Anyone had LASIK eye surgery done?

[thekingofpain]

I see an opthalmologist monthly (botox injections) and have had some eye problems over the years---eyewear is getting so costly that by the time I have an exam a pair of coated progressives, dark glasses, and a single vision set with 3 frames, well its thru the roof---
Dr mentioned LASIK laser surgery making one eye for close work and one eye for distance, he said my vision would be similar to when I was approx 16 years old---that would be GREAT!

Overall it would cost about 1200$ one eye costing more due to extreme astigmatism, its only a couple minute procedure you walk out with your vision corrected having the other eye done a couple weeks later---I do alot of lenswork so that in itself would be a blessing---no glasses in the way, I could see when I dive, ride a bike with goggles, camera, telescope, stereoviewer, binocs, wear any sunglasses I want etc

Anyone had it done?
I have to decide quick as I need a full set of glasses real soon...

[Mr. Goodbytes]

My brother had it done about 2 years ago, he's been thrilled with the results. I believe he was strongly nearsighted in each eye before the procedure. Now he has 20/15 vision, which is better than 20/20. I think he got both done at the same time. He could see right afterwards, but couldn't drive for a day or two i think. There were special drops to put in his eyes to aid the healing process.

Originally posted by thekingofpain: Dr mentioned LASIK laser surgery making one eye for close work and one eye for distance, he said my vision would be similar to when I was approx 16 years old---

I'm not sure I understand what your doctor means by that. Instead of making them equal to each other, one will become nearsighted, and one farsighted? Or is that how they are now?

[no1_vern]

A cousin had this done to her eyes and she praises it for what its done to her life, no more glasses, nor contacts etc...
Her eyesight went from 70/50 to 20/25, and most others will recieve the same benifit.

Be warned "The ophthalmology association reports that about 5 percent to 15 percent of Lasik patients return for additional surgery. "

But Extreme astigmatism can rule you out as a candidate for lasik

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/02/26/laser.eye.surgery/

The lady in the report became blind in one eye.

I am seriously thinking about having it done but the cost($2K+ here each eye!) is holding me back.

[no1_vern]

Also there are different procedures:

12. Why IntraLase?
Traditional LASIK is a very good procedure. While the risk of complication is very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, an advanced computer controlled laser technology is available that significantly reduces the risk of complications. It is known as IntraLase.

The IntaLase laser is uniquely safe, uniquely precise, and offers patients predictably better visual results. The advanced IntraLase technology has given many patients more confidence when considering laser vision correction. Surgeons frequently prescribe the INTRALASE™ FS laser because it provides micron level accuracy and significantly reduces the possibility of risk and unpredictable outcomes.





13. How is IntraLase different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK is actually a 2 step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery.

Traditionally, the surgeon has created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device which utilizes a surgical blade. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And although LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications.

With the IntraLase laser, the surgeon uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (100 times more accurate than a blade) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced technology allows the surgeon more control during the procedure, and even allows customization of the corneal flap for every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase now makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.

From : http://www.rahmani.com/faq.html

[Starfury_2260]

i think i'll stick with my glasses

[John Prophet]

A friend of mine had it and he liked it....of course it did get him dq'ed for military reserve duty but he wasnt the type for that anyway, lol.

JP

[Crix]

how old are you TKOP?

[Pexster]

Be sure to investigate wavefront-guided LASIK. It's pretty new, but goes far beyond the traditional approach. The eye is scanned and mapped -- not just a one-size-fits-all prescription for the laser, so supposedly it eliminates the "star" effects many experience at night. It may also be better due to your astigmatism.

[Uncle Bob]

My younger sister had the surgery done A couple years ago. She was very nearsighted. She is pleased with the out-come. Still needs reading glasses only. She just turned 50.

[SeanC]

I've started thinking about it myself... The only thing that I don't like is when they use that blade to cut that outer flap on your eye. If they can do it with a laser now, I'd be more willing to do it. I just don't like the idea of a blade cutting my eye.

I could live with reading glasses when I get older, it's just regular glasses never fit me right. I have yet to have a pair of glasses that fits me nicely.

Sean