So, here's the skinny: I wear glasses. I dislike it. My eyesight just gets worse every year, & I'm tired of nose indents and seeing black frames around everything. I've had contacts before, thought about getting them again, but really.. I'm looking for a permanent fix here. I've read a bit into the different types of eye surgery available, but haven't been able to decide if it's something I really want to do. What if it goes horribly wrong? What if I'm part of that 1% who has their retina's detach, or w/e. Anyways, I figured I'd just ask.. who among you has had Lasik/Lasek? Were you happy with the end result? Please share your experience, and possibly what exact procedure you got. I'd love to hear some stories!
Have you had Lasik/Lasek surgery? Were you happy with the result?
08/12/2010
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
My wife and I have both had Lasik and are very pleased with the results. It's especially useful if you don't need bifocals. I tell everyone to do it as soon as you can - so you can enjoy the results for a longer period.
08/12/2010
I had Permanent, Implantable Contact Lenses, and I'm very happy with the results. From the very next day, I stopped looking for my glasses on the night table. Although, it took me several months to stop panicking for a second at the thought of going in the shower with my glasses still on. Silly me.
There are risks for every eye surgery, because even if it's a common procedure, it is still a surgery, and you need to take that very seriously in consideration. A friend of a friend became blind, which is one of the risks, but I'm not sure if she was blind from only one eye or both. Both would be pretty unlucky. See it as taking a gamble, but you can also boost your luck by making sure you go in a good clinic to get the procedure done. It's not because a clinic can afford a lot of advertisement on being the cheapest that it's the most reliable one. However, if your vision is not yet stabilized, you will not be a good candidate for any surgery.
There are risks for every eye surgery, because even if it's a common procedure, it is still a surgery, and you need to take that very seriously in consideration. A friend of a friend became blind, which is one of the risks, but I'm not sure if she was blind from only one eye or both. Both would be pretty unlucky. See it as taking a gamble, but you can also boost your luck by making sure you go in a good clinic to get the procedure done. It's not because a clinic can afford a lot of advertisement on being the cheapest that it's the most reliable one. However, if your vision is not yet stabilized, you will not be a good candidate for any surgery.
08/12/2010
I had Lasik, and I couldn't be happier. I went from 20/400 to 20/15. The surgery itself was a bit freaky, but 3 years later, I'm so glad I had it done, and wish I would have done it sooner.
08/12/2010
My boyfriend got it two years ago and he is super happy with the results. The technology is rapidly evolving and now they are coming out with great garanties (that my man didnt get at the time but are now available).
08/12/2010
Argh, I wish you could edit polls! I've been researching eye surgery options today, and it really seems like if I go through with this, I'd want to get PRK. Anyone have any experience with that procedure? I'd love to hear all the different methods people have had performed.
08/13/2010
I have the same problem too. I haven't used contacts yet so there is still that solution for me. I just don't like sticking anything near my eyes.
08/13/2010
Quote:
PRK is an older procedure that involves putting multiple slits in the eye and having it heal naturally back in shape. It takes longer to heal and is generally reccommended for severe cases of nearsightedness.
Originally posted by
Splendwhore
Argh, I wish you could edit polls! I've been researching eye surgery options today, and it really seems like if I go through with this, I'd want to get PRK. Anyone have any experience with that procedure? I'd love to hear all the
...
more
Argh, I wish you could edit polls! I've been researching eye surgery options today, and it really seems like if I go through with this, I'd want to get PRK. Anyone have any experience with that procedure? I'd love to hear all the different methods people have had performed.
less
LASIK created a flap, removes a minute portion of tissue and places the flap back on top... It heals easier because your natural tissue is placed back on top, creating a natural band-aid in essence.
Why would you want to do PRK instead? Are you legally blind with correction?
