I got laser eye surgery in the UK | here's what happened

[@nigelcox7477]

Wow Alanna, that was a masterclass in honest, emotional and above all ‘keeping it real’ broadcasting. You describe the fear and mental struggle so well - exactly the thoughts I would have too. Thank you so much… I hope others contemplating this surgery watch your video and gain a lot from it. Well done. Out of curiosity, I wonder how your experience differed from that of your parents, when this kind of treatment was in it’s relative infancy, and I guess there weren’t so many overwhelmingly positive results accumulated - more faith must have been required. … and thanks to your partner for his unending support - we appreciate it on behalf of our friend Alanna. Cheers!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you so much!! ☺️

[@johnorchin8567]

I too was very taken with the emotion Alanna expressed while explaining the whole procedure. It somehow made her more relatable, and everything she said sounded more meaningful.

[@DuncanHolland]

Wow. Yeh. Sheeyayiyaaaht. Dood.

[@DuncanHolland]

Jesus Nigel, you're a bit of a quim. Dood?

[@dodgydioramas]

When you were telling us how terrified you were just before the surgery I've never wanted to give someone a hug so much and I'm Autistic so I don't do that sort of thing.

[@jacquesvandenberg1873]

Wow, I also had laser eye surgery around 15 years ago and it was life-changing! Enjoy your glasses-free life going forward 😊

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

That's incredible! Thanks so much ☺️

[@frankbrodie5168]

Pretty similar. Probably 18 years ago for me. Being able to go swimming without having to either wear my specs in the pool, or have someone hold my hand and lead me to the pool was the biggest QoL improvement for me. And of course not having to put on specs as soon as I woke up of a morning.

[@lawrenceglaister4364]

​@@AdventuresAndNaps, a couple of things to look forward to are --- walking into the pub and not steaming up 😊 , in the spring when looking at trees they are not a blur BUT you can actually see the buds of the leaves coming out 😊 . Things are supprisingly a lot better than glasses and you will notice lots of things that you didn't notice before. The best is when it rains you'll look up and feel the rain on your eyes and face and when friends and family complain about the rain you will tell them to stop complaining as it's only water 😂😂 .

[@anekarice]

I can definitely relate to the sense of vulnerability when not wearing glasses / contact lenses. I used to feel like I was living in a world that extended only a few inches from my face. Getting eye surgery was one of the best things I've ever done, glad you're happy with it!

[@Neptune_369]

It causes me anxiety, I definitely want this surgery 🫢 thank you for your comment, does it matter what age i get it? Im 30 now amd plan to get it at age 33.. is that a okay age or age not matter much?

[@anekarice]

@@Neptune_369 I seem to remember that it helps with the kind of eyesight problems you develop when you're younger, but not the kind you develop when you're older. I was older than 33 when I had it and it sorted out my shortsighted-Ness it's had since I was about 13 :)

[@Neptune_369]

Okay thank you for your reply, as you remember being in my shoes you know my feels aha, I was about same age too, thank you! @@anekarice

[@stuartlong6217]

Wow Alanna!! Just the most fantastic video! As a glasses wearer since the age of 8 (short sight), I salute your level of bravery. I'm too old for it to matter anymore but I would definitely have it done if I were still your age. You also had exactly the same what ifs and feelings as I could imagine having. Like many commenters, your description of the train ride home got me teary as well - just the overwhelming emotional relief and outpouring. Thank you so so much for this - your best ever video.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@Monica-gc5dh]

Hi Stuart. I'm also short sighted... been wearing glasses since the age of 12. Three of my kids have had laser surgery (all were short sighted) and they have no regrets. I would also love to get it done, but at 51, probably too old... plus I'm scared if something would go wrong eg losing my eyesight. Anyway, greetings from Australia!

[@westminstergreen]

Laser surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made and I’m so glad you took the plunge too! Regarding eye deterioration I had my operation about 20 years ago. Though one eye had to be slightly adjusted shortly I’ve had no problems at all with my eyes and no obvious deterioration. Indeed, even though I’m now 68 I can still read even quite small print without reading glasses! It still amazes me when I wake every morning that I can see - I had quite bad short sight and an astigmatism. Yes, it’s expensive, but worth doing simply for quality of life.

