rehmwa 2 #26 January 19, 2004 It was a fantastic procedure for me 4 or 5 years ago and I'm very pleased. Do your research and be extremely picky about the doctor you choose. Sometimes people just don't qualify either (thin cornea, big pupils, etc). Remember it's an 'option', not a definite thing once you made up your mind. They'll tell you, but if your prescription is not stable over the last few years, it's not a good idea. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #27 January 19, 2004 i was 20/400 each eye. There are 3 procedures: PRK, LASIK, and LASEK. I got LASEK. They peel the top layer of your eye off and laser it down to the rigth size. Then put the top layer back on. I was has that laser shooting my eye for 38 in one and 39 in the other eye, talk about concentrating on not moving your eye. There will be some pain, but use the meds the docs give you, believe me they REALLY work well. over all about 4 days to be pain free. abotu a week and i was 20/20Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #28 January 19, 2004 QuoteGive it at least two weeks before you jump. I was told to wait 4 weeks, but was jumping at 3Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #29 January 19, 2004 QuoteThere are 3 procedures: PRK, LASIK, and LASEK. I've heard of RK, PRK and Lasik what's the diff between Lasik and Lasek? aside - the story I heard about RK was that a russian boxer with a little bit of nearsightedness got punched in the eye. His eye was cut and he found out later he could see better. They figured it out and that's how all this got started. Anyone else hear this one? ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #30 January 19, 2004 lasek... they peel the top layer of the eye off lasik.. I believe they cut a flap then put it backLeroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #31 January 19, 2004 I've never heard of them actually removing a flap and then replacing it. Mine was 'lasik' and it was a partial circle cut (of the top layer) and then folded back. Your 'Lasek' sounds like Lasek but is new and the main difference is that they cut a shallower layer of the epithelium - then have to do extra stuff to accommodate this..... Here's a clip from http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasek.htm: "LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure that is technically a variation of PRK. Also called epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK, LASEK is used mostly for people with corneas that are too thin or too flat for LASIK. It was developed to reduce the chance of complications that occur when the flap created during LASIK is not the ideal thickness or diameter." I had a friend with thin corneas and she decided not to do Lasik because of it. Maybe this is an option. If it was me, I'd likely not do it, thin corneas seem risky to mess with. Lasek sounds to me like they are even using part of the Epith thickness as additional focusing material, Thanks for the heads up. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimgriffin 0 #32 January 19, 2004 Hi Stacy. I had lasik about a 1.5 yrs ago from the skydiving eye surgeon Dr. Joel Shugar http://www.shugar.com/. (The fact that he had done the surgery on over 10,000 people - 15 that I know well through skydiving - and that he is renown in his field was why I chose him - NOT the skydiver discount!) Anyway, having lasik was/is life changing, and my vision was not as bad as yours. The only hard part of the whole thing was parting with thousands of $$$ (I think Dr. Shugar's price for skydivers is between 2500 and 3000). But, even though I had to borrow the money from an IRA (with a huge penalty), it was worth every penny. My eyes are better now than they were with contacts. Everything is so crystal clear - it is truly amazing. The best part, of course, is to just wake up or go under water or have your goggles blow up a bit and still be able to see perfectly. It's been great for my skydiving - no more worries about contacts blowing out. The procedure was pretty fast and painless. Really, the only discomfort was that my eyes felt a little scratchy for a couple weeks and they would get dry easily. I was told to not jump for 2 weeks, but I waited a month. No problems at all. Sometimes I still get the starburst effect at night with on-coming car headlights (not bad though), but it's usually only when I'm tired or my eyes are really dry. But, I had WAY worse vision at night before - so no complaints. It's great that you are asking for opinions and getting advice - a skydiving eye doc even! I think research in to such an important surgery is important. I really wish you the best, Stacy!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