08/13/2010
Quote:
While it's true that PRK takes longer to heal, I've been reading that it's actually a better procedure in a lot of ways. There's less risk of complication because you're not making an incision into the cornea (merely scraping it away, using the laser to reshape the eye, & letting the cornea fully regrow). With Lasik, I've read there can be complications with the flap they create. This includes if it's placed back incorrectly, if a fold develops in it, or if you suffer a trauma or blow to the head/face, which could cause it could come loose, even years later. From everything I've been reading, PRK is generally the safer route.
Originally posted by
petite-n-sweet
PRK is an older procedure that involves putting multiple slits in the eye and having it heal naturally back in shape. It takes longer to heal and is generally reccommended for severe cases of nearsightedness.
LASIK created a flap, removes a ... more
LASIK created a flap, removes a ... more
PRK is an older procedure that involves putting multiple slits in the eye and having it heal naturally back in shape. It takes longer to heal and is generally reccommended for severe cases of nearsightedness.
LASIK created a flap, removes a minute portion of tissue and places the flap back on top... It heals easier because your natural tissue is placed back on top, creating a natural band-aid in essence.
Why would you want to do PRK instead? Are you legally blind with correction? less
LASIK created a flap, removes a minute portion of tissue and places the flap back on top... It heals easier because your natural tissue is placed back on top, creating a natural band-aid in essence.
Why would you want to do PRK instead? Are you legally blind with correction? less
08/13/2010
I am extremely in love with my LASIK procedure! 3 years not blind!!
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being legally blind) I was a 7 ~LOL. I dont know my actual prescription.. but I could not read the E on the eye chart.... although every adult knows it's an "E".
I didnt do LASIK for cosmetic reasons. I really could not see. Due to a really bad astigmatism I only had 20/30 vision with glasses. Good enough to drive (20/40 is the min) but I had my blindspots. My side vision was horrible. I was almost blind if you stood on my side.. You were just a blur.
Contacts got me to 20/20 but they irritated my eyes severely. I had frequent eye infections due to contacts. After 10 years of contacts I could only wear them confortable for 4 hours. On top of that my contacts were $180 every 2 mos!! My doctors told me to stop wearing them.
The procedure was extremely easy and only slightly uncomfortable. During the surgery, it felt like someone was poking me in the eye. Afterwards, the itchiness was awful, like a bad allergy attack. That only lasted for a week. Light sensitivity lasted for about a month, but was only severe for a few days.
I was able to walk out without glasses five minutes after the procedure. I was able to drive the next day.
One thing... LASIK is not best for people over the age of 40.. It may work.. but around that age your eyes will start to loose their elasticity causing you to need reading glasses. This is a problems with the tissues and muscles supporting the eyes. LASIK and PRK reshapes the cornes ONLY. Nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightesness are corneal issues. Reading glasses cannot be fixed by LASIK or PRK.
If you get LASIK at 45 thinking it will fix your need for reading glasses you may be disappointed... Also, if you are nearsighted and over 45 it may fix your nearsightedness/astigm atism and you STILL need reading glasses.
I got LASIK in my 20's. I already know I may still need glasses in my 40s. I wont be needing bifocals however!! Which my mother (same eyes as me) has to wear because she did not get LASIK. In my opinion, reading glasses are a lot cheaper and cuter than bifocals.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I have been compensated by a LASIK clinic, and I have received special training on LASIK procedures.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being legally blind) I was a 7 ~LOL. I dont know my actual prescription.. but I could not read the E on the eye chart.... although every adult knows it's an "E".
I didnt do LASIK for cosmetic reasons. I really could not see. Due to a really bad astigmatism I only had 20/30 vision with glasses. Good enough to drive (20/40 is the min) but I had my blindspots. My side vision was horrible. I was almost blind if you stood on my side.. You were just a blur.
Contacts got me to 20/20 but they irritated my eyes severely. I had frequent eye infections due to contacts. After 10 years of contacts I could only wear them confortable for 4 hours. On top of that my contacts were $180 every 2 mos!! My doctors told me to stop wearing them.
