first? Could you tell me why Lasek would be chosen for the second precedure when they went for Lasik in the beginning? I've asked my Optmalogist but I am not getting very clear answers..

Are my eyes stable?

I read on another forum that eyes can never be totally stable and what surgeons mean by this is your eyes should only have changed minimal amount i.e less than +0.5 or -0.5 in last two years, is this true?

Unstable refraction

Laser surgery will correct the prescription in your eyes at the time of surgery, so if it is changing then the refraction may not be fully corrected and subsequent retreatment or enhancement may be necessary. There are no hard numbers on what constitutes a change however different examiners may find slightly different results on the same day. It is best to have the prescription measured by the same surgeon on two different occasions for consistency and reliability. John Fenton FRCSI

Blurred Vision

I had Lasik done in July, my vision never cleared to 20:20 vision and so an enhancement procedure was performed 3 weeks ago, this time Lasek was carried out, I am still getting very blurry vision in my right eye to the point where i cannot work and the left eye is still very poor, I've been back and have been assured there is no infection, that the blurriness may be due to swelling after the operation. I was just wondering if there are any other reasons that this could happen?"

lasek enhancement after lasik

3 weeks is not long enough for full recovery after lasek. However any symptons like this ought to have improved by 6 weeks. You should keep in close contact with your surgeon . It is possible to develop complications such as inflammation or infection but it is exceedingly rare .Are you on any medication such as anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops? John Fenton FRCSI

Technology - any better for me?

Hi, I'm 37 and assessed over two years ago and wasn't suitable. (Short sighted and astig.) The clinic I went to said they only treat up to about 3.5 astig, but I have about 5.5. I can't get contact lenses and can only choose certain glasses frames. Do you think there is any hope?!

5.5 D of astigmatism

The latest generations of excimer lasers allow surgeons to treat up to 6D of astigmatism with laser eye surgery provided the cornea is sufficiently thick and healthy. We would need to examine you very carefully initially to be exact about suitability however 5.5D can be corrected safely and sufficiently by our laser platform.Perhaps the clinic that rejected you has one of the older lasers that only treat up to 2D. John Fenton FRCSI

Epilepsy

I have epilepsy which is controlled by medication. My last seizure was over 6 years ago. I went to another clinic and they told me that they do not do any treatments on people with epilepsy. Is it possible for me to have the surgery or do you not recommend it for somebody like myself?

Epilepsy

I have treated 2 patients with epilepsy (non-photopically induced ) who have not had a seizure in 2 years and are controlled on medication with their physician or neurologist?s approval and knowledge. I only treat these patients with lasek and careful alignment with wavefront guided treatment. Patients who suffer from epilepsy should not be denied treatments provided it doesn?t interfere or increase risks of complications. J Fenton

Phakic IOl's and astigmatism

I've similar question -was told Phakic IOl's a better option for me as I've bad astigmatism. Is this true?

Astigmatism and Phakic IOLs

Astigmatism is sucessfully treated up to 6 Dioptres with laser treatment on the cornea. Occasionally a retreatment is necessary to fine tune or top-up the prescription a few months later. Suitability depends on corneal thickness and the overall health of the cornea. Higher prescriptions than 6Dioptres and it is better to have an implant. What is your prescription ? J Fenton

Phakic IOL's

A friend is getting Phakic IOL's instead of laser eye surgery. How do these work and are they better?

Phakic IOLs

Phakic IOls are like hard contact lens that are implanted into the anterior portion of the eye and attached by small claws to the iris (coloured part of the eye). They are a good alternative to laser treatment when patients have high prescriptions and thin corneas but the most important measurement is that there is adequate depth in this small space to allow the lens to sit correctly and not rub against the back of the cornea. J Fenton

Age related

Hi, I am aged 55 and require specs for reading. I would like to get rid of these as they are such a nuisance. I am always losing them. I am wondering if I am suitable as my condition is age related. I have perfect long sight.

