(This can probably be posted somewhere else, right?... )
Anyway, so I have had glasses since the second grade, and my eyesight has gotten increasingly worse as I am getting older. I am currently at R: -4.75, and L: -5.50... but... I am due for another eye dr appointment, and my glasses have been blurry for quite some time now, so I know I will only need a stronger prescription. Sometimes glasses dont bother me.... Until I have to go somewhere nice and dont feel like "looking smart", or I dont want to blindly search for them in the morning when they fall off my nightstand.... I can keep going with the reasons I hate them. I have worn contacts, but they dry the crap out of my eyes!
Ive always told myself that my graduation gift from nursing school (MAY 2010!.... Yeah, I have some time left....) will be Lasik eye surgery!... But, I was just looking up reviews on it and information, and its really scary!... I know that MOST surgeries go well. But I feel like if something were to happen to my eyes.... IF I were to go blind or have permanent damage, how could I live with myself for that? The benefits outweigh the risks, I feel... but, I just dont see how I could ever live a happy life if, on the off chance, my sight was permanently damaged.
I just wanted to know if anyone has ever had Lasik, heard of stories, opinions.... Anything..... Its really hard to decide something like this when you hear any type of horror story. I feel like its a vanity issue--- Glasses are doable, just really annoying most of the time... So... Am I vain enough to want to sacrifice my eyesight so that I'll never have to wear glasses again?
It's been 8 years since I had LASIK. I got so sick of contacts. I have had no problems or side effects! The decision was easy for me. I do not have any patience for problems that can easily be fixed through surgery (also had a tubal ligation at age 25 and just recently had uterine ablasion). Anyway, I made sure that I went to one of the top docs in my area. This was not a time for coupons from the newspaper, know what I mean? I hear the ads on the radio as well...geez. Good luck with your decision.
I'd like to give you a quick rundown on the difference between PRK and Lasik...of course you can look it up on the net, but in my research I found the info was often confusing and could be put much easier...so...if you are interested....here we go.
Lasik is the most common procedure done. A microtome will make a slice on your cornea, creating a hinged flap. The laser is used to reshape the eye, the flap is replaced (like closing a door), smoothed out and you are done. Simple as that.
PRK differs in that the initial slice goes all the way...no hinge... and so the piece of cornea is removed. The laser is used to reshape the eye then a hard contact is put on for a while (2 weeks I think?) to protect the open area (it acts like the flap from Lasik but is removable). Over a period of time, the cornea grows back and you have a normal eye again.
Differences: There are many differences between the two...
1)Lasik has a heal time of about 72 hours or less...PRK will take a few weeks during which time you will be on scheduled drops.
2)Many people state that after Lasik they instantly had perfect vision. PRK can take up to 6 months for your vision to stabalize.
3)Lasik surgery leaves you with a flap and therefore a weak point on your eye...some are worried that during high G accidents (ie car vs. wall) the flap will dislodge and their eyes will be ruined. I spoke to my laser doctor about that and he said the only time he has seen it happen, the accident was very devastating and the eyes would have been useless anyway.
So...why would anyone choose PRK over Lasik? Well, PRK takes less corneal tissue to perform. So if you have thin corneas (as I do) then PRK will be recommended. I was told that Lasik was possible but it was a one shot deal...with PRK I could have it done twice if needed.
Finally...new technologies are always coming out...if you are going to get it done...pay the money to get the best...you only have two eyes. High volume chain stores buy their equipment and then pump as many people as possible through it. They can charge lower prices because the equipment is old and paid for. Private clinics are more expensive but often have newer, higher tech equipment. Just do your research first.
I'd like to give you a quick rundown on the difference between PRK and Lasik...of course you can look it up on the net, but in my research I found the info was often confusing and could be put much easier...so...if you are interested....here we go.
Lasik is the most common procedure done. A microtome will make a slice on your cornea, creating a hinged flap. The laser is used to reshape the eye, the flap is replaced (like closing a door), smoothed out and you are done. Simple as that.