The procedure was extremely easy and only slightly uncomfortable. During the surgery, it felt like someone was poking me in the eye. Afterwards, the itchiness was awful, like a bad allergy attack. That only lasted for a week. Light sensitivity lasted for about a month, but was only severe for a few days.
I was able to walk out without glasses five minutes after the procedure. I was able to drive the next day.
One thing... LASIK is not best for people over the age of 40.. It may work.. but around that age your eyes will start to loose their elasticity causing you to need reading glasses. This is a problems with the tissues and muscles supporting the eyes. LASIK and PRK reshapes the cornes ONLY. Nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightesness are corneal issues. Reading glasses cannot be fixed by LASIK or PRK.
If you get LASIK at 45 thinking it will fix your need for reading glasses you may be disappointed... Also, if you are nearsighted and over 45 it may fix your nearsightedness/astigm atism and you STILL need reading glasses.
I got LASIK in my 20's. I already know I may still need glasses in my 40s. I wont be needing bifocals however!! Which my mother (same eyes as me) has to wear because she did not get LASIK. In my opinion, reading glasses are a lot cheaper and cuter than bifocals.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I have been compensated by a LASIK clinic, and I have received special training on LASIK procedures.
08/13/2010
Quote:
PRK is safer, but the actual amounts of people with those type of results from LASIK is rare.
Originally posted by
Splendwhore
While it's true that PRK takes longer to heal, I've been reading that it's actually a better procedure in a lot of ways. There's less risk of complication because you're not making an incision into the cornea (merely scraping it
...
more
While it's true that PRK takes longer to heal, I've been reading that it's actually a better procedure in a lot of ways. There's less risk of complication because you're not making an incision into the cornea (merely scraping it away, using the laser to reshape the eye, & letting the cornea fully regrow). With Lasik, I've read there can be complications with the flap they create. This includes if it's placed back incorrectly, if a fold develops in it, or if you suffer a trauma or blow to the head/face, which could cause it could come loose, even years later. From everything I've been reading, PRK is generally the safer route.
less
I thought about PRK also, but once I realized how unlikely it is that there is a problem with the corneal flap I stopped worrying. It wasnt worth the extra healing time (and cost I believe) involved with PRK.
Many LASIK doctors offer lifetime 'guarantees'. I got that for my procedure. Meaning if the flap does become loose or is misplaced it can be re-done at no charge.
Another thing to look into is rather you can do multiple procedures with PRK. I think it removes more tissue than LASIK and therefore must be done right the first time.
LASIK has gotten way better than what it was 20 years ago. A lot of the horror stories are from earlier procedures and is rare nowadays.. I would do research on a reputable doctor and find out how many procedures they have done, and their included follow up services. Consultations are free most of the time.
08/13/2010
Quote:
Thank you for sharing your experience, knowledge, & advice. I will definitely take all of this into careful consideration, and conduct much more of my own research before reaching a decision. I really appreciate you taking the time to post.
Originally posted by
petite-n-sweet
PRK is safer, but the actual amounts of people with those type of results from LASIK is rare.
I thought about PRK also, but once I realized how unlikely it is that there is a problem with the corneal flap I stopped worrying. It wasnt worth the ... more
I thought about PRK also, but once I realized how unlikely it is that there is a problem with the corneal flap I stopped worrying. It wasnt worth the ... more
PRK is safer, but the actual amounts of people with those type of results from LASIK is rare.
I thought about PRK also, but once I realized how unlikely it is that there is a problem with the corneal flap I stopped worrying. It wasnt worth the extra healing time (and cost I believe) involved with PRK.
Many LASIK doctors offer lifetime 'guarantees'. I got that for my procedure. Meaning if the flap does become loose or is misplaced it can be re-done at no charge.
Another thing to look into is rather you can do multiple procedures with PRK. I think it removes more tissue than LASIK and therefore must be done right the first time.
