LASIK surgery

ashleyhigg396

So, I've been wearing glasses since I was 5. (Yes, 5.) I'm now almost 25. I did switch to contacts when I was 12, which made life a little less sucky.

I have been contemplating LASIK for years, but to tell you the truth, it really freaks me out. The thought of having my eye sliced open is a little unnerving, and I'm not typically a squeamish person. (In fact, I'm getting a little nauseated now just thinking about it. Excuse me while I go barf.) On top of that, I could never pay for it while I was in college.

Fast forward a few years, now I can. I'm tired of waking up in the mornings and stumbling to the bathroom to put in my contacts. I'm tired of not being able to go swimming and most of all, I'm tired of that panic-stricken moment when you think you've lost one, because then you're really screwed.

How many of you have had LASIK/laser vision correction? What was your experience? Have you had problems since? How much down-time is needed?

I'd appreciate your input!

NotRailMeat

Keep the glasses:

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1040367-women-with-glasses?hl=glasses

ashleyhigg396

Haha! I was scared for a second thinking this was an anti-lasik thread you were taking me to with horrible reviews.

But...

I could always wear fake ones? (You haven't seen how thick these babies are!)

JUDDDing

https://player.vimeo.com/video/69393725

I consider every episode as a cautionary tale. :drinker:

ashleyhigg396

Love life lessons from the Simpsons!

fShaw86

Wore glasses from 11-16 then switched to contacts. Did LASIK when I was 20 best decision everrr. Only thing is I get "halos" around light sources and can't see too well at night - think driving. But all make up for pros.

coolraul07

I've worn glasses since I was 6 so I know your pain. Technically speaking, I'm legally blind without them (e.g. can't read the big 'E' from 20 feet away). I wore contacts for 1 year at age 16. I couldn't afford the extended wear so had to settle for the "take'm out if sleep for more than 30 min" version. I had to give them up because I'd invariably fall asleep with them in from time to time, have to use a bunch of eye drops to get them out, and then my eyes were 'drunken red' all day.
Fast forward 24 years to 2012: I had some excess (use-it-or-lose it) MSA funds from previous job, so bought 2 pairs of glasses and some disposable (weeklies) contacts. I went back 3 times for adjustments for ill-fit, irritation, or extreme blurring. After a month I gave up. I'm "Mr. Magoo" level nearsighted with varying astigmatism in each eye.

My thought are if it's so hard to even get contacts right, I personally do trust that Lasik will be perfect the first time around. I can always try contacts again or fallback to glasses, but I consider Lasik a "no Plan B", so I'm not willing to risk it. Even ignoring the extreme horror stories, I've heard too many cases where a person still has to wear glasses periodically, or has permanent halos/blurring, or other annoyances. Just ain't worth the risk to me. #TEHO #YMMV

JessicaPasieka

I just got LASIK done back in June and it's the absolute BEST thing I have ever done for myself, besides losing weight. Honestly, life is more beautiful now that I don't have frames on my face or contacts in my eyes. I can freely see the world and it's the best feeling. And, they don't slice your eyeball open. It's all done with a laser. My surgery took literally 4 minutes. And my recovery time was less than a couple of days.

ashleyhigg396

Wore glasses from 11-16 then switched to contacts. Did LASIK when I was 20 best decision everrr. Only thing is I get "halos" around light sources and can't see too well at night - think driving. But all make up for pros.

Thanks for the input! How severe is the halo issue and do you still feel comfortable enough to drive at night (albeit a little blurry)?

ashleyhigg396

I just got LASIK done back in June and it's the absolute BEST thing I have ever done for myself, besides losing weight. Honestly, life is more beautiful now that I don't have frames on my face or contacts in my eyes. I can freely see the world and it's the best feeling. And, they don't slice your eyeball open. It's all done with a laser. My surgery took literally 4 minutes. And my recovery time was less than a couple of days.

Yay, this is what i wanted to hear! Do you have any blurring/halo/starburt issues?

