laser eye surgery?

Question

has anyone got any info on it?
have you/someone you know had a procedure -how did it go?
does it really work that well?
any horror stories?

thanks in advance everyone

Answer 1

Most countries have an 18 or 21 year-old age minimum for Lasik. It's also strongly recommended that the Rx should have been stable, unchanging, for at least two years prior to surgery, to demonstrate that the shifts commonly associated with growth have finished.
A good surgeon will not recommend you for surgery if you are not a good candidate.

For most, the great majority, it's very good.
for a few it's not, and for a very few it's awful.

"Now I can't drive at night because it's so bright it's like putting your head in a bag of Christmas lights," says Woodlock, 40, of Huntington Beach, Calif. "I went to another doctor who said my corneas look like shattered windshields. I've had four more surgeries in my left eye, but it can't be fixed. It's important people know this can happen."
(one testimony I quickly found on-line.)

To balance that, one study showed that, whether or not people had noticed side-effects, 97% would recommend Lasik to a friend.

I'm well outside the range to make me a good candidate for laser sugery, personally, (high myopia, high astigmatism, large pupils, deep anterior chamber) but I've seen many eyes that have had it done, in various forms.
Again, everything from the delighted (most) to the relatively happy but with grumbles, through to a few in tears, literally at how bad their vision was.

Putting "Lasik Problems" into Google will get you a range of opinons on this, not just mine!
Or you may consider the FDA page reasonably reliable. (URL1)
You asked about horror stories: the sites by people who have had disasters are, of course, vehemently against Lasik.
(URL2), for example.

Optometrist, retired.

Answer 2

I have had it and would totally recommend it! I had both eyes done together. I was short sighted and had slight astigmatism and since the surgery (4 years ago) I've had almost perfect vision with no prescription. It was very sore immediately after the procedure and I couldn't bear to open my eyes that night but the next morning it was fine.
I went to optimax by the way.
ps My husband also had the same procedure with the same results.

Answer 3

It's getting better all the time now and apparently, depending on your prescription, can work very well. The only problem I've heard after it was with dry eyes.

There are quite a few recordings on youtube that show you the procedure - but if you're a bit squeemish, I warn you it might put you off for life lol -

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=laser+eye+surgery

Answer 4

If you have worn glasses all of your life, then the down sides to lasik will not mean much to you.

Although it has gone down in price over recent years, it is still quite pricey.

It is not a permanent fix. Depending on your age now, and your individual eye condition, is how long it will last. It is not a permanent fix. As you get older, and have a need for bi-focals, lasik (at this point cannot correct this).

Be sure to go to a reputable doctor who specializes in this with the proper medical equipment.

Having said all of that, though, millions of people opt for this as a relief to contacts and eyeglasses.

Answer 5

It is very rare for someone to have a completely stable prescription all their life. Especially if they are short-sighted their prescription is likely to increase steadily most of their life!. So laser surgery is a quick fix. It is not permanent, you will definatly have to wear reading glasses after you turn 40 and are likely to need distance glasses again.

If you want to be free from glasses I suggest contact lenses, they can change if your prescription changes and the risk of complications is far less.

Answer 6

I won't even consider getting it done. I'm in my late 40s and the results would not be as satisfactory as they would for a younger person. I would either end with the choice of reading glasses or bifocals and neither option pleases me. I already have to use reading glasses when I'm wearing my contacts and I truly hate them. I would not like to have to use them because I got this procedure done. I don't see as well close up with reading glasses as I do when when I'm not wearing glasses or contacts.

Answer 7

I've had it done. No regrets. I would suggest going to a top lasik facility. No bargain basement deals when it comes to your eyes! Also, if you do it, make sure to seek the advice of an actual eye professional in the company and NOT a secretary or help desk person. They don't know what their talking about in regard to eye health.

Answer 8

I am short sighted (-3.25 in each eye) was told I was and ideal candidate for Lasik surgery. I didn't have it done. (a) The person trying to sell the idea to me was wearing glasses! (b) I was told I would need glasses for reading within a couple of years (I was 40 yoa at the time).

Answer 9

As long as you get it after the age of 21 everything should be ok. A friend of mine had it at 18 and her eyes have already gotten worse again. So don't do it before 21.

Answer 10

Helen in Drake and Josh did not pass completely blind. She in basic terms could not see for like 24 hours through fact her eyes had to heal after the surgical treatment or something. yet later she became positive.