Comments on: My Experience With Lasik Eye Surgery – Thoughts About Laser Vision Correction – Is It Worth The Cost and Risks? http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/ Personal Finance Beyond Credit Cards and Balance Transfers Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:56:44 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: ls http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-107519 ls Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:37:26 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-107519 jim, the visian ICL rocks. had too thin corneas for lasik, which was a blessing in disguise. after the visian ICL, I had 20/15 overall, better than 20/20, I can see at 20 feet what others only see at 15 feet. jim,
the visian ICL rocks.
had too thin corneas for lasik, which was a blessing in disguise.
after the visian ICL, I had 20/15 overall, better than 20/20, I can see at 20 feet what others only see at 15 feet.

]]> By: Alex http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-102502 Alex Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:30:07 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-102502 Ornella, you didn't do your research. It's a well-known fact that for nearsighted people, LASIK takes away the ability to see close-up when the cornea is reshaped. I am (was) nearsighted before the procedure and can read fine close-up now (I'm 27), but when I'm in my 40s I will need glasses like everyone else because I gave up the nearsightedness I would have had for the ability to see far during my youth. It was a compromise. Because you're older and wore bifocals, you should have gotten monovision, not regular LASIK like a candidate like me got. With monovision, they correct the dominant eye to see close up and the less dominant eye to see far away to create "bifocal" vision. You don't get perfect vision either up close or far away, but a decent blend of the too. At the very least, you wouldn't have needed glasses. Someone should have told you about this surgery. I also would have recommended that you get a custom LASIK procedure, in which they map the topography of your cornea and match the procedure to it. A regular LASIK procedure runs a much higher risk of effects like halos and starbursts. Ornella, you didn’t do your research. It’s a well-known fact that for nearsighted people, LASIK takes away the ability to see close-up when the cornea is reshaped. I am (was) nearsighted before the procedure and can read fine close-up now (I’m 27), but when I’m in my 40s I will need glasses like everyone else because I gave up the nearsightedness I would have had for the ability to see far during my youth. It was a compromise. Because you’re older and wore bifocals, you should have gotten monovision, not regular LASIK like a candidate like me got. With monovision, they correct the dominant eye to see close up and the less dominant eye to see far away to create “bifocal” vision. You don’t get perfect vision either up close or far away, but a decent blend of the too. At the very least, you wouldn’t have needed glasses. Someone should have told you about this surgery.

I also would have recommended that you get a custom LASIK procedure, in which they map the topography of your cornea and match the procedure to it. A regular LASIK procedure runs a much higher risk of effects like halos and starbursts.

]]> By: Lux http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-99215 Lux Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:19:18 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-99215 Ornella, as I had, you may have higher order aberrations due to using wrong type of laser equipment. The correct one is wave front guided instead of wave front optimized. I had enhancement to my right eye on last Thursday in new place having such a modern instrument and my visus improved a lot as the doctor could completely eliminate 4 types of HOAs. However, still starbursts and halos remain, but hope to get rid of them, when time passes. I prefer you will consult another place having wave front guided capability. In the place I visited they are also able to operate wide enough to compensate big pupil sizes. Ornella,

as I had, you may have higher order aberrations due to using wrong type of laser equipment. The correct one is wave front guided instead of wave front optimized. I had enhancement to my right eye on last Thursday in new place having such a modern instrument and my visus improved a lot as the doctor could completely eliminate 4 types of HOAs. However, still starbursts and halos remain, but hope to get rid of them, when time passes. I prefer you will consult another place having wave front guided capability. In the place I visited they are also able to operate wide enough to compensate big pupil sizes.

