Lasik

[tiffjake]

Anyone had it? Got stories? I am thinking about doing it. I would appreciate your thoughts.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Tiff

My husband had it done about 2 years ago. After thinking about it for years, he decided to go for it.

He did very well, and is glad he did it. I remember that after he went into the procedure room, I timed from when the doctor walked in until my husband came out--it was 6 minutes! I couldn't believe how little time it took.

He had to be evaluated thoroughly by the eye doctor--there are different procedures, so they have to make sure that 1) you are a candidate for the surgery and 2) which procedure is the right one for you.

After the procedure, you have to wear dark glasses when you go out for a few days. You use eye drops that you are given for a week or so (if I remember correctly), and go in for checks over the next few days.

He loves it that he dosen't have to wear glasses to drive or watch TV anymore.

That's my observation of his experience--I'm sure you'll get other opinions.

Good luck with this!

[luvs2eat]

I spent several years working at a magazine for ophthalmologists and read tons about it... and know several people who've had it and are THRILLED w/ it... also saw bad results and people who are very UNHAPPY. My only advice is not to go cheap. You totally get what you pay for.

[2Boys4Me]

Check out the difference between excimer (sp?) and lasik. I had lasik 6 years ago. My right eye was overcorrected so I had to have another surgery to fix that. I've just discovered that my astigmatism is stronger than eye surgery. I just got a weak (-1.50) prescription, but I have to wear the glasses all the time.

My husband had lasik about a month after me, and his eyes are still 20/20 or 20/15, but he's had lots of problems with his one eye, something so involved I can't even keep track, but his specialist said something about going back in time and having excimer. He's on all sorts of eye drops and creams for his eye.

My sister just had excimer and it was crazy expensive, but has a "lifetime enhancement" warranty. She's very pleased with the results.

The six years I had w/o glasses were awesome, but I'm not prepared to do another surgery. I will say that I had many many people say they woke up the next day and could see 20/20, but it took me about a month to be crystal clear and sharp. Also, my far vision was better than my near vision during the healing process. I could see across the street very clearly, but I wasn't able to see the person across the table at supper clearly.

[elye]

I had PRK surgery (where they reshape the eyeball back to its regular shape by carving it with a laser...whether that's the same as excimer surgery, I'm not sure), six years ago, and it was the best 2,000 dollars I've EVER spent. My eyes are still 20-15. I chose PRK instead of Lasik because with the latter there is a chance of the flap that is cut in your eyeball to become detached if your head is hit. They recommended that anyone who participates in group sports or is in a situation where contact with the head can happen to have PRK. The recovery from PRK is longer, but for me it was only a few days before I was functioning fully, driving, etc.

[tiffjake]

I had PRK surgery (where they reshape the eyeball back to its regular shape by carving it with a laser...whether that's the same as excimer surgery, I'm not sure), six years ago, and it was the best 2,000 dollars I've EVER spent. My eyes are still 20-15. I chose PRK instead of Lasik because with the latter there is a chance of the flap that is cut in your eyeball to become detached if your head is hit. They recommended that anyone who participates in group sports or is in a situation where contact with the head can happen to have PRK. The recovery from PRK is longer, but for me it was only a few days before I was functioning fully, driving, etc.

Do you (or anyone else) know if the PRK is the Custom Wavelegnth I have read about?? Thanks!!

[elye]

Yep, I believe so...re-shaping the eyeball, not cutting a flap.

[bbuster]

I had LASIK a little over 3 years ago and am so glad I did. Nearsighted, I went from 20:200+ vision to 20:20. Three years later I am 20:20 in one eye and about 20:25 in the other. I had no complications.

Also, I am over 40 and my close up vision was just starting to go. After the LASIK it is much better. I'm told that is not a typical result.

My older brother did it 6 years ago, my sister about 6 months ago, both with excellent results. My sister-in-law had it done about 5 years ago - it didn't go so well in one of her eyes so she had to have a second procedure. It is much better but not as good as the other eye. In her case any needed correction done within the first year was included in the original price.