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Eye Correction Surgery?

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Hey Everyone,

I was just curious to see if anyone has received any type of eye correction surgery (such as laser eye surgery) and if so, where did you go and how were the results?

I am looking into getting it done and just looking for some suggestions as to where. I do not wear glasses but have to squint all day long to see signs and things like that. I do not know the current state of my eyes, but I can see close up 100% but once things get about 10 ft away I can't see very well.

-bentharbour
 

pigoo3

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I do not wear glasses but have to squint all day long to see signs and things like that.

I am not an expert when it comes to eye issues...but my wife certainly is. Without her contacts or eyeglasses...she is very close to legal blindness (she has considered laser surgery). If you don't currently wear eyeglasses (or contact lenses) I think that this should be your first option. Thinking about or getting laser surgery at this point seems a bit overboard.

My understanding is...laser surgery is better for folks with a really strong corrective lens prescription...and not for a "1st timer" so to speak (folks that have NEVER worn eyeglasses). Of course the laser eye folks may tell you differently...since they want to make money.

Probably the best advice is...make an appointment with an eye doctor, see what sort of condition your eyes are in...and find out what your corrective options are.

- Nick
 
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Go see your eye doctor. He/she should be able to recommend a lasik specialist. If you're a candidate, see two or 3 specialists.

I had lasik about 7 years ago by a Dr. in West Palm Beach. He was one of the first in the US to do this kind of surgery. It cost about $6000 for both eyes, took less than 30 minutes and went perfectly. I have no regrets and I would most definitely do it again.
 

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I am strongly considering this too, but in my case I need my glasses to find my glasses (actually almost true). If I could see to drive and do reasonably well at normal activities I wouldn't even consider it.

My 2 cents worth.
 
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I had the "no touch" proceedure done 3 years ago. Let me tell you this was the best $3000 I have ever spent. Now knowing the results i wouldnt hesitate to spend 10,000 if thats what the cost was.
To this day i cant get over the joy of not wearing glasses or contacts anymore.

The lasik eye surgery where they slice the top layer is out dated. Wearing glasses and contacts are outdated options also IMHO. My proceedure took 3 seconds per eye and I have better than 20/20 vision.

This is the place i went to. The best in North America
London Eye Centre | 25 years+ of experience | No Touch PRK & Intralase SBK Laser Vision Correction (All Laser LASIK Eye Surgery)
 

chscag

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I guess the first question to ask you (since you're living in Canada) is Lasik eye surgery included as part of your medical benefits? In other words, would you be required to pay for it?

I personally know folks who have had Lasik surgery and they swear by it. No more glasses, 20 x 20 eyesight, and so forth. However, it's generally recommended for younger folks although I understand even some seniors have had the surgery done.

My eyesight suffers from middle age vision. My arms are not long enough to hold a book far enough away to focus. :) But I do well with drug store readers which only cost around $15.00.
 

chscag

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Not true. Age does make a large difference, ask any good Ophthalmologist. Some seniors will qualify while others do not. Of course you can always go into a Lasik clinic where they're more interested in taking your $$$. That kind of clinic will perform Lasik on just about anybody.
 

Raz0rEdge

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I had a pretty mild prescription, but enough that I couldn't see the clock without my glasses..ended up buying a bedside clock that has those huge digital numbers..

Back in 2004 I got LASIK while vacationing in India, the total for both eyes when converted to US dollars turned to be around $650 or so..

I still have the bedside digital clock, except it's now sitting quite a distance away and I can see the time no problem..:)

One of the biggest things about LASIK, which might be addressed with the newer techniques and equipment, are the prevalence of double-vision and a halo effect during the night. The halo effect essentially makes all lighted objects seem to have a halo..

Dry-eye is one of the common effects of this surgery and that can vary between individuals, I tend to have to very mild dry-eye based on the amount of rest I get. I've noticed that a lack of a restful sleep at night will usually equate to pretty dry, bothersome eyes the next morning..nothing a couple drops of eye drops can't take care of though..

But definitely start with your eye doctor to get some recommendations and then talk to the doctors who do this procedure and ask them how many they've done and which equipment they use..

Interestingly, back in 2004 the equipment used on my eyes in India was very cutting edge and didn't show up in the US until very recently..

Good luck..
 
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Eye sergury is for anyone whoes a canidate. Age is not an issue

That's wrong. Saying it's for anyone who is a candidate is like saying tires are for cars/bikes,etc...no duh. You can be a candidate, meaning you could benefit from it, but your age and the stage of your eye(s) problem can make it not worth it for your age, or for any possibly insurance to cover it. Which brings up another point, which is that very few issuance companies actually cover "corrective eye surgery."

I have Keratoconus on my right eye that has developed past the stage of rapid progression, and has "paused." My left eye is just starting to have the same problem. My left eye also has astigmatism, which my right eye doesn't. I've pretty much been using my left eye to see greater details(with glasses), and my left eye to judge distance(since fine detail is not important). My insurance doesn't/won't cover any of my procedures needed for surgery requiring adding a lens, so I've been getting checkups at the Bochner Eye Institute in Canada, since the procedure isn't exactly cheap.
 

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I have to concur with everything you've said thus far. I had corneal transplants some time ago to deal with Keratoconus in both eyes that was progressing rather rapidly. The last time I discussed the issue of lasik we concluded it was not worth the risk for me.

