Clare A

After procrastinating for two years about having laser eye surgery following a nasty contact-lens induced eye infection, I had my LASIK eye surgery with Professor Gartry on 10th July. My prescription was -3.75 and -4, so fairly significant, and I knew that being able to do away with contact lenses and glasses would be life changing. I had researched surgeons extensively and was very anxious, but I knew that if I was going to have it done at all then it would be with Professor Gartry, as he is one of the very best in the country. I know that the laser machines do a lot of the work, but I also knew that Mr Gartry, being such an ‘old hand’ at this, would notice any problems or issues, pre, during and post procedure, in a way that a less experienced surgeon may not.

The whole process was a dream from start to finish. I had my extremely thorough consultation, and Mr Gartry was clear about potential serious post-surgery problems (thankfully none that he has ever come across after performing 30,000 surgeries) and that due to my age (43) I would need reading glasses in a few years. The reading material that I left my consultation with was also extremely comprehensive and highlighted the potential pitfalls, so I felt I went into this fully armed and informed.

I had booked the surgery for a few weeks earlier but unfortunately in the week before I was due to have the procedure I developed another eye infection. Once it had cleared up, Mr Gartry saw me for a (free) appointment to confirm that the rescheduled surgery could go ahead – I was grateful and reassured that he took this extra care. On the day, it all went very smoothly and was a very professional and slick operation. Professor Gartry and his team were very welcoming and their level of professionalism calmed me down. The procedure itself was far simpler than I had anticipated. Obviously mentally it was never going to be pleasant, but as Mr Gartry explained every step of the way – including how many more seconds were left with the laser – it was all over far quicker than I thought, and was totally painless. I realised straight afterwards as I sat up that my vision was far better, if hazy.

The drive home was fine until the local anaesthetic drops wore off but as soon as I started experiencing some pain I used the anaesthetic drops I had been given. I went straight to bed, adhering to the hourly drops regime that had been clearly explained to me and written down.
Words can’t describe how I felt when I woke up on the Sunday morning at 5am and I could see everything so clearly. My eyes were pain free, if a bit gritty and red. I had my check up the following day and have better than 20/20 vision. I was back at work that day with no issues at all. 10 days on and I am utterly overjoyed with the results: I am still adhering to the tapering drops regime but have no eye dryness which surprised me.

An unexpected benefit is that colours seem brighter than with my glasses or contact lenses, and I also feel less tired in the evening because everything is so crisp and sharp. I am not sure that the novelty will ever wear off and want to extend my huge thanks to Professor Gartry and his team.