Dear Dr Hilary
I’ve been wearing contact lenses for the past 10 years and my eyes now get
really dry and tired at the end of the day. I’d like to try laser eye
surgery, but am worried that it’s not totally safe. What do you think?
Jenny,
via email
Laser eye surgery is no longer an experimental treatment. In fact, 100,000
people have it every year in the UK*. The procedure involves using a laser
to change the shape of the eye’s cornea to correct long and
short-sightedness.
However, no surgery is totally safe, and eye operations have no room for
error. You need thorough pre-surgical testing and a consultation with the
surgeon, who will carry out the op with experienced staff and
state-of-the-art equipment. In my opinion, many high-street clinics are not
up to this standard, which is why a surgeon must be carefully selected – not
based on price. Ensure your surgeon is registered with the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists, and that they have experience carrying out the procedure.
You should also get references from past patients to ensure the quality of
work and aftercare is good.
Dear Dr Hilary
I’ve started going to dance classes, but for the first half hour of each
session I get shooting pains in my left foot and shin. It feels like cramp.
Am I just out of practice or is it something more serious?
Becky, by
email
If you were just out of practice, these pains would affect both legs. Instead,
it seems there must be some joint, muscle or ligament problem in your left
leg that is irritated by dancing. The mix of quick twists and turns in
dancing may be making it worse. Ask your GP to examine your leg to discover
the cause. Anti-inflammatory tablets and physiotherapy should help. Also,
it’s important to make sure you warm up properly at the start of each class.
Need advice? Email drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk
COMPILED BY SARAH MASON, KATE DOBINSON AND KATE WILLS *London Vision Clinic
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