I can see clearly now - Laser eye surgery for golfers

My first memories of golf are not of the game itself but rather serving ice-cold Pimms in a makeshift refreshments tent behind the 3rd green at Addington Palace Golf Club on Lady Captain’s Day. I worked there for a number of years, though never really took to playing. That was 20 years ago. Things are rather different today. Having moved our family wholesale to the French Alps in 2004, I took an interest in the game and – along with a number of friends – began taking lessons. How could I not? The golf courses around here boast some of the most stunning backdrops you will find anywhere in the world.

Fairly early on in my experience as a ‘real’ golfer I felt that deteriorating eyesight hindered my ability to play the game (not to mention take in the detail of the spectacular surroundings). I had tried contact lenses and just could not get comfortable with them. I could not get past the feeling of dryness and scratchiness and would rush home to take them out. The more I played, the more I wanted to enjoy the game with the freedom to see clearly without relying on my glasses. I was fed up of taking them off and not being able to see more than a few feet ahead without squinting and having blurred vision.

As is sadly the case for most of us, the fact was my eyesight had been gradually deteriorating for several years. I hesitated, initially, when laser surgery emerged as an affordable and practical solution – I just could not bring myself to face the prospect of having a laser beam directed into my eyeballs! But with more and more people telling me about their own positive experiences (even the editor of this magazine!) I began to look into the procedure with confidence.

Thanks to google I quickly brushed up on my subject and was able to narrow down the key parameters when it came to choosing a specialist clinic. I was looking for a provider at the forefront of laser technology, one with highly qualified surgeons and a proven track record of success. I was also keen to find a company that valued customer support and ongoing customer care. After an extensive search, I found all of the above – and more – in Ultralase.

Ultralase has been performing corrective laser eye treatment for more than 18 years, being the first clinic in the UK to offer the procedure.

Today it operates 31 clinics throughout the UK and Ireland and it is the only national laser eye specialist in Britain to ensure every surgeon is certified by the Royal College of Opthalmologists – the highest level of industry accreditation as well as being the only UK laser eye specialists in Britain to offer a lifetime care guarantee. With their commitment to invest in the world’s most advanced laser technology – partnered with the expertise of experienced surgeons – they are able to produce consistently excellent results.

I felt assured and, indeed, confident enough to give them a call. I could have emailed, but I was keen to speak to somebody and I am glad that I did. The staff at the call centre were fantastic, offering a friendly and informative service without being pushy and as all personnel have had some form of laser treatment in the past, they really do know what they are talking about.

My consultation appointment was duly booked at their Tottenham Court Road Clinic. The initial consultation (which took just under an hour and a half) consists of eye examinations and talking with your personal advisor to discuss which treatment is best suited to you. It also provides the opportunity to ask all manner of questions face to face, which I found extremely helpful.

The treatment best suited to my needs, I discovered, was Ultra Lasik Plus wavefront, a personalised treatment that applies the laser to the eye precisely where it is needed, correcting major and minor imperfections.

Barely two weeks after the initial consultation and I was back at the clinic – treatment day! I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t nervous – who wouldn’t be? But following a chat and a final eye examination with my surgeon I was prepared by a nurse who took me step-by-step through the details of the procedure and did her level best to put me at ease (easier said than done!). But this was it – there was no going back!

Twenty minutes later I was back in the recovery suite wondering what all the fuss was about! Seriously, that’s all the time it took in the Laser Suite – 20 minutes. During that time the surgeon and his team talked me through the operation, matter-of-factly easing my nerves. The procedure consisted of me lying on a bed with my head held in a rest. A suction ring was placed on my eye (you feel just a slight pressure) and my vision was hazy (like seeing stars) for 30 seconds or so before I was looking into a red light.

Although I felt a little discomfort as the suction ring was applied, the whole procedure was absolutely painless. I was taken through to the post treatment lounge and left to relax for 10 minutes, following which the surgeon checked over my eyes and I was able to leave – all I needed to be on my way was a pair of sunglasses to keep the glare and light out of my eyes. I felt some occasional discomfort and my eyes were very sensitive to light – though this was quickly taken care of with the soothing eye drops you are given. That evening my vision felt a little blurry – I could not focus on close up objects – and I could not really see any immediate difference with long distance.

On returning to the clinic the next day for my follow up appointment, the standard eye test revealed that rather than only being able to see the big “A” at the top along with the next 2 lines, I was able to carry on until reaching two lines from the bottom – a vast improvement. My eyes still felt very dry (which I was told was perfectly normal) and I was advised to keep using the artificial tear drops for as long as necessary.

The surgeon had told me that the improvement in my eyesight over the coming weeks would be gradual but noticeable – and he was absolutely right. Day by day my sight improved and the dryness wore off, leaving me with sharper and much clearer vision. Since having the treatment the improvement has been outstanding and I can honestly say it has changed my life – just waking up in the morning and opening your eyes to see perfectly is a miracle in itself (no more fumbling around for glasses or contact solution!). From watching the TV to driving the car, every single aspect of my life has been improved.

As for my first visit back to the golf club, well, what can I say – it was near perfection. The blue sky and bright sunshine partnered with clear, long distance vision not only enhanced the stunning views of Mont Blanc but gave me greater confidence with my game. I could tee off with a strong sense of direction and actually follow the flight of the ball to where it ended up – I really can see the woods through the trees!