Lasik Anyone?

[RUDisney]

I'm having this done on Friday! I can't wait to be able to see without glasses or contacts! What I really can't wait for is to be able to dive into a pool and open my eyes underwater and be able to see! It'll be the first time in about 30 years. I understand that I have to wait a year before I do that, but it's exciting to think about.

So, have you had Lasik done? What was the healing time like? Should I get the duct plugs to keep my eyes from drying or is that just hooey?

Another good part is that I'll get rid of the headache I've had since I started wearing my glasses again on December 22nd. Glasses definitely don't correct as well as contacts. I hate having no peripheral vision.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

I had LASIK done 5 years ago and it was the smartest thing I ever did for myself. I wore glasses (OK, coke bottle bottoms) for over 30 years. I never wore contacts - just big, clunky glasses.

The only mistake I made was asking my optometrist (who is also my best friend) to describe the procedure. DO NOT ASK FOR AN DESCRIPTION.

The most painful part of the procedure was paying for it

The actual procedure took under 15 minutes. I was sooooo excited. They've throught of everything. I couldn't believe when I sat up and read the "Pull For Fire" handle across the room - what a rush! I could see without glasses!

Afterwards you go into a dark room (not pitch black - just a room with the blinds pulled) and they suggest you sit there and relax. Right. I was looking outside and reading and just loving it. They do a quick eye exam there. I had follow up exams 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and annually after that. My vision is now 20/20 (5+ years later).

I need reading glasses (which is another story) and since I am past forty (ahem) that is normal.

As far as recovery, you walk out of there with lenses covering the entire eye so nothing can get in and you wear them for 24 hours. Then I slept with them for a week so you don't poke youself in the eye while sleeping.

I don't recall any waiting period before opening my eyes under water, but I had my procedure done in the winter up here in NJ.

Smartest thing I ever did...

 

[Amapola]

DH had Lasik about 3 years ago and his experience was pretty much the same as NJBlackBerry's. Almost no healing time, excellent results. His MD did not recommend the duct plugs. He uses Refresh Liquigel drops (eye lubricant) every morning and very infrequently during the day if he needs more moisture, but nothing else.

Good luck! You won't be sorry!

 

[RUDisney]

I don't recall any waiting period before opening my eyes under water, but I had my procedure done in the winter up here in NJ.

It's winter in PA now, too.

I love hearing happy lasik stories.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

Missed your question about dry eyes. That was explained to me as a possible complication, but I never had any problem with it. Since then I've always kept a supply of the single use artificial tears (no preservatives - ever) just in case. But after 5 years I guess I'm OK

 

[pattyT]

whoever invented the procedure I worship

I needed my glasses to find my contacts before!!!

I still don't open my eyes underwater though - years of swimmingwith contact bred habits I can't kick - lol

I found that the more i used the drops the worse my eyes got dry believe it or not -
I just stopped one day using them and I rarely have a problem now!

 

[Iggipolka]

I had Lasik done 3 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself!
My doctor recommended using Refresh Liquid Gell drops every 30 minutes for the first week, then every hour for the first month. After that, it was spaced out to every couple hours, then as needed. I did find that I needed them that often. I rarely use eye drops now and really don't even think about needing them.

The procedure is quite uncomfortable, but it is over very quickly and then you have new eyes! It's wonderful! If I ever meet the person who developed this procedure, I'm going to give them a huge hug!

 

[rascalmom]

I haven't had Lasik, but I did have the duct plugs put in because of a dry-eye condition. The first time, they used the temporary ones that actually dissolve on their own after about a week. They felt a little funny the first day, but were very comfortable (unnoticeable) after that. It really helped my condition.

So, since that worked so well - the permanent ones ought to be great, right? Wrong! They put them in on a Monday, but Friday I was back in the office having them removed - they were actually scratching my eye. The optometrist said I just have a weird eye anatomy. So back to the LiquiGel drops for me.

Good luck on Friday!

 

[experiment626mom]

I had Lasik done a year and a half ago. I think as long as you keep your artificial tears handy you should be all right. I believe that you have to wait 6 months to be able to safely open your eyes underwater.

