Would You Get Laser Eye Surgery

[darksidZz]

It's only a poll, I wasn't sure where to put it so please don't infrac me if it's not in the right place :( Honestly that McDonalds #4 was just a joke S.A.M :p

[sandy]

No. Everyone I know who has had it done has side effects. Everything from overcorrection to undercorrection to induced astigmatism, night glare, halos, dry eyes, haze, corneal abrasion, inflammation, infection, etc.

I'm not trying to scare you but I'm serious. Every single person I know has some side effects.

They're using a laser. On one of your most precious senses. My advice: don't do it. Wear glasses or contacts instead.:)

[one_raven]

I'm thinking about it.

[orcot]

I'm all for it, there is also some method where they carve into your eyes but I rather have the laser surgeon then that.

[fLuX]

No. Everyone I know who has had it done has side effects. Everything from overcorrection to undercorrection to induced astigmatism, night glare, halos, dry eyes, haze, corneal abrasion, inflammation, infection, etc.

I'm not trying to scare you but I'm serious. Every single person I know has some side effects.

They're using a laser. On one of your most precious senses. My advice: don't do it. Wear glasses or contacts instead.:)

Curious, do you require the use of glasses or contacts?


Everyone I know who has had this done had no bizarre side effects. But then again I suppose you won't really know until you do it yourself. I'm planning on getting it done. I hate contacts and glasses.

[sandy]

No glasses for me. And I know SOOO many people who have had lasik. They all say it was not worth the side effects. One guy can't drive at night anymore. He's only 30!:(
Your eyes are too precious to take a laser to them. Go for the glasses or contacts.

[tablariddim]

I would only do it if all else failed. I think the technology is too young and time is needed for all the downsides to be assessed and adressed.

[BenTheMan]

I had Lasik about five or six years ago and my eyes have been nearly perfect since.

[one_raven]

No glasses for me. And I know SOOO many people who have had lasik. They all say it was not worth the side effects. One guy can't drive at night anymore. He's only 30!:(
How may is SOOO many?
Did they all go to the same crappy doctor?
Lasik, as a whole, is highly successful - though the rates vary by doctor and by region.

[Dark520]

The incidence of refractive surgery patients having unresolved complications six months after surgery has been estimated from 3%[4] to 6%.[5]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK#Complications

Well, it seems like it's fairly safe, yet there are still chances of complications. I think I would still take the chance of it though. I would definitely make sure that I had all the prior screenings to assure myself that there would be no probable complications.

[darksidZz]

How much does it cost anyway?

[Nikelodeon]

£250 per eye.

[darksidZz]

Is that 500 USD?

[one_raven]

Is that 500 USD?

Last I looked it averaged about $400 - $600 per eye.

[darksidZz]

Last I looked it averaged about $400 - $600 per eye.

I've seen different kinds they talk about. I want the least invasive... do ya know what that is gonna cost me? It could be fun walking around without eyeglasses!

[darksidZz]

Look :L http://www.lasik.md/learnaboutlasik/realisticprices.php

[darksidZz]

http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/cost.htm

[fLuX]

No glasses for me. And I know SOOO many people who have had lasik. They all say it was not worth the side effects. One guy can't drive at night anymore. He's only 30!:(
Your eyes are too precious to take a laser to them. Go for the glasses or contacts.

Only 30? That's very unfortunate. I've spoken to many who have had little or no trouble after lasik, although you do propose a good point. Personally, I hate contacts, and glasses. I will do more research after speaking to you aobut this, however. I thank you for your input, until now I was under the impression there were no risks.

[redarmy11]

http://www.lasikdisaster.com/

[madanthonywayne]

Last I looked it averaged about $400 - $600 per eye.
I don't know what cut rate doctors you guys are going to, but most reputable Surgeons charge about $1500/eye.

The best lasers all have some kind of bizarre deal where you buy the laser for $500,000 and then must pay $100/eye every time you use it. So between the cost of the laser and the fee to use it, the surgeon is out some serious cash before he even starts.

Some cut rate surgeons get around this by using "generic" lasers that don't require the fee, but personally, I'd prefer the good one.

