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04/12/2011 06:11:40 AM · #1 |
I would suggest to check the americanlasiksurgeon.com in that all the information about the prk and all other related information will be displayed. |
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09/04/2009 09:38:42 AM · #2 |
i am confused and not able to decide if custom prk or regular one wud be better for my eyes !
i am at -5 on both eyes and i am not candidate for lasik (thin corneas)
does this custom PRK thing depend on how high ur prescription is? my husband got regular prk done 2 yrs before (his was -1.75 both eyes) and he is doing perfectly fine now with 20/20 or less!! ( for $1500) !!
also cant decide on whether to go for lifetime enhancements or 1yr !!
help !! |
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06/20/2008 04:32:47 PM · #3 |
I'm glad I was comfortable with the risk but there's no doubt that the long list of possible complications was almost enough for me to back out. Instead, those risks lead me to spend a great deal of time reading & researching various doctors and I decided price would have nothing to do with my decision regarding where to have it done. I looked at education, experience, & success rate as my the top criteria for finding a doctor. I had to wait a while (found a good doctor with high demand), paid a little over $3000, and now both of my eyes (and my wife's eyes, which was another 3 grand) are 20/20.
My brother and his wife, on the other hand, went bargain hunting and easily found a cheap doctor. They both had a nighmare, both had to have their eyes redone, and both experienced a great deal of pain along with various negative side-effects that my wife and I can only imagine. This isn't just luck, it's statistics, and any competent doctor should have a wealth of data for you to look at regarding their rates of success vs. side effects.
So, I certainly agree with kenskid that this is a very serious and personal risk assessment that really should steer many people away from it. For those who are going to do the surgery, DON'T BARGAIN HUNT!!! Learn as much as you can about the available doctors as it's the best way (aside from abstinence :P) to lower your exposure to the risks.
Originally posted by kenskid: That's right...it's about "my" comfort with the risk. To ME it is not worth the risk of someone operating on my EYES for the comfort of not having to wear my glasses....for me...the RISK does NOT outweigh the benefit.
Now...if I had 20/800 vision in one eye like the OP Kel said she did....and 20/200 vision is considered legally blind...I would do the surgery. That would be worth the risk. |
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06/20/2008 02:44:52 PM · #4 |
That's right...it's about "my" comfort with the risk. To ME it is not worth the risk of someone operating on my EYES for the comfort of not having to wear my glasses....for me...the RISK does NOT outweigh the benefit.
Now...if I had 20/800 vision in one eye like the OP Kel said she did....and 20/200 vision is considered legally blind...I would do the surgery. That would be worth the risk.
Originally posted by Spazmo99: Again, it's about your comfort with the risk. I'd bet you do a lot of things routinely that carry a good deal more risk than Lasik.
Originally posted by kenskid: Not to me. I have to put on my glasses to read, watch tv, drive, work, play etc....the risk is not worth it for me !
Also:
No there is not a 100% that I will make it to dinnertime...but it won't be because I took the risk to cross a street blindfolded or play golf in a thunderstorm....!
Originally posted by Spazmo99: Originally posted by kenskid: If this statement has even a one billionith of a chance of being correct, then you have to be insane to have both your eyeballs worked on. To take such a risk so you don't have to wear eyeglasses or contacts makes no sense to me.
By the way....I do wear eyeglasses and am a candidate for lasik...
Originally posted by LeeD: Complications, glare, halo, loss of contrast sensitivity... all very good questions. The bottom line is that NO procedure can guarantee 100% satisfaction. | |
It's not 100% certain that you will make it until dinnertime, or even the next 5 minutes. You have to manage the risks you take. It's impossible to copmpletely avoid risk, even someone who stays intheir house, huddled in bed, afraid of the world assumes some level of risk. The important thing is trying to understand and accept the risks you can choose. My brother-in-law could not function without glasses or contacts. He had to put his glasses on to get out of bed. He had the surgery and now sees 20/15. He knew the risk, and if you were to ask him, he'd tell you that it was absolutely worth it. | | |
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06/20/2008 02:27:00 PM · #5 |
Again, it's about your comfort with the risk. I'd bet you do a lot of things routinely that carry a good deal more risk than Lasik.
Originally posted by kenskid: Not to me. I have to put on my glasses to read, watch tv, drive, work, play etc....the risk is not worth it for me !
