Laser Eye Surgery

[Knut]

Originally Posted by ericschand

I went to a regular optometrist, who had nothing to do with laser surgery.
He didn't recommend any, send you anywhere, nothing.

He gave me the following tip.

If you can go 3 years, 3 visits without ANY change, go for it.
Any change, even so slight that it doesn't require new glasses, isn't
good enough.

If you can't do the 3 years, it's not recommended.

ers

That might be a bit excessive.... there was the thought for many years that Laser surgery would threaten Optometry..... but really it hasnt....

[ken0042]

Something for you guys to check at your work with your medical plans, mine now offers $1200 per year for flex coverage. I can use it for anything from the portion that isn't covered for my dental, to private health things like front of the line MRI service. You might be able to get your laser surgery coverred under that type of thing- or the other nice thing is you can carry a balance forward from one year to the next. So if I only use $200 this year, I have $2200 for next year.

[Bobblehead]

I've asked my optometrist about it a couple of times, and he told me that since my eyesight isn't that bad that I shouldn't do it.

His explanation is that it is great it you are helpless without your glasses, but since my eyes aren't bad it would only make them a bit better, and not perfect.

Hesla, can you confirm this?
I read on here and hear about people having the surgery and getting perfect vision from it, but my optometrist says that expectation isn't realistic. What is the story?

[automaton 3]

I just had the surgery last week at Lasik MD in Edmonton, my wife had it the week before. She's at 20/15 in both eyes, I was 20/20 the day after surgery and it might be slightly better this week now that the swelling has gone down - I'll find out on Wednesday.

We both had the Zyoptix treatment, which costs a bit more but the results in both of our cases seems pretty good...

Dr. Leger performed the surgery on me, and I would recommend to him to anybody.

[Engine09]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Nehkara

Edit: For example, LASIK MD starts at $390 per eye.[quote

I just went to Lasik MD and it isn't really $390.00 a eye after they do all the tests it is closer to $900.

I've talked to a few people who have gone to Lasik, they've all payed a minimum of $1600. The mere fact that Lasik advertising these deceptively low prices has convinced me to stay away.

Culver advertised $1800, all in with tax. And that's what my friend paid.

[Table 5]

People, please don't let this be a money decision. These are youre eyes we are talking about....one of the most important parts you need in your day to day life. Yes, this is a very common procedure, but you can never be safe enough when it comes to your eyes...definitely not worth the few hundred dollar difference.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by fotze

Yes but if you see the company is trying to mislead you before you have even met them, then that should be a sign to go elsewhere.

well exactly. i wouldn't go to a place that advertises prices that low anyway....obviously something would be amiss. They either would be lying or are skimping out on something, neither of which indicates quality.

[automaton 3]

[quote=Kryzsky][quote] [quote=Nehkara

Edit: For example, LASIK MD starts at $390 per eye.

I've talked to a few people who have gone to Lasik, they've all payed a minimum of $1600. The mere fact that Lasik advertising these deceptively low prices has convinced me to stay away.

Culver advertised $1800, all in with tax. And that's what my friend paid.[/QUOTE]

The lowest # we saw from Lasik was $490/eye plus extra for ZCK, eyedrops and a 1 year care plan - I think it came to $1300ish all in.

Zyoptix cost more, but it comes with a lifetime care plan for touch-ups ect... - came to just over $2000 all in.

[automaton 3]

Originally Posted by Table 5

well exactly. i wouldn't go to a place that advertises prices that low anyway....obviously something would be amiss. They either would be lying or are skimping out on something, neither of which indicates quality.

LOL absolutely not. We checked it out thoroughly - Lasik MD is completely on the up and up as far as the techniques, equipment and their surgeons.

I agree thier "base price" is a little deceptive though. We for sure never saw that price.

[Brad C]

Be aware that depending on the severity of the correction required, you may never be able to wear contact lenses again.

The process reshapes the physical surface of your eye and may affect whether or not you can fit the standard shape of a contact lense if required in the future. This is infomation that I was not told about prior to having my eyes done.