Regarding side effects, the most common are dry eyes, poor nite vision, and residual refractive error. The first two are quite common and usually go away after a month or two. The third might require an "enhancement" (a second surgery) if you want a full correction. Beyond this, there's always the remote possibility of some bizzare infection or flap complication; but these potentially devastating problems are quite rare.

Overall, about 99% of patients are satisfied with the results of LASIK.

Anyone over forty should be aware that they will require glasses for reading after LASIK.

[qwert18]

too scared

[madanthonywayne]

too scared
That's reasonable. I never try to "talk someone into" LASIK, I just offer it to those who are interested and steer them to a good surgeon.

With one exception. If you are a patient who abuses his contact lenses, your risk of blindness or other complications is higher with contacts than with LASIK. I tell such patients this is the case and recommend LASIK, or that they turn over a new leaf.

[Dinosaur]

I wear soft contacts. My uncorrected vision is 800/20 in one eye and 600/20 in the other. I cannot read billboards without glasses or contacts. I would not consider laser surgery, and would not consider it if I were much younger than I am.

Tiger Woods had laser eye surgery 2-4 years ago, and I think he just had it done again. With his money and celebrity status, I am sure that he had it done by one of the best in the business. I wonder why he needed another treatment.

It is my understanding that there have been both good & bad results, with the good out numbering the bad. I do not think they really know what will happen 10-20 yers after having the surgery done.

In the morning, it takes me about 2-4 minutes to put my contacts in, and about one minute to take them out at night. While wearing them, I am unaware of their being in my eyes. A set of contacts lasts me 2-3 months. My cost is less than 200 (American $) per year.

I would not risk being one of the bad surgery patients. When I was young and active in sports, I would have considered the surgery because at that time my only alternative was heavy clumsy glasses.

While wearing contacts my vision is as good as it would be with the surgery. I play golf, tennis, and ski with contacts. The few minutes a day to put them in and take them out is all I would save in comparison to the surgery. That is a small price to pay to avoid the risk of surgery.

I think there the odds are in your favor if you have the surgery. but the odds are not as important as the potential risk. If the odds were very good and the worst that could happen is losing the little finger of your left hand, I would say go for it. If the worst that could happen is being blind or being forced to wear regular glasses, I would not take any risk at all.

[madanthonywayne]

Tiger Woods had laser eye surgery 2-4 years ago, and I think he just had it done again. With his money and celebrity status, I am sure that he had it done by one of the best in the business. I wonder why he needed another treatment.While the effect of the surgery is permanent (a portion of your cornea is vaporized by the laser), this will not stop your eye from changing. It's just like when you go to the doctor and then return a few years later to find your prescription has changed. Are you surprised? It's perfectly natural and will continue after surgery.
It is my understanding that there have been both good & bad results, with the good out numbering the bad. I do not think they really know what will happen 10-20 yers after having the surgery done.
All true. Deciding to have LASIK is a personal decision. Whether the risk is worth it is totally up to you. It is a very low risk but, as you said, the fact that the risk is low is cold comfort is you're one of the unlucky ones.

[Bells]

All true. Deciding to have LASIK is a personal decision. Whether the risk is worth it is totally up to you. It is a very low risk but, as you said, the fact that the risk is low is cold comfort is you're one of the unlucky ones.

My father had it done and he's been fine. He only had a bit of dry eyes afterwards, but it cleared up within a few weeks. He swears by it.

[hypewaders]

I've been fine fine. Slight mishap when the lazer stayed on too long in me blighty righty. But I'm fine. It was just on a little long time. Been a long time,been a long time, been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lone (ly).

Time. Shit, look at it.

Wait. Don't.

[madanthonywayne]

My father had it done and he's been fine. He only had a bit of dry eyes afterwards, but it cleared up within a few weeks. He swears by it.
His experience is typical. I've co-managed hundreds of cases and only had one significant problem, but even that guy was seeing 20/20 in each eye at his last check up.

[Bells]

His experience is typical. I've co-managed hundreds of cases and only had one significant problem, but even that guy was seeing 20/20 in each eye at his last check up.

I think people need to realise that the effects may not be instant. While it is laser treatment, it is still surgery and the eyes need to have time to heal. And as with many surgeries, you sometimes need to have follow-ups to get the full effect.