Also:
No there is not a 100% that I will make it to dinnertime...but it won't be because I took the risk to cross a street blindfolded or play golf in a thunderstorm....!
Originally posted by Spazmo99: Originally posted by kenskid: If this statement has even a one billionith of a chance of being correct, then you have to be insane to have both your eyeballs worked on. To take such a risk so you don't have to wear eyeglasses or contacts makes no sense to me.
By the way....I do wear eyeglasses and am a candidate for lasik...
Originally posted by LeeD: Complications, glare, halo, loss of contrast sensitivity... all very good questions. The bottom line is that NO procedure can guarantee 100% satisfaction. | |
It's not 100% certain that you will make it until dinnertime, or even the next 5 minutes. You have to manage the risks you take. It's impossible to copmpletely avoid risk, even someone who stays intheir house, huddled in bed, afraid of the world assumes some level of risk. The important thing is trying to understand and accept the risks you can choose. My brother-in-law could not function without glasses or contacts. He had to put his glasses on to get out of bed. He had the surgery and now sees 20/15. He knew the risk, and if you were to ask him, he'd tell you that it was absolutely worth it. | |
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06/20/2008 02:19:25 PM · #6 |
Not to me. I have to put on my glasses to read, watch tv, drive, work, play etc....the risk is not worth it for me !
Also:
No there is not a 100% that I will make it to dinnertime...but it won't be because I took the risk to cross a street blindfolded or play golf in a thunderstorm....!
Originally posted by Spazmo99: Originally posted by kenskid: If this statement has even a one billionith of a chance of being correct, then you have to be insane to have both your eyeballs worked on. To take such a risk so you don't have to wear eyeglasses or contacts makes no sense to me.
By the way....I do wear eyeglasses and am a candidate for lasik...
Originally posted by LeeD: Complications, glare, halo, loss of contrast sensitivity... all very good questions. The bottom line is that NO procedure can guarantee 100% satisfaction. | |
It's not 100% certain that you will make it until dinnertime, or even the next 5 minutes. You have to manage the risks you take. It's impossible to copmpletely avoid risk, even someone who stays intheir house, huddled in bed, afraid of the world assumes some level of risk. The important thing is trying to understand and accept the risks you can choose. My brother-in-law could not function without glasses or contacts. He had to put his glasses on to get out of bed. He had the surgery and now sees 20/15. He knew the risk, and if you were to ask him, he'd tell you that it was absolutely worth it. |
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06/20/2008 01:09:04 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kenskid: If this statement has even a one billionith of a chance of being correct, then you have to be insane to have both your eyeballs worked on. To take such a risk so you don't have to wear eyeglasses or contacts makes no sense to me.
By the way....I do wear eyeglasses and am a candidate for lasik...
Originally posted by LeeD: Complications, glare, halo, loss of contrast sensitivity... all very good questions. The bottom line is that NO procedure can guarantee 100% satisfaction. | |
It's not 100% certain that you will make it until dinnertime, or even the next 5 minutes. You have to manage the risks you take. It's impossible to copmpletely avoid risk, even someone who stays intheir house, huddled in bed, afraid of the world assumes some level of risk. The important thing is trying to understand and accept the risks you can choose. My brother-in-law could not function without glasses or contacts. He had to put his glasses on to get out of bed. He had the surgery and now sees 20/15. He knew the risk, and if you were to ask him, he'd tell you that it was absolutely worth it. |
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06/20/2008 12:39:06 PM · #8 |
Yet another post by me !:
Kel...did you mean to say your vision was 20/80 or 20/800 ???
To go from 20/800 to 20/25 is a freaking GREAT JOB....
If I'm correct I think 20/800 means what the average person with 20/20 vision can "see" or "read" at 800 feet...you have to be 20 feet away to see it !
That would mean you would have to stand 20 feet in front of a car to know you were looking at a car !!! 20/800 to 20/25 is beyond excellent !
Originally posted by CalliopeKel: When corrected with contact lenses or glasses for distance I could not read close up without reading glasses. Since the surgery, my distance vision is less sharp and has resolved my need for reading glasses.
It all depends on whats important to you, and how your surgery goes. I opted for best distance vision with both eyes instead of the (one eye for close one for distance maneuver). I use my distance vision way more and felt that was my best option. I have had no trouble with viewfinders either.