[@joannecunliffe8067]

Oh, fabulous Alanna 😢 🥰 It's lovely to see you without glasses. You're very pretty, you know! So glad it's all gone well ♥ Jo x

[@fianorian]

I don't intend to have eye surgery, but that would reassure me if I was going to. I'm glad you came through it OK.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickb3645]

@@AdventuresAndNaps I previously had cataract surgery on both eyes Alanna... They were done on the NHS three months apart... As they had told me that there's a 1 in a 1,000 chance of losing all of your vision during the procedure... So they never do both eyes at the same time... Simply to avoid total blindness in the patient if the worse should happen... Both surgeries went perfectly... And i was left with 20/20 vision... Here's a top tip Alanna... When you apply drops to your eyes... Avoid trying to hit the centre of eye... Instead try tilting your head right back... And put the eye drops into the Caruncula lacrimalis (the little hollow in the corner of the eye that's closest to your nose)... Close your eye... And put your index finger just underneath the little hollow... To guide the nozzle of the dropper to the tip of your index finger where the little hollow is... Then simply apply a few drops... Once this has been done... Open your eye... And rotate your head to the left after putting drops in the corner of your left eye... And then rotate your head to the right after putting drops in the corner of your right eye... Gravity will allow the drops to gently wash over the whole of your eye... A few blinks and a simple movement of your eye from left to right... Will allow the drops to coat your eyes evenly... Instead of having the fear of damaging your eyes by poking them with the eye dropper... It's really easy.

[@alanjf_bradenton_fl]

I had eye surgery here in Florida about 5 years ago, my eyes had swimmers, little globules of stuff making my vision difficult. The surgery was fine, but I was nervous all the way through it. I hate people messing with my eyes and I really had to stop myself from freaking out. My eyes are pretty good now, especially considering my age (73).

[@Joe-lb8qn]

How did they take the swimmers out? I have one and its annoying but gradually improving with time so not contemplating surgery just yet but i know it can get worse with age.

[@marcodimario73]

What surgery did you get? LASIK or ICL?

[@Judgles]

Such a great video, Alanna. I'm happy it has worked out so well for you! I think you should share the video with your surgeon so he can recommend it to future patients - it will help so many people!

[@jamesbeeching6138]

Due to diabetes eye disease I have had lots of eye surgery...including 2 cataracts removed and vestigigation [ sucking out gunk] so I can understand the anxiety you felt...While waiting for 2 of my surgeries 3 people actually bottled it and left the hospital!! Also my surgeon was very relaxed and played classical music while rummaging about in my eye!!

[@afpwebworks]

"rummaging about in my eye" !!!!! I'm getting cataracts done soon and that phrase makes a shiver run down my spine. I have a religious intolerance to people rummaging about in my eye with sharp objects.

[@jamesbeeching6138]

@@afpwebworks seriously you will be absolutely fine...The local anaesthetic is 100% effective and you feel nothing...Afterwards it is itchy but that's about it!! And if you wear glasses the lenses put into your eye will correct your sight!! Don't be afraid!!!!

[@jamesbeeching6138]

@@afpwebworks if you really are scared ask for some sedatives like valium! They should give it to you!!

[@jamesbeeching6138]

@@afpwebworks how did the cataract surgery go??

[@afpwebworks]

@@jamesbeeching6138 thanks for asking! I haven’t had it yet. They’re going to do it sometime in 2024. I’m getting REALLY bored with being unable to see properly. In the mean time I have to hurry up and wait

[@pcarter6512]

clear, concise and informative. a great piece done by you. yes it will take sometime to get used to you without glasses lol. a great recommendation for the company and surgeon, perhaps you can recoup some of the cost by selling this to them as a pr/what to expect/experience video, they would be mad not to use it. please remember to give us an update in a months time. great work thank you,

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@kevinparkes417]

I know what you mean about how great it is to be able to see properly. After cataract surgery I couldn't believe how much brighter and more colourful the world was. So glad to hear it's going well for you. Keep us posted.

[@thetragicyouth]

Something I've been considering for a while, so I'm fascinated to see this, thank you, Alanna!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

I hope some of these details can be helpful!

[@TRexTeaParty]

I had the complete opposite experience at my free consultation with optical express. They went over the finance options but never asked me for a deposit. I went home and thought it over and I contacted them myself to move forward. I get my surgery in less than 3 weeks in Newcastle upon Tyne. I’m hyped.

[@Eagle-eagle1]

How did it go ?

[@matthewnightingale4585]

Thanks for sharing that. Having had cataract surgery I sort of understand what you have been through. Hope your recovery goes well.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

I loved this Alanna. I'm so glad that you've benefited from the procedure and that your recovery is going so well, it's great to hear. I have to use two pairs of glasses for life, or contact lens and one pair, I can't have laser eye surgery due to the conditions from which I suffer, but I'm so glad that it's work so well for you. 😊

[@LeicesterGuy123]

I had laser eye surgery 2 years ago with Optical Express. My eyes were -5.75 so pretty bad before! After surgery (and a long and painful healing process) my vision is now 2 lines below 20/20 on the vision chart. It is so worth it and I would recommend it to anybody!

