LASIK

“PhilBiker: Yes, I did study that web site before I did the procedure. I found it to be the opposite end of the spectrum. I don't think there is anything wrong with the procedure, I just think it's over marketed. It's a "your mileage may vary" scenario. In my case my mileage varied in such a way that they had to do it again.

I guess my comment earlier is the best expression I can offer on this. I didn't know what it looked like to see without glasses because I had such horrible vision. I had perfect vision with glasses and utterly horrible vision without glasses. I had no idea what "a little astigmatism" looked like or what it was to be "a little nearsighted". Most people that don't wear glasses don't have perfect vision and are a little nearsighted and have some astigmatism, especially as we get older. So before the correction I had two reference points on vision: Perfect and awful. After the surgery I only had one reference point and no experience to compare to. My vision was "pretty good" but the last time I saw clearly (before the procedure) was perfect with glasses. Even after the second procedure I still wasn't "perfect" even though my vision was pretty good ... but the last time I saw well was with my glasses when I had perfect vision.

I have heard lots of stories from people that just "had it done and it was no problem" like bowlderman, and I am green with envy at their experience.

Just have realistic expectations and you won't be disappointed. Oh, and make sure that if the procedure has to be done again that the doctor won't charge for the second surgery. Mine didn't but some do charge. They shouldn't. Some doctors sell "vision for life" meaning that for a large up-front fee you can have the procedure done over and over, but I am pretty sure that's a crock.
last edited: 8/17/05 10:43:02 AM”

“So Sarge are you saying the Earl Schieb Lasik $99 special I found is a bad idea?”

“$3600 for both eyes. Like I said, my doctor did the surgeries on our pro basketball team. He the only surgeon so he does ALL the surgeries.

I get free adjustments for the first 2 years for the next two years it's $100.00 an eye and after 5 years it's $200.00 an eye.

I have been researching this for 2 years and I am still scared (these are the only eyes I have) but I am going on it.”

“Good luck, Tango. I am sure you will be fine.”

“I can't have Lasik done, since I'm blind in one eye and don't want to risk it in the single good eye I have. My eyesight is quickly getting worse in the "good" one, though, and I'd dearly love to do it. But it's too much of a risk. I work with five guys who went through with it. Four of them walked out of the office and threw their glasses away. One of the got f***ed up really bad and the doctor ruined his vision (same doctor as the other four). He can't sue because he signed away all rights to sue before the Lasik surgery. Apparently he was the last one treated at the end of a long day and the technicians used the settings for the patient previous to him, and so his eyesight was irreversibly screwed.”

“Do not shop for price!!!

Find an ophthamologist that has done HUNDREDs of these surgeries.

As for written testimonials.

Then and only then, go forward with the surgery.

Personally, I value my eyesight (corrected to 20/20 with glasses) too much to ever even consider LASIK surgery.”

“humanpackmule - OOhh ggeeeezz!! Isss it ttoooo llaattee??”

“I have astigmatism to and have considered the surgery but have been kind of waiting because newer techniques may be on the horizon”

“Got it done on Thursday I could see pretty good that night. My eyes felt a little gritty but no pain. Yesterday I was fine, kind of disorienting to wake up and see clearly. Quite amazing. I had an eye doc appointment and everything is great.

WOO HOO!!!!”

“Cool beans! Keep us posted on how well you heal/ final vision result.”

“My Dr. said I should be seeing 90-95% by yesterday. And it is true. I drove myself to my appointment and like I said my vision is very clear. I have another follow up appointment in 3 weeks.”

“Your eyes will change and you will have some days that will be better than others. Be patient and good luck!”

“Thanks Pitts.”

“I had mine done about 9 months ago and it was one of the greatest gifts I ever gave myself. After being in glasses and/or contacts for 21 years it is SOOOO nice to not have to fool with those things! Hiking and backpacking is even more enjoyable now with clear vision without the need to include glasses or contacts/solutions in my backpack!”

“I'm still scared.....I'd love to do it, but my eyes are pretty bad, have been since I was a kid. I'd just hate to make it worse....”

“Skeetah bait: It won't make your eyes worse, but it may not make them as good as what a lot of people have, expecially if you have bad astigmatism. Read my earlier post on my experience. I didn't turn out "eagle eyes" but after two surgeries I don't need glasses anymore other than for driving at night. It's just an over-marketed procedure... then again what isn't over-marketed today?”

“I am very happy with my surgery. I drove in the dark for the first time this morning. No problem and that was my biggest concern. So YIPPEE.
Skeetah the only thing I would say is first ask your eye doctor who she or he recommends. The doctor I used did our pro basketball team's surgeries. And when I met him he was very reassuring about my lack of predisposition for making the glare worse. Also Skeetah I have astigmatism, but not too bad though. I started wearing glasses in the third grade and contacts since I was 14, but working shift work was a real pain with contacts that and I had some money to spend on something medical (long story) so I did it. I was only going to do 1 eye at a time, but ended up doing both at the same time.

What can it hurt the consultation doesn't cost anything. Good luck.”

“Without glasses or contacts my eyes were 20/400 prior to the surgery. That is not a typo, by the way. I had HORRIBLE vision without my contacts in. Contacts gave me great vision but post-surgery I now have 20/20 in both eyes. I know everyone won't achieve the same results and other people but, as was mentioned, the doc will give his/her opinion during the initial consultation. If there is any doubt at all the surgery will likely be denied.

Do your research; talk to a bunch of people who have had it done; ask LOTS of questions (even ones you think might be dumb); find a professional office; and remember you get what you pay for in many instances so the cheapest price may not be the best office to use. Fortunately in my case everything went smooth as silk so I rejoice in that!”

“Now, when this procedure is done....is it a lifetime thing??? Meaning, will you have to do it again, say 10 years down the road??? Or is this it??? Fixed, done, never have to do it EVER again???”

“Your eyes change as you age, SB. You may need the surgery again, or you may not.”

“Make sure you use your medical flexible spending plan (if your work has one) to pay for this. Figure out how much the operation will cost, then start off a new plan year with that amount (plus what you need for other medical costs) on your plan. Then get the operation done early in the plan year. FSP's must pay for medical expenses even if the balance hasn't been taken from your paycheck yet. So you end up with free financing AND a tax-free operation.”