 

[GoofyDad869]

I had it done last April. My vision's now at 20/15 (was at 20/180 so almost legally blind) - it's kind of spooky. I never could wear contacts, and my prescription was so bad that getting lightweight lenses was getting very expensive. Going swimming was not really an option - if I had my glasses on I couldn't swim, and if I took them off I was blind except about 2 feet away. It's one of the smartest things I've done.

I don't have a problem with dry eyes after LASIK, but I didn't before LASIK either.

 

[Magickndm]

I had it done 6 years ago, almost to the day. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself.
There was almost no healing time. The only mild uncomfortable part was immediately after the procedure. My eyes felt like they were full of sand. I was still in the Dr.'s office, told them, they put in drops, and that was it.
I had to wear these sexy goggles to bed for a week, they don't want you to take any chances in rubbing your eyes while the "flap" is still healing.
The duct plug must be fairly new, never heard of it. The only time my eyes get dry is when I'm sitting under a ceiling fan or a/c from the car is right in my face.
Oh, one other thing I noticed that I never did before is onions really sting my eyes when I chop them. I just figure there's no contact covering most of the eye now.

Good luck!

 

[m&m's mom]

Great thread. I have an appt for Lasik in 2 weeks.
I am really glad to hear about the steps afterwards. I was told you cannot be out in the wind but don't know for how long.

 

[Sandy V.]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents' worth and agree with the above posters - it was simply the best thing I ever did for myself in my life!! After 30 years of glasses and contacts, the ability to see without either is simply amazing. I would do it again without hesitation.

Best of luck to anyone considering the surgery!

 

[stinkerbelle]

The only mistake I made was asking my optometrist (who is also my best friend) to describe the procedure. DO NOT ASK FOR AN DESCRIPTION.

I watched my DH (and the guy before him) have the procedure done.

there's a big old window in the "operation room"...with a TV with a closeup of the eye for me to watch.

which is why *I* haven't had it done yet...



but DH loves not having his contacts anymore (and laughs at me when I take out my contacts and can't find my glasses!)

best of luck to you!

 

[missypie]

I had LASIK almost exactly two years ago. FANTASTIC!

My advice is to accept the Valium or whatever they offer to relax you. The procedure is QUICK and not painful, but it is a bit stressful. The doctor kept telling me "Don't move" so that made my mind race "What if I do move?...." The only thing a bit painful is that they pried my eyelid a bit too wide open on one side...but in a minute or so, it was all over.

I actually wasn't creeped out UNTIL DH, who watched it all on a screen, described it to me in detail. I could have lived without it. Everyone in my family thought my goggles were way cool and they all wanted to play with them.

One more thing: I had a couple of very red "bloodshot" spots in the whites of my eyes for several days. One eye was worse than the other. It's no big deal, just don't schedule a family portrait for the next day.

 

[FergieTCat]

I am deeply considering it -- how do you find a reputable center? Is there a website?

 

[imsorry]

I had it done last year, at age 48. I am happy I had it done, but actually expected "too much".

I went to a very well known doctor in NYC, who said because of my age, 20/20 would lead to needing reading glasses. So he gave me 20/25 vision. I had pretty bad "halos" for the first week or two, which diminished but continued for a couple of months. My eyes were also very dry for the first couple of months.

Everyone else I knew who had it done was in the twenties, and immediately had perfect vision. I was a little disappointed; but believe me I don't miss wearing glasses all the time. You didn't say how old you are; I think it can be a factor.

All in all, I'm sure you will be thrilled with the results.

 

[FergieTCat]

imsorry --

Check your private messages.

 

[wvjovifan]

I had this done 3 years ago and went from bifocals to 20/20 in a matter of minutes! I love it! My Dr gave me a Valium when I walked in the door to relax me and on the way home had me take 2 Tylenol PM. Take a nap for a few hours after the proceedure and when you wake up it is amazing!!! No pain, no irratation...just clear vision! I did wear the plastic eye protectors while sleeping for a week (so you don't rub your eyes in your sleep). I do need sunglasses outside now , but no dry eye or bad halos at nite...because I am 50, I do need reading glasses if the light is not really bright, but you get those at Walmart for about $10...nothing fancy! You will not regret it!!!!!

 

[imsorry]

imsorry --

Check your private messages.

I replied!