[@hmmslagathor9285]

Great video, this WILL help people going through this. My wife had the same surgery as you about 6 months ago, she went through the almost identical experience. Her dry eye, all gone and vision has improved substantially. Good luck

[@BBKing1977]

I watched this at 1.5x speed, and when you're explaining your anxiety going into surgery, I was totally feeling it quite intensely. I then slowed back to 1x speed when explaining how the surgeon spoke to you, and that calmed me down. I had sympathy anxiety and relief!

[@lips5913]

We watch your videos each week and this one launched without any warning, so we were really anxious that it had been a success and you were alright! I think it will take a while to get used to the new Alanna, your glasses were so key to your innocence and curiosity. We wish you every success following the surgery and look forward to what the new Alanna will bring us!

[@BenHardy]

That was excellent! I've got eye surgery coming up & of course. I've watched many videos about the process but none of them were a touch on yours. Thank you so much.

[@mothmagic1]

Brave girl, well done. No matter how much they explain the procedure for things like this they still can't allay our fear of the unknown. It will take us a while to get used to seeing you without your glasses but you look good.

[@keithrn9447]

Hi Alanna, I had worn specs from the age of about 12 at my twenties I graduated to contact lenses which where a great improvement. I have had them washed out by raindrops and even had them falling out and landing in my soup, which amazed some colleagues as I fished around with my finger in the soup to retrieve the little begger! Decades later I, like you, took the plunge to get laser treatment and have not regretted it, 20+ years later it is still great to be able to drive and do everyday things without the need for specs or losing contact lenses! I have only recently found your channel and love your content and soft Canadian accent. I have real soft spot, no , not just a soft spot but much much more for Canadians. You live in Kent, I hope you have travelled around the UK and visited the North East of England lots to see here too !Thanks pet ( Geordie term of endearment ), keep the youtubes coming !

[@nbclaymore1861]

So pleased for you Alanna. 🙂

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

☺️

[@mattgreen543]

I had my lazik surgery at Optimax Liverpool in 2007. It was pretty painful and anxiety enduring, and yes I could smell burning. but the next day I could see perfectly, 20/20 vision. Which was amazing after wearing glasses all my life till then, and being very short sighted without specs. Lots of eyedrops tho. Lol. But my eyes are still great so totally worth it.

[@Eagle-eagle1]

That’s great but why do u have glasses on in your profile pic ?

[@mattgreen543]

@@Eagle-eagle1the boring answer is it’s an old photo before I got the surgery. Just picked it at random, from my profile pics on fb for the page and never changed it.

[@fredMplanenut]

Thank you Alanna for this very personal insight into your life. I wish you and your partner well.

[@roylec]

Thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been thinking about this for years. Like most people, plenty of trepidation and general concern. What I have always wanted, and what I think everyone really needs is an honest, in-depth review of the whole experience from someone I believe I could trust. So, again, thank you. If I do decide to go for it, I’ll let you know.

[@Monica-gc5dh]

Hi. I'm in the same boat... been wearing glasses since the age of 12 (short sighted). Three of my kids had laser eye surgery after they finished high school (all were short sighted) and have no regrets. Not sure if I should get it done (I'm 51).

[@rthompsn2007]

This is going to sound like a lot of other comments here, but wow!, what an amazing sharing video. Given the vision you say you had, I'm amazed you were able to go so long without glasses. My eyes are somewhat worse than yours were, but I'm 65 and have been wearing glasses (contacts for a few years) for about 55 of them, as you note, any time other than showering and sleeping. Surgery is not something I'm looking to at this stage, but great that things have worked out so well for you. Blessings to Mr. Naps from me for being so helpful and supportive. Once again, love your videos, keep 'em coming!

[@colinthompson3111]

Thank you for describing the process from beginning to end.

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. The BEST 50 minutes of Alanna I have ever watched (and I've been here since the start). There are certain people on this platform that one just doesn't want to be/do without and YOU are one of them. Stay safe. All the best to you.

[@robertwatford7425]

Hi Alanna, I had cataract surgery a few years ago where they remove the lens completely and replace it with a plastic lens. It's life changing, as you have discovered :-) Considering that the procedure is more cmplex the recovery is much quicker - I was driving the following day and back at work the day after that. I could see properly about ten hours after the surgery. I know some people who panic at the thought of someone cutting their eye open but I had full trust in my surgeon and I found it allquite relaxing.

