I had LASIK

[Zogo]

it went good. I can see far stuff fine..but close up objects take longer.

they taped the eyes open then made some kind of cut with something else..if I had to describe it looked like a 3 or 4 pronged miniature walking stick..then after that they put something circular around my eyes that really kept them open..then they turned on a suction thing that if I didn't know better would think it was designed to vacuum eyes up or something.

then they pulled the flap open and the vision went dark for 5 seconds..then they started the laser (makes a clicking sound) that lasted for 15-20 seconds maybe. after a few seconds I started to smell my eyes burning..which was funny.
after that they moved the flap back and glued it back on with some kind of paintbrush.

the whole time they're doing all this stuff you're staring into some bright red light..kind of made me feel like i was looking at the T-101's eyes from the terminator movie. then they took all the stuff off and waited a minute. they had me look at a clock (something I wouldn't have even been able to see at all on the wall.) and I could see the hour/minute hands..then 15 seconds later the second hand came into focus but it was foggy.

then they had me move to another chair and gave me eye drops and had me sit with my eyes closed in a recliner for 10 minutes. after that I could see clearer. the doctor made sure the flaps were attached and let me go.

I need to wear sunglasses outside for a few days and there's a whole list of do/do not stuff.
I need to take 3 eye drops 3 times a day..vigamox, econopred plus and normal eye drops.

I'm going for another checkup today but I can answer any questions later.

[xero]

I went in to see a LASIK-specialized opthamologist about it this last winter and he said I'm not a candidate until the end of the summer, but told me that there's more than one way I can get it done. I've been considering the PRK (it's supposedly better in almost every way except that it hurts like hell for a couple weeks afterwards), but I can't find anybody who's gotten it.

What kind did you have (INTRA or PRK), how much did it cost per eye, what type of vision (far/near & how bad) did you have before the surgery?

[SteelValor]

I got Wavefront Advanced Surface Ablation.

FYI - kiss your night vision goodbye :(

[Si|Ver]

How much did it cost you? Say if i wanted to get the blurry vision in my left eye fixed, would I only have to pay half because it's one eye? :p

[GuMbY]

Ive been thinking about getting this done. I'm near-sighted and can read things in front of me fine. I'm just not sure of the benefits would be worth the costs.

The thought of f'ing up my vision kinds of puts me off. I'll stick to contacts for now, but I might look into this again in a few years. Nice topic :D

[Yukfo0]

cutting your eye to create a flap was the old way to do it, now places have procedures that dont involve any cuts, just lasers

[THErhombus]

I heard that one shouldn't get lasik done until you're 25 or older. I can't remember who it was that said this, but they said that you're eyes keep changing until you're 25, and that if you got lasik done before you turned 25 your eyes could still change afterwards. Anybody else hear anything similar to this?

[spin]

I heard that one shouldn't get lasik done until you're 25 or older. I can't remember who it was that said this, but they said that you're eyes keep changing until you're 25, and that if you got lasik done before you turned 25 your eyes could still change afterwards. Anybody else hear anything similar to this?
most likely your eyedoctor, because mine said the same thing to me.

[Streetwolf]

I have 20/15 vision, losers :p.

No but more seriously, that's really cool to go and do that. I hope it works out for you in the long run.

[xero]

Ive been thinking about getting this done. I'm near-sighted and can read things in front of me fine. I'm just not sure of the benefits would be worth the costs.

The thought of f'ing up my vision kinds of puts me off. I'll stick to contacts for now, but I might look into this again in a few years. Nice topic :DIt depends on how nearsighted you are. I'm nearsighted at -3.25 left and -3 right, and I was told the chances of error with INTRA was less than .01%, and that it was even lower with PRK.

Some of the newer procedures don't have records of night-vision loss or halos nearly as bad as the older procedures.

[Zogo]

What kind did you have (INTRA or PRK), how much did it cost per eye, what type of vision (far/near & how bad) did you have before the surgery?

lasik..I forget which exact kind it was..but not PRK or RK or LASEK.
I had bad astigmatism and couldn't see near/far at all.

