Have you had complications or regrets about having LASIK?

Question

I am trying to convince a family member to get LASIK because I believe it is the best gift one can give oneself.

I had mine done over 6 years ago and have had no complications. I do get blurry vision (20/25) when overcast and a little halos at night but nothing serious.

Not bad for $998 for BOTH eyes!

To the person who said since I have blurry vision (20/25) I shouldn't brag..... um 20/20 is perfect vision... 20/25 is slightly blurrier. All you need is 20/30 to pass DMV's vision test. So yeah I'm gonna brag because I had 20/500 with astigmatism prior to the surgery.

I couldn't wear contacts because my eyes would turn bloodshot red and halos at night were far worse.

As for glasses, I had to pay $500 every year because the glasses were so thick I had to get the slimmest ones. And a day I get fitted my vision would immediately get worse.

After six year, my vision remains unchanged and I have never needed glasses!

I am soooooo happy I don't need to put the newspaper 2 inches from my face to read it!

Answer 1

None. It is great.

Answer 2

Your surgery was very successful. With a large amount of refractive error and astigmatism such as you had, your results are really good. With that said, most people are easily correct with glasses or contact lenses to 20/15 - so while most people think 20/20 is normal, it's not. But to go from what you were seeing to seeing 20/25 is great! You are no longer dependent on your correction!
The common negatives about lasik are often halos at night (which don't bother most but do bother some) and dry eye. If someone has dry eye to begin with, it is usually advised against. And it's not uncommon for someone to still use a small amount of correction to see their best after the surgery. But it allows them to be able to get around without absolutely having to have it.
Another thing with lasik is that by being nearsigihted it actually allows one to go longer without needing reading glasses (as you age). By having this nearsightedness corrected, some individuals who did not yet need reading glasses to see up close will need them.
LASIK is a very personal choice and should not be pushed onto anyone. It is surgery and with all surgeries you run the risk of complications. This is something that each person has to weigh to see if it's worth the risk to them.

Answer 3

I haven't had an eye operation because I have a load of major concerns about doing it with the ultra heavy astigmatism I've got along with the less than perfect eyesight I have for distance. I wear glasses that a place like LensCrafters which promises eye wear in an hour or less has to make for me in a weeks time because of my odd prescription. Feel free to open my eyes on this topic if I am wrong about what can be corrected. I also heard that people that go do LASIK aren't allowed to do things like become cops because LASIK is still kind of unproven to be a consistent success in the long run in terms of knowing what the negative side effects could be.

Answer 4

It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The only thing I noticed was that for a week or so one eye was slightly more blurry than the other. The only person who has ever told me about a complication was a coworker of mine who didn't wear her sunglasses outside immediately following the surgery (the dr. will give you a pair when you leave the office). She said she had a headache for a couple of days but that it was nothing compared to the years of hassle with glasses and contact. One of the biggest reasons I'm glad I got LASIK is when a friend of mine who is an attorney told me about a court case where a lady was attacked and raped. She wasn't able to describe him to the police because she wasn't wearing her contacts.

Answer 5

LASIK and PRK have become much safer over the last few years and the outcomes have been steadily improving. Occurance of halos or glare has all but disappeared even for patients with large pupils. I had laser eye surgery 2 years ago and I'm 20/12 in each eye. I recommend going to a good reputable surgeon with latest wavefront technology equipment.

Answer 6

Um, yeah, my step dad had a botched job. Luckily, he didn't lose his vision entirely, but he has to wear contacts now because of it. I think they gave him a partial reimbursement, but they make you sign a form saying you won't sue in case of blindness, death, etc. etc. etc. I see nothing wrong with having contacts, not nearly as bothersome as glasses. I'd rather have contacts or glasses than risk being blind. The eye doctor here who does lasik in my town, wears glasses, my Aunt asked him why, he answered because his job relies on his good eyesight, he knows that if he were to lose his eyesight (become blind through some fluke accident during the surgery), he'd lose his profession.

You need to leave yoru family member alone to make his or her own decision. It's their body, their eyes, not yours. It's their right to weigh their own risks and decide what's best for their lifestyle. Maybe they don't find contacts and glasses as bothersome as you do. We are individuals with our own wills, let them have their own will.

You just said that you have blurry vision when it's overcast and you see halos at night? Um... i see nothing of the sort with my contacts and glasses. I would say that's not the best result.... I don't see why you're bragging about that?

Answer 7

My husband and I had it in 2001 and about 15 people at my work have had it. My sister-in law has had it.
All the above were near-sighted.
My prescription was the worst -650.

All of us feel it was the best decision we every made.!!!! Would definitely do again.
I would caution about doing the 'stereo vision' that is having one eye corrected to normal and leaving the other for reading as to avoid the reading glasses when in late 40's... one of the guys had that and it was very hard getting used to... his depth perception was challenged and he couldn't work as well with his wood working tools.

But, definitely, check references, you want an exsperience clinic and an experience dnad honest doctor who will evaluate fairly whether your friend or family member is a good candidate for the procedure.

Hope all goes well.

Answer 8

While LASIK is considered an overall "safe" procedure many people have life long side effects. For those who had LASIK and are now experiencing side effects like dry eyes, glare at night, blurry vision or eye pain there is treatment, without further surgery. Check out http://www.LasikFailures.com

Answer 9

I paid $3500 for both eyes! I got screwed compared to what you paid! I had mine done just over a year ago. Honestly, I expected perfect vision, but it's just not quite there. I get the halos at night too. I don't regret it and I think it was worth it, but I'm not 100% for it. But they are advancing more and more every year!

Answer 10

Cosmetic Surgery (including facelift/ breast enhancement tummy tuck./lipo/hair transplant/lasik) is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges cosmetic and lasik surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for international patients as cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance in USA or by the stinking NHS in UK

They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star .

My cousin got his lasik surgery and he is more than very happy with the results.He is all praise for this forerunners healthcare companyfor the services they provided her.He paid just 30% of the cost what she was quoted in USA and it was like a wonderful vacation for her.Excellent stay,food, best surgeons-he just couldnt stop talking.hope this helps.I think he paid only 1500$ for which he was quoted 4300$ in USA.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com

Answer 11

I would be very care full about doing this procedure. "if they say $200. per eye "forget about it. a lot of people have to thin of a layer to do it. if someone is cutting corners it could be at your expense.heed this warning.sorry i did not see the price. thats not so bad then.xxxxxxxxxxxxx what i said.