Tell me about your experiences with LASIK surgery

[Luv2Scrap]

I've been wanting to do this for so many years - ever since the first time I heard about it. I have astigmatism (bad!) and have to spend a LOT of money on my glasses to get the lenses nice and thin. I have ALWAYS hated wearing glasses but contacts haven't been an option for several years, because my eyes dry out when I put them in. I wore them abusively as a teen-ager and ruined it for myself. HOWEVER, for years, the eye doctor has not been able to find ANYTHING wrong with my eyes that would prevent me from wearing contact lenses.

This dry eye issue has also been what has held me back from the LASIK surgery, as I was told I would have terrible dry eyes for the rest of my life if I had that surgery (this was maybe 10-ish years ago, and the eye Dr said wait until they come out with new advancements and maybe I would be a candidate)

I have spoken with a company that says they can now work with the dry eye issue, using some form of plug in the tear duct to hold the tears in longer, and/or restasis, which is prescription strength eye drop, to pre-treat the eye. This part would be covered by my insurance company, as dry eyes is a medical condition.

I'm DYING to do this, but I'm also nervous. I can't imagine going the rest of my life with severe eye issues!

I'm looking for stories from people that have had the LASIK procedure done, and especially if you have had problems with dry eyes in the past, and still decided to have the surgery.

Short term, long term.... I want to hear all the good... and all the bad!

Thanks!

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I had it a few years ago. My eyes were dry before I had it, they're dry now. I use drops occasionally when they get really bad. It's a small price to pay for being able to see clearly 24/7.

I had one eye fixed for distance and one for reading. It was a little weird at first, but once I adjusted, I barely notice it anymore.

I put off getting it done for years because I had heard so many stories of lasik gone bad. But there was a doctor near where I used to work that had a great reputation with my co-workers. Everyone said she was the best in the area for lasik, and if you weren't a good candidate she refused to do the surgery. When I went for my consultation I found out that many pro ball players had their lasik done through her. I had complete confidence in her, that's why I finally decided to have the surgery.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've never had a problem with dry eyes, so I can't help with that. I had Lasik four years ago. It is the best thing I ever did. Five minutes for the procedure and I have 20/15 vision. I love it. I've had no problems at all.

DD had it a little over a month ago. Same thing for her. She was incredibly near-sighted. She now has 20/15 vision. No issue at all. She does have allergies and ocassionaly uses the Restasis. Let me warn you. The Restasis is very expensive. I paid $189 for it and that was after a coupon and my insurance coverage.

 

[RunningGirl]

I had Lasik a couple of years ago and am so glad I did. Before I had it done my eye doctor put in the plugs for me. I have always had some issues with dry eyes. With the plugs, I have not had any issues with the dry eyes and in fact have not had to use drops at all like I used to. Putting in the plugs was like a one minute deal with no pain or discomfort. I would definitely go for it!

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Well, I went ahead and made an appointment for a screening next wednesday. If all goes well, I may be scheduling the surgey for August 4th!

Huh... I was going to insert the dancing banana smilie here but there's only like ten smilies available! (not even ten. I count nine) What happened???