favaks 0 #33 January 19, 2004 Go for the latest Lasik technology, which uses wave front technology. Must safer than conventional Lasik and gives much better result. It is a bit more expensive thought. I had Lasik done last year and I'm 20/20 and 20/15. It was worth every penny. With wave front technology there is a good chance of getting better than 20/15. It is a very new technology so not many doctors are certified to do it. favaks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #34 January 19, 2004 Do it. I had 20/400 in both eyes. Uncle Sam put me into the Army's Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program. Thats the nice way of saying all you taxpayers paid for my new eyes.... I went from 20/400 to 20/25 and 20/30. The only problem with the Army paying for it was 20/40 was considered a success and you could not get it retouched. But I am SO happy with it. I'd do it again in a heart beat. Next time you are in Zhills ask me and I can show you the video from the surgery. Go with what the Docs tell you to do...PRK most likey is not an option for you since you have a strong RX...They advised me against it. And PRK takes longer to heal. Ron"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #35 January 19, 2004 Had it done about 3 years ago. 20/20 and 20/15 after the surgery. Pretty painless and real quick. Only problem I have which they warned me was losing up close vision. I just have to be about a foot away to read comfortably now but don't use cheaters yet. One option that most places give you is having one done at a time so that you are sure about the results before continuing. I highly recommend it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #36 January 19, 2004 sweet, we'll be up for the pink mafia boogie. i'll plan on watching the surgery video then. I'm sucha wuss when it comes to unneccessary pain and slicing my eye doesn't sound fun.... but it sounds better than contacts every morning so I can FIND my shower... __ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #37 January 19, 2004 QuoteI'm sucha wuss when it comes to unneccessary pain and slicing my eye doesn't sound fun.... It does not hurt...but it does feel wierd. You feel presure, but not any pain. It is wierd to see your eye being cut. But like I said no pain, just wierd, and its only for a few seconds. Then no contacts or glasses...."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #38 January 19, 2004 Had mine over 2 years ago. I was 20/400. I don't notice any difference from contacts as far as vision. When my eyes get really tired, I get small halo's around lights at night but nothing like the bursts with glasses on. I would highly recommend it. Katie Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
North95 0 #39 January 19, 2004 Quote It does not hurt...but it does feel wierd. You feel presure, but not any pain. It is wierd to see your eye being cut. But like I said no pain, just wierd, and its only for a few seconds. I agree as far as during the procedure, but a few hours later I did have significant pain. I learned on the second eye that it was best for me to go to sleep as soon as possible after the procedure. The next morning there was no pain. Quote Don't go looking for the $299 cheapo surgeons. Would you go to the cheapest cardiologist on the block for your triple bypass or the best? Don't cut corners with your eyes either, you only get one set of them. Be careful about the huge laser mills, they are almost as scary as the cheap places with how fast they send folks through and the care is often inadequate. I followed the above advice. I went to the head of the laser surgery unit at the biggest hospital. She charged $2500/eye, minus a $250 employee discount. A bit extreme, but it bought some peace of mind. Of course that was before I knew I would need all my money for gear, etc. So far, I'm about 20/20 - 20/15 without any complications at 6 mos. Quote My honest opinion (and keep in mind I could make a small fortune doing lasik workups and post op care) is that it is unethical to operate on a perfectly healthy pair of eyes knowing that there is a risk of never seeing a perfect 20/20 again. Many opthalmologists chose against performing this surgery for the same reason. It is a huge money maker, and that is too tempting for others to turn away. My regular eye doctor advised against the surgery for the above reason. Of course, by definition, all here are risk takers. Stacy - I think you already have more advice than you even want to read. NorthRepetition does not transform a lie into a truth. Franklin D. Roosevelt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #40 January 19, 2004 I had it done a little over a year ago. To be honest, I will not recommend it as enthusiasctically as some do because my vision is not as good as I had expected based on the high recommendations I got before doing it. (Could be that my vision was not as bad to begin with as some of those who I had gotten the recommendations from.) On the other hand, if I had it to do over again, I would probably still choose to do it. So basically I'm saying - if you do choose to have it done, be sure to have realistic expectations. For me, it corrected my far-away vision to almost perfect, but somewhat compromised my close-up vision - not to the point of needing glasses for it, but enough that it was very annoying for a long time. I think I have finally adjusted to it, but it seemed to take my eyes a full year to really start feeling "normal" and for me to stop squinting when I am reading. (I have wondered though, if the fact that I spend so much time in front of a computer slowed my healing process - probably so.) Oh, and I do still have a hard time driving at night because of the glare from lights - this seems to be a common problem for most people who have had this procedure. So from my personal experience, I would still recommend having it done - just (as everyone else has said) do a lot of research, make sure you can accept the things that may go wrong, make sure you are a good candidate for it, and have realistic expectations. It IS very nice to not need glasses or contacts anymore! Oh, but one thing I should point out (if this hasn't already been said - sorry, I didn't read through the whole thread ;)... You mentioned that you're getting new prescriptions every year - you will probably not be a good candidate until your prescription is stable for at least a couple of years - I believe that is one thing they do consider. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