[@leonard5606]

I had the cataract surgery about 3 yrs ago 1 eye at a time 2 weeks apart and I could see just fine after the surgery I got the lense for near-sighted so I have glasses for reading with prescription bi-focals and dollar store glasses while sitting at the computer. My prescription readers are also sunglasses so just use them for driving or shopping I was wearing glasses since I was a young kid.....73 now so I can see pretty darn good at a distance. cheers :)

[@Bless-cs9ct]

Alana has the perfect smile. Suits her face so much.

[@MrFlazz99]

Well done for the courage and motivation to go ahead after so many years of considering. Genuinely heartwarming when you took off the glasses and said you don't need these any more. I know that laser eye surgery is not suitable for all - my brother has been extremely shortsighted since he was a young boy, but also has an inherited wandering eye (which missed my Dad but got both of his brothers - and me to a lesser extent) and the strabismus means this option is unavailable to him. Now in his 50s he's been diagnosed with a cataract in one eye as well - possibly something to do with his diabetes. I'm rather glad that my sight isn't bad enough to warrant correction!

[@brianharrington4045]

Won't be there tomorrow on Twitch but wanted to support you. You're a brave woman. Thanks Alanna!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

You're a star Brian! Thank you so much 🙏

[@laurencepenfold]

I understand your fears and sympathize. I recently had to have 2 extensive surgeries (pars planar vitrectomy), on the table (awake) for an hour while the surgeon opened up my left eye .

[@barryhumphries4514]

Wow Alanna, such a detailed explanation of the process and your experience! I had no real knowledge of this surgery before, but now I feel like an expert... 🤔👀👍

[@nigeldewallens1115]

That was fantastic to hear your account of laser treatment! when it is your eyes! It is so unnerving to say the least! Congratulations for you and I say good luck for the future! 😀👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@johnorchin8567]

Hi Alanna, Very helpful, great advice for anyone contemplating laser eye surgery. The way you explained the process was perfect, and I’m sure very reassuring for anyone intending to attend this clinic in Harley Street.

[@largeeng]

Found this an interesting video, I have worn glasses for about 50 years and have wanted corrective treatment for a long time but not ever got around to it. Now the issue has been forced as I have been diagnosed with cataracts and the treatment is lens replacement surgery. I can have this done on the NHS but I am opting to go private as I can have lenses that will make me free from glasses (the NHS will correct distance vision but would still need reading glasses), it is very expensive but it is difficult to put a price on being able to see clearly without glasses for the first time in practically my whole life. I can fully appreciate the emotion you felt on the train journey home, it must be a revelation, and quite hard to comprehend at first. My clinic is adjacent to Harley St, and like you I felt the experience reflected the cost, very thorough and efficient, lots of information about options. My surgery is scheduled for August, and I can't wait to see properly for the first time!

[@caphowdy666]

I have had a few friends get laser surgery in the past. Two of them around the same time, maybe 16 or 17 years ago when both were in their early 30s. Both were told that you will start to start wearing glasses again sometime into their early to mid 40s. I lost contact with one of them, but the other one started wearing glasses again 3 or 4 years ago (maybe longer). Another friend who got it was only a year or two ago and she got the Smile one you mentioned. She was around 25 or so when she got it. I think unless you get it as a teen or very early 20s, 15 years is about what you would expect.

[@seank135]

Great video. I have my first consultation at Moorfields private & watching this has made me feel much more good about it. I’m actually excited! 🙌

[@catrionacolville2192]

Hi Alanna. Quite new to the channel. My brother recommended it. As a 36 year old trans girl with basically lifelong eye issues, it is a shame that you wont be wearing glasses anymore, as I damaged my eyesight further in high school when i refused to wear the glasses I as given as it was still seen as a bad look. And being able to accept myself with glasses is one part if a larger journey to learning to love how I look. But you obviously felt it was right for you. This was a unique and honest video, and for someone like me who would benefit greatly from such a surgery, it was something I'm glad to have watched. I live near Glasgow, so it would be similar to London in terms of having the best possible treatments available. But as much as wearing glasses can be a pain in the arse, I think it is preferable to an invasive procedure that might not work or even make things worse. But your total honesty, emotions and brilliant storytelling gave me a video i didn't ask for, but absolutely needed to help me decide about a very important issue. You have a fan in me now. Thank you so much for this video. Also, good for you on having a partner that is so supportive. She or he deserves a lot of credit. ☺️ Thank you from Catriona! 😀

[@Gambit771]

Her partner is he, she said in the video.

[@catrionacolville2192]

@@Gambit771 Sorry, didn't notice.