Reading glasses

It is possible to have refractive surgery for presbyopia (need for reading glasses) and there are many different techniques with different satisfaction levels post-operatively. One option is multifocal lens implants (similar to cataract surgery) which allows for the ability to focus for near (reading) as well as distance (driving vision). The older a patient is, the more this procedure becomes a good option as we all develop lens changes (cataract) as we grow older . However there are other alternatives including procedures such as CK and monovision. A detailed examination and counselling is required to discuss the different options and a lot depends on the health of your eyes and your visual requirements as well as your motivation. John Fenton FRCSI

Astigmatism

I was told after a consultation with another clinic in 2006 that I was unsuitable for surgery as I have astigmatism and dry eye. I have an unbalanced prescription -5.50 left and -2.00 right. The left eye is getting progressively worse as I get older - I am 32 and work with computers every day. Due to advancements in technology is it still likely that I would be unsuitable?

unsuitability

Lasek is still possible for mildly dry eyes and works well. The astigmatism does not seem very high and you should still be suitable. I really would prefer to examine before commenting but nothing you have described yet seems to make you unsuitable if the correct procedure and technology is used. Come and schedule an assessment and we can examine you properly ! J Fenton

Post Op Strabismus Complication

Hi, I had strabismus surgery one week ago and am having some complications from it. First of all, when I go to work (a drug store and also other stores, it's weird) my eye become very itchy and painful and it feels like a foreign object is in there. Also, there is a painful red circle around my eye that goes up to my eyebrow and down to the top of my cheekbone. Does this sound like an infection? An allergic reaction to something? I am at a loss...

post-op

Your symptons are not uncommon after squint surgery-- call your surgeon and let him know -- he may want to check you himself with a thorough examination. Infections are extremly uncommon as we usually keep patients on antibiotic drops for several weeks. J Fenton

Diabetic

Is it dangerous for me to have laser eye surgery as I am diabetic?

Diabetes

No, It is safe to have refractive surgery done provided your diabetes is well controlled and you have minimal diabetic retinopathy. Unconrolled diabetes can cause a fluctuation in refraction .Severe diabetics should not have lasik but lasek is a good alternative. J Fenton

High prescription

Does laser eye surgery work for high prescriptions ? I've -8 right eye and -9 left.

High Prescriptions

Provided your cornea is reasonably thick and healthy with no dry eye this prescription can be easily and safely performed. Often we use tissue -sparing techniques and thin flaps to fully correct high prescriptions and still leave room for enhancement which may be necessary in up to 5-10% of these category. J Fenton

Contact lenses and swimming

Is it safe to wear contact lenses and swim? Somebody on another discussion board said it is very dangerous and you had to avoid swimming altogether (even without the lenses) as there is a risk of infection when you put them back in.

contact lens infections

One of the most common reasons patients seek laser treatment is the problems associated with contact lens ,ie dry eyes, intolerance, infections and cost ( approx ?400 per year). Infections are rare but can be devastating to your sight if they develop. The most common reason is storing lens unhygienically or developing infection in dirty environments such as swimming pools. Most people remove their contacts before swimming but it is just as important to wash your hands carefully when handling contacts . Laser eye surgery is a good permanent and cost effective solution to these problems if patients are suitable and treated correctly. JFenton

Both eyes same day

Why do some clinics do both eyes on the same day, others don't?

bilateral treatment same day

95% of all refractive surgery is carried out bilaterally. Traditional eye surgery was carried out one eye at a time because the risk of infection with cataract surgery is 7 times higher and bilateral infection would be devastating, Because refractive surgery is much safer the risk of bilateral complications is practically negligible and it has been universally accepted as standard practice to operate on both eyes the same day. Occasionally we still do uniocular surgery if it is indicated or of benefit for example with enhancements or multifocal or phakic lens implants. J Fenton

Computer Work After Surgery

Hi, I am seriously debating laser correction, but am concerned about the healing process, currently spending on average 10 hours a day in front of the computer. I am 25 years old, so afraid that with prolonged use, complications may arise and should therefor, stick to glasses for now? Can you advise

does computer work affect the healing process ?