JessicaPasieka

I have had absolutely No issues with my vision at all. Honestly, it was the best decision I've made. I wore glasses since I was in the fourth grade. And it's the best feeling Not to have to worry about contacts drying out my eyes or anything like that. I have perfect 20/20 vision now and I couldn't be happier.

ashleyhigg396

I've worn glasses since I was 6 so I know your pain. Technically speaking, I'm legally blind without them (e.g. can't read the big 'E' from 20 feet away). I wore contacts for 1 year at age 16. I couldn't afford the extended wear so had to settle for the "take'm out if sleep for more than 30 min" version. I had to give them up because I'd invariably fall asleep with them in from time to time, have to use a bunch of eye drops to get them out, and then my eyes were 'drunken red' all day.
Fast forward 24 years to 2012: I had some excess (use-it-or-lose it) MSA funds from previous job, so bought 2 pairs of glasses and some disposable (weeklies) contacts. I went back 3 times for adjustments for ill-fit, irritation, or extreme blurring. After a month I gave up. I'm "Mr. Magoo" level nearsighted with varying astigmatism in each eye.

My thought are if it's so hard to even get contacts right, I personally do trust that Lasik will be perfect the first time around. I can always try contacts again or fallback to glasses, but I consider Lasik a "no Plan B", so I'm not willing to risk it. Even ignoring the extreme horror stories, I've heard too many cases where a person still has to wear glasses periodically, or has permanent halos/blurring, or other annoyances. Just ain't worth the risk to me. #TEHO #YMMV

I'm also legally blind without the glasses/contacts! Bleh. I feel your pain. I have all of these same concerns. Just trying to see the pros so I won't be so chicken and possibly miss out on an awesome opportunity. BUT...the risks are always in the back of my mind, for sure.

ashleyhigg396

I have had absolutely No issues with my vision at all. Honestly, it was the best decision I've made. I wore glasses since I was in the fourth grade. And it's the best feeling Not to have to worry about contacts drying out my eyes or anything like that. I have perfect 20/20 vision now and I couldn't be happier.

Great! I'm hoping if I decide to do it that I'll be just as happy with the results!

JessicaPasieka

I have had absolutely No issues with my vision at all. Honestly, it was the best decision I've made. I wore glasses since I was in the fourth grade. And it's the best feeling Not to have to worry about contacts drying out my eyes or anything like that. I have perfect 20/20 vision now and I couldn't be happier.

Great! I'm hoping if I decide to do it that I'll be just as happy with the results!

Trust me, when I was first considering it, I was really nervous too. It's your eyes. It's serious. One slip up and that's it. But, I highly recommend that you go for a consultation. It's free and they put you at ease Right away. I didn't have to ask One question because they took the liberty of explaining everything to me in such detail. With every surgery, there are going to be Possible complications. But, they do so many of these surgeries and technology has developed so much that I felt completely safe and at ease. I like waking up and not having to put glasses on. Or, having to feel like I want to scratch my eyeballs out because of my contacts. I like to be able to go swimming and not have to worry. I like that I can wear a nice pair of sunglasses. It's all the little things that people who Don't wear glasses will never understand. But, it was truly a great decision. I've had no problems with my eyes thus far and my perscription was Pretty horrible. They are So nice there as well. They really provide you with a lot of comfort and understanding. And they've called me a couple times now to see how I'm doing. Very thorough.

fShaw86

Well the night vision isn't blurred as much as its the halos that get in the way. Like stop lights.. you get this fuzzy light around each color. Depends on person and quality of care I guess?

paulaviki

I had lasek back in February and honestly it's the best decision I ever made! It's so liberating not to have to wear contacts or glasses and my vision is now better than 20/20. I was booked in for lasik but they decided lasek was best for me. The first fee days weren't pleasant as I had contact lens bandages and it made my eyes feel really gritty but they came out after 4 days days and over the next week my vision just got better and better!

ashleyhigg396

I had lasek back in February and honestly it's the best decision I ever made! It's so liberating not to have to wear contacts or glasses and my vision is now better than 20/20. I was booked in for lasik but they decided lasek was best for me. The first fee days weren't pleasant as I had contact lens bandages and it made my eyes feel really gritty but they came out after 4 days days and over the next week my vision just got better and better!

More encouraging words...awesome.

Now I need to see what the difference in lasik/lasek is.

The doctor here uses Intralase.

paulaviki

Lazik is where they use the laser to create a flap on the eye, lasek is where they use an acid solution to remove the top layer (or something like that).