[@mickc7388]

Great explanation Alanna, so much so after your vid I got up to go to the kitchen & I felt like I had just had the surgery. Well done you.

[@Rjhs001]

Really interesting and honest vid Alanna and may I say, you have the most fabulous eyebrows. Looking great.

[@Swordfisher1969]

Great account of events. So happy for you.

[@jrd33]

Well done, Alanna! Best wished for a fast and full recovery. Great video, btw. Will miss the glasses though!

[@braces2]

What a wonderful video. Enteraining, informative, emotional and honest - brilliant!

[@raymondadams7570]

i was short sighted, had my eyes done about 20 years ago, you will not regret it

[@MS-19]

Always good to see you, Alanna - but now you can see us! I had to have eye surgery when I was 5. It had to be done in the old fashioned way (lasers weren't yet a thing) - you're in awe of what has been done to you; can you imagine how much more in awe I am of them? I needed glasses and further treatments until I was 12 and I've been advised that I should be OK until I hit 50 (I'll confess to you: that's going to be a lot less than 15 years from now...) so perhaps I might have to cross that same bridge you've been over. We'll have to see!

[@adcatman]

Hi thank you for sharing your experience. What a wonderful outcome and the people you went with sound so caring. Take Care and enjoy your freedom from the glasses.... 🙂

[@bushchat28d]

I wasn't sure I would watch this one all the way through because of it being 50-odd minutes Alanna, but once I'd started I knew I should go get popcorn because I was in for the duration :-) Masterfully explained and interesting throughout. I don't wear glasses personally but I've long wondered how the procedure was undertaken - now I know! Of course the best part was the fact that it worked and you can now ditch the glasses. Brilliant xx

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Wow, thank you!

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Hi alana. Really happy for you that your surgery is done! I have to say you look gorgeous with or without the double glazing xx.

[@afpwebworks]

G'day Alanna, Thanks for exxpaining this. I'm just at the start of a similar (but not identical) procedure**. Im a bit anxioius about someone coming at my eye with sharp objects. WHile you were describing the preliminaries, I could feel my own blood pressure rising. Then you started to describe them preparing you for the theatre, and my face started to burn with th epressure of blood. Then you described the surgeon's voice and i could feel my blood pressure decreasing and my tension easing as you repeated all the things he said. How marvellous!!! I know precisely how it felt for you and how it made you relax. WHen my surgeon was explaining the risks one of the things he said was"Mike, we want you to have a dog, but not a GUIDE dog!" (**I have only one useful eye and it has a cataract growing, so im getting a new lens )

[@45976]

I had mine 8 years ago, best decision I ever made. Hope it goes just as well for you 😊

[@nigelwest3430]

I've had soooo much eye surgery, Laser and intrusive (knives) I do eye drop that sting 9 times a day, left eye has about 20% function, right is about 90% BUT I this is good, I was told 12 years ago I had hours until I lost my sight completely 🤪 thankfully the first emergency surgery changes that, every day in the light is a bonus 😁

[@davidrowlands9079]

It was a really interesting video, I'm a bit short sighted but nowhere near as bad as you were. Good on you for being brave enough to through with the laser treatment, not something I'd do.

[@PeleRana-pp6zc]

I had eye surgery about 25 years ago. Yes the first few days, the surgery did hurt but it was bearable. It lasted about 18 years after which I needed glasses again due to my prescription changing. In the mid 40s you will notice that you become long sighted and your short sight will also change even if it’s slightly but not too much. It’s simply due to becoming middle aged. It cost me just over 2.5 thousand. I never regretted it and am glad I underwent surgery. Prior to surgery I was like you, felt vulnerable whenever I took my glasses off. After surgery you will never go back to being that short sighted again, even n middle age. Before surgery I was like you, couldn’t really see much without glasses so kept them on apart from bedtime.all the fears you describe resonated with me. It was a relief when everything worked out perfectly. The first time you see everything in sharp contrast is such an exciting moment. Suddenly you feel you have clarity in life😂😂

[@KenFullman]

When I was a kid I really wanted glasses because I thought they would make me look cool. I pretended I could barely read anything on the chart without lenses. After the tests the optician said I would need glasses and I was really pleased. He then told me that I really needed to know how to take care of my glasses. He handed me a leaflet about how to take care of glasses. I read the tiny leaflet he handed me and agreed. He then said that he had to be absolutely sure I had read that leaflet before he could issue my glasses so asked me to read it out loud. So obviously I did. He and my mother then burst out laughing and we left (without any glasses).