No, using your eyes visually in any way has no effect on healing. You may however experience symptoms of tiredness, dryness or glare during the first week after Lasik and first 2 weeks after Lasek. It is recommended to use drops to help these symptoms which may make it a little more difficult to work. They settle down quickly after the first week. JFenton

long sighted

Is laser eye surgery any good if you are long sighhted? MP

far-sightedness

Far-sightedness (Hyperopia ) is very effectively treated by Lasik up to approximately +6 Dioptres. However approximately 10% of patients with high prescriptions ( +5 or +6) don?t achieve 100% correction or can regress slightly. These patients may require enhancement or top-up treatment. In our clinic, of the last 200 hyperopic patients all achieved independence from glasses for driving. JFenton

Distance Laser eye surgery

I wear varifocals but I plan to have Laser surgery to correct my distance vision shortly. I will continue to wear glasses for reading but I dont mind that. I am 54 and my distance prescription is +2.75&+3.25 with 050cyl in each eye. My problem is that I have been told that after five or six years maybe even less I may need to wear glasses for driving or maybe more would this be normal with distance surgery?

distance vision permanently corrected

No, your distance vision should be permanently corrected. Jfenton

age 21 or over

I am 19, am I too young for laser eye surgery?

stable prescription

It's best to wait until your prescription can be verified as stable -- usually we like to see the prescriptions over 2 years. Jfenton

Aftercare

Is aftercare covered in your prices and for how long?

aftercare

all aftercare is carried out by the surgeon for up to a year after treatment. Jfenton

Floating 'spots' in my eyes

Hi, For some time now I've had what I can only describe as floating spots in my vision. On sunny days they are particularly bad. Are you familiar with this? Is it treatable? Thanks, Pat Keogh

floaters

The eye is filled with a jelly called vitreous and as we get older sometimes this jelly can be seen as a shadow or floater. 99% of the time it is not significant or vision threatening but rarely it is a sign of retinal disease. A thorough retinal examination by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon can distinguish the difference and should be undertaken if symptoms change or are accompanied by symptoms of flashing lights. JFenton

How long does procedure last?

I am 31. If I get laser eye surgery do I have to get it done again in a few years time?

how long does treament last ?

Laser refractive treatments are permanent and correct distance vision forever. Less than 3% of patients experience any change/ regression or progression and these patients are usually originally of the high prescription variety who can regress approximately 1 dioptre or 10% of original error . People with small prescriptions don?t usually change. The treatment of distance vision does not prevent ageing of the eye and the subsequent need for reading glasses, Laser treatment can be done to correct reading vision also but does not simultaneously correct the distance in the same eye, this combination of distance and reading is called monovision. JFenton

General query

Do all surgeons have to wear latex gloves? the reason I ask is because I have an allergy to latex. What would you do? I've also been told I have thin corneas, what is the minimum thickness that should be left after surgery

latex allergy-- minimum corneal thickness

There are non-latex hypo-allergenic gloves that can be worn by surgeons when operating on allergic patients. The minimum thickness of the residual cornea bed after Lasik is 250 microns plus the flat of approximately 130 microns - so 380-400 microns after lasik is recommended. Pre-operatively if the patient cornea is less than 500 microns most surgeons perform Lasek rather than Lasik . Any patient who has a thin cornea can have Lasek or surface treatment performed as an alternative and this may be biomechanically more stable but takes longer to heal. JFenton

Contact lenses

Somebody said you had to leave your contact lenses off for one month before surgery. I can?t take a month off work and don?t want to wear glasses ?any suggestions?

contact lens removal prior to surgery

Hard contact lens can warp the cornea and need to be removed prior to assessment and treatment. Soft contacts do very little and several days removal is sufficient. If you normally wear hard lenses you could swop to soft for the month before surgery. Usually all measurements are rechecked twice before surgery to ensure optimum measurements and results. J Fenton

Wavefront

It says on your procedure page that some people might not be suitable for Wavefront -can you give some examples? Thanks

suitability for wavefront treatment

Wavefront guided ablations can be applied either with Lasik or Surface/Lasek treatment. It is special software that can enhance the treatment result and is of proven benefit for patients with astigmatism, large pupil size and large (>-6D) prescriptions but is not proven to be better than standard treatment for small prescriptions None the less wavefront treatment removes more corneal tissue than standard treatment .So some patients with a thin cornea and or small prescriptions may be advised that they are not suitable for wavefront treatment. J Fenton

surgery and sun

Can't find this info anywhere -can you go into bright sunlight soon after laser eye surgery? I have sun holiday booked early December and need to work out my dates.