LASIK has gotten way better than what it was 20 years ago. A lot of the horror stories are from earlier procedures and is rare nowadays.. I would do research on a reputable doctor and find out how many procedures they have done, and their included follow up services. Consultations are free most of the time. less
I thought about PRK also, but once I realized how unlikely it is that there is a problem with the corneal flap I stopped worrying. It wasnt worth the extra healing time (and cost I believe) involved with PRK.
Many LASIK doctors offer lifetime 'guarantees'. I got that for my procedure. Meaning if the flap does become loose or is misplaced it can be re-done at no charge.
Another thing to look into is rather you can do multiple procedures with PRK. I think it removes more tissue than LASIK and therefore must be done right the first time.
LASIK has gotten way better than what it was 20 years ago. A lot of the horror stories are from earlier procedures and is rare nowadays.. I would do research on a reputable doctor and find out how many procedures they have done, and their included follow up services. Consultations are free most of the time. less
08/13/2010
I'd like to thank everyone else who has shared their experience so far as well. So.. thank you!
08/13/2010
Other, again! My Man had it done, he was nearly legally blind (20/800 vision) and the procedure brought him to 20/30 in one eye and about 20/15 in the other. It was almost miraculous! His vision was so bad, that he would have to hold his alarm clock against his face to see what time it was, when in bed and not wearing his glasses.
He was so happy with the results. It was worth every penny!
He kept saying, "OMG, OMG. P'Gell, baby I CAN SEE!!!!" It was wonderful, absolutely great for him.
He was so happy with the results. It was worth every penny!
He kept saying, "OMG, OMG. P'Gell, baby I CAN SEE!!!!" It was wonderful, absolutely great for him.
08/13/2010
I haven't had it but I would love to! I wear contacts and I don't mind them, but it would be nice to wake up to be able to see! I am blind as a bat and for once to not have to worry about putting glasses on or putting in my contacts everyday would be nice! It's just not on the top of our budget right now.
08/13/2010
I figure I'll be needing it someday, but really worry about anything getting botched or made worse. My eyes seem to get worse over the years and I can't read things far away. Might not be that bad, right? Can be when a piece of paper is only about 3 feet away and I can't make out ANYTHING. I figure by the time I'm middle-aged I might be half blind, lol.
For now though i wear glasses.
For now though i wear glasses.
08/13/2010
I have to get Lasik for my job soon. I have 20/600 vision, and you can't have any worse than 20/200. My Dad got it done and loves it, I'm kind of paranoid about anything cutting into my eyes, but hey.
12/14/2010
Quote:
My Man's vision was getting worse for years. The opthamologist said when his prescription evened out (meaning he could go a few years without needing a drastic change in prescription) he could have Lasik. The reason they want your eyes to stop changing is that if you have it done while your eyes are still developing, they may continue to get worse and ruin the benefit of the Lasik procedure.
Originally posted by
Envy
I figure I'll be needing it someday, but really worry about anything getting botched or made worse. My eyes seem to get worse over the years and I can't read things far away. Might not be that bad, right? Can be when a piece of paper is only
...
more
I figure I'll be needing it someday, but really worry about anything getting botched or made worse. My eyes seem to get worse over the years and I can't read things far away. Might not be that bad, right? Can be when a piece of paper is only about 3 feet away and I can't make out ANYTHING. I figure by the time I'm middle-aged I might be half blind, lol.
For now though i wear glasses. less
For now though i wear glasses. less
I have to be honest, My Man was in his late 30s when his prescription stopped changing and in his 40s, when I finally talked him into having the procedure. He wished he had it done as soon as he got the OK from the ophthalmologist. (The opto says it's OK, then you have to go to a Lasik surgeon to have the procedure done.)