[@steventomlin8791]

How brave and well done you. Very detailed and honest experience and thank you for sharing. Money does not matter when you get good service and amazing results. Sorry about all the eye drops and eyebrows 👍😁💛

[@MiscellanyTop]

Hi, I had a semi-detached retina and had to have laser eye surgery to save my sight in that eye. It was painless (the worst two aspects, save the same fear you had) were creeking my chronically-bad neck, by having to keep it still, chin on chin-rest (I was sitting upright) and the very bright flashes of light (I had forty pulses I think). The result has been saved eye-sight and I am uber-grateful to the NHS for their fast, efficient and correct actions. I have now been discharged from their checks and though my eyes are worsening due to age, they both work pretty well. [I should just say, any treatment can go wrong - beware. But in my case, since I would have lost my sight anyway, there was no sensible choice]. Delighted to know it went well for you. Take care.

[@cathrynbagley8005]

This was very interesting. Well done on explaining the process clearly - very useful for anyone contemplating doing the same.

[@geoffh2560]

Brilliant video Alanna, very detailed and utterly honest. Great to heqr the op has turned out so well. And well done Butler on eye-drop duties!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@carolineskipper6976]

Thanks for sharing your experience in so much detail. It's not something I expect to ever undertake myself, but good to know how the process and recovery works.

[@michellemaine2719]

Awwww, the fluffy chick is so cute. This is a hella advert for London Vision, their service sounds second to none.

[@bicolouredprawn]

Good for you Alanna! 🎉 May you have many happy years looking at stuff!

[@kcchapman3630]

OMG, I'm so happy for you.

[@davidread9106]

Well done Alana you’re braver than me

[@danyelw3740]

Update i had my surgery yesterday and it went amazing i cannot believe i waited so long! Dr Carrp was great too thankyou because this video definitely helped put me at ease.

[@yoshu9983]

Wow! What a difference without the glasses. Looks great.

[@imarxb]

Great informative video. Gonna start saving for the procedure.

[@skipper409]

I had an early form of this surgery in 1991 in England, as spectacles were a drawback for me (though not preventing me joining,) in the Police. I still, (at 64 years old) read without spectacles, and my distance vision is so good that my optician says I would easily pass RAF pilot eye tests. It is, after all theses decades, still the best money I ever spent.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Wow, that's incredible!

[@glastonbury4304]

If you don't sit around I'd be feeling they are rushed , but hate ghe pressure of Sales muppets!!

[@iloveanimals1662]

Same here!

[@gordonwallin2368]

Quality of life improvement, well exceept fot the first 5 days-great description. Strong Canadian healing, eh? Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada

[@NealThurman]

Hi Alanna good for you I hope you have many years of glasses free activities. I went several years ago about eye surgery (i'm short sighted) so I wear glasses to see distance. He told me that after the surgery Iwould see distance but would have to wear glasses for reading etc So for me I would've basically swapped 1pair for another. So I wear contact lenses on a daily basis. But I am chuffed its worked for you well done and I'm sure this vid has put people at ease that is considering the procedure Once again welldone youve smashed it again x

[@857noel]

This is brilliant Alanna plus you look great with or without glasses

[@justcode2822]

I had cataract surgery in one eye a few years back and the biggest problem I had was doing the eye drops, I think I missed 50% of the time and I had to go and get more eye drops.

[@karabatsi]

I had the same problem. The surgery was fine, but the drops 4 times a day for 28 days was a real pain.

[@Buzpud]

Very interesting. My partner is keen to do laser eye surgery so this is helpful as the idea freaks me out a little as I worry something will go wrong.

[@bujin1977]

This is the sort of thing you never regret. Had mine done (LASIK) in 2009. Had pretty bad eyesight before, but for 15 years I've not needed glasses or contact lenses. It's very slowly starting to degrade again (I am in my mid 40s), but I'm still not at the stage where I need correction again. I went with Ultralase, and it cost me about £4000. I could have done it cheaper, but I had no plans to screw around when doing anything with my eyes! I wanted the best possible treatment available. I don't recall the tests that were done prior to the operation. I don't think it was anything like 3 hours though. The procedure itself was not at all pleasant, but it was very quick - about 25 minutes in total. It took longer to put in the anaesthetic eye drops than it did to do the procedure on both eyes. A few hours of stinging eyes afterwards, then 20/20 vision ever since. I do get dry eyes quite a bit, and I get a bit of a starburst effect on light sources at night time, but nothing too bad.

