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Has anyone here ever gotten (or know someone who's gotten) LASIK eye surgery?
- Thread starter SPNarwhal
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I got Lasik 6 years ago. Best decision I ever made. I'll answer any question you have. Just quote me, so I get a notification.
Awesome.
So what did you have corrected?
I do have a few questions
1.) How long did the procedure take in full? And did it hurt?
2.) How long after did it take to heal / see perfectly?
3.) Do you see perfectly now?
4.) Did you have any side effects? (Halo, Hazy vision, etc)
and this is not a question I can find anywhere
5.) Did this change the look of your eyeball whatsoever?
I realize even if it did, probably not noticeable, but if you look really close to your eye is there any way to tell or see that you had this procedure done?
Also, did you have Lasik or PSK done?
Lasik is flattening the cornea I think, which is primarily cutting, while PSK is laser. (as far as I know?) - - I heard Lasik never heals 100% but PSK does, just that LASIK is an instant change while PSK takes a few months to heal fully and gradually gets better
Thanks!
The procedure for me lasted about five seconds for each eye. Time depends on how bad your eyes are. They put in numbing drops. There was no pain whatsoever. Not during it or after it.
When I sat up, I could see outside the window and saw a stop sign across the street that was just a blur before the procedure. I was told I had close to 20/20 vision right after the surgery which actually got better after healing. I still see perfectly now.
Quite the opposite: it cleared up a problem. I used to get itchy, snotty eyes all the time due to allergies. I barely get that anymore. The only thing me and my eye doctor can think of to explain this is that I don't wear glasses anymore so maybe the dust build up on my glass would get on my eyelashes and then into my eyes.
My eye doctor can see a difference when he uses whatever that equipment is called that they look closely into your eyes is called. I can't. I could have sworn it was called LASIK but it was a laser and it was instantly better with only a small change (for the better) after.
Before the test: I had to use eye drops for a week or two to prepare my eyes. I didn't wear contacts but if I had, I wouldn't have been allowed to wear them for weeks before the lasik. (Something about contacts dry your eyes too much). Afterwards, I had to wear a funky shield for a day so nothing could touch my eyes during that crucial first 24 hours of healing. I then used four different eye drops a bunch of times a day for two weeks. And, of course, follow up visits with doctor. Its been six years and I'm still thrilled with my choice to do the surgery.
So what did you have corrected?
I had it done around 2000 or 2001. I was severely myopic - pretty much at the limit of what they could correct.
I do have a few questions
1.) How long did the procedure take in full? And did it hurt?
The actual procedure takes about a minute and it's completely painless. There is some pain later. It lasts a day or two
2.) How long after did it take to heal / see perfectly?
The incision seals instantly, but there's a period until it's fully healed, during which you have to avoid sports and other activities that could result in a blow to the head.
I passed a vision test for my driver's license two or three days after the procedure.
Basically I went home, had a nap and woke up in the evening able to see.
3.) Do you see perfectly now?
Not anymore - I've aged enough since then to need reading glasses sometimes.
4.) Did you have any side effects? (Halo, Hazy vision, etc)
No,
and this is not a question I can find anywhere
5.) Did this change the look of your eyeball whatsoever?
I realize even if it did, probably not noticeable, but if you look really close to your eye is there any way to tell or see that you had this procedure done?
No. the work of the laser is on a microscopic level and is inside the eye.
Also, did you have Lasik or PSK done?
Wavefront LASIK. Both heal, both are laser
I had it done around 2000 or 2001. I was severely myopic - pretty much at the limit of what they could correct.
I do have a few questions
1.) How long did the procedure take in full? And did it hurt?
The actual procedure takes about a minute and it's completely painless. There is some pain later. It lasts a day or two
2.) How long after did it take to heal / see perfectly?
The incision seals instantly, but there's a period until it's fully healed, during which you have to avoid sports and other activities that could result in a blow to the head.