]]> By: Ornella http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-99116 Ornella Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:13:06 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-99116 Hello everyone. I'm 50 years old and I just recently had custom LASIK surgery at TLC just a few days ago (Sept.24/09). I waited years to have it done. This was my birthday present to myself for my 50th. I was lead to believe that this surgery is best done when you're older as that's when your eyes stop changing. I realize that it can takes months for ones vision to 'settle', however, I have a real concern. Before the surgery I wore bifocals. My reading ability without glasses wasn't too bad. Now, after the surgery it's horrendous! When I eat my food it's blurry, I can't even see to put make-up on! I was told 'after' the surgery that my vision , up to arms length, would be gone. It's blurry anywhere from 4-6 feet in front of me! I knew that I would still need reading glasses, but I was never told that it would get much worse nor did I read any literature stating this would happen. I was aware that I may experience halos at night. I didn't realize I'd have them in the daytime too! My distance vision did turn out well, but I made my life much more difficult than before. I work as an advanced care paramedic and the reason I chose this surgery was because rain, snow, smudges on the glasses, breaking, having the lenses fog up when entering someones warm home from the cold as well as having them fall off my face made my work a bit difficult. I think I just made my job alot more difficult. I really, really hope it gets better with time. We'll see. I did try bifocal contacts, but that didn't work. Hello everyone.
I’m 50 years old and I just recently had custom LASIK surgery at TLC just a few days ago (Sept.24/09). I waited years to have it done. This was my birthday present to myself for my 50th. I was lead to believe that this surgery is best done when you’re older as that’s when your eyes stop changing. I realize that it can takes months for ones vision to ’settle’, however, I have a real concern. Before the surgery I wore bifocals. My reading ability without glasses wasn’t too bad. Now, after the surgery it’s horrendous! When I eat my food it’s blurry, I can’t even see to put make-up on! I was told ‘after’ the surgery that my vision , up to arms length, would be gone. It’s blurry anywhere from 4-6 feet in front of me! I knew that I would still need reading glasses, but I was never told that it would get much worse nor did I read any literature stating this would happen. I was aware that I may experience halos at night. I didn’t realize I’d have them in the daytime too! My distance vision did turn out well, but I made my life much more difficult than before.
I work as an advanced care paramedic and the reason I chose this surgery was because rain, snow, smudges on the glasses, breaking, having the lenses fog up when entering someones warm home from the cold as well as having them fall off my face made my work a bit difficult. I think I just made my job alot more difficult. I really, really hope it gets better with time. We’ll see.
I did try bifocal contacts, but that didn’t work.

]]> By: Karina http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-96805 Karina Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:22:45 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-96805 I went for a LASIK consultation a few days ago. I have -6 Dioptres both eyes. I waslready to go ahead but the surgeon mentioned about my large pupil size (7mm and 8mm) and poor night vision compared to someone with smaller pupils who had LASIK. I did some research and now I am very frightened to go ahead. People have written about debilitating night vision after having LASIK with large pupil size. It makes sense to me and I feel it would be foolish of me to go ahead with it if I know of a reason why it may not work. I am now very disappointed as I was looking forward to being free of glasses but if it means I cannot see at night to drive, socialise etc then I think I would be better sticking with glasses/contact lenses. I am very depressed about it but feel I would be even more depressed if I ended up with poor night vision. I know it may improve but there are no guarantees. Has anyone else had LASIK done with my pupil size and what is your night vision like? I know there are several factors which also affect night vision which makes it complicated and difficult to predict. It's a shame for me as I have very thick corneas which would otherwise make me a good candidate. I went for a LASIK consultation a few days ago.
I have -6 Dioptres both eyes. I waslready to go ahead but the surgeon
mentioned about my large pupil size (7mm and 8mm) and poor night vision compared to someone with smaller pupils who had LASIK.

I did some research and now I am very frightened to go ahead. People have written about debilitating night vision after having LASIK with large pupil size. It makes sense to me and I feel it would be foolish of me to go ahead with it if I know of a reason why it may not work.

I am now very disappointed as I was looking forward to being free of glasses but if it means I cannot see at night to drive, socialise etc then I think I would be better sticking with glasses/contact lenses. I am very depressed about it but feel I would be even more depressed if I ended up with poor night vision. I know it may improve but there are no guarantees.