[@bujin1977]

Your experience sounds a heck of a lot more "pleasant" than what I had. For LASIK, they first had to cut the flap in the cornea, which involved clamping your eye onto a machine which feels like it's trying to push your eyeball out through the back of your head (in reality, it's just suction to hold the eyeball still while the laser cuts the flap). Then the surgeon had to manually lift up the flap, when everything goes very blurred. Then it''s time for the laser itself, which lasted no more than a minute. Then the surgeon had to manually put the flap back into place. And then it's repeated on the other eye. Not sure if the process has changed since then, as it has been 15 years.

[@frankdux5693]

​​@@bujin1977my wife got it done when she was about 21 in 2007. It worked like, but she's just started wearing glasses again this past year. I've always had eyes like a hawk but in recent months I think they've declined a bit. Small writing on TV etc not as crisp as I'd expect it to normally be. At first the experience was alien to me so I was putting it down to tired eyes, working too many hours, not enough sleep etc with the young kids. Then months past and no better. Must be the start of the decline now. I'm 40 so it has to happen some time. It's not a issue yet, and I'm planning to leave it as long as I can before it starts becoming a problem then I'll get some specks I guess.

[@eddyharris2372]

As someone who wears glasses all the time, I well know that anxiety and vulnerability of being without them even for a short time.

[@danyelw3740]

thankyouuu this helped me sooo much I have the same procedure at the same clinic with the same surgeon in 1 week so this was just what I needed!! thankyou amazing video!!

[@Eagle-eagle1]

So how did it go ?

[@lamb-chops]

Dont usually comment on your videos but had to say this was great. Thanks so much for doing such a detailed long form video, it was really enjoyable following your journey and post op experience. Your content gets better and better as the years go by. Just need to get used to seeing you without glasses again after so many years 😁👍

[@daveboss2994]

If KZbin Oscars exist you are getting one for this vid. Brilliant!

[@missharry5727]

I had cataract surgery about12 years ago and went from being very short-sighted to near normal distance vision. The killer was I had a three- month delay between the first and second surgery, in which period I couldn't read or use a computer because the focus in my eyes was so different. I had the first eye done on the NHS at no cost, but paid to have the other done privately at the earliest recommended time. It was done by the same surgeon at a private clinic. Best investment ever.

[@donato6492]

I have been wearing o spectacles since my early teens, the Harry Potter type provided by the national health service, and I am now 81 years of age and your comment about needing your glasses to find your mislaid glasses and the panic, I with you babe. You were entitled to be a bit of a Drama Queen with the prospect of losing your sight, even if it was a remote one. It well surpasses the panic of not being able to find your glasses.❤ The heart is meant to be platonic. You are far too young for me 😋

[@stuarts1219]

What a super video, and such a wonderful resource for other folk researching laser eye-surgery.!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@charlestaylor9424]

We're going to shoot lasers into your eyes. Do you want the cheap option? Who's going to say yes.

[@millinutz]

The worst part of being dependant on Glasses is needing Glasses if you misplace your Glasses. I also need Glasses to properly clean the Glasses i'm wearing. Phew, I needed to write Glasses a lot here, so much so, I can now write Glasses without needing Glasses to find the keyboard letters..., my muscle memory guides me! A good and helpful video, thx.

[@markh8116]

Interesting to hear your story. It made me remember my experience, in October 1996 with Optimax. I still have the paperwork! The procedure was one called PRK . It cost me, including aftercare appointments to one year, £475 per eye. Painless after the anaesthetic eye drops following which the “epithelium” surface layer was removed before the laser procedure. There was a “burning smell”, which was unnerving , knowing that’s your cornea ,even though warned. Ointment applied afterwards, pain killers given, eye patch on until the next day, then off home to rest. Eyes done 6 month apart, when the first was near its final result. The following day it was painful for 24 hours, the epithelium’s initial healing, but good after that. Initially long sighted , so misty distance vision immediately . With healing that corrected from positive back towards zero, for close up reading. 27 years later I’ve no complaints and got a good result . I now need glasses for reading, being in my 50s , however my distance vision is still good. I hope you’re similarly satisfied in years to come.

[@shirleyboy8859]

Hey Girl..... I have been watching you for so long I remember you Before you had Glasses.... It took me quite some time to get used to you having Glasses....... But I am right back with you as I remember you in the beginning..... I am very Happy it has gone well for you, and I hope they stay strong for a long time........ Bless you Alanna..... Lots of Love.... :-)) xxxxx :-)) xxxx

[@Daytona2]

Really interesting & insightful, thanks Alanna. I wear contact lenses and I'd be too scared to have both eyes done at once. Perhaps do an update once all the post op issues have gone ?