To me, not having hard plastic (gas permeables) or high powered glasses on constantly is very liberating. I was a 20/800 before surgery. Now a 2/25. Whats not to like? |
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06/20/2008 12:30:01 PM · #9 |
Edit for not realizing the op was months ago!
Originally posted by CalliopeKel: I have been told I am a better candidate for PRK rather than straight Lasik and was wondering if anyone else has had this done and what their experience/outcome was.
My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 22. Wanted to know the pain levels, and overall healing experience for the first week post-op. |
Message edited by author 2008-06-20 12:35:53. |
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06/20/2008 12:21:34 PM · #10 |
What? My god...if he told the doctors the truth about his "good" vision then they should not have even done the procedure!
To have this done to your eyes is insane !!! The risk is too great imo.....
edit: None of this sound disastrous ???!!! Yikes....it sounds like a disaster to me!
Originally posted by CalliopeKel: Originally posted by Bosborne: My experience with the surgery (Lasik) was disastrous!
I had my left eye done for distance and the right for reading.
The left eye ended up 20/25 and the right ended up 20/50, so
they never gelled together. I had the procedure done over 8 years ago
and now I wish that I had gotten them both for distance.
I still wear glasses when I drive and to top it all off, I developed floaters in
both my eyes, so I am doomed! It's becoming harder and harder to focus
when I look thru the eye piece of my camera.
That's my story.
And as far as the "FREE lifetime" enhancements....what a joke. I went to the doc
and he said it would cost $150 just to look and see if I am a good "candidate" for an
enhancement. What he also said was "Do you really want to waste an enhancement on 20/25??"
Sometimes I want to scream about it, but what good would it do?
**Edit to add: Before the surgery, my up close vision in both eyes was extraordinary! Now I have to use a magnifier loop to see detail in my work. Plain readers don't help. |
None of what you describe sounds disasterous to me! You were warned that having the surgery would serve to create less dependence on glasses or contacts. Not give you perfect vision. If you had extraordinary why did you have the surgery? Sounds like you lost one to gain another. In my case I couldn't see crapola either way. All uphill for me as far as I was concerned. |
Message edited by author 2008-06-20 12:22:42. |
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06/20/2008 12:03:17 PM · #11 |
If this statement has even a one billionith of a chance of being correct, then you have to be insane to have both your eyeballs worked on. To take such a risk so you don't have to wear eyeglasses or contacts makes no sense to me.
By the way....I do wear eyeglasses and am a candidate for lasik...
Originally posted by LeeD: Complications, glare, halo, loss of contrast sensitivity... all very good questions. The bottom line is that NO procedure can guarantee 100% satisfaction. |
Message edited by author 2008-06-20 12:23:08. |
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06/20/2008 11:51:16 AM · #12 |
well my girlfriend got Lasik done not too long ago and she seems to really like it.
So im kinda considering getting one as well, and as I was doing some research on my own, I pulled this article on a website about lasik, and thot it would be nice to share this:
LASIK eye surgery benefits include improved visual activity, freedom from corrective eyewear, and possibly new career opportunities. Patients who achieve a successful LASIK outcome can eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses, and enjoy the freedom of clear vision at all times. LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective treatment that has continued to gain popularity among patients. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with LASIK, but in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, LASIK is a particularly safe and reliable procedure. However, you should talk with your surgeon about any risks associated with the procedure, as well as all the benefits. And always get your eye-evaluation done beforehand and follow up on your eyes after surgery. Keep in mind that at Lasik-1 your care will be entrusted to an industry leading surgeon who uses some of the most advanced LASIK technology available today. You can check my2020 for more information about Lasik.
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04/14/2008 04:06:44 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by Bosborne: My experience with the surgery (Lasik) was disastrous!
I had my left eye done for distance and the right for reading.
The left eye ended up 20/25 and the right ended up 20/50, so
they never gelled together. I had the procedure done over 8 years ago
and now I wish that I had gotten them both for distance.
I still wear glasses when I drive and to top it all off, I developed floaters in
both my eyes, so I am doomed! It's becoming harder and harder to focus
when I look thru the eye piece of my camera.
That's my story.
And as far as the "FREE lifetime" enhancements....what a joke. I went to the doc
and he said it would cost $150 just to look and see if I am a good "candidate" for an
enhancement. What he also said was "Do you really want to waste an enhancement on 20/25??"
