LASIK eye surgery?

[allie&mattsmom]

I had Lasik surgery in March of '04 for $1,675/eye. It was a breeze. My DH watched the surgery on a television screen and he thought it was the coolest thing he's seen. My eyes tested better than 20/20 at my first follow up and today are the same. I am so glad I did it. I had no pain, no itching, no complications whatsoever.

DH got his done a few months ago by the same doctor. His vision is great now and he had no complications either.

 

[GoofyDad869]

I had mine done a year ago January by Dr. Dello Russo in NYC. The cost was $4800 for both eyes.

I was 20/225 and 20/250 before the sugery. After I was 20/20 and 20/25.
He didn't want to correct both eyes all the way because I was 48 at the time and would then need reading glasses. I work on a computer all day. I don't need any glasses at this point. I was a little disappointed because i wanted to be 20/20 or 20/15. If you are younger, they will probably give you at least 20/20.

There really was no pain involved with the procedure. I had pretty dry eyes for a few weeks after (again, partially due to my age). It took a few days for my vision to clear, and a few months for the night haloes to go away.

All that said, I would do it again in a heartbeat!! No more switching between clear glasses and prescription sunglasses at every ride at Disney! No more contact lens solutions. It's so cool to go to sunglass hut and just buy any pair I want without having to spend a fortune having prescription lenses put in!

Sorry this got so long

I was 34 at the time (20/15 result).

True, no pain. But during the procedure when your vision goes black for a few seconds is disconcerting (at least for me).

Cost for mine was $1800 per eye. I had my procedure done about 9:00am with 3 other patients. I was through it all by 9:30 (most of that time was spent for final testing procedures and to make sure the eye drops were working). After, we went into a dark subdued room with a TV playing for post-op observation. Right before we left the office, the doctor gave us each a Valium after the procedure and strongly suggested taking a nap during that afternoon. That's when the corneal flap is healing and that's when you'd feel the most discomfort. Not exactly pain, just discomfort. I slept from noon until about 5:00 or so. I watched a movie with the family that night.

I never could wear contact lenses (I had tried 3 times over the years). I couldn't go to a swimming pool or water park and enjoy myself. I could either sit on the deck and watch my kids, or take my glasses off to go swimming and not be able to see anything or anyone...

I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if the results were half as good as they turned out.

 

[imsorry]

I can't figure out when this year to have this done (I obviously need to consult with the drs, make sure it's something that I can even have, etc). I figured that maybe bright summertime wouldn't be the best time and in early Nov is my son's Bar Mitzvah, so I need to work around that. I don't know if I should wait until after the Bar Mitzvah or have it done in early fall so I'll be well recovered by early November. And all this thinking makes me wonder if I'm trying to chicken out.

Do you have allergies? I get VERY itchy eyes in the spring and fall; I can't resist rubbing them really hard. That is why I waited til January. Maybe late October would be a good time for you.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Do you have allergies? I get VERY itchy eyes in the spring and fall; I can't resist rubbing them really hard. That is why I waited til January. Maybe late October would be a good time for you.

I do have allergies, but they seem to last all year. I'm probably worse in the spring and fall, though. Maybe summer would be best.

 

[m&m's mom]

I am glad I did it but I am not in the blisfully happy bunch.
My advice would be to ask a ton of questions. Have them explain the entire process.
I paid $4000.00 for both eyes and had Custom View IntraLasik. Supposed to be the best there is now. I am not 20/20 3 months after surgery.
My Dr. has done more lasik than anyone in the world and I think they are much more strict than other Dr's and they were terrible at telling me what to expect. They did tell me that I was not supposed to be around a fan of any kind for at least 3 months. Hello, this is Texas! Fans or die...
Off now to my follow-up to see if I am closer to 20/20.

 

[wvjovifan]

I had mine done 2 years ago and it is the best thing I ever did!!! Do not shop for discount doctor---you want the best surgeon you can find. My surgery was $4800 and was done by a highly recommended Dr. I went in and they give you a Valium to relax you and they do the testing and the proceedure and give you 2 Tylenol PM to take so you can sleep for a few hours at home! I went in wearing bifocals and came out with 20/20. I was one of first from my area to have the new Custom Lasik done and I love the results. Since I am 50, I do need reading glasses for dim light or fine print, but I just pick up a few pair at Walmart and I'm good to go!!!!

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Thanks for all the input.

- I have been grossly misguided on the whole no pain receptors in the eye business. My optical Physics professor is on vacation, but I will definitely be contacting him to see what he says! More of an interest thing really- I had NO idea. I'm wondering what his response will be considering that he's a PhD in Physics and specializes on vision, lasers, cameras, etc.

- I would never every price shop for a doctor who was going to move my cornea and then pulse a laser into it! I will be shopping for references, testimonials, and all the information available.

Again, thank you all for the input, advice, and experiences both positive and negative. I am interested in hearing from someone else who was not happy with their surgery or results to know why and what they would do differently.

I love the DIS- such a welath of information, knowledge, and experiences! Group hug, guys!