Has anyone else had LASIK done with my pupil size and what is your night vision like?
I know there are several factors which also affect night vision which makes it complicated and difficult to predict. It’s a shame for me as I have very thick corneas which would otherwise make me a good candidate.

]]> By: Andrei http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-94035 Andrei Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:08 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-94035 In fact I was told that my combination of characteristics put me in the "sweet spot" as a candidate for Lasik. Btw, an acquaintance of mine who is an optometrist recently said that there is a bit of unknown surrounding the outcome. Things like individual healing process and humidity levels could have some negative (or positive) impact. The other curious thing is that my colleague who had -8 in both eyes went to the same surgeon just weeks earlier and can not be happier with his outcome. Oh well... Just my luck. Anyway I still have hopes that the restasis will kick in, since the doctor said there was dryness around the edges of the flap. (even though it's been 7 weeks!) In fact I was told that my combination of characteristics put me in the “sweet spot” as a candidate for Lasik.

Btw, an acquaintance of mine who is an optometrist recently said that there is a bit of unknown surrounding the outcome. Things like individual healing process and humidity levels could have some negative (or positive) impact.

The other curious thing is that my colleague who had -8 in both eyes went to the same surgeon just weeks earlier and can not be happier with his outcome. Oh well… Just my luck.

Anyway I still have hopes that the restasis will kick in, since the doctor said there was dryness around the edges of the flap. (even though it’s been 7 weeks!)

]]> By: Lux http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-93886 Lux Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:48:23 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-93886 I wanted to give an intermediate report, as I am not willing to give up for poorer vision and other problems. After my surgery I have tried to find pages like this, but also I have had consultant with two other doctors. First one is a pioneer of lasik in my country and he has all possible equipment. He suggested an enhancement to my left eye, but didn't mention the real reason for problems. Second doctor made guessing already in email, spherical aberration, caused by old fashion machines and in her test this turned out to be true. Also she found some coma and astigmatism. She suggested enhancement in right eye and indeed it causes a bit more starbursts than left eye (with glasses). With fear I agreed the enhancement on Sept 24. After several months study, I can give suggestions to guys willing to undergo lasik operation. 1. Don't go 2. If you still are willing to take a risk, choose the place, which have modern wave front guided operation, others cannot take the corneal profile in account so well 4. Also, choose the doctor having long record of lasik operations and good reputation (ask as many places as possible) 4. If you have big pupils, they may cause starbursts at night (reason is that light reflects in operated area as well as non operated area) 5. Very strong myopia and thin corneal thickness is not a good combination, because prolate shape cannot be preserved and seeing at night becomes extremely difficult. 6. If your outcome is bad, then there is at least one place in US very willing to correct botched operations: http://www.wangvisioninstitute.com/ (makes of course primary operations too). Good luck! I wanted to give an intermediate report, as I am not willing to give up for poorer vision and other problems. After my surgery I have tried to find pages like this, but also I have had consultant with two other doctors. First one is a pioneer of lasik in my country and he has all possible equipment. He suggested an enhancement to my left eye, but didn’t mention the real reason for problems. Second doctor made guessing already in email, spherical aberration, caused by old fashion machines and in her test this turned out to be true. Also she found some coma and astigmatism. She suggested enhancement in right eye and indeed it causes a bit more starbursts than left eye (with glasses). With fear I agreed the enhancement on Sept 24.

After several months study, I can give suggestions to guys willing to undergo lasik operation.

1. Don’t go
2. If you still are willing to take a risk, choose the place, which have modern wave front guided operation, others cannot take the corneal profile in account so well
4. Also, choose the doctor having long record of lasik operations and good reputation (ask as many places as possible)
4. If you have big pupils, they may cause starbursts at night (reason is that light reflects in operated area as well as non operated area)
5. Very strong myopia and thin corneal thickness is not a good combination, because prolate shape cannot be preserved and seeing at night becomes extremely difficult.
6. If your outcome is bad, then there is at least one place in US very willing to correct botched operations: http://www.wangvisioninstitute.com/ (makes of course primary operations too).