[@brianparker663]

I have a damaged retina and have attended Moorfields Eye Hospital quite a lot. My consultant there was quite cautious about laser eye correction - not in itself but because, no matter how careful the surgeon is, it does leave some scarring. That's fine, you can live with it, but if you need major eye surgery in later years it can be difficult to work around. Now, this conversation was some years ago and things may have improved greatly but it's just something I would take advice on from someone other than a representative of a private eye clinic.

[@fr0d0scious]

What laser eye surgery means is the drastic loss of focal distance. If you have your eyes corrected to 20:20 vision, you will not be able to focus at short or very short distance. You will have to wear corrective glasses for those situations. There are a lot more options and newer technologies emerging. There are some good KZbin experts with a lot of information about this. I had mine done for free on the NHS and the surgeon was excellent and took a lot of time to correct my vision to perfection. My prescription was extreme. The preparation was really thorough and timed carefully. I had 3 months between each eye surgery to monitor that the procedure had taken perfectly. The aftercare was excellent. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

[@baronthorsteinn]

Well, there's a video that I never knew I needed. I've heard from LASIK patients before and the mere thought of having my eye hacked about when I'm conscious was enough to put me off. From this massively detailed account, I get the distinct impression you never knew when the laser tip had stabbed through your eye and there was no "right, we're going in" warning. Five and a half grand is still roughly five and a half grand more than I could afford, though. Plus, when it came to all the aftercare, I'm on my own and have nobody to run any errands while still barely able to see. Looks like I'll have to stick with "should have gone to Specsavers"... though they're good enough to give me a free eye test voucher, and 13 years after the last one, I could do with it. Not just because I don't have any backup glasses, either.

[@adrianbrown1492]

I have had emergency laser surgery on both eyes due to holes in my retinas. What might not have been conveyed to you is that after any kind of surgery on your eyes you will probably develop cataracts earlier in your life than you would have done otherwise. The cataract operation inserts new lenses into your eyes so you will not need glasses afterwards.

[@mauricecasey866]

Great video and great news👀

[@trevorbaynham8810]

Hi. I fit into the same bracket as your mum - had mine done around 12 years ago - I was under 40 yrs old then and was told it better to be done before that age - I now occasionally use reading glasses - but am still fine without for driving and long distance. I waited 2 years as a work colleague explained in detail what had happened with hers. That's where my anxiety came from. Mine was optical express - but I had decided before going in for the consultation. Mine was the flap version I believe. It cost me around £2500 (12 years ago!!) There was an appointment around a week before to check the measurements and any questions. I had to wear glasses for at least a week prior only ( I had been wearing contact lenses) - at the time I did Thai boxing training and swimming - glasses or contact lenses not practical with those activities. I wasn't allowed to do contact sports for around 6 weeks - I could drive fine the following day. I was extremely anxious just before the procedure and during especially - I had to get home by train ( my mum came with me to literally hold my hand after while on the way to the train station tears were streaming down my eyes with the sensitivity to light ( I had been warned). I was glad when the eyedrops stopped being needed and you have brought back the 'sleeping goggles' The biggest fear was when my cornea was moved and I couldn't see for a short time, and I had quite good smell so heard the laser clicks and then the very faint burning smell. ( then the next eye). I didn't get the little fluffy toy either, nor a blanket. I had mine done in the morning - went home - slept the afternoon (per advice) when I woke up I could then start to see the improvement as the tearing and blurring had gone. I had a slight infection in one eye so had to go back the next day (which was booked anyway) - a bit of steroid eye drops in addition to the other regime - my drops were around 3 times a day for a month. Also not washing my face properly for the 1st week - or hair washing plus - do not touch your eyes I was told

[@remekster]

Congratulations, im happy for you

[@abc0075]

Thanks for sharing your experience, hope now it is good, take care. 🙏 👍

[@Pistol_Knight]

Your glasses suited you IMO (but never seen you without them and I been from very early on) Anyone else's eyes feeling really dry now. I have thought about it but never really looked into it (I have a scar on my pupil which I think might make me ineligible, only in my head, maybe it's an excuse I use to myself) enjoyed hearing of your experience, another thing which amazed me your mum's lasted 15yrs! I knew it was not 'permanent' but didn't think it lasted that long, did they say how long it might last? Well done you

[@keithreynolds]

REally good video account. I have injections in my eye every month (I'm 63) and the reaction varies but is generally a week as descibed here... but every month! Worth it if it saves my sight though.

[@natepanda]

Jesus. The way optical express treated you is NOT how you do business. Blind the poor girl with pupil dilation drops and get her to pay €500. I’m glad you got out of there. Thanks for sharing your experience and the information about your surgery! The new look is great 😎