Lasik surgery?

[LindaR]

Just as with any other surgery, there are risks involved.

I had LASIK done in June. I paid $4500 (went to one of the top surgeons in the country). You get what you pay for. There ARE places that charge alot less, but those doctors usually have much less experience. Your hubby needs to do alot of research about the procedure AND really check into the background of the doctor he is thinking about using.

My doctor told me that when you are over 40 (I am) there is a likelihood that you will need to wear reading glasses (as I did) after the procedure. My reading prescription was not too far from my regular prescription and I have not needed to wear reading glasses. My vision is perfect.

Hubby needs to follow directions faithfully. There are eyedrops that need to be used for quite some time and these help in the healing process. I live in a very dry climate and have to use the eyedrops several times a day and always will. I never used eyedrops before.

Different doctors have different "age" requirements. Mine requires that you be over 18 with stable vision, meaning that your prescription has not changed much for a couple of years. Because teenagers are still growing and changing, most good doctors will not do this procedure to teenagers.

 

[Feralpeg]

The procedure is considered cosmetic and insurance will not cover it.

Actually, that isn't quite true. My insurance company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, had a deal with the doctor that did my lasik surgery. I got almost $800 knocked off the price of my surgery. My sister had a different type of insurance. She only got $200 off her surgery.

Ask your doctor about your insurance. Though they don't cover it, they often have deals with the physicians to reduce the cost.

 

[binny]

thank you all for your input. He has a consultation on Monday. The cost he was quoted is before our 15% discount and also covers the enhancement in the future and all other costs.


His eye doctor is one of the best in the country so I have high hopes for this.

Thanks again and I look forward to hearing more!

 

[m&m's mom]

I was getting ready to post a thread for the same thing.
If I may semi-hijack - How long did everyone have to be off work afterwards? I am scheduling for early Feb.

 

[Feralpeg]

I was getting ready to post a thread for the same thing.
If I may semi-hijack - How long did everyone have to be off work afterwards? I am scheduling for early Feb.

You can go back the next day. You can see perfectly immediately after the surgery. Your eyes will tire easily at first and they will be light sensitive.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I had Lasik in June 2001. It was relatively painless, and I could see 20/15 the next day (from 20/400 in one eye) I think it cost around $3000. My insurance didn't pay anything, but the town I work for has those flex healthcare accounts, so that money went towards it.

I think it worked really well. The only bad part is at night bright lights have a halo around them. It's not bad though. I still see 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, 4 years later.

Jen

 

[dngrmys]

I had LASIK done two weeks ago. It has been great so far, especially since my vision is 20/15! I had the intra-lase (sp) and everything is done with lasers, include how they cut you flap. The laser cuts a very thin flap so it reduces the post-op dryness.

My surgery cost about $3,500 as well and includes all pre-op and post-op appointments. I felt no pain, but the procedure was a little ...different to say the least. Afterwards, your eyes will be a little irritated, but they gave me sleeping pills and by the time I woke up, all the irritation was gone.

Good luck!

 

[LindaR]

I had my surgery on a Friday afternoon, slept the rest of the day (sleeping pill), had my eyes checked by the doctor Saturday morning, and then we left. DD16 drove home (we initially weren't sure about me driving because of the meds), we live 250 miles from where the surgery was done. She was FREAKING out because less than 24 hours after the procedure, I could read the road signs before she could (she wears contacts)!

So there is really not any "down" time. You just may want to be careful about the amount of time spent reading or watching tv or on the computer for a couple of days. You eyes will tell you when you've done too much!

 

[epcotfan]

You might want to read this:

http://www.kathygriffin.net/lasik.php

Kathy did not have a good experience.
IMHO, my eye sight is not something I'd mess around with. I'd take glasses or contacts any day over the potential complications of eye surgery.

 

[Feralpeg]

You might want to read this:

http://www.kathygriffin.net/lasik.php

Kathy did not have a good experience.
IMHO, my eye sight is not something I'd mess around with. I'd take glasses or contacts any day over the potential complications of eye surgery.

There is always a risk in any type of surgical procedure. There is a risk every time you take a medication. Most people who have Lasik have no problems. I know many people who have had it. Their experience was like mine. Great! Each person should make their own informed decision.

 

[Snowy]

You might want to read this:

http://www.kathygriffin.net/lasik.php

Kathy did not have a good experience.
IMHO, my eye sight is not something I'd mess around with. I'd take glasses or contacts any day over the potential complications of eye surgery.

I had Lasik done over 3 years ago because I developed an eyelid problem that made it impossible for me to wear my contacts anymore. I had been nervous before then about messing with my eyes when my vision was easily corrected with contacts. When I could no longer wear contacts, it made the risk of Lasik more appealing.

I cannot tell you how life-changing the surgery was. To wake up and see the clock, not need glasses at night to watch TV, not have to worry about contacts when swimming, ... The list goes on and on. Moreover, I have truly forgotten that for more than half of my life, I needed glasses/contacts.

Obviously, as with any surgery, there can be complications. I had my eyes done one at a time - a week apart. The doctor insisted on doing it that way so that if anything went wrong, I could still correct my vision with glasses in one eye. It was amazing after the first eye was done, I could see perfectly with no glasses at all.

I think Lasik has been around long enough that, if your husband goes with someone experienced and recommended by other eye doctors, he too should be thrilled with the results. Best of luck!