Good luck!

]]> By: Jay http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-93836 Jay Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:31:04 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-93836 Andrei, I am curious to hear about your consultation. Did they advise that you were a good candidate for LASIK? I have my consultation this Friday and I am still researching heavily. I am still not completely convinced the pros outweigh the possible cons. For reference, I am a -6 and -5 with an astigmatism is both eyes. I have worn glasses or contacts since before I was ten years old. I would love to know the feeling of waking up with vision in the morning. But, I am being careful in making my decision. Thanks! Jay Andrei,

I am curious to hear about your consultation. Did they advise that you were a good candidate for LASIK? I have my consultation this Friday and I am still researching heavily. I am still not completely convinced the pros outweigh the possible cons.

For reference, I am a -6 and -5 with an astigmatism is both eyes. I have worn glasses or contacts since before I was ten years old. I would love to know the feeling of waking up with vision in the morning. But, I am being careful in making my decision.

Thanks!

Jay

]]> By: andrei http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-93185 andrei Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:44:16 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-93185 Hi, I underwent the intralase, custom lasik just over 6 weeks ago. So, I can say that I am somewhat satisfed with the results, but it's definitely not what I expected. Background: I am 39 and I spend, at least, 12 hours a day on the computer if not more. Before the surgery my reading vision was degrading over the last year. It got to the point where I could not read my iphone when I had my contacts in. Furthermore, with my glasses on I didn't know whether I should put them on or take them off. My prescription was -4.5 in both eyes, with a slight astigmatism. After the surgery: my reading vision has become incredible. So sharp and detailed. In fact, within 4 to 5 feet around me it's amazing. But, after a few feet out the blurriness sets in. My doctor says I've got just around 20/40 or need for a -0.75 corrective lens, though I think it's legal to drive like this (which I do daily). The odd part is that when I put in lubricating drops my distance vision becomes *perfect*, but unfrotunately the effect only lasts 10 minutes. My doctor says that my eyes are still a bit dry, especially around the incision and to continue using Restasis, which I understand takes 2 to 3 months before it starts working. I hope that I will start producing tears that are equivalent to those in the lubricating drops, but somehow I doubt it. Now the big question is whether I would want to go back under the laser. Clearly, it would be nice to see perfect 20/20, but I would probably need to start wearing reading glasses... At least now I don't wear any glasses anytime. And since I"m mostly on the computer... maybe it's better this way.... Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else had the clearing effect of the eye drops and whether it eventually went away? I'm also curious to hear about the Restasis patients and what their experiences have been like. Good luck! andrei Hi,
I underwent the intralase, custom lasik just over 6 weeks ago. So, I can say that I am somewhat satisfed with the results, but it’s definitely not what I expected.
Background: I am 39 and I spend, at least, 12 hours a day on the computer if not more. Before the surgery my reading vision was degrading over the last year. It got to the point where I could not read my iphone when I had my contacts in. Furthermore, with my glasses on I didn’t know whether I should put them on or take them off. My prescription was -4.5 in both eyes, with a slight astigmatism.
After the surgery: my reading vision has become incredible. So sharp and detailed. In fact, within 4 to 5 feet around me it’s amazing. But, after a few feet out the blurriness sets in. My doctor says I’ve got just around 20/40 or need for a -0.75 corrective lens, though I think it’s legal to drive like this (which I do daily).
The odd part is that when I put in lubricating drops my distance vision becomes *perfect*, but unfrotunately the effect only lasts 10 minutes.
My doctor says that my eyes are still a bit dry, especially around the incision and to continue using Restasis, which I understand takes 2 to 3 months before it starts working. I hope that I will start producing tears that are equivalent to those in the lubricating drops, but somehow I doubt it.
Now the big question is whether I would want to go back under the laser. Clearly, it would be nice to see perfect 20/20, but I would probably need to start wearing reading glasses… At least now I don’t wear any glasses anytime. And since I”m mostly on the computer… maybe it’s better this way….
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else had the clearing effect of the eye drops and whether it eventually went away? I’m also curious to hear about the Restasis patients and what their experiences have been like.