I had mine done at optical express and had wavefront which is their top treatment, I think it's worth going for the best they offer if you are going to do it!

faceoff4

I had laser eye surgery done over 15 years ago and it was my best money I ever spent. I hated dealing with contracts, especially for someone who is very active, and glasses just were not an option. I was totally freaked out by it and its definitely weird having someone touch your eye, much less the procedure itself. But it really isnt that bad. The next day I was 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other and still have great vision to this day. So I am a big fan and would say go for it!

ashleyhigg396

I had laser eye surgery done over 15 years ago and it was my best money I ever spent. I hated dealing with contracts, especially for someone who is very active, and glasses just were not an option. I was totally freaked out by it and its definitely weird having someone touch your eye, much less the procedure itself. But it really isnt that bad. The next day I was 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other and still have great vision to this day. So I am a big fan and would say go for it!

Pros are out-weighing cons right now. Thanks! Did you have any bruising/haziness/blurring or did you have to have any follow-up work done?

SerenaFisher

My SO's grandmother had LASIK done a few years ago. She has perfect vision, and was 72 when she under went the procedure

faceoff4

I had laser eye surgery done over 15 years ago and it was my best money I ever spent. I hated dealing with contracts, especially for someone who is very active, and glasses just were not an option. I was totally freaked out by it and its definitely weird having someone touch your eye, much less the procedure itself. But it really isnt that bad. The next day I was 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other and still have great vision to this day. So I am a big fan and would say go for it!

Pros are out-weighing cons right now. Thanks! Did you have any bruising/haziness/blurring or did you have to have any follow-up work done?

No bruising or blurring or anything afterwards. And no follow up needed at all. Just had to wear some goofy goggle things for like a week when I slept so I didnt hurt them, but thats it. The only real issue was I was more sensitive to sunlight than I was before, but hey that just meant an excuse to buy some cool new shades! Good luck!

deksgrl

Do your research thoroughly.

I work in the field of lasers and optics. The vast majority of people in my workplace..... still wear glasses (or contacts). Although the USFDA has approved Lasik (more info here: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/default.htm ) I think the fact that there is enough risk involved that people who work with lasers daily are not yet willing to have it done on themselves is a pretty strong factor to consider.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/02/lasik-eye-surgery/index.htm

Of 793 people who had the surgery, 53% of them experienced side effects. 22% of them were still experiencing side effects 6 months later. 55% still did have to wear glasses or contacts at least some of the time.

Just another side to consider.

madworld1

I had Lasik about 3 years ago (don't remember exactly). I live around Dallas, so I had many options. I chose a board certified & highly experienced doctor. In other words, do your research. Cheap is sometimes too good to be true.

First, they had to check my eyes to see if I qualified. I did.
Then, I scheduled my appointment. I was given three medications before the surgery. The 10 mg Valium was to be taken 30 minutes before surgery. Then, I was to use the 2 kinds of eye drops a few days before the surgery. Also, I had to go without my contacts for several days (don't remember how many) before the surgery.

The day of surgery I was instructed to go without makeup. I went and signed in & took the valium when they told me it was 30 minutes until surgery. They took me in the room & they gave me a stress ball to squeeze & I squeezed the HELL out of it. Haha.

You can't blink because they keep your eye open with these metal claw type things. I was told to follow the "green light" as they did the surgery. I was scared because I couldn't keep up with the green light & I was so afraid that it would ruin my eyes. But, the doc said that it automatically quit cutting if it was lined up (something like that). At some point, they will warn you that everything is about to go white. And, it does. That was scary. The whole process didn't take long at all.

Recovery time was nothing as I was in no pain. I had to wear a super cool pair of goggles (insert sarcasm) for several days after the surgery. They are to prevent you from scratching or rubbing your eyes. It's imperative that you DO NOT scratch or rub them because the lens can be pushed out of place (it's healing).

My vision didn't become super clear until a few weeks after. Even then, I had to continuously use lube eye drops bc they cut your tear ducts in the process. Don't worry, the tear ducts will heal.

Yes, it was scary. The following days and weeks were uncomfortable due to severely dry eyes. I went through tons of eye drops.

Am I glad I got the surgery? HELL YES. It was worth every penny & I love, love, love not having to wear contacts or glasses. It was a miracle being able to see clearly first thing in the morning. I started wearing corrective lenses in the 3rd grade.

