Laser Eye Surgery

This is my first thread so I hope I'm not breaking any rules or anything by asking this but....

I have been contemplating getting Laser Eye Surgery for sometime now, while I don't have the money saved up yet (I'll have to talk with insurance for pricing) I'm pretty sure I am going to get it no later than tax return... With that being sad.

Are there any down sides to getting this surgery?
From what I read it brings your eyes back to normal or better. And as long as you don't have bad genes you should be able to keep your eyesight at 20/20+.

I understand there are risks before/during the surgery (if they mess up u could lose eyesight....) But I'm asking more in general about after the surgery.

Has anyone here had it that can share their experience, or someone knowledgeable care to share some information? Thanks.

My sister and a friend of mine has had it done. They say it was the best decision they made. Cost a fortune though too much for me to contemplate or save up for.

I had it done to remove cataracts, both eyes actually. I slept through it all so no worries there. I still need glasses to read some things, but not prescription, just bought over the counter.

Long and short, yes I would recommend it

a reply to: A1nth0ny

I've had two laser eye surgeries. One for a slight tear in a retina another for an outright torn retina that I caught early enough for laser surgery rather than traditional surgery.

Both were reasonable in price and affordable.

Both went well.

These were for immediate 'damage' rather than corrective of eyesight.

I would shop for prices, do the usual google of the Specialist and clinic your thinking of using-as well as ensuring your insurance covers that clinic, of course.

No complaints from me on the process, including costs.

a reply to: A1nth0ny

Best thing I ever did. I was super nearsighted and couldn't even read a book without my glasses unless it was 4 inches from my face.

Research your doctor and make sure he's got a good track record, has performed the surgery on many, many patients and hasn't just moved to a new building. The equipment they use has to be calibrated precisely and I've heard stories from people who have gone in to do construction that machines were moved/not adequate dust protection.

Take bilberry (with the DIN number on the bottle to ensure it's not full of fillers) for a good month before the surgery. Bilberry is amazing for the eyes and strengthens the blood vessels to and in the eye. Read up on bilberry - fascinating history to it.

I had mine done about 20 years ago. At the time it took about a week of pre measurements, tests and the day of the surgery a drop was put into my eye to numb it. The doctor then marked, with a felt pen, on my eyeball. I lay on the table and just concentrated on a red light while the doctor did his thing. It was over so quick and I was able to see perfectly immediately after surgery. At that time I was told to watch no tv, no reading for 3 days after. I stuck to that but I know practically everyone these days goes back to work, etc, etc. No makeup the day of (and I think the day prior) or the next two weeks after surgery. No swimming, no immersing your head in the tub. And again, at that time, I had to wear a plastic goggle thing over my eyes which had to be taped with masking tape to ensure I didn't rub my eyes in my sleep which could dislodge the flap.

It was a piece of cake. I would do it in an instant if I had to. In fact now that I have had to get reading glasses due to my age I am now investigating the trials they are doing on people who need bifocals.

Gave me a life of freedom, love it, love it!!!

Yes, had the Lasik surgery in 1999. Like the poster above, was the best thing I ever did. Only problem I had was dry eyes for about a year after. Found some cheap Artificial Tears at Wally World, problem no more.

I got lazik while I was in Korea, so you might not have access to the same options? I don't know. While, I was in Korea, though, there were two different options. There, you pay everything up front. There were no payment plans. So, because I was a couple hundred dollars short, I couldn't go with the first option. But that would have been the very best. The first option was to pay 2,000,000 Korean won (About $2,000 USD) and they wouldn't have to cut anything at all. They could have just lazered my eyes as they were. No surgery, no cutting that creepy eye flap. Nothing. In that case, no downside at all. Unfortunately, I didn't actually have that much at the moment, so I went with the normal option.

The surgery was quick. I was given two options afterwards. I could have them put the special contacts on my eyes and I could go home right away, but I would have to return the next day. Or, I could stick around for three hours whilst one of the nurses kept an eye on my eyes and administered the eye drops. I did the later. They tell you not to blink too hard, or you could accidentally wrinkle the eyeflap, which would totally mess up your vision. You're not allowed to touch your face or scratch anywhere near your eyes. I wasn't allowed to shower for three days, and pools and saunas you can't go to for like 2-4 weeks, I forget how long. You administer eye drops every few hours. Some drops every couple hours, some twice a day, one right before bed. And then you have to wear those goggles at night. I can sleep comfortably without moving, so I felt I was safe enough to just not wear them *cough*

Downside: Right after the surgery, they told me to go home and try to keep my eyes closed as much as possible. Rest and all that. I was told that sometimes your vision would get blurry for a bit, but then it'd clear up. And might do that a couple times. But that it was okay. For me, my eyesight was clear straight from the surgery. Everything was crystal clear, and I didn't want to rest at all. You're not supposed to drive or use machinery, so I brought my sister with me to make sure I could get home safely afterward... and all I really wanted to do after the surgery was go to the movies. Bah, rest! She wouldn't let me.

That's all I can think of. It really was painless and quick and not traumatizing at all. It'll be worth it!

Awesome, it seems like there are nothing but benefits! I can't wait to get mine, then I won't have to worry about buying and caring for contacts anymore. Thanks people!