Laser eye treatment? Worthwhile?

Question

I will be attending an eye clinic soon to undergo laser eye treatment. I'm not afraid of the treatment but more of the not being able 2 wear make-up 4 a week or so!!! Can anyone give any incouragement or discouragement????

Answer 1

One week of no make up is nothing compared to a lifetime of no glasses or contacts. Go for it!!!! I have many friends who couldn't praise it enough. Think of all the money and time you will save from keeping track of those things. Being able to see at a movie, to read a book, etc. Do it and enjoy your new vision. I have heard cases where people end up with better than 20/20. I can't imagine how the world must look after having bad eyesight for so long.

My eyes aren't quite that bad yet but when they are, I am all for it. Let me know how it goes, if you do decide.

Good Luck, it will work out great.

Answer 2

I had the surgery several years ago and it is well worth it. And with a couple weeks without makeup you might find out that you don't need makeup as much as you think. Let more of the natural you shine through.

Answer 3

I had a teacher who said it was the best thing she has ever done and a cousin who was also very happy with the results.

Answer 4

if ur doctor has given u a green signal then u must go for it. its really good. only a problem for 4 weeks and heaven for rest of ur life.

Answer 5

what is four weeks of no makeup comparde to a liftime you wearing eyeglasses

Answer 6

ur worried abt make-up... its only a week... just hybernate 4 dat tym...

Answer 7

go for it, in the long run u will love it

Answer 8

A few "answers" to your query but on subjects a bit more critical to your health than wearing make-up a month after (btw, just follow your doctor's instructions well and you'll be fine):

Are You a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for laser eye surgery if you:
are at least 21 years of age for a Summit laser or 18 years of age for a VISX laser, since the eyes are still growing to this point
have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease (refractive errors are considered eye disorders, not diseases)
have mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) within the range of treatment (see your doctor to determine your range)
have a way to pay for the treatment since laser procedures are costly and probably not covered by health insurance policies
are fully informed about the risks and benefits of laser surgery compared with other available treatments.
--C.L.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Eye Surgery
Is it painful?
There is little if any discomfort during surgery because the cornea and eye are anesthetized by drops. Some patients experience a "scratchy feeling." After the anesthetic wears off, the amount of discomfort varies with each individual, but any irritation is minor and usually disappears within a few hours. You may be sensitive to light for a few days.
When will I be able to return to work?
Most people can return to work one to three days following surgery, but a rule of thumb is to wait until you feel up to it. Most return to normal activities as soon as the day after surgery.
What are the side effects and risks?
The most common side effects are a halo effect and some glare at night around lights.
(See "What Are the Risks of Laser Surgery?")
How long does the treatment take?
Laser treatment itself takes only about 15 to 40 seconds, based on the degree of correction necessary. Recovery is minimal, and usually the patient is able to be driven home after about 30 minutes. Typically, you will notice improved sight in 3 to 5 days following treatment.
Is the treatment permanent?
According to the results of the U.S. clinical trials and results reported internationally, the treatment appears to be permanent. As people age, however, their eyes change and re-treatment may be necessary.
Are there any activity restrictions following surgery?
Following surgery, do not rub your eyes. Other than that, patients can do whatever they feel up to as long as they follow their doctors' instructions.
What if I move my head during surgery?
This is the number one question that patients ask when undergoing laser treatment. The surgeon is skilled in the technique of removing his foot from the pedal that controls the ultraviolet beam as soon as a patient moves his or her head. This allows him to realign the beam with the corneal "target" and proceed with the surgery.
--C.L.

This BBC News Article is date Feb 2003 (as with all technology - many improvements could have been made since). FYI only.

Consumer experts have warned that patients undergoing laser eye surgery are not being told about the risks they could be taking with their sight.
Laser surgery, which can cost thousands of pounds, is increasingly popular.

But the investigation by Health Which? also reveals any doctor can carry out the treatment after just a few days of training - they do not need a specialist qualification.

The magazine also found complication rates vary between surgeons and clinics.

Around 100,000 people, tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, undergo corrective laser eye surgery in the UK every year.

While some people will be able to throw away their glasses, this won't be the case for everyone



Sue Freeman, Health Which?

The procedure is seen as quick and simple, and has received many celebrity endorsements.

Health Which? looked at clinics offering the Lasik procedure - the most popular on offer.

But whilst some highlight a low risk of complications with the procedure, others say the risk is non-existent.