I have perfect vision now. I still keep a bottle of eye lube with me. But, I only use it once or twice a day. I know that I will most likely have to have glasses again someday. That's normal as you age.

Bottom line: Yes, it's scary and expensive. But, it was totally worth it. Be sure and research your doctor. Good luck.

ashleyhigg396

Do your research thoroughly.

I work in the field of lasers and optics. The vast majority of people in my workplace..... still wear glasses (or contacts). Although the USFDA has approved Lasik (more info here: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/default.htm ) I think the fact that there is enough risk involved that people who work with lasers daily are not yet willing to have it done on themselves is a pretty strong factor to consider.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/02/lasik-eye-surgery/index.htm

Of 793 people who had the surgery, 53% of them experienced side effects. 22% of them were still experiencing side effects 6 months later. 55% still did have to wear glasses or contacts at least some of the time.

Just another side to consider.

Thanks for the info! These were pretty useful facts. The only thing is, this was published in 2009 and included participants who had the surgery as far back as 2001. I just have to ask myself how much the quality of the procedure has improved since then.

ashleyhigg396

I had Lasik about 3 years ago (don't remember exactly). I live around Dallas, so I had many options. I chose a board certified & highly experienced doctor. In other words, do your research. Cheap is sometimes too good to be true.

First, they had to check my eyes to see if I qualified. I did.
Then, I scheduled my appointment. I was given three medications before the surgery. The 10 mg Valium was to be taken 30 minutes before surgery. Then, I was to use the 2 kinds of eye drops a few days before the surgery. Also, I had to go without my contacts for several days (don't remember how many) before the surgery.

The day of surgery I was instructed to go without makeup. I went and signed in & took the valium when they told me it was 30 minutes until surgery. They took me in the room & they gave me a stress ball to squeeze & I squeezed the HELL out of it. Haha.

You can't blink because they keep your eye open with these metal claw type things. I was told to follow the "green light" as they did the surgery. I was scared because I couldn't keep up with the green light & I was so afraid that it would ruin my eyes. But, the doc said that it automatically quit cutting if it was lined up (something like that). At some point, they will warn you that everything is about to go white. And, it does. That was scary. The whole process didn't take long at all.

Recovery time was nothing as I was in no pain. I had to wear a super cool pair of goggles (insert sarcasm) for several days after the surgery. They are to prevent you from scratching or rubbing your eyes. It's imperative that you DO NOT scratch or rub them because the lens can be pushed out of place (it's healing).

My vision didn't become super clear until a few weeks after. Even then, I had to continuously use lube eye drops bc they cut your tear ducts in the process. Don't worry, the tear ducts will heal.

Yes, it was scary. The following days and weeks were uncomfortable due to severely dry eyes. I went through tons of eye drops.

Am I glad I got the surgery? HELL YES. It was worth every penny & I love, love, love not having to wear contacts or glasses. It was a miracle being able to see clearly first thing in the morning. I started wearing corrective lenses in the 3rd grade.

I have perfect vision now. I still keep a bottle of eye lube with me. But, I only use it once or twice a day. I know that I will most likely have to have glasses again someday. That's normal as you age.

Bottom line: Yes, it's scary and expensive. But, it was totally worth it. Be sure and research your doctor. Good luck.

Thanks for the description of the process. Those are the things I need to know so I will know what to expect.
You said that your vision didn't complete clear up for a few weeks. Did you have trouble reading/driving/etc during the healing process?

Also, I was reading that those were more the effects of PRK. Did you have PRK/Lasek or Lasik? Just curious! Thank you!

madworld1

I had Lasik about 3 years ago (don't remember exactly). I live around Dallas, so I had many options. I chose a board certified & highly experienced doctor. In other words, do your research. Cheap is sometimes too good to be true.

First, they had to check my eyes to see if I qualified. I did.
Then, I scheduled my appointment. I was given three medications before the surgery. The 10 mg Valium was to be taken 30 minutes before surgery. Then, I was to use the 2 kinds of eye drops a few days before the surgery. Also, I had to go without my contacts for several days (don't remember how many) before the surgery.

The day of surgery I was instructed to go without makeup. I went and signed in & took the valium when they told me it was 30 minutes until surgery. They took me in the room & they gave me a stress ball to squeeze & I squeezed the HELL out of it. Haha.

