Lasik Eye Surgery

[speede5]

Originally Posted by fotze

Yup there could be 5000 positive stories but the one I can't get out of my head is the bad one. I'd like the surgery but ....

I wouldn't be scared to do it again, but I would listen to whayt they are saying closer. Like I said, they downplayed the potential side effects, had I known the extent, I doubt I would have gone through with it. Instead of telling me I may have some side effects they should have said I had a high chance of having side effects. It was pretty obvious my pupils were huge and would dilate into the scar zone. Then again I went to a bargain clinic so I should have known better. I doubt a good doctor would sugarcoat it just to get the sale. If a good doctor told me today that I could expect no complications I would do it in a heartbeat.

As a side note, even though my night vision is not 100%, I have had no complications with the physical part of the surgery. My vision is clear, and even my optometrist says he can't tell I had surgery when he looks at my eyes. I may not have the best night vision, but I am not fearful of losing my eyesight.

[Young-Sneezy]

hmm, what about when old age kicks in (not that i am nearing it) and its likely ill need bi-focals? will that issue even arise?

[tete]

Originally Posted by Young-Sneezy

hmm, what about when old age kicks in (not that i am nearing it) and its likely ill need bi-focals? will that issue even arise?

Yes, laser eye surgery does not counter age-related eye degeneration. My husband and I had laser eye surgery a two years ago in August - I had PRK done, he had intra-lase lasik - we both had it done at Gimbel. Great results - PRK is a bit slower healing than Lasik, but that operation was recommended for me due to asymetrical astigmatism in my eyes. I love being free of my glasses.

[Devils'Advocate]

The doctor I went to see said that his clinic would do laser surgery on -5 to +8. Nearsighted is much, much easier to correct than farsighted.

I am -7, so I was completely right out as a candidate. I was offered lens replacement, but was told lens replacement would cost $7,000 and my eyes would lose their natural ability to focus. So I went to contacts.

I figure I might go for it if I ever need bifocals because my eyes have already lost their ability to focus. Also I may pray to the Flying Spaghetti Monster that I get cataracts since OHIP will pay for the surgery in that case.

[T@T]

In my 10th year now, like NIKE...just do it!

[Shin Pad]

I just had a lense replaced in my left eye yesterday (cataract). It was fairly painless, and I can't believe how well I can see now.

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I figured this was better than starting a new thread and wasting everyone's time.

I haven't gone for a consultation yet, and I'm a bit apprehensive. I hate wearing glasses or contacts, and I only use them occasionally (driving, watching movies or hockey, playing hockey, etc.) I think laser eye surgery might be a good option, but I obviously need to kow a bit more about it.

My Rx is only -1.5 in each of my eyes. Has anyone out there had laser eye surgery for a low Rx like this? If so, what was your experience? Does a low Rx reduce the effects of star bursts and such?

Also, does anyone know about the long-term effects in terms of needing reading glasses when older? Would it be pronounced with my type of Rx?

Also, is anyone in Vancouver and could you recommend a good place to look into the procedure?

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bacon Legs

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I figured this was better than starting a new thread and wasting everyone's time.

I haven't gone for a consultation yet, and I'm a bit apprehensive. I hate wearing glasses or contacts, and I only use them occasionally (driving, watching movies or hockey, playing hockey, etc.) I think laser eye surgery might be a good option, but I obviously need to kow a bit more about it.

My Rx is only -1.5 in each of my eyes. Has anyone out there had laser eye surgery for a low Rx like this? If so, what was your experience? Does a low Rx reduce the effects of star bursts and such?

Also, does anyone know about the long-term effects in terms of needing reading glasses when older? Would it be pronounced with my type of Rx?

Also, is anyone in Vancouver and could you recommend a good place to look into the procedure?

Mine was actually less. -1.25

I just got tired of asking my buddys where my ball ended up when playing golf

I had the "night vision"(or whatever it's called) done as well, the first month was a little crazy with the "halo's" around all bright lights but after that it's been fantastic, just tested last year at 20-15...almost 11 years now.

Edit: (reading glasses) most people who have it done require them, I bought some +1.00 at walmart for $20.00 but I don't really need to use them unless it's a long read and I'm tired.

[TorqueDog]

As of June 2010, I had an uncorrected vision of -9.5/-10.00, L/R respectively. That means that I was better off attempting to use sonar to navigate my household than trying to use my uncorrected vision. As a result, I wore contact lenses, and had since I was 15. Luckily, I had very thick corneas, making ACW LASIK an option.

In July 2010, I had the LASIK Advanced Custom Wavefront procedure done to the tune of $3,380.

Worth. Every. Penny.

I now have 20/15 uncorrected vision. Greatest money I've ever spent. I had my procedure done at LASIK M.D. in Downtown Calgary. No haloing. Dry eyes are not nearly as bad as when they'd get dry with contact lenses. I use the tear drops maybe once a day.

If you have the means... do it.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

As of June 2010, I had an uncorrected vision of -9.5/-10.00, L/R respectively. That means that I was better off attempting to use sonar to navigate my household than trying to use my uncorrected vision. As a result, I wore contact lenses, and had since I was 15. Luckily, I had very thick corneas, making ACW LASIK an option.

In July 2010, I had the LASIK Advanced Custom Wavefront procedure done to the tune of $3,380.

Worth. Every. Penny.

I now have 20/15 uncorrected vision. Greatest money I've ever spent. I had my procedure done at LASIK M.D. in Downtown Calgary. No haloing. Dry eyes are not nearly as bad as when they'd get dry with contact lenses. I use the tear drops maybe once a day.

