My prescription was extreme. Left Eye Sph -4.25 Cyl -5.5 (Now this level of astigmatism means I couldn't see someones face 2 feet in front of me) Right Eye Sph -5.25 Cyl -5.5. Moderate/Strong Short Sightedness with Extreme Astigmatism.
I've worn glasses since the age of 6 and after 28 years decided that I wanted to look into laser eye surgery. Because of the prescription contacts weren't an option for me and Glasses with high index lenses cost around £350 each time and growing up at school they were like jam jars. I even took part in the Cheshire triathlon before eye surgery last year and as you can imagine, wearing glasses and trying to swim without them during a triathlon was no fun at all.
After extensive research and consultation I put the money and my eyes in the care of Advance Vision Care on Harley Street for custom wavefront lasik. It has been a journey though. Yes, it cost me £3400 in July 2009 but the level of care I received was amazing. That one price included everything, including 3 sessions of laser eye surgery over the period of about 8-9 months apart. Two of these were planned for by Mr Pillai as he didn't want my corneas to take the full hit all in one go.
He also explained there might still be chance of residual prescription that may be retreated, as even after my second surgery I was left with -.75 astigmatism in both eyes. During this time before the retreatment I've had very uncomfortable days where objects could look distorted, some star bursting and with fuzzyness around objects.
In December 2009 I had that 3rd lasik treatment on both eyes. My right eye turned out perfect and had crystal clear vision but my left eye ended up with some double vision. Which really is not pleasant at all.
I was constantly struggling with signs and distance and it was becoming clear that this wasn't going to improve by itself. He noticed some fine linear lines in the front of the epithelium (the first layer of the cornea) and thought this could be causing the double vision. After a 4th surgery on March 2010 on my left eye which this time didn't involve a laser just manual removal of the epithelium layer (which regrows back smooth) - touch wood things are great.
At my last checkup in late March 2010 I've now got 20/20 in both eyes. -0.00 in my right and only about -.25/-.50 astigmatism in my left. It's been life changing for me but didn't expect it to take quite this long and I've got some dryness still (which should clear up in time) but overall you cannot fault the attention and support I received.
I'd be cautious of just leaping under a laser for an enhancement if your eyesight has regressed just a little. Complications do exist and if the health of your eyes is good, with no dryness I'd be cautious.
Also, just to confirm. I'd really recommend Advance Vision Care. They've been supportive and taken on a prescription that many surgeons wouldn't touch. Mr Pillai has performed 20k+ laser procedures and gave me the confidence and reassurance, even though things weren't brilliant at the time. If anyone wants to give me a PM to ask anything, feel free
The vast majority of situations though, it's just a simple surgery and the normal healing time.
Cheers
? If you do a proper course i.e. BSAC, you have to remove your mask and chuck your regulator over your shoulder, then find everything again. Doing this with your eyes closed is harder than doing this with your eyes open, hence it's nice to not have to worry about having contacts in and therefore keeping your eyes closed, or having to get a prescription mask (lots of money) then wearing your glasses when you're back on the boat. 
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. Let's say that, for some reason, you cannot find your regulator and are flailing around with your eyes closed. Your mask is round your neck and you're running out of air. You can either keep flailing until you drown, or open your eyes to give yourself a better chance of finding it. But it's ok, 'cause panthro has sonar beacons in his head and can quickly detect the precise location of anything and anyone around him with his eyes closed ![[TBR]MadMark](/styles/overclockers/avatars/2.png){kind=avatar}