You can't blink because they keep your eye open with these metal claw type things. I was told to follow the "green light" as they did the surgery. I was scared because I couldn't keep up with the green light & I was so afraid that it would ruin my eyes. But, the doc said that it automatically quit cutting if it was lined up (something like that). At some point, they will warn you that everything is about to go white. And, it does. That was scary. The whole process didn't take long at all.

Recovery time was nothing as I was in no pain. I had to wear a super cool pair of goggles (insert sarcasm) for several days after the surgery. They are to prevent you from scratching or rubbing your eyes. It's imperative that you DO NOT scratch or rub them because the lens can be pushed out of place (it's healing).

My vision didn't become super clear until a few weeks after. Even then, I had to continuously use lube eye drops bc they cut your tear ducts in the process. Don't worry, the tear ducts will heal.

Yes, it was scary. The following days and weeks were uncomfortable due to severely dry eyes. I went through tons of eye drops.

Am I glad I got the surgery? HELL YES. It was worth every penny & I love, love, love not having to wear contacts or glasses. It was a miracle being able to see clearly first thing in the morning. I started wearing corrective lenses in the 3rd grade.

I have perfect vision now. I still keep a bottle of eye lube with me. But, I only use it once or twice a day. I know that I will most likely have to have glasses again someday. That's normal as you age.

Bottom line: Yes, it's scary and expensive. But, it was totally worth it. Be sure and research your doctor. Good luck.

Thanks for the description of the process. Those are the things I need to know so I will know what to expect.
You said that your vision didn't complete clear up for a few weeks. Did you have trouble reading/driving/etc during the healing process?

Also, I was reading that those were more the effects of PRK. Did you have PRK/Lasek or Lasik? Just curious! Thank you!

It was definitely only Lasik. The reason my eyes were so dry is because when they create the LASIK flap, they cut your cornea nerves. It was just dry eye & luckily it healed over time. But, it wasn't so bad that I was unable to drive, read, etc.

The dry eye that I had with contacts was painful, whereas the dry eye that I had from the surgery was just "uncomfortable" and annoying. The blurry vision that I was experiencing periodically was only due to dry eye. It cleared right up after I put drops in.

ashleyhigg396

Bump

hzliiz

Best money I've spent, no regrets other than wish I'd done it sooner. Was near sighted to the point of practically blind -- couldn't see a foot in front of me. Done in 2007, no problems, great vision, still makes me happy and grateful every day to be able to see unaided!

amyk0202

I had lasik done over 12 years ago & it was definitely one of the best things I've ever done. I wore glasses since 5th grade & was not able to wear contacts any longer because I have pterygium (basically bumps) in my eyes & the contacts couldn't lay flat anymore. My surgeon (Dr. Neatrour in Virginia Beach) was very experienced & is still in practice. I recently looked to see what age limits there are to see if my daughter was able to get her eyes done (she's still too young). There was no pain. I was awake for the whole procedure. The worst part for me was when they were putting the metal things in to hold your eyes open. I could see perfectly immediately after the surgery--I actually looked at the clock in the room & was able to read it. I don't remember my prescription before, but they used to have to flip up to the bigger letters during my eye tests. I could not see anything without my glasses. My eyes are still perfect so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth. I am 41, so I know that I will probably need reading glasses some day but in the meantime it was sooooo worth it.

kar328

I've worn glasses since I was nine, contacts since I was 18. Never minded the contacts. I always said I wouldn't do Lasik - the whole idea of messing up my eyes, cutting my eyes, etc skeeved me a lot. Fast forward to me getting older, I couldn't see to read, so I was wearing contacts and reading glasses and getting massive headaches. I love to read, so not doing it a lot was hard. I finally bit the bullet and got evaluated. I had it done almost four years ago and did the usual "I should have done this years ago." It's wonderful to see, I could read signs on the drive home, even with the eye shields. The next day I drove myself to the post op visit and giggled because I'd never driven without glasses/contacts before. My doctor's practice had a seminar on the surgery, including watching one and that helped me calm down a bit. (so did the Valium).

My only advice is do NOT watch any of the videos on YouTube. I was doing that one night at work and freaking myself out. There's one on there that's medical malpractice and really freaky to watch.