My suggestion for the OP would be to find a doctor that you trust. Discuss all of your options. If you are considering any surgical procedures seek a second opinion. I'm not suggesting that the doctors you come in contact with are unethical, I think second opinions are a good idea any time these types of procedures are being discussed.
 
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Please be aware that there can be problems with lasik surgery including halos. Usually they go away, but sometimes they don't. You will not be able to drive in low light situations and may have problems in bright light. My mom had this complication from a perfectly healed cataract surgery and although I have worn glasses since I was 15, I will not have lasik surgery because I'm petrified of this complication.
 
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I have to concur with everything you've said thus far. I had corneal transplants some time ago to deal with Keratoconus in both eyes that was progressing rather rapidly. The last time I discussed the issue of lasik we concluded it was not worth the risk for me.

My suggestion for the OP would be to find a doctor that you trust. Discuss all of your options. If you are considering any surgical procedures seek a second opinion. I'm not suggesting that the doctors you come in contact with are unethical, I think second opinions are a good idea any time these types of procedures are being discussed.

My next procedure has to be the Corneal Cross-linking...but I'm petrified of it because you have to stay in the supine position for 2 hours with your eyes open. I worried that I will freak out. lol.
 
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Please be aware that there can be problems with lasik surgery including halos. Usually they go away, but sometimes they don't. You will not be able to drive in low light situations and may have problems in bright light. My mom had this complication from a perfectly healed cataract surgery and although I have worn glasses since I was 15, I will not have lasik surgery because I'm petrified of this complication.

Do you realize that those are very common problems with patents who had cataracts? LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that is done usually in less than 10 minutes and have the highest normal surgical success rate(26% of correcting the worst eye problem, and 98% of correcting a normal problem). Don't be petrified of your mom's outcomes when that is almost to be expected...unless you have the same problem...which I doubt.
 
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I guess the first question to ask you (since you're living in Canada) is Lasik eye surgery included as part of your medical benefits? In other words, would you be required to pay for it?

I personally know folks who have had Lasik surgery and they swear by it. No more glasses, 20 x 20 eyesight, and so forth. However, it's generally recommended for younger folks although I understand even some seniors have had the surgery done.

My eyesight suffers from middle age vision. My arms are not long enough to hold a book far enough away to focus. :) But I do well with drug store readers which only cost around $15.00.

Most medical plans won't pay for it, however its an income tax expense you can use. Like I said its so worth the money. I have better than 20/20. About the age thing, I got it when i was 37
 
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Just to mention again, Lasik is an older proceeeure and in my opinion out of date. Getting lasik is like going out and buying a tube type TV, why would you do that when the new technology is LCD or Plasma flatscreen.

If you are considering lasik, and your getting advise about lasik from people that never even had surgery, you really need to do research, and not looking for medical advise on a computer forum. Maybee try a medical eye forum.

My NON lasik surgery took 3 seconds per eye and there was no cutting involved. The place I got it done pioneered the process.
 
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Just to mention again, Lasik is an older proceeeure and in my opinion out of date. Getting lasik is like going out and buying a tube type TV, why would you do that when the new technology is LCD or Plasma flatscreen.

If you are considering lasik, and your getting advise about lasik from people that never even had surgery, you really need to do research, and not looking for medical advise on a computer forum. Maybee try a medical eye forum.

My NON lasik surgery took 3 seconds per eye and there was no cutting involved. The place I got it done pioneered the process.

Getting lasik is like buying a tube type tv, when the market is flooded with lcd? LOLOL. In no way is it "old," or in meaning of being an outdated technique! Why don't you give the name of this so called place that did it in 3 seconds?
 

RavingMac

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Getting lasik is like buying a tube type tv, when the market is flooded with lcd? LOLOL. In no way is it "old," or in meaning of being an outdated technique! Why don't you give the name of this so called place that did it in 3 seconds?

Actually, he's right . . . sort of. But it is almost like quibbling over Xeroxing vs Photo-copying.

LASIK (Laser In-situ Keractomy) if I remember correctly, is an older procedure. Not really sure what the latest and greatest is (last time I looked it was PRK). Still uses a laser to do the work, some variations on whether or not a Corneal flap is raised first (and whether a diamond blade or laser is used to do the job).

Regardless, I don't think any reputable Opthalmologist would dispute age is one of the factors to be considered. And, none of them would claim there are no risks (I consulted with mine last year and he said in my situation he would consider it, but not for himself--his correction is relatively small).

I have probably mis-spelled a lot of this, but am too lazy right now to check on correct spellings.

EDIT: FWIW the non-flap form of PRK has been approved by the Air Force for pilots and other flight crew. The pain is greater and recovery a little slower the flap version, but the result is considered by them to be more durable.
 
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Getting lasik is like buying a tube type tv, when the market is flooded with lcd? LOLOL. In no way is it "old," or in meaning of being an outdated technique! Why don't you give the name of this so called place that did it in 3 seconds?

The link to london eye center is in the very first post i did. Oh and its not London the city, its in New westminster, British Columbia Canada

Do you still have a rotary phone?
 
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Do you still have a rotary phone?

I can't believe your lack of maturity! You have your own opinions. Do with them what you want! I'm sure there are plenty of eye forums to wonders about. Did you sign up on here just to talk on this thread??
 

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