North95 0 #41 January 19, 2004 Keely's right. With a changing prescription, I don't think you're a candidate at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laurel 0 #42 January 19, 2004 had it 2/21/03. love it...................................................................... PMS#28, Pelogrande Rodriguez#1074 My Pink M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #43 January 19, 2004 Had it done in 12/99. Wow! What a difference! I went from 20/200 to 20/15. This summer I had a blocked central retinal vein (TOTALLY unrelated to lasix) and now my left eye is 20/400. I'm so glad I have 20/20 in my right eye! I cannot imagine what it would be like to be 2/200 in eye w/o contact and 20/400 in left eye (no cure for what happened). I highly recommend, but just as with all surgeries, weigh the risk! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimgriffin 0 #44 January 19, 2004 Really, the surgery doesn't hurt at all. Plus you have no feeling in your eyes since they will be numb. And if it's any consolation, they usually give you valuum before the surgery just so you're nice and relaxed. I had never taken it before - have to say I was definitely in a relaxed state during surgery. After that, they gave me a killer sleeping pill so you are out (and healing) for a good 6+ hours. I have a friend who is REALLY freaked out over anything touching her eyes or even the thought of it and she was fine during her lasik surgery. I think they may have slipped her an extra valuum though -Kimberly Griffin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #45 January 19, 2004 QuoteKeely's right. With a changing prescription, I don't think you're a candidate at all. If they think you are a candidate, then you are definitely at the wrong doctor. He's only looking to take your money. While in there, he might even offer to take out your perfectly healthy appendix. With a changing prescription, you are NOT a candidate at all. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #46 January 19, 2004 Five of my family members have had it, all from the same doctor in Pasadena, CA. They are all VERY happy with it. Please note: Lasic, probably more than any other surgery, is very much a you-get-what-you-pay-for thing. Please, don't let cost influence which doctor you go to, because your results are usually in direct proportion to the amount of experience your doctor has. Everyone in my family has paid about $1000.00 at least. I do know several who went cheaper places (Laser Eye Center and others) and they were not nearly as happy with their results. Expect dry eyes and halos while the cornea flap heals. Side effects do get better in time, and you WILL have side effects. Driving at night will be difficult. If your surgery was performed well, the effects should go away within six months to a year. What I can tell you is that everyone I know who has had the surgery has not regretted it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aeromobile 0 #47 January 19, 2004 Had it and love it. I was far-sighted and the procedure was just approved when I had mine done. I'm not 20-20, but I don't have to wear my glasses! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #48 January 19, 2004 Stacy, let me know what your doctor says. My eye doctor said that the best candidates are ones who's script is unchanging over a period of 2 years... Mine seems to change every year, too. I don't know if this is a plot against the consumer so that he stays in business, or if it really is the truth. lmk what you find out:) I don't spend that much. I buy the daily contacts and wear them for a week lol! Angela Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darius11 12 #49 January 19, 2004 Here is my .02 I talked with my Eye dr. about Laser surgery 2 years ago. My eyes are -3.00. He told me most times you will need glasses any way, and that he does not recomend it unless there is no other option. I ware glasses and my disposable contacts for skydiving, Scuba diving, Ect. ect The cool thing about them is if i lose one who cares i got 180 more and they are only about 150.00 bucks and if you only use them for activities and not every day use that will last you 2-3 years. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #50 January 19, 2004 Quote With a changing prescription, you are NOT a candidate at all. You could still likely do Ortho-K, but nobody ever hears of it because Lasik is all the rage right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
