Nurses who've had LASIK

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm having LASIK in less than a month and I need to decide on MonoVision vs. full correction. With full correction of my nearsightedness, I would need reading glasses to work on computer or read paperwork. With MonoVision one eye would remain slightly nearsighted for reading while he other would be fully corrected.

Can you nurses out there who've had LASIK comment on your experiences?

Thanks.

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I'm not a nurse yet, but I had my surgery done out of country. I don't know about full correction vs. MonoVision, but I had the surgery done on both of my eyes. I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and no problems at the time.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Have you tried contact lenses that simulate monovision? Some people love it. Some people hate it. Wearing one contact with your near prescription and one with your far is the best way to see what camp you'll fall in.

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I can't put contacts in. I never could. I've been glasses dependent for 20 years.

We we discussed that option with the doc. But I don't see how it is feasible.

I I can have the nearsighted eye "finished" in 3 months if I don't like it.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I didn't have LASIK, but I had the precursor to it, radial keratotomy. After surgery, I had 20/10 vision for nearly 30 years. Surgical correction of nearsightedness was terrific for me; no glasses or contact lenses. I couldn't wear contacts back then because my eyes were too dry, and I didn't want to wear glasses anymore.

When I got into my mid 40s, I became very farsighted. Fortunately, contact lenses have improved, so I was able to find lenses that worked for me.

I would definitely do it if you can afford it. Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.

I had Lasik almost five years ago now, and it's still one of the best decisions I've ever made. Curious as to why you'd need reading glasses afterwards? I was nearsighted and now have no problems with either distance or close vision.

I effectively had "monovision" in the year or so leading up to having the procedure, as I was working night shift and would invariably have to take out at least one of my contacts because my eyes got so dry and uncomfortable. I could work with it temporarily, but can't imagine choosing to have it done deliberately.

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As we age our eyes simply age and we need reading glasses. Just a natural progression of aging. Regardless of surgery.

Doc tells me it happens around mid to late 40's. I'm 39. He said if I was 20 it would be a no brainer. But I am right at the age where I will need reading glasses soon. So I'm at a challenging age for the surgery. Especially since my jobs require close work and reading.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Most people over 45 or so need different prescriptions for near and far- hence bifocals. That's what monovision tries to solve.

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I have had monovision lasik going on 5 years now. I love it. I really can't tell the difference anymore, except for when I get really exhausted. Then I can tell a slight difference.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

I have monovision. I had my surgery 10 years ago, best money I have ever spent!

I don't notice a difference unless I am really tired also, I notice the signs on the way home are a little fuzzy. Guess when your brain is tired it doesn't want to process two types of vision lol

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

I had my surgery done in 2002 when I was 47. I had great distant vision but needed reading glasses That was so disappointing as I had been wearing glasses since 3rd grade and switched to contacts in college. They got to be a pain as my eyes got dry from long/weird shifts so I went back to glasses for a couple of years before the surgery and was really hoping to not need glasses at all. Bummer.

I've noticed more recently my night vision is getting bad because of all the "stars" around lights. Rainy nights are especially difficult with all the reflections.

I would do it again even with what I know now but there are trade offs. Great to see what's happening at the pool and when looking for lost soap in the shower. Not so great when squinting into the eyes of my loving wife in a romantic moment or trying to read the super small print on medicine packages.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Oh thank u for this thread OP!! I actually asked about this same topic on Facebook yesterday. I've been toying with the idea for a few years and finally to get mine done sometime in the next few months.

I'll be glad to read the replies - I HATE glasses - I've been wearing contacts since I was 16.

I got braces AND glasses the same week when I was in 7th grade, and between those and being a "band nerd", it was a crappy year!!

Anne, RNC

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