I watched the entire procedure from a viewing window, and the PA kept coming by asking me if I was OK etc. I finally told him I was a nurse and the surgery doesn't bother me in the least. My only concern was my husband's health. He was scared. I don't think I see him scared very often at ALL, maybe once or twice, when one of the kids or myself are really sick. It was one of the only times I saw him scared for himself. They drugged him up with Valium, and numbed the eyes and he was fine as soon as it was over. Fifteen minutes an eye.
Unbelievable. It's a great thing. He was brought down from 20/800 to 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other.
.
12/14/2010
Oh I really want this
02/18/2011
I've always wanted it but Im also terrified I'd be one of the 1%....
02/19/2011
I've never had it, but good lord I would love to!
03/13/2012
Looks like a lot of satisfied people, but like lezergirl I'm afraid of the risks of it.
03/07/2013
Quote:
I've had corrective eye surgery, though it was not specifically Lasik or Lasek. It was fantastic because it geographically tracked all the little imperfections in my eyes that glasses simply can't correct. My surgery actually went terribly - they gave me an anti-anxiety pill, but chose one that resulted in paradoxical effects for a small fraction of the users. Luckily, I metabolize drugs very slowly, so I only started freaking out near the end of the surgery, but I'm very glad that the procedure that I underwent allowed for the subject to move (the laser would simply shut off). I had a full-blown panic attack on the car ride home... I could barely remember what had happened the next day. What's worse is that I was super excited about the whole procedure and thought that it was amazingly cool. I definitely didn't need any kind of anti-anxiety medication in the first place, so it would have been fine had they not given me any.
Originally posted by
Splendwhore
So, here's the skinny: I wear glasses. I dislike it. My eyesight just gets worse every year, & I'm tired of nose indents and seeing black frames around everything. I've had contacts before, thought about getting them again, but
...
more
So, here's the skinny: I wear glasses. I dislike it. My eyesight just gets worse every year, & I'm tired of nose indents and seeing black frames around everything. I've had contacts before, thought about getting them again, but really.. I'm looking for a permanent fix here. I've read a bit into the different types of eye surgery available, but haven't been able to decide if it's something I really want to do. What if it goes horribly wrong? What if I'm part of that 1% who has their retina's detach, or w/e. Anyways, I figured I'd just ask.. who among you has had Lasik/Lasek? Were you happy with the end result? Please share your experience, and possibly what exact procedure you got. I'd love to hear some stories!
less
03/07/2013
I think I may have to get it eventually, as I really REALLY do not want to have to get bifocals when I'm older. How annoying!
03/07/2013
One of my best friends had LASIK surgery (not sure if it was that specific procedure) several years ago, and he's super happy. Went from coke bottle glasses to eagle eyes and no problems.
03/12/2013
I've never had it, but I'd absolutely love to!
03/12/2013
Haven't had it but want it.
03/12/2013
Quote:
I've never had it, and I never would, I'm much too afraid of something going wrong.
Originally posted by
Splendwhore
So, here's the skinny: I wear glasses. I dislike it. My eyesight just gets worse every year, & I'm tired of nose indents and seeing black frames around everything. I've had contacts before, thought about getting them again, but
...
more
So, here's the skinny: I wear glasses. I dislike it. My eyesight just gets worse every year, & I'm tired of nose indents and seeing black frames around everything. I've had contacts before, thought about getting them again, but really.. I'm looking for a permanent fix here. I've read a bit into the different types of eye surgery available, but haven't been able to decide if it's something I really want to do. What if it goes horribly wrong? What if I'm part of that 1% who has their retina's detach, or w/e. Anyways, I figured I'd just ask.. who among you has had Lasik/Lasek? Were you happy with the end result? Please share your experience, and possibly what exact procedure you got. I'd love to hear some stories!
less
03/12/2013
I don't need it but even if I did, I wouldn't do it.
03/12/2013
I don't think it's worth the risk, if you can already see well with glasses. If I was going to get one of those procedures, I'd only get one eye at a time done.
03/12/2013
Total posts: 32
Unique posters: 25
-
1
- 2