I can't remember the measurements..but they were bad..I think one eye was 10 something..

FYI - kiss your night vision goodbye :(

not everyone loses it.

How much did it cost you? Say if i wanted to get the blurry vision in my left eye fixed, would I only have to pay half because it's one eye? :p

$3,600 total. yea you can do one eye.

[Zogo]

I heard that one shouldn't get lasik done until you're 25 or older. I can't remember who it was that said this, but they said that you're eyes keep changing until you're 25, and that if you got lasik done before you turned 25 your eyes could still change afterwards. Anybody else hear anything similar to this?

some do it as early as 18. I've read a lot on it and most say 21+ is safe..but it depends on the person.

I'm 23 and my eyes have barely changed in the last 6 years..so I figured this was long enough.

and anyway even if they do change drastically you can always have a followup surgery..some places offer lifetime "enhancements" and others charge a little more..but nowhere near the first surgery price.

cutting your eye to create a flap was the old way to do it, now places have procedures that dont involve any cuts, just lasers

I think they still cut them..but now they use the laser to cut..they call it "bladeless" which is true because there are no blades....but it's kind of misleading.

[Zogo]

Some of the newer procedures don't have records of night-vision loss or halos nearly as bad as the older procedures.

I had halos with my normal glasses anyway..so I don't care even if they do hang around..but they told me after 4-6 months they're usually gone.

they dilated my eyes and I think they calibrated some stuff on the machine to correspond to how large my pupils get when they're full dilated.

[SteelValor]

not everyone loses it

Everyone I know who's had it done has halos or poor night vision while driving at night.

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE DON'T STOP THE DROP!!! Refresh Liquigel = your new best friend!!!

[Kmack]

If anyone came near my eye with a knife, I would freak the fuck out.

Guess it's a good thing I have 20/20 vision... because I'm weird about my eyes. I can't even put eye drops in... much less would I be able to put a contact lens in.

[Craven]

i agree with Kmack

if i had that done, i would probably have to be knocked out

i have seen some crazy shit throughout my life, but the things that creep me out the most are things growing, scabbing or otherwise damaging my eyes

for example: the Simpsons episode where Homer gets laser eye surgery and walks away before they give him the drops and his eyes crust over completely freaked me out, my skin is actually crawling thinking about it as i type this

luckily, i also have 20/20 right now (and good prospects for the future as not many people in my family, even grandparents didnt wear glasses until later in life) so hopefully i wont have to worry about it

[SteelValor]

A robot does the cutting and lasering

[xero]

i agree with Kmack

if i had that done, i would probably have to be knocked outThey can and will sedate you if you have problems/ask to be. However, they do need you to be awake for the procedure so your eyes behave in a predictable manner.

The newer procedures don't even cut your eyes -- they actually do the procedure through your eyes with the laser. Its much safer, theres much fewer side effects, less chance of adjustment surgeries, and it's cheaper (I was quoted at over $1500 cheaper in total). But it also has downsides -- it supposedly leaves your eyes hurting like hell for about a week, and you have to be prescribed some vicodin/hydrocodone/etc medication to ease the pain. It also takes up to 3 months for your vision to sharpen to its peak, (as opposed to the more conventional and dated methods which take a month or less).

It was recommended to me on the basis that it's a better procedure in almost every way except for the pain.

[Jackal_]

if you have been sticking contacts in your eyes for 10 years or so you become very comfortable with things in your eyes

great topic zogo, ive been considering this for a while but have never really pulled the trigger. let us know how the recovery goes, etc.

[Exe]

^^^ what he said ^^^

[Zogo]

great topic zogo, ive been considering this for a while but have never really pulled the trigger. let us know how the recovery goes, etc.

right now everything is OK except the close range. I've got 2 online classes right now and I'm able to do them with the browser text enlarged..but it's annoying. I think it takes 3-4 full days before things really look good up close. so I've been watching more movies/tv than usual.

actually out of everything the most annoying aspect are the goggles I have to wear at night. they look like a ski mask but the way it's shaped you have to lie on your back (something I don't do really) so I've been waking up uncomfortably.