Sometimes I want to scream about it, but what good would it do?
**Edit to add: Before the surgery, my up close vision in both eyes was extraordinary! Now I have to use a magnifier loop to see detail in my work. Plain readers don't help. |
None of what you describe sounds disasterous to me! You were warned that having the surgery would serve to create less dependence on glasses or contacts. Not give you perfect vision. If you had extraordinary why did you have the surgery? Sounds like you lost one to gain another. In my case I couldn't see crapola either way. All uphill for me as far as I was concerned. |
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04/13/2008 07:05:41 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Bosborne: My experience with the surgery (Lasik) was disastrous!
I had my left eye done for distance and the right for reading.
The left eye ended up 20/25 and the right ended up 20/50, so
they never gelled together. I had the procedure done over 8 years ago
and now I wish that I had gotten them both for distance.
I still wear glasses when I drive and to top it all off, I developed floaters in
both my eyes, so I am doomed! It's becoming harder and harder to focus
when I look thru the eye piece of my camera.
That's my story.
And as far as the "FREE lifetime" enhancements....what a joke. I went to the doc
and he said it would cost $150 just to look and see if I am a good "candidate" for an
enhancement. What he also said was "Do you really want to waste an enhancement on 20/25??"
Sometimes I want to scream about it, but what good would it do?
**Edit to add: Before the surgery, my up close vision in both eyes was extraordinary! Now I have to use a magnifier loop to see detail in my work. Plain readers don't help. |
Wow, sorry to hear about your experience. What you went through is what I was afraid I would go through. I guess I just got lucky. I could go for enhancements but why bother. I see better now than I did before. Again, sorry to hear about your experience. I feel for you. |
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04/12/2008 12:28:42 AM · #15 |
My experience with the surgery (Lasik) was disastrous!
I had my left eye done for distance and the right for reading.
The left eye ended up 20/25 and the right ended up 20/50, so
they never gelled together. I had the procedure done over 8 years ago
and now I wish that I had gotten them both for distance.
I still wear glasses when I drive and to top it all off, I developed floaters in
both my eyes, so I am doomed! It's becoming harder and harder to focus
when I look thru the eye piece of my camera.
That's my story.
And as far as the "FREE lifetime" enhancements....what a joke. I went to the doc
and he said it would cost $150 just to look and see if I am a good "candidate" for an
enhancement. What he also said was "Do you really want to waste an enhancement on 20/25??"
Sometimes I want to scream about it, but what good would it do?
**Edit to add: Before the surgery, my up close vision in both eyes was extraordinary! Now I have to use a magnifier loop to see detail in my work. Plain readers don't help.
Message edited by author 2008-04-12 00:30:36. |
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04/11/2008 11:54:45 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by TonyT: I did get to look with lenses on so they could show me what it's like, and really the only time you can tell is when you cover 1 eye. I don't know. The whole thing is scary.
The doctor convinced me that it's the best of both worlds and now that I think about it I am doubting more and more. |
If your doubts are this serious, cancel your surgery and reschedule. You absolutely need to resolve this beforehand.
Regarding reading glasses, if you are asking if it's normal to need them by age 43, the answer is yes. I'm the same age. Closeup vision wearing my glasses is very uncomfortable, almost impossible. Have to take the glasses off. While wearing contacts, I have to pull back to see anything closer than about 12 inches in front of my face. If I had the surgery, I would also need reading glasses.
It has to do with the inflexibility of the lens as you get older. It gets older and yellower. Face it, you're no spring chicken anymore. ;-) |
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04/11/2008 11:48:11 PM · #17 |
I did lasik two years ago. I had worn contact lenses for 30 years. Two years prior to lasik I wore one contact for reading and one for distance. I got to the point my eyes were tired of contacts. My husband bugged me for two years to get it done. I finally did and decided to go with one eye for reading and one for distance and it worked fine for me. It definately isn't for everybody. My sister tried it with contacts and it bugged her. So I suggest trying with contacts before doing lasik. But doctor told me that if I wanted to do both for distance it wouldn't be a big deal to bring the other eye up to the other one. That is just my two cents. |
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04/11/2008 11:27:23 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by TonyT: I did get to look with lenses on so they could show me what it's like, and really the only time you can tell is when you cover 1 eye. I don't know. The whole thing is scary.
