Corrective Laser Surgery...

[Aurora_s_Flame]

It's been in the back of my mind for quite some time to have my eyes done. I use to have perfect 20 20 vision, but I've slipped over the past 6 years or so to being near sighted. I don't wear my glasses all the time, but they do get tedious all the same. I miss having clear sight 24/7 without the aid of such a contraption.

Has anyone had Laser surgery? How did it go? Are you happy with your results? Its a big expense, so I am just curious as to what it was that pushed you to do it.

Thank you!

~ Rora

 

[Secret Kate]

I did it 3 years ago!

And it was the best $4000 I've ever spent.

It's come way down in price - but when I had it done it was $2000 an eye.

My vision was 20/1800 before - yes almost totally blind - very thick glasses! Now for 3 years I've been 20/20 or better - the right eye was 20/15 for a year before it adjusted and stabilized at 20/20.

My vision was getting worse each year or so. I'm into outdoor sports - canoeing mainly - and the thought of losing my glasses on the river was very scary.

The procedure itself, was quick, easy and painless. It's a scary procedure, but I was ok through the whole thing - even signing the paperwork that tells you that it could go horribly wrong and you could be blind - that was the only time I hesitated, and then for just a second or two. I had total trust in my doctor and was very comfortable and confidant in what they were doing.

Good luck - think about it a lot first - but then if it's right for you I highly recommend that you do it.


edited - because I left out a 0 in $2000! Silly me!

 

[CoolidgEffect]

Go to a few of the places that do this kind of surgery. Ask the doctors if they have had it done to their eyes.

From your birth date in your profile you are still quite young. During the next 6 years your eyes will probably continue to change. Will you apply a laser to your cornea again?

 

[Guest]

 

[Mischka]

You might be too young. I haven't had it done, but I know over a dozen that have. Most people's eyesight will change significantly during their twenties, and you have to remain stable for at least a year before you can have it done. Lasic doesn't permanently restore your eyesight, it merely sets you back to 20/20.

Talk to a reputable doctor (read - does not offer coupons) and have him/her evaluate your eyes. It's a very individual surgery.

 

[claybeherenow]

i had the old RK surgery when i turned 18, i'm really glad i did too

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

Yes, I have talked to a number of different reputable doctors that preform laser surgery. Half of them say I am a good canditate as of now, and the other half said to wait until I am in my early 30's for my eyes to finish their adjustment. But on my mother's side of the family, all of their eyes finished the changes they made by teenage years. The again, on my dad's, they didn't change until in their late 30's - 40's. I just miss not having to worry when horsebackriding or swimming the lack of the hassle of the glasses.

Maybe I'll wait until I finish paying off my wheels to get it done!

~ Rora

 

[Rubyfruit]

My mom had it done and loves the results.

If I had the money, I'd have it done in a New York minute.

 

[Pagliacci]

Friends have had it done and they told me it was the most well spent money of their lives.

I say wait a bit and see,if it doesn't correct itself go for it.

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

Friends have had it done and they told me it was the most well spent money of their lives.

I say wait a bit and see,if it doesn't correct itself go for it.

Thanks for the advice...nice to see you again Pagliacci * on the cheek* Long time no see!

~ Rora

 

[Pagliacci]

Thanks for the advice...nice to see you again Pagliacci * on the cheek* Long time no see!

~ Rora

Nice to see you as well * on the cheek*

I sent the last PM you know,can't expect me to be on top of every contact

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

Nice to see you as well * on the cheek*

I sent the last PM you know,can't expect me to be on top of every contact

*pouts* But of course I can expect it...mind you, I do enjoy being on top too...damn you know me too well! hehe

~ Rora

 

[427cobra]

I just had it done yesterday. Without a doubt it's already been the best money I've ever spent. My doctor told me I was an ideal candidate. It was a smooth, quick, and painless procedure. This morning my vision is a little fuzzy, but I'm waling around without glasses and can see fine. They say my vision should be in perfect focus by tomorrow morning. Go for it!

 

[crystalizedjoy]

sweet and all loving goddess, I've dreamed of this surgery since they discovered they could do it. Sadly, insurance problems prevent me from doing it, and my parents couldn't afford while I was growing up.. someday soon, I hope..

I hate my fuckin glasses with a passion that rivals my desirefor sex and public lynchings..

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

Wow! Congrats!



Good job on getting the "refurbished" eyes! I hope it goes well for you! I'm still contemplating it. Who knows, maybe someday!