[Zogo]

Everyone I know who's had it done has halos or poor night vision while driving at night.

how many people? and did they go to a good doctor?

because I was seeing fine at night 20 minutes after the surgery while wearing sunglasses.

I could see all the cars, signs, road markings on the street.

if i had that done, i would probably have to be knocked out

you need to be awake somewhat.

The newer procedures don't even cut your eyes -- they actually do the procedure through your eyes with the laser. Its much safer, theres much fewer side effects, less chance of adjustment surgeries, and it's cheaper (I was quoted at over $1500 cheaper in total). But it also has downsides -- it supposedly leaves your eyes hurting like hell for about a week, and you have to be prescribed some vicodin/hydrocodone/etc medication to ease the pain. It also takes up to 3 months for your vision to sharpen to its peak, (as opposed to the more conventional and dated methods which take a month or less).

that's PRK and it's actually an older technology. and I do think they need to slice a LITTLE bit of the cornea off to do it..but not as much as a flap.

[trip]

I had PRK a few weeks ago. It's fucking sweet.

[SteelValor]

how many people? and did they go to a good doctor?

because I was seeing fine at night 20 minutes after the surgery while wearing sunglasses.

I could see all the cars, signs, road markings on the street.

you need to be awake somewhat.


Yah I had 20/10 for the first month, then it stabalized at 20/20+

Most of the people I know who had lasik went to .ca for around 500/eye. I dropped 2K on my good eye and had one of the best laser docs on the planet do it. It done by the computer anyways how bad can it be screwed up (procedure wise)

[jav]

I have 20/15 vision, losers :p.


i have 20/10, bitch.

[Zogo]

more info I forgot to add:

they gave me a generic 5mg valium to take 30 minutes before..which really didn't seem to kick in till after the surgery heh..
then another 5mg before bed. and they also spray some kind of anesthetic on the eye at one point during the procedure..kind of felt like a squirt gun.

I can see further than I can ever remember..and my one eye can see better on the eye chart test already..but the close up text on books/computer take the longest to recover.

I have another appointment in 2 weeks to check the eyes again. and maybe one a few months later. they like to measure the progress. what's nice is that they have it worked all into one payment..all the initial consultations are free and so are all the follow ups.

and today driving was good..I could see stuff on the horizon that I'd never seen before..and of course my peripheral vision improved a lot too.

[Ace]

I had Wavefront performed on me in july of last year. FYI Xero, I was -6.75, -6.50. I can now see 20/20 nearly 20/15. The procedure itself is rather simple and short in duration. For myself, there was no itching or scratching sensations most people associate with LASIK.

I must say, I was concerned about my night vision, and it is just as good as before surgery, if not better due to the improved vision. Halos and bursting are zero.

The key to maintaining a good field of vision is to ensure that your eyes are moist. This is especially important the first month or two after surgery. Water your eyes every 15-30 minutes if you can think of it. Most people the irritation is enough to ensure that hydration is a common occurance.

Overall, I would highly recommend the surgery to anyone that is a viable candidate. I had mine done through Dr. John Costello in Oneida, NY, and would sincerely recommend him to anyone. Very exact in his work, and does not tolerate error. I also opted for the free "updates" if/when the need occurs as part of my packaging deal. Basically if my eyes change enough to warrant corrective surgery again, it is free.

EDIT: FYI I was 22 when I had the surgery done. Requirements are not truely age based, but based on the stability of your perscription. People who have stable perscriptions in excess of 3-4 years typically are the best candidates.

[Zogo]

I must say, I was concerned about my night vision, and it is just as good as before surgery, if not better due to the improved vision. Halos and bursting are zero.

yea, right now the myth going around is that those are still guaranteed to occur..but every year they're improving the surgery and fewew are getting them.

every day my close up vision is improving a little.

[Soul Meets Body]

$3,600 total. yea you can do one eye.