'Misleading adverts'

In very rare cases, complications can lead to corneal ectasia, where fluid pressure builds up on the eye.

Patients can need a corneal transplant to correct the condition.

Other complications, though deemed "minor" by clinics, occur "relatively frequently", according to a review by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Patients can experience dry eyes or night vision problems, which can affect ability to drive or work in the evening or in dim light.

Health Which? also says that the Medical Defence Union and the Medical Protection Society, both doctors' insurance companies, are raising the fees they charge doctors working in this field because of increased compensation claims by patients.

Questions

David Gartry, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital has helped draw up Royal College of Ophthalmologist' guidelines on who should carry out laser eye surgery.

The guidelines say that only doctors with specialist training should carry out the procedure.

Mr Gartry told BBC News Online patients should find out as much as possible about the surgeon likely to carry out their operation.

"This is a situation where patients are responding to adverts, or even incentives.

"Patients should be asking the sort of questions they would ask if they were having, say, a hernia operation.

"What are the complication rates? What will happen if something goes wrong? Will I see the surgeon again?"

Dan Reinstein, who is developing safety guidelines for the Medical Protection Society, added: "Expert surgeons are better equipped to avoid complications even if they have not previously seen them.

"And when these do occur, trained experts will have the knowledge and ability to correct them."

'Highest clinical standards'

Sue Freeman, managing editor of Health Which?, said: "Patients shouldn't be taken in by claims about the safety and success rates of laser eye surgery and in particular about so called 'minor complications'.

"While some people will be able to throw away their glasses, this won't be the case for everyone."

She added: "Patients should be fully informed of the possible risks and of the complication rates of clinics and individual surgeons.

"Until patients are able to make informed choice, they need to do a lot of research and ask a lot of hard questions of surgeons and clinics."



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Here are a selection of your comments on this subject.
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If my wife had known what it was going to be like she would never have had it done



G Fuller, UK

My wife had corrective laser treatment in November 2002 and all the literature she received quoted 'best case' examples of people being back at work the next day. Unfortunately she experienced massive discomfort and complete blindness for a week which failed to be controlled by the painkillers and sleeping pills prescribed by the clinic. In her own words "if she had known what it was going to be like she would never have had it done".
G Fuller, UK

Following surgery at the age of 44, I now have 20-20 vision, can use normal sunglasses (essential in Australia and at high altitude) and no longer have problems with rain or fogging. I saw a specialist surgeon in Belgium who used the latest equipment. I have had one (free) adjustment operation to correct some astigmatism in one eye.

I have experienced some minor double-vision, slight loss of night vision, and initially starbursts/haloes around strong light sources - the latter now much reduced. For me these are very minor compared with the joy of being able to see the stars with the naked eye for the first time. I was given a video recording of the operation but this is not for the squeamish, and best seen afterwards.
Charles Barran, Australia

After many years of consideration I finally took the decision to have laser treatment in December 2001. I opted for Lasek and was talked through all the possible complications and even had to take a little test to ensure I was fully aware of all possible side effects. After a thorough consultation I then had both eyes done simultaneously. I won't pretend the days following the treatment were bliss, I was in some discomfort for 3 to 4 days but after that had passed my eyes soon began to heal.

It was strange but having worn glasses for so long for a month or so afterwards I was still trying to push glasses that weren't there back up the bridge of my nose! It is now over a year since and I have perfect 20/20 vision. Just very occasionally my eyes are a little dry in the morning but I consider this a tiny inconvenience.
Edward Lacey, UK

I'd like to know if Sue Freeman would recommend micro lenses inserted into the eye as a better option than Lasik eye surgery. Would she be so kind as to find out on my behalf. I would like to lose my glasses. I did intend to have Lasik surgery but have now been scared off with the latest news regarding unsuccessful operations.
Vincent Jones, Dorset, UK

I had Lasik surgery last year and it was the best thing I ever did. I was fully informed by the company regarding any potential risks (and clear details on the procedures are on their website anyway). It was great just waking up the next day and not having to fumble around looking for glasses, and no fussing about shoving bits of plastic in my eyes each day!
Dave, UK

I had laser surgery in June 2001 and have been more than satisfied with the results and the service I received. I felt under no pressure to make a decision and that I was able to make an informed choice to go ahead with the procedure. I agree though that you do need to ask questions and be aware that there are risks - but isn't this the case for any sort of medical procedure? It is also essential to use a reputable company, unfortunately there are rouges out there, look at cosmetic surgery.
Kate Austin, England