LASIK eye surgery

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 17, 2003, 2:27 pm

Anyone here ever have LASIK eye surgery done? I'm considering this procedure and have lots of concerns.

I'm nearsighted and have relied on glasses for over 15 years to see pretty much anything. Fortunately, my prescription has been stable for 3 years so I'm thinking of having a go at this. Currently I can't discern characters on a computer screen without glasses, or even read the alarm clock's 2" tall numbers from a foot away without squinting.

Thanks for your input!

- Tenu

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 17, 2003, 2:32 pm

I'm to scared to have it done. I don't want to be in that small percentage that ends up worse than before the surgery. I can bide my time with contacts until it's even safer.

Not that that answers your question!

Tegellan · Post by **Tegellan** » October 17, 2003, 2:34 pm

I would go with contacts too if i was you, unless they can't solve your problem of course.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 17, 2003, 2:46 pm

I'll be honest, I have thought about contacts. I had extended wear contacts from '93 through '95, and ended up with continual eye infections from them. My eye doctor contraindicated them for at least 5 years at that time. Obviously that time has long since passed, contact lens technology has changed dramatically, and I haven't had an eye infection in a long time, but that experience kind of steers me away from contacts.

The reasons why I'm considering LASIK rather than contacts (or glasses) are really, at their core, convenience related. I travel a lot for work and having to lug contact solutions/cleaners/extra lenses every time I travel seems a nuisance. Also, I'm a cyclist and contacts tend to dry up in the wind when riding; prescription sunglasses tend to suck also due to field of vision limitations and bulk when riding.

Tegellan · Post by **Tegellan** » October 17, 2003, 2:49 pm

I am in the same boat as you there Tenu, had contacts for like 2 years and ended up discarding them entirely.

Now after like 8 years without them, i just ordered a trial pair last week and I am eagerly awaiting my chance to try them out again. Very tired of glasses!

Shaerra · Post by **Shaerra** » October 17, 2003, 2:50 pm

Learn to "ride by feel"?

I hate wearing glasses, I can't get my fingers anywhere near my eyes, and I'm scared of "surgery" in any form... And my eyes water just thinking about any of this...

Christ I'm a mess.

Tegellan · Post by **Tegellan** » October 17, 2003, 2:51 pm

Use the force?

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » October 17, 2003, 3:03 pm

I have a friend who got it about a year ago. Only bad thing was that he had to wear this mask thing for about a week after to shower and do anything athletic. No problems so far though.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 17, 2003, 3:06 pm

Perhaps look at a different type of contacts. I've worn RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contacts for years and have never had an eye infection. However, when you get something in your eye like an eyelash, it's rather painful. I'm not sure if it's the same with soft lenses.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » October 17, 2003, 3:10 pm

Aslanna wrote:I'm to scared to have it done. I don't want to be in that small percentage that ends up worse than before the surgery.

I don't want to be the 1 in <insert number here> that something goes wrong on. I wear glasses now will deal with it. Glasses aren't an inconvienience<sp> most of the time.

Much better than being blind in one or both eyes because someone makes a mistake, I get an infection or what have you.

Somewhat related, I worked with the 1 in 10,000 person that a vasectomy "doesn't work" on (they don't always shut down). Cured me from ever wanting any elective surgery done. He got to keep his 'nads, but had a very uncomfortable 4-5 months while they healed. We called him Tex after that

masteen · Post by **masteen** » October 17, 2003, 3:23 pm

I had lasik done a couple years ago. It's the best money I ever spent in my entire life. Waking up and seeing clearly is the fucking sweetest experience.

When I was first thinking about this, I talked to a lot of folks who'd had it done and did some research on the local docs. Tampa has a ton of discount eye doctors, and those $999 specials made me kinda nervous. Though my investigation, I found the guy that fixes the mistakes of the other (cheaper) doctors.

He charges 2-3 times as much as the other doctors, but knowing that I had the Jedi master cutting my eyeball made me feel much more comfortable about the proceedure.

My vision is still better than 20/20.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » October 17, 2003, 3:36 pm

I can't do Lasik... I freak out just getting my eyes dialated and eye pressure tests make me extremely nauseous. I'm a big fan of my contacts and haven't had any problems in the 15 years I've worn them. I even have the kind you can sleep in (though I don't). And cleaning is far less intensive than it used to be - my solution is a solution/cleanser. I'm glad they work for me as glasses sure don't.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 17, 2003, 4:12 pm

masteen wrote:...knowing that I had the Jedi master cutting my eyeball made me feel much more comfortable about the proceedure.

Did he use a light saber?

masteen wrote:My vision is still better than 20/20.

Damn, I would love to have that level of visual acuity.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » October 17, 2003, 4:21 pm

Which doctor in Tampa did you end up with? Uptigraf (sp?) or Winestock (sp?) I'm guessing..

In any case, as for having someone mess with your eyes and being nervous about it, I believe they'll give you a valium so you don't care. As for recovery, a friend had it done and simply had to wear a special pair of sunglasses for about 24 hours.. that was it.