I passed a vision test for my driver's license two or three days after the procedure.
Basically I went home, had a nap and woke up in the evening able to see.
3.) Do you see perfectly now?
Not anymore - I've aged enough since then to need reading glasses sometimes.
4.) Did you have any side effects? (Halo, Hazy vision, etc)
No,
and this is not a question I can find anywhere
5.) Did this change the look of your eyeball whatsoever?
I realize even if it did, probably not noticeable, but if you look really close to your eye is there any way to tell or see that you had this procedure done?
No. the work of the laser is on a microscopic level and is inside the eye.
Also, did you have Lasik or PSK done?
Wavefront LASIK. Both heal, both are laser
I assume you can see perfectly at night as well?
(And this question applies to all that have responded)
I heard a lot of people who get this done get ruined night vision
where all lights have big halos and stars
I also heard some people get this and then a while later their vision goes bad again.
Thenagain, all the bad things I hear are online, but the people I've met who have had this done seem to have no problems.. I also assume it depends on your doctor, but the one I'd be going to is world renown.
Just that it only takes one mess up on me to affect my vision forever, so am super nervous about it.
Also, how bad was YOUR vision before you had this done?
What was the problem with your sight? Couldn't see far? Close?
I see just fine at night. This is what I understand about people who "suddenly" have night vision problems. They probably had them before the surgery but were just used to the halo-ing. Then, they get the surgery and, as expected, are really paying attention to their sight. Suddenly, they notice these halos and blame the surgery. Thats why my doctor had me concentrate on my sight for a few nights before the surgery to really make sure I didn't or did see some halos. I know people who needed to get more drops to cure dry eyes after the surgery and I do know someone who has bad eye sight after the surgery but how do we know that the surgery cause it or she was going to have bad eyesight at a certain age no matter what? I can't remember how bad it was as in what were my numbers. But I couldn't see distance well. I could get along without them ok in the middle of the night if I woke up to go to the bathroom. Or during the day at home, if I just didn't feel like wearing them . But I couldn't drive safe or see a movie or tv from any real distance well. .
My wife has your same concern. She knows it would change her life for the better but that one little chance of causing a problem is keeping her away from the laser.
Theres thousands of people having it every day. If there were any issues then I would think you'd hear about it in the news.
I only wear glasses sometimes, but id consider it in the future if/when my sight gets worse.
I guess you'd want to do a LOT of research on the clinic you have it done in too.
I only wear glasses sometimes, but id consider it in the future if/when my sight gets worse.
I guess you'd want to do a LOT of research on the clinic you have it done in too.
PROS
Much, Much better vision from the morning after.
When your eyesight naturally starts to go in your late 30's you will still need glass's - BUT the dreaded thickness of the actual glass in your frames will be much thinner - in my case thinner than the frame.
Huge increase in confidence.
CONS
Dry eyes, after 13 years sometimes in a dry centrally heated house its not nice - humidifier helps a lot.
EXTREMELY light sensitive directly after the operation - YOU WILL NEED A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO HELP.
Cannot wear Contact Lens - The operation changed the shape of my eyes and will not let enough oxygen through. Within an hour of 3 different brands of lens i had to take them out.
Im happy with my operation and would still recommend it despite the down sides.
Much, Much better vision from the morning after.
When your eyesight naturally starts to go in your late 30's you will still need glass's - BUT the dreaded thickness of the actual glass in your frames will be much thinner - in my case thinner than the frame.
Huge increase in confidence.
CONS
Dry eyes, after 13 years sometimes in a dry centrally heated house its not nice - humidifier helps a lot.
EXTREMELY light sensitive directly after the operation - YOU WILL NEED A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO HELP.
Cannot wear Contact Lens - The operation changed the shape of my eyes and will not let enough oxygen through. Within an hour of 3 different brands of lens i had to take them out.
Im happy with my operation and would still recommend it despite the down sides.
