So my LASIK eye surgery is all set for Wednesday. I auditioned two surgeons, and am very happy with the one I've selected. (He's worked on two good friends of mine.) I liked that he was in no rush to get me under the laser -- the first doctor I met was -- and that he was far more concerned with treating my dry-eye syndrome first -- I got my tear ducts plugged -- which the other doctor didn't even mention could be exacerbated by this procedure. Because I wore contacts from the time my vision started to go at 25 until I was in my mid-to-late 30s, wearing glasses in non-reading situations has been a very sore subject for me for a number of years now -- to think I used to wear fake glasses for fun! -- but a necessity because my right eye could no longer tolerate contact lenses. Why not a single optometrist could figure out dry-eye syndrome was the reason I could no longer wear them is beyond me, but now that I'm in progressive territory anyway, LASIK appears to be a better solution for me anyway as my doctor says my correction is highly likely to leave me no longer needing glasses for distance (right now I need a +1.75) or reading (+3) for many years to come.
(Another reason I like my doctor? When he saw my employment history, he was dying to dish about the author of this article, who apparently was completely unwilling to try anything but complaining to correct her post-LASIK side effects.)
Would love to hear from others who have had this surgery -- especially farsighted types like me.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Eyes Wide Open
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16 comments:
Make sure you get Maui Jim Sunglasses after your surgery. This is so important. At least go try them on and look outside.
Why was the Dr. looking at your employment history???
I hope you've read everything Kathy Griffin has to say about lasik (see her website).
You're doctor had to see your employment history? I think I'd pass on a doctor that asked about that. How about you see HIS employment history?
I had lasik surgery on both eyes in one day almost 11 years ago at Chelsea Eye Clinic. From the moment I sat in the chair til I was walking out of the office, I think the whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. Absolutely no pain. Ever! (They gave me a pecocet pill for possible pain but i had none so i gave it to a friend a week later.) After the procedure, you BRIEFLY have slightly blurred vision (because they put saline solution into your eye before they flip the incision back to cover the eye--no stitches or anything). They gave me goggles to wear to sleep in for the first two days (so that you don't accidentally rub your eyes). When I left, i was told to go home, take a mild sleeping pill they gave me, and put on my goggles. When i woke 2 hours later, my vision was perfect. I did this at the age of 39 (after having worn glasses since junior high) and I still ahve 20/21 vision. Lasik doesn't help with near-sighted, so about 5 years ago I bought some +1 readers for computer work. But otherwise, I have no need for glasses while driving, watching movies, etc. Hope this makes it seem less scary.
Hi Kenneth - I had lasik two years ago - it was the best thing I ever did. Wore glasses since the 3rd grade - contact about 12 and then surgery at 47. I have to use readers - but it's a heck of a lot better - good luck. atlrobyn@hotmail.com
I had LASIK ten years ago, and it was the best money I ever spent. (I was extremely nearsighted, and now I see 20/20.)
It's pretty miraculous--five minutes after they start the surgery, you can see without glasses.
I hope all goes smoothly!
Had my lasik done this last January. I was near-sighted instead of far-sighted, and really really tired of switching between contacts, glasses, prescription sunglass, non-prescription sunglass (for the contacts) and reading glasses (contacts screwed with my near vision). Welcome to the 40's. lol
It went VERY smoothly. Much less stressful of a procedure than I had feared. Perhaps the Xanex they gave me just prior helped. :) It wasn't painful at all, just... wierd to have someone doing stuff to your eyeball while you are awake.
Post-procedure I had very little discomfort. I DID experience some of that "halo" effect around bright lights for around 4-6 weeks. Around the time I got used to it... it went away.
My far vision is now perfect. No problems with dry eyes. Although since I am 46, I now have to wear reading glasses for close up work. Unfortunately, that's just a factor of aging and not much you can do about it.
Just follow his instructions explicitly. Don't rub your eyes, keep them lubricated and wear the eye protectors at night for that first week.
Good luck and enjoy.
-Jeff
My experience like kevin.howell was excellent. My vision to begin with wasn't bad but did require glasses for distance and slight astigmatism. I booked for a Saturday morning at the LasikPlus vision center in Westbury out on LI. I had met with an opthamologist here in Manhattan but I liked the vision center because they specialized in the procedure, the doctor did these procedures almost exclusively with thousands under his belt (also an excellent education and credentials), the cost was about half of having it done in the city and I did get a discount through my insurance, and the facility was new with the latest equipment.
I had two preparatory visits, the initial focused on checking to see if I was a good candidate and getting me on some medication for rosacea and dry eyes. The second was just a final check before the procedure. I had the procedure done, again about 10 minutes like others. I was very prepared and calm, I didn't need any medication to stay relaxed, and all went well and quickly. I remember being very concerned about trying to keep looking forward as they instructed but your eyes are immobilized and anesthetized anyway so I don't think it's really an issue. The smell the lazer makes when burning is a little disturbing but fine. I had a friend to get me home and I went to sleep for a few hours. Really the worst part for me was some stinging immediately after the anesthetic wore off. I took the weekend to recover and was back to work on Monday. I remember a lot of drops to keep my eyes lubricated, antibiotics, restasis etc. for a few weeks and wearing the goggles for a week at night. For the first eight months or so, I would agree dry eyes was a concern. I tried a variety of drops but I think going back on restasis for a while was a big help. I think some of it could have been related to general allergies. But now closing in on two years later it's not an issue at all. I haven't had them checked lately but with my follow-ups my vision was 20/20 and 20/15. Beyond the initial dry eyes, I couldn't have had a better experience, but I was an above average candidate to begin with with just a slight correction necessary with a stable prescription for years. I'm also in my late 30s as well. I couldn't be happier but I know it's not for everyone nor is it 100% perfect.
I am very interested in Lasik but have been too nervous about it to check it out. Please keep us posted. Good luck with surgery. I'm sure it will go fine.
My sister had cornea transplants at the age of 70 and now she needs no glasses for anything including reading the phone book. It's disgusting.
I'd get the Lasik myself but then I'd still need reading glasses.
I had LASEK surgery, which is a different procedure, as it is no cut, but with a longer recovery time...
But the bottom line is it was the best decision.
20/15 vision and no glasses or contacts and I am thrilled!
good luck and listen to your doctor
I had lasik almost 14 yrs ago and am really happy with it. Mine was to correct near-sightedness. The only pitfall for me was the dryness caused from the surgery. You're REALLY need to use those saline drops.
Kenneth,
Lasik for hyperopia which you have does not last as long or remain as stable as lasik for myopia. There is a natural regression of effect which you should expect over time. Also, unless you are having one eye purposely overcorrected to achieve monovision, you will still need reading glasses as you age. Make sure you clearly understand this and that the surgeon has reviewed this issue with you.
I had lasik surgery for far sightedness about ten years ago with perfect results. My prescription was about the same as yours. Then over the last year, I found my vision starting to decline. Low and behold, I had cataracts at a very early age (probably due to prednisone use). Now, I have had lens replacement surgery and presto, darn near perfect vision again. The lasik procedure was no big deal and is very similar to cataract surgery. Go! Wearing glasses isn’t worth it.
I had lasik surgery for far sightedness about ten years ago with perfect results. My prescription bifocals were about the same as you described. Then over the last year, I found my vision starting to decline. Low and behold, I had cataracts at a very early age (probably due to prednisone use). Now, I have had lens replacement surgery and presto, darn near perfect vision again. The lasik procedure was no big deal and is very similar to cataract surgery. Go! Wearing glasses isn’t worth it.
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