FAQs
What is Laser surgery?
Laser surgery is computer controlled surgery by means of a laser that reshapes the cornea in a predetermined manner to improve your vision. The two most common types to date are LASIK and LASEK.
Explain to me what is short-sightedness is and what is long-sightedness?
Someone who is short-sighted sees better up close without their glasses than they do in the distance.
Someone who is long-sighted sees better in the distance than up close without their glasses. If the degree of long-sight is severe, then both distance and near vision are blurred, but distance is better than near vision.
Am I too old to benefit?
There is no upper age limit. We recommend that you be 18 years or older.
How long do the procedures take?
Approximately ten to fifteen minutes per eye.
Are the procedures painful?
No. The eyes may feel a bit gritty after LASIK for a few hours, but there is no pain. There is more discomfort with LASEK but it is still possible to treat both eyes at the same time with LASEK
Am I awake during the procedure?
Yes. You may be given a Valium tablet if you wish before the surgery. The only anaesthetic used is in the form of anaesthetic eye drops. They are extremely effective and there is usually no pain during the operation. There are no needles.
Are both eyes done at the same time?
LASIK is performed bilaterally simultaneously in ± 98% of the patients we treat (i.e. both eyes same day). The decision always rests with the patient however after considering the pros and cons. With LASEK 95% of patients do both eyes at the same time even though the recovery is slower and the first few days are more uncomfortable.
What happens if I look around?
The laser has a state of the art eye-tracker that will track each and every minute movement that your eye makes. The laser only fires when the eye is perfectly in position so there is no chance of your looking around affecting the procedure. The good news is that most people find it very easy to keep the eye still by focusing on the target fixation light.
Are the results immediate?
Most people start noticing an improvement in vision almost immediately and can see quite well the next day. With LASEK the visual recovery is slower but by day 5 most patients are seeing well.
Will I be able to drive home?
No
Can the procedures go wrong?
LASIK is a very safe procedure, even safer than wearing contact lenses. It does however carry risks like all other surgical procedures but they are generally manageable in experienced hands. Your specific risks will be explained to you during your consultation.
How much do the procedures cost?
The procedure costs €2050.00 to €2200.00 per eye and this covers you for up to one year for all your post operative visits and any enhancements that may be needed after surgery. The Clinic has a unique life-time warranty that states that if ever, at anytime in the future, your vision regresses to a point where glasses are required for driving again, we will undertake to do the enhancement surgery at no cost, irrespective of how many years have passed since the original procedure.
Can I claim them against tax or on my VHI?
The VHI or BUPA do not cover the laser procedure. You can claim your tax back on the procedure by obtaining a MED 1 Form from your local tax office and submitting it with your receipt for tax relief. You will need to contact your local tax office for further details on your entitlement. Currently, if you are a VHI member, you may qualify for a 15% discount on the costs of surgery.
Why do some doctors still wear glasses?
That's a fair question with a simple answer: because they are not good candidates for LASIK
Why would someone not be a good candidate?
Because their prescription is too high or too low for LASIK
Because their corneas are too thin or their eyes too dry
Because they have an underlying corneal condition that prevents them from having LASIK
Do doctors have LASIK?
Absolutely; more so than any other profession - 26% of ophthalmic surgeons registered with the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons have had refractive surgery. The next most common profession to have had LASIK is the accountancy profession where around 1% has had LASIK.
Where do ophthalmic surgeons have LASIK?
They have LASIK with well-respected experienced colleagues with a track record.
How many procedures has the clinic performed?
The Summer of 2005" saw the Wellington Eye Clinic do LASIK procedure number 20,000. Most referrals has been word of mouth indicating a very high satisfaction rate amongst our patients. Each and every case was worked up by an ophthalmic surgeon. We can guarantee you that your surgeon would have performed at least 8000 LASIK procedures and that most would have been worked up / evaluated by the surgeon personally. |
The car park for the clinic is shared with the Beacon Hotel and Beacon Hospital Car Parks