I was -6.5 in both eyes and the surgery (PRK) gave me better than 20/20 in both eyes. But in the past 5 years my eyes have regressed somewhat to the point that I may need to have glasses in the future for reading and stuff. I never thought that I would not be able to wear contact lenses if needed until my optometrist told me about it recently.

The more you know.....

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Nehkara

How much correction did your eyes need? (i.e. what was your prescription before the surgery?)

approx. -3.5...my night vision has been fine and to date I have zero problems. My sister-in-law, sister and mom have all had it done as well

My mom had some problems with it as she got hers done in the late 90's

with regards to the reading glasses they say that to everyone as laser eye surgery doesn't correct the need for reading glasses

to add... you have no idea how great it is to wake up and be able to roll over and see the clock perfectly!

[BigBCalgary]

Had it (lasik was determined to be the best option) done at Gimble in 2001. -8.5 in one eye and -8.75 in the other, contacts or glasses for better than 20 yrs of my life, slightly better than 20/20 in each eye since, no issues, no changes since the first week. I am a huge endorser of Dr. Gimble's clinic. Definately worth the extra dough.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

I've asked my optometrist about it a couple of times, and he told me that since my eyesight isn't that bad that I shouldn't do it.

His explanation is that it is great it you are helpless without your glasses, but since my eyes aren't bad it would only make them a bit better, and not perfect.

Hesla, can you confirm this?
I read on here and hear about people having the surgery and getting perfect vision from it, but my optometrist says that expectation isn't realistic. What is the story?

Well... it is realistic to expect an improvement... but it is not realistic to expect things will be perfect. The thing people have to understand is that this is still a surgical procedure and therefore there are risks involved. However, it is likely that your vision will be improved. It is always worth it to get a consultation to decide fully if this is right for you. Gimble, Culver, Demong will let you make the decision...a company like Lasik MD may try to force you into it. Just remember for Lasik MD the bottom line is more important, the others also see referrals for eye diseases.

Word for the Wise...... anyone in their 30's or 40's should consider one thing if their correction is in the -1.00 to -2.00 range. This is because at the point when you start losing your ability to focus at near (ie. early 40's for most) someone at those particular prescriptions can simply remove their glasses to read. Whereas, if you do get the procedure done you will need reading glasses when you reach that age, however the distance will be clear. Basically, you have to decide what is more important to you....glasses/CL's for the distance or glasses for near.

Hope this helps...

[Engine09]

Made my appointment this morning with Culver, going in On Friday to check everything out. Hopefully I'll be under the laser in a couple weeks.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Kryzsky

Made my appointment this morning with Culver, going in On Friday to check everything out. Hopefully I'll be under the laser in a couple weeks.

here's to hoping that you get to do Lasik...PRK is more of a hassle but still very worth it

[sparky69]

i have an appoinment at Lasik MD on july 8th... i dont know if I want to go with them yet? what does everyone think. Good or bad?

[Nehkara]

The general consensus has been that Lasik MD is still an unknown and a little more risky than Gimbel. Better to go with a company that is world famous for being the best and pay a little bit more (Gimbel) than with a company that is barely known and has very little in the way of reputation (Lasik MD).

[Neeper]

Lasik MD was the best decision I ever made. I also have slight astigmatism. The Dr.'s that perform the operation are VERY VERY experienced. The head Dr. has over 25,000 surgeries under his belt. The other Dr.'s have over 13,000 and 8,000. It just didn't make sense to spend $4000 on the same surgery I got done for $1800.

Their follow-up visits are good. They took really good care of me, and I would never hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Just because they are cheap, doesn't mean they suck, people. I would go back to Lasik MD over and over again. I have recommended them to everyone in my family including my wife. Take that for what it's worth. I am a photographer. Do you think I would have risk my eyes if I didn't think they were good? No sense in paying $4000-$6000 for the EXACT SAME surgery. But if it makes you feel better, then all the power to you.

[Engine09]

Had my 2nd appointment today, they gave me 2 different vision tests and dilated my pupils with drops to take measurements and pictures, etc.

Also paid the bill today, $1800 flat. All included.

Surgery date set for Aug 24th. Can't wait.

[Neeper]

It's life changing, dude! You will be a very happy camper. Good luck on your surgery!