sunlight

Patients often complain of sensitivity to bright light in the first week after eye surgery called photophobia and it is not surprising as the eye heals there is some scattering of light. For the vast majority of patients this symptom disappears within a week. It causes no harm but is a little annoying. Dark sunglasses are helpful for the first few days but using your drops and lubricant drops equally so. Flying after 2 weeks is generally ok provided the drops are ok. J Fenton

technology

I'd assessment about 4 years ago and was told I was unsuitable as my prescription is too high. Has technology improved since then? I don't want ot get my hopes up for no reason

technology improvements

Yes there are constant advances in technology and the recomended treatment parameters have improved year on year. What is yor prescrition and I could give you a rough idea of suitability ( prescription only ) ,You would need to be examined properly by me in the clinic to determine true suitability. JFenton

Surgery

I have two questions. Firstly is the procedure done in a hospital or a clinic (in case anything goes wrong!)? How long do you have to wait before you can fly after the procedure?

location

The treatment is done in a sterile eye surgery theatre in our out-patient clinic. Laser eye surgery clinics do not enerally require in-patient care . In the event of ay unforseen problem our clinic has the ability to have patients admitted to local in-patient hospital facilities. This need has never arisen . You are able to fly comfortably within 2-3 weeks afer lasik and 1-2 weeks after lasek. Occasionally Lasik patients complain of dryness after 2-3 hour flights as the environment is very dry. We recomend wetting drops on these occasions JFenton

Dry eye

I have dry eye and had to stop wearing lenses altogether as eyes were so sore and red. Presume this rules out laser eye surgery? Just asking! Katie

dry eyes

It probably rules out lasik if the redness was caused by dryness. However contact lens themselves can impair tear function so a proper evaluation is still warranted after discontinuation of contact lens wear for 5-6 days. The redness may be due to some other treatable reason and Lasik may be possible Lasek / Surface treatment is probably your best option. Lasek does not interfere with tear function and does not dry the eyes unlike lasik which can dry the eye temporarily for several weeks in susceptible patients .however the visual recovery is longer aprox 5 days as opposed to 24hrs with Lasik. JFentpn

Intralase

Can you explain Intrlase. Is everybody suitable for it and is it a better treatment?

intralase

This is a laser that cuts the lasik flap. It works by laser bubbles cutting or cleaving a plane in the cornea. It can cause complications and is not as safe as lasek but is equal to lasik performed with a microkeratome blade. It can be more painfull and takes longer than conventional Lasik and does have a few unique rare complications. There is no consensus that it is any better than conventional lasik but is probably just as good. Unfortunately it adds an extra cost to the procedure aproximately ?1000 without any firm proof that it is better. JFenton

very nervous

hello.. i'd love to do laser eye treatment.. in fact my hubby will give it to me as a xmas pressie if i choose.. i'm extremely nervous and wonder how to over come this.. also are there any areas in limerick that do it.. thinking of follow ups etc..

nervous

The most important thing to overcome the fear and nerves is to discuss everything with a good surgeon who can reassure you of the safety and effectivness of the possible treatment. Someimes we give a relaxing tablet before the treatment but often listening and talking to other patients at the clinic is enough to remove the fears and smoothen the whole process. John Fenton FRCSI

Night driving

If I've surgery what are the chances of problems with night driving?

night drivng

I have not had a patient complain of nightdriving after surgery for years since the advent of wavefront guided laser treatments . It is very rare provided the patients are selected and screened carefully by an experienced surgeon. John Fenton FRCSI

Reading glasses

I only need glasses to read. I can still see far away. Is laser eye surgery an option or what do you recommend? I am 49.

reading glasses

he option of multifocal impants (clear lens extraction ) needs to be discussed but my advice would be to wait untll you are a little older probably closer to 55 or 60 . John Fenton FRCSI

High Prescription

I have very high prescription, -11.75 in right eye and -11 in left. Do you charge higher rates for high prescriptions?

higher prescripions

No, we dont vary the cost of treatmnt according to prescription . That is called price -baiting and is a marketing ploy used by other clinics. The truth is that it costs no more to treat a -2 myope ( low prescriion ) versus a -10 myope ( high prescription ). The patient is "baited" with for example an advertisement for 595 and after consultation is quoted ?4000 for treatment "as she has a high prescription". As 99% of patients have a presription higher than the 595 price advertised subject to prescription it works well but is totally unethical and misleading. In relation to your prescrition there are different treaments such as phakic IOLs and Lasik and a carefull examination and discussion of the relatives risks and benefits of each option needs to be undertaken with a surgeon (not an optometrist) John Fenton FRCSI

