lasik eye surgery?

Question

Has anyone had lasik eye surgery or know someone who did? Could you share some of you experiences? How much does it cost and what are its pros and cons? Where would be the best and safest place to have this procedure? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I haven't had LASIK, but have recently completed a research project on it.

Average cost in 2006: $2,052 per procedure

Cost is higher for custom/wavefront LASIK ($250-500 more per eye) and for LASIK with intraLASE ($250-300 more per eye) than in conventional LASIK.

Conventional LASIK uses a small surgical instrument to create a flap in your cornea, and then a laser shoots pulses of UV light at the deep portion of the cornea, reshaping it to produce a better focus. LASIK with intraLASE uses a computer-controlled laser than conventional LASIK to produce the flap. LASIK with intraLASE is more precise, creates a thinner flap, and is better for people with very steep or thin corneas or large amounts of astigmatism. LASIK with intraLASE also has a higher success rate than conventional LASIK, but is more expensive. Custom or wavefront LASIK takes a computerized map of your eye to produce a more "custom" LASIK experience. Custom/wavefront LASIK decreases your chances of permanent dry eye or visual aberrations.

About 5% of LASIK patients experience glare, starbursts, haloes, decrease in visual contrast, and double vision (permanently) after LASIK. About 95% achieve 20/40 vision, meaning that they can see well enough after LASIK to drive without glasses or contacts. 75-85% reach 20/20. These numbers are higher for LASIK with intraLASE than conventional LASIK.

Pros: better appearance, no more hassle and cost of glasses, easier to participate in sports

Cons: possible side effects like glare, haloes, etc. (discussed above) and cost

The doctor is the MOST important factor in making a decision about LASIK, because it's the doctor's experience that counts. Choose a reputable doctor who has performed numerous LASIK surgeries, specifically the type of LASIK you intend to get. Consult your doctor to determine whether or not you might be a good candidate, but in general to be a good candidate you should be over 18, have a stable prescription for at least 2 years before the surgery, and not have any autoimmune diseases or be taking any medications that decrease your eyes' healing response.

Best of luck with your decision! Here are some links for further information:

FDA website - http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery website -
http://www.ascrs.org/
MedLine - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
National Eye Institute - http://www.nei.nih.gov/

Answer 2

I have had LASIK surgery done (about 2 years ago now) and I also work at that center.

Do some comparison shopping at LASIK centers in your area first. They should all offer complimentary eye exams with no obligations for surgery. A thorough exam should last between 1 1/2 - 2 hours and your eyes should be dilated. At the exam they will be checking your prescription, corneal thickness measurement, and shape of your cornea. After the measurements are taken, you should be able to meet with the surgeon and discuss any questions/concerns you may have and at that time, the surgeon can tell you what procedures you are a candidate for.

Make sure you do research on the surgeon (ask them how much experience they have, how many years in practice, how many surgeries he/she has performed, his/her success rate, and what he/she expects your vision to be after surgery - 20/20, 20/25 etc.) Also do some research on the lasers he/she is recommending for you.

Last, don't bargain shop for the lowest possible cost. Costs vary between the surgeon's experience, as well as the type of technology that would be used. You only get one pair of eyes, so do what's best for them!

Surgery is very easy. For LASIK, they cut a corneal flap in the eye prior to the laser treatment. There are 2 ways to cut the flap - the microkeratome blade and a laser (called intralase). Depending on your measurements the dr may recommend one or the other or you may be a candidate for both. Some centers do not have intralase so definitely ask about that. The flap is then lifted and the laser treatment is done (on whichever laser you are a candidate for). During the laser treatment, it may smell like burning flesh. Don't panic though, it is completely normal - the laser is reshaping the cornea. It's only a few seconds per eye so it's not too bad. Your vision during the surgery just looks like you're looking underwater. The flap is then put back down (it self seals, takes about 1 month to heal down so no eye rubbing for 1 month after surgery!). When you leave your vision may be a little blurry, but after a nap most patients notice a difference and the next day it just gets better.

Good luck! If you have any questions send me an email...

Answer 3

I had the surgery about 18 months ago. For the most part I am very pleased with the results. I currently have 20/15 vision, and no longer need glasses/contacts to drive, read or watch TV (that's the good part).

Here are the negatives:
- My eyes are constantly dry, I have to use drops multiple times per day and an ointment at night.
- My night vision is not very good since the surgery.
- I had an issue with the "flap" healing incorrectly. About 6 months after the surgery, I wound up with an abraded cornea because the incision site reopened. This apparently occurs in about 2 % of cases.

My experience was a little more expensive than average (about $4200), as I went to the doctor that invented and perfected many of the procedures involved, and my insurance considered it an elective procedure and would not cover any of the expense.

Answer 4

My aunt was about to get it but backed out when told that she would still be needing reading glasses. For most part lasik surgery is recommended for near/farsightedness. The cost is P40000 per eye-that's about $800.

Answer 5

I had it done about 2 years ago. Best thing I ever done for myself. I wore glasses and contacts for 47 years. I had it in Charlotte, NC. at the Christenberry Eye Center. They are highly recommended and people come from everywhere to see him. You can do a web search on him. I knew several people that went there and all of them I have talked to were very excited and pleased about there surgery. Mine was 1800.00 per eye. I was very nearsighted. I had no pain at all. I used drops for about 2 weeks. The only thing that bothers me is driving at dusk, but that is no big deal. I say go for it. I am trying to talk my daughters into it.

Answer 6

first you have to go to an eye doctor to see if you qualify to have this done. my son was able to have it. he loves it. no glasses or contacts yeah! cost would have to be decided were your eye dr. sends you. he had it done 5 years ago. it cost a lot but he made payments. now this surgery is cheaper. i believe he paid $1500 each eye. the only con he told me about was that when driving or just walking around at night he sees a slight like halo around lights outside. but thats no problem to him. that started about about 3 yrs. after procedure. i'm a candidate, but i don't mind my contacts. he keeps telling me to have it done - but i think i'm just a chicken. betty boop

Answer 7

Naturally Improve Your Vision 20/20 - http://Eye.ClearVisionExercise.com

Answer 8

depending on where you are located,
my sis in law had it done in springfield, missouri
it was alot cheaper than other places she looked, but by a respectable dr, (not a falsie dr) and she is VERY pleased with it.
good luck

Answer 9

use a pencil and poke ur eyes out much cheeper