Has anyone had lasik surgery?

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

It is basically the same procedure as cataract surgery, but they don't remove your native lens. They have to perform a laser iridotomy to prevent glaucoma since the new lens is placed behind you native lens. The nice thing about it is you can have the lenses replaced if needed down the line.

I'm going to ask about this. I tolerate contacts very well, but wearing reading glasses on top of contacts is annoying. I've been increasingly considering lasik.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

I'm going to ask about this. I tolerate contacts very well, but wearing reading glasses on top of contacts is annoying. I've been increasingly considering lasik.

It's not available everywhere. My husband was lucky that we moved to AZ where they were the first to do the technique in the US. It's been used in Europe for 15 years or so. It's not widely available in the US or wasn't two years ago. His alternative as a someone who was not a candidate for Lasik was PRK. He wasn't excited about that since it has a long recovery time and a higher complication rate. He had perfect vision the day after his surgery with IOL, but had a monster headache when he came home.

[BraveMaroon]

About ten years ago, I worked as a Patient Educator for a group of Ophthalmic Surgeons, and they did a lot of LASIK. They also did cataract surgeries, and they were starting to get into IOC (interocular lenses).

LASIK is a very safe procedure, but remember, it's surgery - so follow your post-op instructions and ask lots of questions. I got, as a benefit of that job, a free LASIK - but I have 20/20, so I gave it to my boyfriend (who is now my husband).

He did well - he works in television - he produces now, but at the time he was a videographer/editor, so it was a little scary for us both - and he had a few weeks where his night vision wasn't perfect, but within three weeks, he was completely happy with the results.

He had acute astigmatism, so he does still wear glasses for work, to make sure everything is crisp and in focus. But where he could not function without them before, today they're optional - a mild prescription.

Of course, we're both about to hit 40, so we'll be seeking out cheaters pretty soon!

Good luck!