~ Rora

 

[427cobra]

Re: Wow! Congrats!

Good job on getting the "refurbished" eyes! I hope it goes well for you! I'm still contemplating it. Who knows, maybe someday!

~ Rora

I just punched up your profile. I think you might be too young for it. I'm 26 and that seemed to be the right age around to do it. Sorry that you might have to wait a few years, bu tit'll be worth it when it it's done. Pm or Im me if you've got any questions. I;d be more than happy to answer them.

Cobra

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

sweet and all loving goddess, I've dreamed of this surgery since they discovered they could do it. Sadly, insurance problems prevent me from doing it, and my parents couldn't afford while I was growing up.. someday soon, I hope..

I hate my fuckin glasses with a passion that rivals my desirefor sex and public lynchings..

Here here!!!!! *applauds*

I'd sign a petition to make them illegal if I could!

The darned things are more of an annoyance then anything else...thus why they are perched atop my noggin holding my hair back rather than on my nose at the moment!

~ Rora

 

[Mrs Christophe]

but what happens as you get older, do they stay 20/20, or do they change and you have to start all over again?

 

[CoolidgEffect]

but what happens as you get older, do they stay 20/20, or do they change and you have to start all over again?

Good question. I don't believe the procedure has been around long enough to really know. Will the shape of your eye change later? Maybe. Will the scare tissue cause problems in 10 or 20 years? Maybe.

It certainly won't stop you from becoming presbyoptic.

If you have really really bad eyesight. It is probably a useful procedure.

If you just don't like your glasses... Then I am not sure it is worth the risk.

Like I stated in my earlier post. Ask the doctors if they have had it done on their eyes and if not, why not.

 

[Mrs Christophe]

thanks, that has been the only thing stopping me from having this done, but i think i'm going to take the plunge anyway, glassess are a pain in the ass

 

[Aurora_s_Flame]

Good question. I don't believe the procedure has been around long enough to really know. Will the shape of your eye change later? Maybe. Will the scare tissue cause problems in 10 or 20 years? Maybe.

It certainly won't stop you from becoming presbyoptic.

If you have really really bad eyesight. It is probably a useful procedure.

If you just don't like your glasses... Then I am not sure it is worth the risk.

Like I stated in my earlier post. Ask the doctors if they have had it done on their eyes and if not, why not.

Good questions to ask, and this is another one of the reasons I am questioning it now. I figure if I wait 5 years, maybe there will be a better perspective on the whole thing.

I have spoken to a number of individuals who have had the procedure done years ago, to see if there was any signs of reverting back to the original problem, and thus far no. But it still does make me hesitant. In 20 years, who knows.

It's a big investment, a real surgery and does have real effects on your body. Something definitely not to jump into. And I have no urge to do that at all.

~ Rora

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[CoolidgEffect]

There is an alternative to surgery. It is called "Orthokeratology" or "Corneal Refractive Therapy" (CRT).

Basically you wear a rigid glass contact lens the reshapes the cornea. It will correct myopia and myopia with astigmatism. You wear this contact lens at night and your cornea retains its new shape during the day. I don't know how many days a week you need to wear it. But you can look into it as an alternative.

 

[Silverlily]

A couple things to keep in mind.


1. It's not for everyone. Get a second opinion, then get a third, especially if the doctor is someone you've never seen. I looked into it and have been told my pupils are too large and do not constrict enough. Also, with my contacts, I see nearly 20/10. Every doctor I've seen considers 20/40 successful.

2. It does not cure presbyopia (The inability to shift focus). That is something internal to the eye and at this time, is only correctable with glasses or contacts.

3. Research is being conducted into the use of corneal replacement as a correction for myopia (nearsightedness). This is similar to cataract surgery, something we've been doing for a long time. Added benefit, with an artificial cornea, there is no chance of cataracts.

4. It is not uncommon to have problem with glare after the surgery. Many of my patients still need glasses with an antiglare coating.


Bottom line, find someone you trust, get ALL the facts first. I have very poor vision, 20/400, but with disposable contacts, the hassle is minimal.

 

[Lost Cause]

My older brother had it done four years ago, and his eyesight is still perfect! He had the specifics done in WA State, and the actual surgery in Vancouver, B.C. He had to stay overnight until his post-op inspection, he drove home without glasses that day! I have the same nearsighted condition he had, and after I get out of the post-Boeing unemployment, it's on my top 3 things to do!
Good luck!

*My brother took all of his old glasses and donated them to be used for senior citizens on a fixed income, maybe you might do the same.