If you have the means... do it.

It must cost more if your vision is really bad or you paid the "downtown premium" price, I thought the price had come down a lot. it cost me $2700.00 11 years ago at Mitchell Eye Center in Chinook and that was with the $300.00 "night vision" (or whatever it's called ) I've seen some prices at around $500.00 an eye the last few years.

And I have never had "dry eyes"..ever!.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by T@T

It must cost more if your vision is really bad or you paid the "downtown premium" price, I thought the price had come down a lot. it cost me $2700.00 11 years ago at Mitchell Eye Center in Chinook and that was with the $300.00 "night vision" (or whatever it's called ) I've seen some prices at around $500.00 an eye the last few years.

And I have never had "dry eyes"..ever!.

I'm originally from Manitoba, so I'm used to humidity. I've had dry eyes since I moved here, long before I ever got the surgery done.

Yes, your price will go up as your prescription gets worse, as well as if you have other conditions. I had a crap prescription AND astigmatism, which is why it cost me what it did... but that also gives me a lifetime 'warranty' (which is a funny thing to say when talking about a medical procedure). My former manager had the procedure done for $3,500 and he had a weaker prescription than I did, but far more severe astigmatism.

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

Thanks for the responses. I might look into going for a consultation. I just never trust 100% that I'm getting the full picture from anyone who has a pecuniary interest (i.e. the surgeon).

I think I might know someone who had their surgery done in Vancouver. I'll mull it over, but thanks for the info!

[scotty2hotty]

I thought the thread title was Lazey Eye Surgery.

Colour me dissapointed.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

I'm originally from Manitoba, so I'm used to humidity. I've had dry eyes since I moved here, long before I ever got the surgery done.

Yeah, I don't think it has anything to do with the surgery more of just your makeup,(could be wrong) I'm from the east coast and never even had dry lips since moving here.

[FakenHaken]

Best gift I ever gave myself. Would I do it again absolutley!!!! The negatives are: Remember to just pat down the face with a towel after showering the next morning or you'll be screaming in pain. Still have a tough time judging distance, especially at night for example pulling out to pass on the highway.... just exactly how far is the oncoming car. Usually I just pull back in because better safe than sorry. You have to look at Lasik this way..... this isn't Walmart it's very difficult to return the product and say you broke my eyes I want a new pair. Spend the money at a good reputable clinic like Gimble and you will be thanking yourself a 1000X over for having gone through it.

[Kipper is King]

Researching to get a good surgeon and find a place with very up to date equipment is critical. Any surgeon will probably tell you that they have the latest and greatest equipment, but a little Internet research can't hurt. Yes, it will cost a lot more for an experienced surgeon with new equipment, but you don't want to gamble with your sight.

I had severe complications after having PRK surgery done years ago. Almost needed a double cornea transplant at age 21.

Fortunately, the complication I suffered from, "corneal haze," went away after a few years. I still need glasses.

Everyone may get mild corneal haze that lasts a little while after laser eye surgery. Hence the halo effect.
Severe corneal haze like mine is almost unheard of today, but do your homework on the surgeon/equipment to make sure you are limiting the risk.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by fotze

Yup there could be 5000 positive stories but the one I can't get out of my head is the bad one. I'd like the surgery but ....

^ an older post that I agree with. The cost of doing the surgery is pretty irrelevant to me - it could be $500 or $50,000 to be honest, the worry would still be there. Contacts have been pretty good for years now. Pop 'em in for a week/month and let it ride.

[pylon]

I am totally on the fence on Lasik. My company benefits plan offers 50% reimbursement if you are a 5+ yr employee, which I am, which is a nice perk. I guess their thinking is it will save them more on annual eye wear going forward, if you have proven to be a long time employee.

I however, cannot wrap my head around the idea of blasting away at my eyes with a laser. It scares the crap out of me to think something could go wrong. Eyesight is the one sense I would keep above all else, if I could keep only one. I wish I had the balls to just say F it, get it done, but I have been dodging the decision for 15 years now.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by pylon

I am totally on the fence on Lasik. My company benefits plan offers 50% reimbursement if you are a 5+ yr employee, which I am, which is a nice perk. I guess their thinking is it will save them more on annual eye wear going forward, if you have proven to be a long time employee.

I however, cannot wrap my head around the idea of blasting away at my eyes with a laser. It scares the crap out of me to think something could go wrong. Eyesight is the one sense I would keep above all else, if I could keep only one. I wish I had the balls to just say F it, get it done, but I have been dodging the decision for 15 years now.

I feel exactly the same way. I look at the cost too a bit, even with the lasik, I might still need glasses later on so what would be the point? I have monthly contacts that cost $150 / year that I can sleep in for a month at a time, and the issue with night vision that some people have brought up makes me nervous, so I don't think you need to feel bad about not doing it. And yeah, eyesight is the last sense I would ever want to lose for no good reason.. Although my eye doctor gives me for a hard time for sleeping with my contacts in despite them being approved for it.

[Stillman16]

My wife and I both got PRK from Gimbel (he did hers, Kassab did mine), and we both would do it again in a heart beat (and I had to go for a touch up 6 mths after-astigmatism was slightly under corrected)!!!

The halos I do get, but they are far better than I had with contacts. The halos come from your pupils dilating too wide (beyond the corrected area), and that's why I had them with contacts (so if you get halos with contacts, you'll likely get them with the surgery).