PRK differs in that the initial slice goes all the way...no hinge... and so the piece of cornea is removed. The laser is used to reshape the eye then a hard contact is put on for a while (2 weeks I think?) to protect the open area (it acts like the flap from Lasik but is removable). Over a period of time, the cornea grows back and you have a normal eye again.
Differences: There are many differences between the two...
1)Lasik has a heal time of about 72 hours or less...PRK will take a few weeks during which time you will be on scheduled drops.
2)Many people state that after Lasik they instantly had perfect vision. PRK can take up to 6 months for your vision to stabalize.
3)Lasik surgery leaves you with a flap and therefore a weak point on your eye...some are worried that during high G accidents (ie car vs. wall) the flap will dislodge and their eyes will be ruined. I spoke to my laser doctor about that and he said the only time he has seen it happen, the accident was very devastating and the eyes would have been useless anyway.
So...why would anyone choose PRK over Lasik? Well, PRK takes less corneal tissue to perform. So if you have thin corneas (as I do) then PRK will be recommended. I was told that Lasik was possible but it was a one shot deal...with PRK I could have it done twice if needed.
Finally...new technologies are always coming out...if you are going to get it done...pay the money to get the best...you only have two eyes. High volume chain stores buy their equipment and then pump as many people as possible through it. They can charge lower prices because the equipment is old and paid for. Private clinics are more expensive but often have newer, higher tech equipment. Just do your research first.
I hope this helps
Wow, thank you so much! That actually does simplify it... After I googled it, I was still a bit confused.
Specializes in Telehealth, Hospice and Palliative Care.
Lasik is the most common procedure done. A microtome will make a slice on your cornea, creating a hinged flap. The laser is used to reshape the eye, the flap is replaced (like closing a door), smoothed out and you are done. Simple as that.
PRK differs in that the initial slice goes all the way...no hinge... and so the piece of cornea is removed. The laser is used to reshape the eye then a hard contact is put on for a while (2 weeks I think?) to protect the open area (it acts like the flap from Lasik but is removable). Over a period of time, the cornea grows back and you have a normal eye again.
I would add to this that many laser centers now use a laser to make the flap, not a blade. You should be looking for this when you're shopping.
In addition, the PRK is often performed by chemically removing the top layer of epithelial tissue (no blade). Then they go in with the laser to reshape the exposed cornea.
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.
I had Lasik done about 8 years ago now. I don't remember my prescription, but I had to hold a piece of paper about two inches from my face to be able to read it. My husband knew how much I hated my glasses and he offered Lasik to me one day as a gift. I did some research and went to a Dr who did it for a bunch of local sports teams in Denver.
I had to have someone drive me and wait because there was no way I was going to be able to drive home. They put a couple drops in my eyes and said 'this won't hurt'. They lied! I could have sworn they put acid in my eyes, it hurt so bad... but it went away in about a half hour. I was willing to go through the pain to get my eyes fixed. They waited for an hour after the drops and brought me into the room.
I laid down, they gave me a teddy bear to hold...seriously, and put a couple of 'scoops' into each eye socket. They were uncomfortable because they were metal and were pressing down against my cheek bones. The Dr moved the machine over my eye, he said to look at the dot but it would disappear as the machine got closer to my eye, I was just to keep looking at that spot even when I lost sight of the dot. His palm was resting on that metal scoop and really pushed it into my cheekbone, I squeezed the teddy, but I didn't move.
It took about 20 minutes overall (if I remember correctly). They started by peeling the layer off my eye, just like a cheese slicer (honest, they gave me a video and its the first thing I thought of). They held that piece back and the Dr said I will hear some popping but not to worry, it was just the laser. It went real fast and when I sat up I could see the wall clock across the room. If I could have, I would have cried.... I was so thankful.
He sent me home with a huge pair of dark sunglasses and said my eyes would be sensitive to the light. Yup, he wasn't kidding. I squinted all the way home, but I was back to normal in a couple of days.