Is that in American dollars? because I'm Canadian, does anyone know the cost in Canadian dollars?

I've been really thinking about getting it done, i absolutely hate wearing contacts and glasses, so uncomfortable, espically late at night when i've been wearing them all day!

[Zogo]

Is that in American dollars? because I'm Canadian, does anyone know the cost in Canadian dollars?

I've been really thinking about getting it done, i absolutely hate wearing contacts and glasses, so uncomfortable, espically late at night when i've been wearing them all day!

us dollars.

it depends on a lot of factors. first the doctors experience (newer doctors charge less usually.) and you might get a superbargain if you are one of the first patients (don't do this heh.) second, it depends on how bad your eyes are and if you have other eye defects. third, it depends on what type of insurance you have.

so you'll have to go to a few doctors in your area to know for sure.

[Rimuladas]

$3,600 total.

Mine was only $1100 for both eyes and i was legally blind. I now have 20/15. You must have seriously been one blind SOB to have to pay that much.

[dook]

i'm looking into surgery too and i have absolutely no problem paying top dollar. if you're worried about money, pack a bag lunch... but for the love of god get the best eye surgeon you can.

i'm still confused about this night vision thing. why do you say that it's AS good as before... i would've thought it would be much better. if there are no halos or bursts, why's it not terrific?

[Ace]

Night vision being as good as before implies that the effects such as halos or bursting are not present. Obviously due to the improved vision from surgery, night vision is better as a result.

It is very difficult to explain the effects of impaired night vision unless one has experienced it. I used to have poor vision at night with contacts due to severe halos and bursting. Thus, it was rather difficult to drive.

Imagine looking at a set of headlights and the only thing you can see is a very large circular sphere coming at you with no definition or clarity. Now imagine what happens when four or five in a row do that. Things tend to blur together and your perception becomes rather distorted very fast. Or imagine a double image superimposed over everything you saw. Can you guess which is the real car?

Since the correction, healights are very defined, and the difference between a light source and the surrounding darkness is quite apparent. What was once a blur or burst has now become a defined object. Hence vision is as good as before, if not better.

As for the monetary issue. When I considered it, I figure the price of surgery is menial in comparison to my eyesight. I am by no means rich or loaded. However, I would definatly recommend it to anyone. Save your pennies and do it. FYI, my surgery ran upwards of 4500.00 US for both eyes with the stipulation that if my vision ever changes, future corrections are free, as well as checkups and standard eyecare. Looking back on it a year later, I would consider it the best investment I have ever made.

[Zogo]

Mine was only $1100 for both eyes and i was legally blind. I now have 20/15. You must have seriously been one blind SOB to have to pay that much.

yea..and the astigmatism adds more. I could have gotten cheaper but I wasn't looking for a bargain heh.. insurance will hopefully pay for 15% of this too. I'll know in a few weeks.

i'm still confused about this night vision thing. why do you say that it's AS good as before... i would've thought it would be much better. if there are no halos or bursts, why's it not terrific?

besides halos/starbursts contrast can be weakened..so that means it's harder to read/see things at night.

[xero]

Mine was only $1100 for both eyes and i was legally blind. I now have 20/15. You must have seriously been one blind SOB to have to pay that much.There's a lot of things you can factor in to the cost of LASIK surgery that makes the price wildly vary. I was quoted at $2500 for both eyes with PRK and $3500 with Wavefront. I checked around and asked a lot of questions, and usually those who charge less than $1000 per eye with any type of LASIK are not nearly as skilled in their work as those who charge more, nor do they provide the free touch-up surgeries.

My eyes are extremely important to me. I'm not looking for a deal when I shop around for the best LASIK surgery. I'm looking for the best possible quality and saftey -- and that doesn't come from the doctors who advertise $299 per eye in the newspaper.

The opthamologist I spoke with said that either surgery at that price included free touch-up surgery once every 6 months until I was dead; and that if newer procedures came out that could drastically improve vision over current technology, I can get that too as a touch-up.