My only concern / question is whether or not lasik would prohibit me from scuba diving permanently or not (mask / pressure on eyes / etc).

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » October 17, 2003, 4:33 pm

i wear soft contact lenses. they beat the hell out of glasses, but they still suck sometimes. they dry out when you get sleepy or you have air blowing around (wind, car window, biking, whatever), they tear, they fall out, you wake up blind, etc.

most of the people i've talked to haven't had any problems after having the lasix procedure, but there were a couple of not-so-good stories.

for instance, your eyes can go to shit again after the surgery. the mother of an ex is back to wearing glasses again a few years after having the laser procedure. so in theory, you could be pissing away your money. (not like i'm not doing that on contact solution already, but we'll just pretend not to think about that right now!) and putting your vision at risk, given it's a small risk, but for no reason really. a co-worker of mine now has chronic dry eyes after having it done. he is literally putting drops in his eyes like twice an hour.

i'd love to have 20/20 vision again. if this laser stuff sticks around i'll probably try it in a few years when my vision stabilizes.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » October 17, 2003, 4:37 pm

Don't rush into something like this. You only get one set of eyes. If you live in/near a fairly large metro, there are prolly quite a few docs that do this. You wanna check them out thouroughly.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » October 17, 2003, 4:50 pm

I had it done almost 3 years ago, no problems no side effects etc. It was the single best 2k I have ever, and mostly will ever spend in my entire life.

RL friend named Dave ( Alethea in EQ) also had it done as did his wife, all the same, miraculous effect.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » October 17, 2003, 4:54 pm

I just found out that we have our own jedi master LASIK surgeon in the Houston area.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » October 17, 2003, 6:13 pm

yeah, i'm not quite ready to bite the bullet on this one yet.

my vision isnt terrible (20/60 or something) and glasses dont bother me tons, so at this point i'm gonna wait a few more years =)

i'll see how you guys can see in 2010 !

Ajran · Post by **Ajran** » October 17, 2003, 6:32 pm

I have been looking into it off and on for the past 5 years myself.. I have worn glasses for 20+ years. I have major issues with putting anything in my eyes so contacts are completely out for me.. I would love to wake up in the morning and not have to fumble for glasses so i can see a foot in front of my face..

i have about 20/100 vision complicated by an astigmatism. I've been told they can correct my vision to damn close to 20/20. The only thing holding me back at the moment is basically the money and now that I have just moved back to the Phoenix area, finding a doctor that I trust to do it.

-Ajran

Clatis · Post by **Clatis** » October 17, 2003, 7:14 pm

My father had this done about a year and a half ago. The procedure is relatively short, and afterwards you cant open your eyes or expose them to light for almost twelve hours I believe.

After the surgery was done and he could open his eyes again, he said it was amazing and was the best so-many-benjamins he spent.

About two months ago, however, the vision was starting to go bad again in one of his eyes. So one day he went back in, they fixed it, I think it might have been free to fix, not sure tho. He went by himself, didn't open it for the twelve hours. Then, he could see perfect again.

So, if you got the money, and are tired of wearing glasses like my father was. I would highly reccamend the surgery.

Durew · Post by **Durew** » October 17, 2003, 7:27 pm

From what I've heard eye surgery is the best money people have ever spent. Both my cousins have got it done and they were able to see clearly with no side effects less than 4 hours after the surgery. The success rate is also tremendously high for people who can get it done (not sure on the requirements, if any)

Aaeamdar · Post by **Aaeamdar** » October 17, 2003, 7:40 pm

I had it done 4 years ago. Like others here who had it done, I consider it the best money I spent. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

Legenae · Post by **Legenae** » October 17, 2003, 8:03 pm

I know a few people who have had this surgery done. My best friend recommends it. The only problem she has is with driving at night... she has the little halo effect around lights. But other than that, she is totally pleased with her results.

I'm thinking about having this done as well. It would be so nice not to have to fuss with contact lenses anymore.

Legenae · Post by **Legenae** » October 17, 2003, 8:08 pm

Aslanna wrote:Perhaps look at a different type of contacts. I've worn RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contacts for years and have never had an eye infection. However, when you get something in your eye like an eyelash, it's rather painful. I'm not sure if it's the same with soft lenses.

Yes, it is.

icknay · Post by **icknay** » October 17, 2003, 8:15 pm

Funny that I should visit VV and find this thread today. I went for an "evaluation" appt today. I'm lucky because my bro-in-law sells the lasers and other tools that these guys use. So he had some inside info to share with me. Two years ago he told me to hold off on this until INTRA lasik was available. Now it is. The flap is created with a laser instead of a blade, then of course the actual procedure is done with laser too.

The guys that do intra lasik will be the high volume guys...the machine is pretty pricey. So only those doctors that are dedicated to the "long haul"
and have lots of funding will purchase this machine.
Of course their actual estimate now that I visited their clinic is $2k more than they said on the phone, so I'm gonna shop around. I'm gonna try to hit the guy in Charlotte for a 2nd opinion (I'm in Orlando). The Charlotte intra lasik guy is supposed to be one of the foremost authorities in the world.
If his price is the same as the local guy then I'll get it done here. The total with intra lasik and the new wavefront technology is $5200. Will I spend that much on my eyes? Damn right. But only after I'm completely convinced that it's being done by the best.

