Has anyone had lasik surgery?

veruca76 · #1 06-14-2001, 03:16 PM

I'm going in for an initial exam next Tuesday so I was wondering if any of you guys have done it. Everyone keeps telling me how great it is and there's nothing to be scared of. But hey - they put a laser beam in your eyeball!

Also have to wear glasses for a coule of weeks which sucks. Anyway, has anyone here had the surgery?

newbie · #2 06-14-2001, 03:26 PM

Hey, i haven't had it...but have heard the benefits are great and all, but of course there are the tons of downfalls, like continual light sensitivity (even months after), can't read/go online for a while, etc...

So just get all the facts before you get the surgery

. GOOD LUCK!

p.S. are you nearsighted/farsighted/have astigmatism, etc.? I'm nearsighted and have astigmatism--what a combo, ughh

[This message has been edited by newbie (edited June 14, 2001).]

LeslieAGD · #3 06-14-2001, 03:33 PM

Not to totally freak you out, but I know someone who had it done and she went blind.

newbie · #4 06-14-2001, 03:44 PM

yeah, what leslieagd said is right...BUT, on the other hand the chances of the operation going wrong is VERY VERY slim (like under 3 percent or something like that)...

But it is something you wanna take in consideration...on the other hand, you could come out of it seeing 20/20 or 20/30...

all in all, i think talking to your doctor and asking any and ALL questions plaguing you is a MUST, since eyesight is so precious! i really think that no matter what we say on this board--your doctor is the only authority who can tell you if it's right for you or not. Good luck and keep us posted!

newbie · #5 06-14-2001, 03:47 PM

oh p.s. it's also good to check that the doctor is highly recommended and certified to operate...check him out in the BETTER BUSINESS BEAUREAU (sp/??) book...ask him for some patients' phone numbers<--don't be scared to ask, it's your vision, for heaven's sake! And find out how many years of experience he's had...you don't want him to operate on you if he's only had like 2 years of experience.

Also...you might want to go to multiple doctors to see if they ALL recommend the operation to you...it's all for safety's sake, anyway

.

nucutiepie · #6 06-14-2001, 04:16 PM

newbie, you will die when you read this - I too am nearsighted and have astigmatism! I think I wear the world's THICKEST contact lenses!!!

newbie · #7 06-14-2001, 04:20 PM

OMG--NUCUTIEPIE---you just crack me up!!!!

my goodness...i'm ROFLMAO!!!!! It's so weird how we're sooo alike!!! LOL

I used to wear glasses (still do, sometimes while at home), but I wear contacts...and they're great, but they're also a pain in the a$$!! I wear RGPS, so mines aren't thick...do you wear soft?? My prescription is soo high, it's not even funny

.

veruca76 · #8 06-14-2001, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LeslieAGD:
Not to totally freak you out, but I know someone who had it done and she went blind.

Seriously!!! That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Either that or it not being 20/20 then I can't ever wear contacts again. Have you guys seen that Simpson's episode where it's way in the future and Ned says - yeah that Lasik surgery was great until 5 years later my eyeballs fell out. I'm not THAT scared but it was funny.

veruca76 · #9 06-14-2001, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by newbie:

Also...you might want to go to multiple doctors to see if they ALL recommend the operation to you...it's all for safety's sake, anyway .

Thank you for the advice. You're so sweet. I'm going to see the same people my dad went to. I'm just afraid they will try to talk me into it too much because they ALL seem more like a business out for profit than concerned medical staff. Oh well, I'll let you know what happens.

veruca76 · #10 06-14-2001, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by newbie:

Also...you might want to go to multiple doctors to see if they ALL recommend the operation to you...it's all for safety's sake, anyway .

Thank you for the advice. You're so sweet. I'm going to see the same people my dad went to. I'm just afraid they will try to talk me into it too much because they ALL seem more like a business out for profit than concerned medical staff. Oh well, I'll let you know what happens.

newbie · #11 06-14-2001, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by veruca76:
Thank you for the advice. You're so sweet. I'm going to see the same people my dad went to. I'm just afraid they will try to talk me into it too much because they ALL seem more like a business out for profit than concerned medical staff. Oh well, I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks Veruca!

You're welcome for the advice, I just really hope that no matter what you decide, it'll come out wonderful for you!! I know what you're saying about the medical staff looking for money

, sometimes what they say makes me wonder, too. Well, good luck!!! and keep us posted!!

cash78mere · #12 06-14-2001, 07:14 PM

I'll never do it.

You're born with 2 eyes, once they're gone, that's it. No one knows the results of this surgery after 10, 15, 20 years. It might reverse itself. And you can NEVER wear contacts again.

As bad as my eyes are, I'll NEVER chance ruining them for the chance of perfect vision. I don't trust this surgery for a minute.

Miami1839 · #13 06-14-2001, 09:16 PM

Veruca76,

I'm not a Doctor but I'm probably a pretty good person to give advice about this. A couple years ago I found out that I randomally acquired this corneal condition that happens in 1 in every couple thousand people across the US. They dont know what causes it but its called kerataconus. Most people that have it can go through their life time with just glasses/contacts but my right eye got really bad. Your cornea is supposed to be clear and flat but mine became obscure. Kind of like a flat tire. I know this all sounds bizare but I had a cornea transplant. It was a success after 7 months of recovery and dealing with 20 stiches in my eye. Before my Doctor said that I wouldnt be a candidate because of my condition but because I have a new healthy eye I would be. He mentioned the idea of laser surgery last week but I'm kind of reserved about the idea. I've heard many successes about the procedure but I have heard that people that have had to do a couple follow up procedures. In worst case I have heard that people sometimes have to get cornea transplants. My Doctor, a corneal surgeon, said that the laser he uses only shapes the eye for visual clarity and doesnt effect the inside of the cornea(overall health). He said that but I'm still wary about it because I've heard the procedure is better suited for those with less eye problems. I've never had it but during my recovery from my corneal surgery I will say allergies definitely made things difficult at times. I got over it and I'm fine but each person is different. Newbie said it best in the fact that you should talk to your Doctor. Hes the best person to ask about the procedure, get to know him well, find out how much experience he has doing it, and also if you find a second opinion if your unsure about him/her. A big plus would be if you had a University Hospital nearby.

Kevin

[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited June 14, 2001).]

SSS1365 · #14 06-15-2001, 09:14 AM

My dad had the surgery a few years ago, after having worn glasses for more than 30 years. He's still absolutely fine, his eyes didn't fall out nor has it reversed itself. I know that doesn't mean it never will, but he can see better than I can, and my vision is 20/20.

newbie · #15 06-15-2001, 04:03 PM

Kevin, I'm SO glad that the surgery worked out successfully for you!!!!

And thank you for sharing your story with us, too

!