Edit: I also have a mild astigmatism.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

There's a lot of things you can factor in to the cost of LASIK surgery that makes the price wildly vary. I was quoted at $2500 for both eyes with PRK and $3500 with Wavefront. I checked around and asked a lot of questions, and usually those who charge less than $1000 per eye with any type of LASIK are not nearly as skilled in their work as those who charge more, nor do they provide the free touch-up surgeries.

My eyes are extremely important to me. I'm not looking for a deal when I shop around for the best LASIK surgery. I'm looking for the best possible quality and saftey -- and that doesn't come from the doctors who advertise $299 per eye in the newspaper.

The opthamologist I spoke with said that either surgery at that price included free touch-up surgery once every 6 months until I was dead; and that if newer procedures came out that could drastically improve vision over current technology, I can get that too as a touch-up.

Edit: I also have a mild astigmatism.

Couldn't agree more. I used to have damn near perfect vision but it's began deteriorating. My eyes aren't bad by any means as I can still pass the vision test for my license but it's kind of depressing given that 6-8 years ago I had 20/20 vision. My mom never used to have to wear glasses when she was younger and now her eyes have gone to shit. If I ever get something done to my eyes I'm not going bargain shopping. You only get one set. My friend had lasik done and he had horrible vision his entire life, always wore glasses. He's got damn near perfect vision now. Insurance paid for part of it I believe his out of pocket expenses were about 2k. Quite honestly I'd rather spend more because whether or not it's actually worth it as stupid as this sounds I would feel better going into the surgery. I'd be very hesitant to pay $1,100 for prices that I've seen/heard as being at least 2k depending on your eye sight.

[WorldRunner]

i have 20/10, bitch.

I do too...oddly enough everyone else in my family (3 people) had to have glasses before they were an adult. Just another reason why I'm the black sheep of the family.

[LIDeadHead]

I have been 20/100 in both of my eyes since 1987. I took a hockey puck(tape) right between the ochos. When I awoke, my whole shit was blurry. Ive wore glasses now for about 20 years, switching on and off with contact lenses. I usally take a few months off from wearing lenses because once in a blue moon, I get those painful eye scratches that you get from contacts that are beginning to wear down.

LASIK is about 10-15 years old now. Im sure Im a candidate for this procedure. But because its still changing technology, Im always afraid to inquire more, because of the rate of change in technology. What may be great today, could be worse tommorrow. So Im pretty much holding out for a while until those who have had the procedure done years ago, to see where they are today.

So far, of those I know who have had it done years ago, their vision is still doing great. They have not had any decrease in vision. Ill admit, thats very optimisitc news. But, what about the long term? What will the condition of these repaired eyeballs be 20-30 years from now, or better yet, when we naturally lose our vision when we become elderly? Perhaps by the time Im convinced this is THE WAY to go, it will be too late.

Keep us update here occasionally. Im always on the fence with this topic, and am desperate to lose the chick-scaring glasses. Heh, Im still an ugly motherfucker even with contacts in.

[Zogo]

LASIK is about 10-15 years old now. Im sure Im a candidate for this procedure. But because its still changing technology, Im always afraid to inquire more, because of the rate of change in technology. What may be great today, could be worse tommorrow. So Im pretty much holding out for a while until those who have had the procedure done years ago, to see where they are today.

well the current kind of LASIK has been done in the US since 1998. and they've made improvements every year or so. RK and PRK and LASEK have been around a little longer.

So far, of those I know who have had it done years ago, their vision is still doing great. They have not had any decrease in vision. Ill admit, thats very optimisitc news. But, what about the long term?

they can't know for sure but what could go wrong? eyes fall out? heh.. I think I read that two or three years after the surgery even eye doctors have trouble determining if a patient has had the surgery or not. so that gives an idea of how precise it is.

one of my final decisions in getting it was the fact that so many people had gotten it already..but also how many famous/insanely rich celebrities/athletes have had it done. this means in 50 years if peoples eyes fall out the super rich people are going to be spending millions to figure out a solution.