Equipment

I am reading a lot on other websites about ?the latest equipment?. Does this really matter what equipment do you use in laservision and why? Presume the surgeon is more important!

equipment

Every laser clinic will claim to have the best of everything naturally.The American Federal authority investgates and regulates medical equipment through the FDA. The FDA has approved Visx CustomVue treatments as superior and more accurate to all other laser platforms for most categories of patients followed in second place by a platform called allegretto. Of course the surgeon is more important but all else being equal the laser type does have a significant influence on outcomes. John Fenton FRCSI

Very sore eyelids

My eyelids are very sore and itch a lot. I have stopped wearing eye make up, eye creams etc as I presumed I had an allergy to a product. I also get bad headaches from my glasses. Are the two connected and should I get an eye test?

itchy eyelids

yes, it could be a condition called blepharitis and may require antibiotic cream and carefull eyelid scrubbing. You need to be examined by an ophhalmologist . Log onto www.cathedraleye.com and look for blepharitis info John Fenton FRCSI

Contact lenses

How long do you have to stop wearing them before the surgery? Jill

how long do you need to leave contacts out b4 surgery

Approximately a month for hard contact lens and a few days for the soft disposable types John Fenton FRCSI

Thin Corneas

I was told I had thin corneas. Would I still be suitable for treatment? M O?K

thin cornea

Probably unsuitable for Lasik but Surface Lasek treatment is still open as an option depending on your prescription and the actual thickness measured.This is the technique favoured by aviators and US military pilots as it is almost complication free. John Fenton FRCSI

contact sports

I?m considering laser eye surgery but play rugby at competitive level. How long do I have to avoid contact sports after surgery?

contact sports

I usually recomend surface Lasek treatment for people who are involved in contact sports as there is no risk of injury affecting the structure and integrity of the cornea as opposed to lasik where theoretically the flap could become displaced in the first month post-op with an injury to the eye. Lasek patients can go back to contact sports after 2 weeks John Fenton FRCSI

Lasek or Lasik?

Lasek or Lasik? Which would you recommend Mr Fenton?

Lasek Lasik factors to consider

It depends on many factors and the assessment of your eye health and visual needs.Certain measurements indicate better sucess with one form or the other. far-sighted patients are best treated with Lasik than lasek . Those who need to return to work within a day often choose lasik for this reason even though lasek may give exactly the same result 4 or 5 days later. Those patients whose cornea is a little thin are more suitable for Lasek. J Fenton

Lazy eye

Do you have any treatments for lazy eye?

Lazy eye

Refractive surgeru cannot improve the vision in eyes that are lazy/amblyopic more than contacts or glasses but it often improves the peripheral vision .It is not a contra-indication however the benefit is often less than that obtained by the better eye. JFenton

Contact lenses

If surgery doesn?t work out can you still wear contact lenses? E.g. for driving at night

Enhancement

less than 5% of patient remain undercorrected after surgery . Enhancement can be performed easily and fully correct in this event. Yes contacts can be worn instead of an enhacement after a month or two

Low prescription

I?m -1 in both eyes. Is it worth considering laser eye surgery? I?m 31

distance driving

Yes. Your distance driving at nightime is probably very poor without glasses and refractive surgery will improve this and leave you independent of spectacles. My own preference would be to do wavefront -guided lasek as there is virtually no complications and you are guaranteed good vision after a few days. JFenton

Diabetes

I have diabetes. Is it safe for me to have laser eye surgery?

Diabetics and refractive surgery

Yes refractive surgery is safe for diabetics provided the diabetes is stable and not severe. Mild diabetic changes are not a contraindication however our protocol is that a detailed assessment is performed first by a retinal specialist who needs to agree that everything is safe before we would proceed . J Fenton

Long sighted

I heard you can only have laser eye surgery is you are short sighted, is this true? I am long sighted. KM

refractive surgery and far sightedness

Refractive surgery is sucessfull for far-sightedness (Hyperopia). lasik is generally better than lasek for these cases. J Fenton

Multifocal Intra-ocular

Thank you for information. How much does this treatment cost approx?

cost of multifocal implant surgery

If there is evidence of cataract 75% of the cost of bilateral surgery ie ?3000 could be covered by Health Insurance, VHI ,Quinn, Hibernian etc . They won't cover the cost of the implants ?1000, but if the surgery is purely for refractive reasons then the total cost of ?4000 euro is only subject to tax relief of 20% (or 41% till january 2009) so the total net cost will be ?3200. J Fenton

loss of peripheral vision

A friend of mine had a stroke when he was 61 years of age. He lost peripheral vision and now, aged 74, reads slowly with difficulty. Is it possible to improve his eyesight at this late stage?