I had Photorefractive keratectomy (PR). PRK sounds bad because there is a longer recovery period (7-10 days), but when the surgery is done, the eye is healed to normal. That is to say that if you were to change your optometrist, you would have to tell him you had PRK. I recovered quicker than normal (PRK is usually one eye at a time, but once the first eye heals, you don't need glasses anymore), so around day 1 I had some pain, day 2 I had very cloudy vision, but by day 6 I could see perfectly out of the operated eye. After that I simply had to go back and get the other eye done.
I'm considering LASIK surgery as well (in a near future). Good to hear all these responses as they give me a sense of security.
Look into blade-less. I had lasik one year ago and have had 6 surgeries and still see double vision. I've been to other doctors who are having trouble finding what my problem is. It is life altering so choose a reputable DR. and ask about blade-less.
I'm also seriously considering this so these responses are helpful. My biggest concern is that I ALREADY have a serious "halo" issue. I can see fine driving at night, except when vehicles are approaching. I suppose that's something to talk to the doctor about. My sister had hers done last year and I'll probably use the same place as she's been very happy with the results so far.
well from reading this thread; I have booked for a consultation myself.
I've had a duff left eye since childhood and have always disliked my specs.
X Fingers here.
I shall be watching this thread with interest.
I've had a duff left eye since childhood and have always disliked my specs.
X Fingers here.
I shall be watching this thread with interest.
My brother had it and the Navy paid for it and the surgery was partly botched and he couldn't drive or work for almost a month. Don't know the specific details except for his far vision was severely messed up and he didn't realize it until he got on the road a week after surgery.
That has scared me enough to make it so I will never get it. One a day contacts are great for me.
That has scared me enough to make it so I will never get it. One a day contacts are great for me.
- What age do people usually get LASIK? I'm still in my 20s, but am considering it a few years down the road. It's kind of annoying having to have two sets of glasses (sunglasses and my regular glasses). It seems like a good long-term investment.
- I'm assuming the LASIK won't be covered under insurance? How much does it usually run?
- Once it's done, do you have to keep going back for "touch-ups?" Or is it permanent?
EDIT: wow, average cost is $2k per eye, for ~5 seconds of work per eye. I'm clearly in the wrong business
- I'm assuming the LASIK won't be covered under insurance? How much does it usually run?
- Once it's done, do you have to keep going back for "touch-ups?" Or is it permanent?
EDIT: wow, average cost is $2k per eye, for ~5 seconds of work per eye. I'm clearly in the wrong business
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LASIK depends on the person, if it's right for you, go for it. If not, do not.
Two folks at work had it done about 7 years ago and I see them wearing their glasses all the time now. They say they need to do it again, which falls in line with the two consultations I had with lasik surgeons. The surgeons I've talked to say the procedure only lasts about 5-6 years and then you either have to get it done again or get glasses.
My nearsightedness is too high in prescription to eradicate needing glasses and this with the above (and the risk/expense) made me say forget it.
LASIK depends on the person, if it's right for you, go for it. If not, do not.
Two folks at work had it done about 7 years ago and I see them wearing their glasses all the time now. They say they need to do it again, which falls in line with the two consultations I had with lasik surgeons. The surgeons I've talked to say the procedure only lasts about 5-6 years and then you either have to get it done again or get glasses.
My nearsightedness is too high in prescription to eradicate needing glasses and this with the above (and the risk/expense) made me say forget it.
If you have vision coverage as part of your insurance some will give you a discounted rate. Another option (or in addition actually) is to get the quote before your open enrollment and have the money taken out of your check and put into an HSA. You can usually use your HSA in full at the beginning of the year and pay it back through the year.
Age doesn't really matter. What does matter is your prescription. Consult your optometrist to see if you have kept a consistent prescription. Other requirements exist (my corneas were too thin for LASIK, so I got PRK), but in general it is entirely worth the investment. I have had 20/15 vision for almost two and a half years.