The first major thing that changed for me with no longer needing glasses or contacts was that I could go swimming with my kids at the water park. I was smiling from ear to ear when I realized I couldn't have slid down that huge slide with them if I wore my glasses or was afraid of losing a contact. I am however still sensitive to sunlight (not as bad as the first day) and make sure I always have a pair of sunglasses with me. My eyesight never got to 20-20, although one eye is 20, the other is slightly less. I do notice my eyes are getting a little near sighted again, but its an age thing and they can't fix that anyway. I was worried about it initially, like you, but I recommend finding a reputable doctor (I wouldn't use the ones advertising for 500/eye, but that's just me), going to talk to him and see if you are comfortable with his demeanor. He will explain everything (if he doesn't, leave) and answer all your questions. I'm sure all will be fine, like it was with me. Would I do it again, in a heartbeat.
I had lasik surgery two and a half years ago, and it was money well spent. I wore contacts for years, but decided to get lasik when I started needing bifocals. I also had astigmatism. I had one eye corrected for near-sightedness and one corrected for far-sightedness. Sounds weird, but it works great. I thought I might get headaches or have a hard time adjusting, but I had no problems. I now have 20/20 vision and can see much better at night than before. I never had a problem with halos around lights at night either. My eyes are a little dry first thing in the morning, and I just use regular lubricating drops when I get up and before I go to sleep. My regular eye doctor also had lasik and had a slight problem with dry eyes for a few years, but he said it goes away after awhile. I did go to a very reputable doctor in Phoenix. I could have gotten it done much cheaper, but when it comes to my eyes, I wanted the best. My son also had lasik and now has 20/15 vision with just a little dryness. I highly recommend it to anyone. Well worth the money! And it never hurt one bit.
I wish I could do Lasik but my eyes change too frequently for it. I get my contact RX changed about every year or two and my opthamologist said that Lasik doesn't stop your eyes from changing so I'd most likely just need glasses/contacts again in a few years anyway. Boo!
I had PRK done 3 years ago and am very happy I did it. Wished I had done it earlier. My doctor told me I would be a better candidate for PRK since I have two young boys and the chance of dislodging the eye flap with lasik surgery would be higher since I have boys who are more active. It is a little more expensive than Lasik but well worth it. I went with a very reputable doctor who has done alot of Lasik/PRK procedures, so when you are looking around for doctors, make sure you ask them how many procedures they have done and where did they train at. I was lucky and did not experience the dry eyes and I love that when I wake up, I can see the clock. My vision is so good that I almost forgot that I ever wore contacts. GOOD LUCK.
it's not a better choice lasik for me was a disaster because i'm loosing more vision now and i had it done at water tower surgery center downtown chicago for 5 thousands believe me it's a waste of money after 4 years i ended up at chicago eye institute and there the doctor told me and explained to me the big damage that lasik left me for all over my life ;poor vision than before,a lisure in my left eye'very thin layer of cornea instead of thick one so don't follow the lasik and some lasik company i call them MONEY MONEY
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) will be Lasik eye surgery!... But, I was just looking up reviews on it and information, and its really scary!... I know that MOST surgeries go well. But I feel like if something were to happen to my eyes.... IF I were to go blind or have permanent damage, how could I live with myself for that? The benefits outweigh the risks, I feel... but, I just dont see how I could ever live a happy life if, on the off chance, my sight was permanently damaged. 
That actually does simplify it... After I googled it, I was still a bit confused.
CalNevaMimi, LPN, LVN
250 Posts
It's been 8 years since I had LASIK. I got so sick of contacts. I have had no problems or side effects! The decision was easy for me. I do not have any patience for problems that can easily be fixed through surgery (also had a tubal ligation at age 25 and just recently had uterine ablasion). Anyway, I made sure that I went to one of the top docs in my area. This was not a time for coupons from the newspaper, know what I mean? I hear the ads on the radio as well...geez. Good luck with your decision.