Good luck!

andrei

]]> By: jeff http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-85574 jeff Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:41:38 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-85574 how much is the chance of becoming blind? how much is the chance of becoming blind?

]]> By: Lux http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-84988 Lux Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:16:39 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-84988 Hi Olga, you can also visit other sites, like http://www.asklasikdocs.com/forums/index.php My situation is slightly improving, but still rather unhappy. I visited another doctor and he recommended slight enhancement. Hi Olga,

you can also visit other sites, like
http://www.asklasikdocs.com/forums/index.php

My situation is slightly improving, but still rather unhappy. I visited another doctor and he recommended slight enhancement.

]]> By: Olga http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-84883 Olga Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:43:55 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-84883 Hi, I am 23 and I am considering doing Lasik. I have myopia, around 4 on both eyes. My consultation today with LasikPlus went well. They say that I am a good candidat, but I am still scared to actually do it. Eventhough I am pretty tiered of wearing my glasses and contacts, tiered of not seeing very well while driving at night, I feel like these reasons might not be strong enough to undergo such a risk. I just think that compare to the people who posted in this blog my vision is not that bad, and may be I should just deal with it, instead of dealing with anykind of bad results. Would be glad to hear any thoughts on this. Thank you. Hi,

I am 23 and I am considering doing Lasik. I have myopia, around 4 on both eyes. My consultation today with LasikPlus went well. They say that I am a good candidat, but I am still scared to actually do it. Eventhough I am pretty tiered of wearing my glasses and contacts, tiered of not seeing very well while driving at night, I feel like these reasons might not be strong enough to undergo such a risk. I just think that compare to the people who posted in this blog my vision is not that bad, and may be I should just deal with it, instead of dealing with anykind of bad results.

Would be glad to hear any thoughts on this. Thank you.

]]> By: Evelyn http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-83267 Evelyn Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:42:26 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-83267 I just had the surgeruy yesterday and this has been the first day in my adul life where I can get up and just leave...not worry about glasses or contacts....best thing I could EVER do!!!!!! I just had the surgeruy yesterday and this has been the first day in my adul life where I can get up and just leave…not worry about glasses or contacts….best thing I could EVER do!!!!!!

]]> By: Lux http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-78789 Lux Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:07:05 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-78789 Tulio, At least you should check the size of your pupils. If they are big, forget. I have had tiny improvement in halos and starbursts, but now we have natural light almost all over the day, so I am not sure, how bad it will be, when our "dark season" will start in autumn. Tulio,

At least you should check the size of your pupils. If they are big, forget.

I have had tiny improvement in halos and starbursts, but now we have natural light almost all over the day, so I am not sure, how bad it will be, when our “dark season” will start in autumn.

]]> By: Tulio http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/comment-page-1/#comment-78556 Tulio Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:29:22 +0000 http://www.moneybluebook.com/my-experience-with-lasik-eye-surgery-thoughts-about-laser-vision-correction-is-it-worth-the-cost-and-risks/#comment-78556 Hi everyone, I think this is a great forum, full of relevant information. I am 44yo and I´m considering Lasik surgery here in Brasil. I would like to hear from people who have had the procedure at around my age. I was very sorry to read about Lux´s experience and that worried me a bit. I have myopia, around 5 or 6D on both eyes and astigmatism, around 2(?) on both eyes as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Hi everyone,

I think this is a great forum, full of relevant information. I am 44yo and I´m considering Lasik surgery here in Brasil. I would like to hear from people who have had the procedure at around my age. I was very sorry to read about Lux´s experience and that worried me a bit. I have myopia, around 5 or 6D on both eyes and astigmatism, around 2(?) on both eyes as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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