What will the condition of these repaired eyeballs be 20-30 years from now, or better yet, when we naturally lose our vision when we become elderly?

reading glasses will be necessary for a lot of people.

[Zogo]

I figured I'd do an update to give an idea of the recovery since it's been six months.

my eyes regressed a little bit and I'm seeing 20/25 to 20/30. I have no problems doing anything.

my close up vision is fine. my distance vision is fine too..but it's not as sharp as it was. the best example I could give would be to say if I saw someone ~150 feet a way I could describe the person and what they were wearing and generally look like..but I wouldn't feel comfortable enough to pick them out of a lineup based on their facial features.

my night vision isn't bad.

I do have the option of an enhancement..which would cost around $200 per eye..or only one eye if I wanted. they won't have to recut the flap (they use a special instrument to relift it.)

I've been thinking about it for a while and haven't decided yet. really I don't have any complaints. if you're a REALLY picky person you might be upset that the results aren't 100% perfect..but for the majority of the population it'd be ok.

have any of you head a touchup/enhancement? if so, how did it go?

edit: I forgot to add..my vision has stabilized at this point. before the operation I was seeing 20/400.

[M.SoulTaker]

i had lasik done back in 2000, cost $1500 per eye (canadian) but i think its worth it. i had astigmatism in both eyes and came out 20/20. it takes a year for the scaring to fully heal. night vision does suffer for the first few months but over tiime it does get better.

it also depends on the day activities as well. for example i do CAD drafting for an engineering firm, i sit in front of computer all day and it can be stressfull, having stressfull day can make my vision go a little blurry at the end of the day.

overall i am happy with it, not wearing glasses or contacts and i have worn both for many years before, just the convienience of it, no hassels.

i was thinking of going in for slight correction, i will have to look into it more.

[Zogo]

i was thinking of going in for slight correction, i will have to look into it more.

at your point they might have to recut. it depends on the person.

how bad were your eyes originally?

[M.SoulTaker]

they were pretty bad, without my contacts in i couldnt see very far lol. i have to do some more research and go in and see what they recommend

[q]

I had LASIK

congratulations

[Diax]

I had it done in 2001...

Id recommend it to EVERYONE. It really is a wonderful procedure.


My right eye is still 20/15 but my left eye (which wasnt as good to start anyways), is a little behind.

Ive considered going for an enhancement on my left, but i just dont think its worth it. Its good enough.

Overall, if you are considering it, GO DO IT.

[Mexi]

It depends on how nearsighted you are. I'm nearsighted at -3.25 left and -3 right



-5.25 both. Beat that, anyone.


When I'm done with school and make some moneys, I'm going to get Lasik. The price will also drop big time, and there will be less slicing my eye open [hopefully]. I really want to fix my crappy eyes, though.

[tyson^cool]

Im blind in both eyes, you sir have been defeated

[DragonSmacker]

I had Lasik done back in July of this year. I don't remember the numbers before the surgery, but I could read the first line on the eye chart with one eye, and the 2nd line with the other eye. Now I'm 20/15 in the right eye, 20/20 in the left.

The suction part where they cut the flap open was a little painful, but beyond that, there wasn't much discomfort. Even after the surgery, I had very little discomfort.

I know several other people that had it done, and none of them regret it at all.

[Vengeant]

-5.25 both. Beat that, anyone.


When I'm done with school and make some moneys, I'm going to get Lasik. The price will also drop big time, and there will be less slicing my eye open [hopefully]. I really want to fix my crappy eyes, though.

well THATS why you couldnt hit a shotty! ahahaha i keed i keed

i'm considering this procedure too, but they'd have to dope me up pretty good...i'm in agreeance with eveyrone typing about how they hate putting things near thier eyes and stuff.

[Zogo]

but they'd have to dope me up pretty good...

they can't do it too much because you need to be responsive.

people have tried to come in drunk..they have to send them home in those cases.

[Magus]

I can't handle putting in contacts, so I'm scared of Lasik.

[DragonSmacker]

They gave me a Valium about 30 minutes before. I was pretty relaxed by the time they started the procedure.