Mplor · Post by **Mplor** » October 17, 2003, 9:15 pm

I'm waiting too, though I'll do it eventually. I expect the price to drop as it becomes more common. Cycling and other sports suck with contacts, for previously mentioned reasons.

The Moran Eye Center, one of the top ten, is literally down the street, and I may get a discount for being on staff at the parent university. I'll see about that.

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » October 17, 2003, 10:30 pm

both my bros and my dad had the surgery done, and all seem to be very happy with it, i have like 15-20 vision so no need here but if i ever did, i would most likely go with the surgery, i cant imagine sticking a peice of glass in my eye every day

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » October 17, 2003, 11:26 pm

I hear it is 1000 bucks for the whole process now.

Neroon · Post by **Neroon** » October 17, 2003, 11:56 pm

Apparently, a lot of the problems with Lasik revolve around the "flap". I had PRK surgery 7 years ago. My doctor (who does both procedures) still claims PRK has better results. The only real difference, is Lasik makes a flap, burns the cornea, then folds the flap back. PRK removes the section of the epithelium entirely, and it needs to heal back over.

I went in with 20/700 vision (basically, I had to walk halfway to the chart to see the top "E"). I came out with 20/15 vision in both eyes, though it has settled in at around 20/25 each over the years. Your eyes still change a slight amount in your late 20's and early 30's.

The problem with PRK, is the recovery is just horrible. I'm not going to try to kid you, the two days after the procedure are downright painful. And soreness extends for about a week total. I also only had around 20/100 vision for the first couple weeks, as this is when the epithelium is doing most of it's healing.

It sounds like Lasik is probably the way to go now, though the results aren't quite as "guaranteed" as with PRK. And even then, my results are purely due to adhereing 100% to the doctors instructions during the healing process. There are 3-4 months of long term healing using steroid drops that you have to follow to the letter. You may need to use these with Lasik too, I'm not sure. But, this has a huge impact on your results.

Sumdaor · Post by **Sumdaor** » October 18, 2003, 1:08 am

My boss just had this surgery done. He was back to work the next day with minimal amout of redness in his eyes or irration. As was stated earlier this is one of those "you get what pay for". He payed over 2500 to have both eyes corrected.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 18, 2003, 1:14 am

It's definitely not something you want to go with just the cheapest you can find. You don't get a 'do over' with your eyes.

valryte · Post by **valryte** » October 18, 2003, 1:45 am

Back in high school I use to wear soft contact lenses. They were the suck. I always felt them in my eye and had to clean them every day. For as long as I can remember now, I've been wearing dispossables. You don't have to worry about carrying any cleaning solutions. I sleep with mine and have never had a problem. I swear, I don't even notice I'm wearing them. I throw them away like every month. Though they recommed only wearing them for 2 weeks. I use Acuvue 2. Pretty much any place you go and have a check up will give you a free pair to try.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » October 18, 2003, 2:17 am

Well Kylere already gave his statement for himself, Dave, and Kate...but I'll back him up.

All 3 did get it done and all three are glad they did.

Lisandre · Post by **Lisandre** » October 23, 2003, 4:41 pm

About 4 months ago I had LASIK done on both my eyes. I was nearsighted at -350 and -375 and had slight astigmatism in both eyes.

Before the procedure, they gave me a valium to relax me a bit. The most nerve-wracking part of it was the creation of the flap -- your vision goes dark as you hear the whirring of a machine cutting the surface of your eye. But that's all it was. You don't feel anything other than a slight pressure as they take the machine off. They then use a swab to lift the flap they just created. At this point, your vision gets very blurry. Then, you look at a red spot for a few seconds per eye, and then you're done. Laser treatment on my left eye took all of 19 seconds, and my right eye took 21 seconds. I could immidiately tell the difference after it was done. It took a few weeks for my eyes to completely heal, but my eyesight was good enough to drive the following day. I did notice a "halo" around lights for the first couple of weeks, but it dimished as my eyes healed. I don't see those halos anymore.

After my eyes healed, my vision was 20/20 in both eyes, but my right eye still had slight astigmatism. I decided to go back and have it corrected last week. My vision with my right eye the day after surgery was 20/15 (better than 20/20) and my astigmatism was gone.

I had been thinking about having LASIK done for a while. I researched a few doctors in my area before choosing the doctor I went with. It cost me a bit more, but I was willing to pay it for my peace of mind.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the procedure or the doctor (Los Angeles based) that I used.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » October 23, 2003, 6:06 pm

Respectable eye doctors will give free lifetime adjustments. My neighbor had it done and has loved it with no side effects. I am at about 20/400 in both eyes and will probably get it done. Nothing sucks worse than getting up in the morning and not being able to find your glasses. I wore contacts for a few years but they hurt too much putting them in in the morning and I was only able to wear the dailies for 4 hours tops before my eyes turned sandy feeling.