Usually about $1800 and eye. I will say this if you have a Flexible spending/health spending account: Max out your flex spending and pay for it that way. No reason to pay taxes on your LASIK money.
This is very case by case. I have heard if you have an enormous correction (like >+/-7) you might need a touch up, but really I haven't heard offhand of any cases.
EDIT: wow, average cost is $2k per eye, for ~5 seconds of work per eye. I'm clearly in the wrong business
Just enough time for an Our Father
Do it. it's worth it.
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I'm pretty sure it's case by case, but if you're in your twenties, my understanding is it should last 15-20 years. In your forties it's likely reading glasses will be needed.
I had LASIK about 5 years ago in my mid forties. I wish I had done it a LOT sooner. I'm back to wearing glasses again, but at a much lower prescription and I can still drive without glasses if I really want to.
If you go for the full package, make sure you keep all appointments for follow ups. Otherwise you will void the warranty and future issues will cost you.
I don't regret it at all and would do again if I thought it would help. Mostly I need glasses. For reading, but distances are better now too.
I hate getting old...
If you go for the full package, make sure you keep all appointments for follow ups. Otherwise you will void the warranty and future issues will cost you.
I don't regret it at all and would do again if I thought it would help. Mostly I need glasses. For reading, but distances are better now too.
I hate getting old...
A number of years ago, my optometrist told me I was a prime candidate for LASIK. I was moderately nearsighted and have an astigmatism in one eye. Now as I hit 40, he told me not to bother. As most people get older they get more farsighted, which is happening to me. Actually my prescription is getting weaker and probably will continue for the next few years.
My mom got LASIK a number of years ago. She went from Coke bottles she has worn since second grade to needing reading glasses. She started complaining about still having to wear glasses when I asked her this: "If you broke your glasses, could you still drive home? If you woke up to a burning house and couldn't find your glasses, what would you do?" That kind of changed her perspective of the success of her operation.
My mom got LASIK a number of years ago. She went from Coke bottles she has worn since second grade to needing reading glasses. She started complaining about still having to wear glasses when I asked her this: "If you broke your glasses, could you still drive home? If you woke up to a burning house and couldn't find your glasses, what would you do?" That kind of changed her perspective of the success of her operation.
I had LASIK done during the summer of '99. My correction was massive as I had a near -12 diopter in both eyes. My eye doc likened it to almost 20/5000 vision(!) He was able to get me down to 20/25, which was a lot better than he expected.
Night halos were apparent immediately, but they did go away after a while. The halos are primarily caused by the incision and flap that's cut in the cornea. Once that heals, the halos should vanish. Mine did. Newer tech that became available after my surgery allowed for a larger flap to be cut, thereby reducing the chances of halos.
It took a while for everything to heal for me, but that's primarily due to 2 things:
- the massive correction (see: -12 diopter)
- type 1 diabetes
We diabetics, even when perfectly healthy (and I am) heal a lot slower than others do. So, my recovery time shouldn't be used as reference, assuming you're otherwise healthy.
I'm 40 now, and I'm losing some of my vision's sharpness. I continue to see (har har) the same eye doc that did the surgery because of the aforementioned diabetes. In other words, I'm more or less required to visit an eye doc once a year, even if my vision is fine, to verify that my diabetes aren't ruining my eyes. Thankfully: they aren't. But age is taking its toll a bit. I don't have enough corneal material left to do any touch-ups, as they call them, but I can still see far better than I ever could prior to the surgery.
And because my vision is a tad near-sighted, I'm much less likely to need reading glasses when I get older. As is hopefully evident by any research you've done: the need for reading glasses isn't something that LASIK can correct. As someone mentioned in another post, we tend to become a wee bit far-sighted as we age, making it much harder to read things. Given my 20/25+ starting point, it probably won't be an issue for me.
Overall: insanely happy that I did it. I don't have to deal with annoying contact lenses any more. Nor glasses. I wake up, blink a couple of times, and I CAN SEE!
Pun? Intended?