The doctor convinced me that it's the best of both worlds and now that I think about it I am doubting more and more. |
This is a BIG decision. Don't rush it if you aren't sure. Cancel the procedure until your doubts are addressed. |
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04/11/2008 04:59:15 PM · #19 |
I did get to look with lenses on so they could show me what it's like, and really the only time you can tell is when you cover 1 eye. I don't know. The whole thing is scary.
The doctor convinced me that it's the best of both worlds and now that I think about it I am doubting more and more. |
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04/11/2008 03:02:07 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by TonyT: I have a lasek procedure scheduled for Thursday. I went through all of the tests.
They want to make my right eye (dominant) for distance, and the left eye not as sharp for distance, but more for reading. I am 43 and still do not need reading glasses at all, but they think I am right at the point where I will start needing them, and once I have Lasik done, then I will need them for sure in the next few months.
My question are:
1. Is this normal thing? I don't want to wear reading glasses.Should I wait?
2. If my right is corrected for distance, then would I be able to use my camera?
Do you need reading glasses to read the inside of the viewfinder, and check to see if things are in focus.
TonyT |
I had heard of correcting one eye for distance and one for reading, but that actually concerned me a great deal. My doctor's suggestion was straight correction for distance on both. I had the procedure done at age 44 and was told I would need reading glasses after the procedure. Well, it's been almost a year now. I have 20/20 and I still do not need reading glasses (and I actually have to read a great deal for work). Personally, I would shy away from a mix and match approach.
Chuck |
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04/11/2008 02:51:53 PM · #21 |
When corrected with contact lenses or glasses for distance I could not read close up without reading glasses. Since the surgery, my distance vision is less sharp and has resolved my need for reading glasses.
It all depends on whats important to you, and how your surgery goes. I opted for best distance vision with both eyes instead of the (one eye for close one for distance maneuver). I use my distance vision way more and felt that was my best option. I have had no trouble with viewfinders either.
To me, not having hard plastic (gas permeables) or high powered glasses on constantly is very liberating. I was a 20/800 before surgery. Now a 2/25. Whats not to like? |
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04/11/2008 10:21:56 AM · #22 |
Originally posted by TonyT: I have a lasek procedure scheduled for Thursday. I went through all of the tests.
They want to make my right eye (dominant) for distance, and the left eye not as sharp for distance, but more for reading. I am 43 and still do not need reading glasses at all, but they think I am right at the point where I will start needing them, and once I have Lasik done, then I will need them for sure in the next few months.
My question are:
1. Is this normal thing? I don't want to wear reading glasses.Should I wait?
2. If my right is corrected for distance, then would I be able to use my camera?
Do you need reading glasses to read the inside of the viewfinder, and check to see if things are in focus. |
That's wild. I'd think that it would cause headaches since the brain is having to compensate, but what do I know? I'm right there with you, nervously. I'd be asking all kinds of questions of every eye doctor that I could within the next week and if I wasn't happy with the answers, cancel.
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04/11/2008 10:07:11 AM · #23 |
I have a lasek procedure scheduled for Thursday. I went through all of the tests.
They want to make my right eye (dominant) for distance, and the left eye not as sharp for distance, but more for reading. I am 43 and still do not need reading glasses at all, but they think I am right at the point where I will start needing them, and once I have Lasik done, then I will need them for sure in the next few months.
My question are:
1. Is this normal thing? I don't want to wear reading glasses.Should I wait?
2. If my right is corrected for distance, then would I be able to use my camera?
Do you need reading glasses to read the inside of the viewfinder, and check to see if things are in focus.
TonyT |
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04/08/2008 02:22:02 PM · #24 |
I had lasik a few weeks ago and so far, it's great. I wore glasses/contacts from age 6, and it's nice to finally be free from that. The only side effect I've experienced is seeing minor halos, but they seem to be diminishing already.
I think it's important to do your research and choose a surgeon who has a lot of experience and uses the most advanced equipment. |
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04/07/2008 09:03:48 PM · #25 |
I am still a candidate for an 'enhancement'. Not sure I will do it, but am not sure just yet. My slow healing is due to being diabetic and a woman over 40 (slowest healing group). Will wait one more month before I decide on the enhancement, not sure I want to go through all that again.
Sure is nice waking up and not have to put something in my eye or hunt for glasses that always made their way under my bed somehow. LOL
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