Loss of peripheral vision

Yes, different procedures may improve the sight to read and sometimes we use special spectacles to try and compensate for loss of peripheral vision

Tax relief

Nasty budget -Just heard tax relief to be max 20% on medical expenses. Does this mean I've to have eye surgery before 1st Jan 2009 to get the 41% back?

tax relief

Yes Im afraid that after January first all medical expences will qualify for only a 20% rebate. For bilateral wavefront laser eye surgery costing ?3000 the rebate will be ?600 whilst untill january 1st it will be up to ?1200.Check our pricing and finance page as there may be additional discounts for VHI members !

LASEK recovery time

Hi, had LASEK 4 weeks ago and eye are still taking time to adjust -especially left eye. Is this normal or should I be worried? KL

On average the recovery

On average the recovery period to full correction after Lasek is aproximatly 6 weeks .So don't worry, your vision should continue to improve over the next few weeks. J Fenton

eye drops for dry eye

I had laser surgery and it was great. I get dry eyes the odd time now - partic when using the computer in an air conditioned office. Is there any over the couter eye drops you would suggest I get?

Arlelac advanced are over the

Arlelac advanced are over the counter drops that are very effective. J Fenton

reading glasses or permanent lenses?

I've just started to wear reading glasses and somebody said there are new permanent lenses available. What are these and how do they work?

How do Multifocal Implants work

Multifocal Intra-ocular implants can be placed into the eye after clear lens extraction that can allow patients read and see clearly in the distance. However a careful assessment of the patients expectations and requirements as well as an expert careful eye examination is crucial before this decision is made. J Fenton

Multifocal Intra-ocular implants can be placed into the eye after clear lens extraction that can allow patients read and see clearly in the distance. However a careful assessment of the patients expectations and requirements as well as an expert careful eye examination is crucial before this decision is made. J Fenton

astigmatism

I've got a slight astigmatism in my left eye. Can I still consider laser eye surgery?

yes astigmatism is one of the

yes astigmatism is one of the most common reasons for refractive surgery and the results are excellent up to 4D of astigmatism
a small amount of astigmatism (less than 1/2 cyl) is normal yes its no problem. J Fenton

high prescription

I've a very high prescription (-10 and -9.5) Is there any alternative to laser eye surgery? I hate wearing glasses?..

high prescription

Yes phakic Intra-ocular lens are a good alternative if your cornea is too thin, dry or astigmatic. J?Fenton

suitable age?

I'm 20 and will be 21 next January. Am I too young for laser eye surgery? Jane

No it is possible to have

No it is possible to have treatment. The stabiliy of your refraction is the most important feature as well as your own expectations. It is more likely that you may need enhancement as you grow older as your refraction may change. J Fenton

This is a great idea, thankyou so much

This is a great idea, thankyou so much

You are welcome. LaserVision

You are welcome. LaserVision are happy to answer any queries you?have.

Large Pupils and High Myopia

Hello Mr. Fenton, I went to a consultation and it turns out that in addition to a high myopic prescription of -6.5R and -5.75L, I also have large pupils (one was 7.0 mm and the other was close to that.) The optometrist told me that due to this, I could still have LASIK but I should go for the Wavefront option on the VISX S4IR Laser, but some sources I've checked seem to indicate that this laser only works for myopia up to -6.0. Do you think I would be more likely to achieve less than desirable results with that laser? Would I be considered "high risk" with any laser due to my large pupils? Thanks so much for your advice, it is truly wonderful that you advise people on such a crucial topic. -Rachel

large pupils

There are more important measurements than simple pupil size such as if you have any higher order aberrations that may necessitate wavefront treatment . Pupils of 7mm with an infra-red camera is not that bad and your prescription seems ok. I treat up to -9.00 with the Visx laser with a thin-flap lasik. You should ask your surgeon rather than an optometrist as they are better trained and qualified. Optometrists may be given a financial incentive to book patients that may not be ideally suitable. John Fenton FRCSI