Laser eye surgery

[Geeheeb]

i used to work for the state senate, and since a senator wanted lasik for his kids, all the employees got it for free (really just a $30 co-pay for a specialist). its disgusting, and perhaps in a moment of moral weakness i took advantage of it just before the cutoff date when they realized it was just too over the top.

[weisan]

since a senator wanted lasik for his kids, all the employees got it for free

wow...that's unheard of. ...hmmm...maybe not. It's like taking everyone to a vacation at the Bahamas...except that it's a lot cheaper and it lasts a LIFETIME!



I did mine almost 15 years ago. Would do it again in a heart beat. Yes, I experienced some of the "side-effects" that others have mentioned but....given the choice, I think the pros outweigh the cons....by a long stretch.

Nuthin' like kissing goodbye to the thick glasses that had been such an intricate part of my life for more than 20 years. It's like being completely set free to go fulfill your dreams, how do you put a price tag on something like that?

[Seramount]

sadly, not a candidate...

two different docs have told me that they will not perform the procedure since one eye only sees light, motion, colors (factory defect).

apparently they don't want the liability of possibly screwing up the usable eye and leaving me with a white cane and a service dog.

[Ciavete]

Once again impressed by how knowledgeable Paceliners are. Thanks to all for the very informative and interesting responses.

[gavingould]

been toying with the idea for a few years, my eye doc has said i'd likely be a good candidate, just need to go get a consult. been wearing glasses for 30 years and am in my late 30s, pretty stable (though strong) prescription.

[djg21]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

I don't think it is at all the same as cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens is removed, and a new artificial lens is inserted in its place. The new artificial lens can't be focused like the eye's natural lens.

In the surgery jwess1234 described, a corrective lens is implanted in front of the natural lens, so it acts like an internal contact lens. Since the eye's natural remains intact the eye is able to focus as before. If necessary, the implanted lens can be removed or replaced, so it is not as permanent as LASIK (or cataract surgery).

I understood this. It does sound like a similar procedure.

[soulspinner]

I asked my eye guy about it and he said his office doesn't do the procedure on people my age (59). Apparently the cataract issue has him sending us oldies to someone else that will...he did find macular degeneration though (Age Related Eye Disease)...

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by pdxharth

I'm hitting 50 and definitely will need bifocals at next eye exam. Thinking about laser surgery.

Pro - nearsightedness will be fixed, so no need for regular glasses.

Cons -will probably need reading glasses, so why bother?

Anyone with the need for bifocals have this surgery? Thoughts?

What's the point? I don't need glasses to see. I'd need bifocals no matter what.

I use cheap reading glasses and keep them all over the house. I also have a set of lower power glasses for the computer at work.

[djg21]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

What's the point? I don't need glasses to see. I'd need bifocals no matter what.

I use cheap reading glasses and keep them all over the house. I also have a set of lower power glasses for the computer at work.

I can say that it was liberating not to have to wear corrective lenses when riding, or skiing, or while whitewater kayaking, or scuba diving (I have trouble wearing contacts).

I'd be leery of LASIK at age 50, and especially concerned about the cataract issue because everyone ultimately gets cataracts, and it apparently isn't rare for the cataracts to show up at that age. I'm not much older than you and am scheduling my cataract surgery over the upcoming months. I found out I had cataracts when I went to have my LASIK touched up about 4 years ago. My surgeon wouldn't do LASIK and suggested I wear glasses until the cataracts ripen and surgery would be necessary. I go in for a pre-surgical visit in October.

I can't wait to be able to see again without glasses.

[shovelhd]

Good luck.

[Birch]

I had it done in 1997. Things were good for about 12 years. I am now wearing glasses again but only -2.25 instead on -11

[2wheelwill]

I never thought these surgeries were worth the risk...especially since prescription cycling glasses became readily available.


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[ultraman6970]

If you are young and using super thick glasses, the eye surgery is a blessing, even if they cant get you 99%... the reduction in the glasses thickness helps a lot.

Wish I could get the surgery, I can't :/