A lot of people have it done and expect the results to be perfect and instant. In most cases that I have heard of, it takes a while and sometimes subsequent treatments are needed. I wear glasses (I am a bit short sighted) and I am not comfortable with having it done at the moment. Personal choice really. I don't think my problem warrants it. If one day in the future I feel it does, then I will most probably have it done.

My mother is also considering it, but she is a diabetic, so she has to talk to the doctor first to see if it is viable for her to have it done, since diabetics tend to have a faster deterioration rate when it comes to eyesight (from what she has told me anyway). So it may not be the thing for her at this time or ever. *Shrugs*..

[one_raven]

I don't know what cut rate doctors you guys are going to, but most reputable Surgeons charge about $1500/eye.

Now that I think about it, that price may have been cost out-of-pocket after my insurance paid their part.

[madanthonywayne]

My mother is also considering it, but she is a diabetic, so she has to talk to the doctor first to see if it is viable for her to have it done, since diabetics tend to have a faster deterioration rate when it comes to eyesight (from what she has told me anyway). So it may not be the thing for her at this time or ever. *Shrugs*..
How old is your mother? If she's in her 50's or 60's, she should simply wait until she has a cataract. Cataract surgery is covered by insurance and most people do not require glasses post cataract surgery, except for reading. If she has an extra $4200, she could even spring for bifocal implants and then she would probably not need glasses at all.

PS Diabetics tend to get cataracts at a younger age as well.

[TruthSeeker]

£250 per eye.
Where I live is about $900 per eye. That's Canadian. So in terms of american dollars, it's probably about $1,000, without taxes.

[Nikelodeon]

YOu can get one eye done, and the other half price.

[TruthSeeker]

Oh. And I can't answer the poll, cause I'm smarter then the guy who created it... :D

I would do only one eye at first, see the results (literally! HA HA!) and then, if satisfied, I would do the other as well. After all, I have two eyes. So why not use my brain? ;)

[Oli]

Or the other at full price and one at half price.

[TruthSeeker]

YOu can get one eye done, and the other half price.
Not here, apparently... Never seen that around here. But even then! Over $1,500!! :eek:

[Nikelodeon]

I can do it for you for $40 and a place to sleep for a night.

[Oli]

I can do it for you for $40 and a place to sleep for a night.

You say that to everyone.

[Nikelodeon]

You say that to everyone.
Only to fat chicks.

[one_raven]

I can do it for you for $40 and a place to sleep for a night.

Dr Nick?

*wonders if anyone will catch the reference*

[Oli]

http://www.geocities.com/HankAzaria1/Hank_site/Hank_pics/Selected/DrNickRiviera/DrNick01.JPG

[spidergoat]

I wouldn't get it done. I've worn glasses since 4th grade, and I'm used to it. There are side effects, like Sandy said, and I don't want to risk eye problems in my old age.

[TruthSeeker]

I think I look cool with glasses. So... yeah...

[Nikelodeon]

You look like a geek, or worse, a nerd.

four eyes.

[one_raven]

I think I look cool with glasses. So... yeah...

I think the glasses make you look like a camel.

[madanthonywayne]

I would do only one eye at first, see the results (literally! HA HA!) and then, if satisfied, I would do the other as well. After all, I have two eyes. So why not use my brain? ;)
In fact, that's how we used to do it for the first year or two of LASIK.

But the problem is that if you're significantly near-sighted, having one eye that's perfect and the other highly myopic is intolerable. You can't wear glasses without getting sick to your stomach.

Anyway, with the complication rate being so low, we had more problems from patients who just chickened out on the second eye despite a perfect outcome on the first than we ever would by simply treating both.

So now the standard is to treat both the same day.

Also, regarding Canada having cheaper prices, it's true. Part of the reason is that the per eye fee to use the laser does not exist in Canada.

Despite the lower prices, I wouldn't recommend that Americans go there for surgery unless they live really close to the border. The reason is if there's a problem, even a minor one, it's going to be a real pain in the ass to get back to Canada to have it looked at. Also, your local American doctors won't be real excited about jumping into a mess someone else created.

In other words, continuity of care is important and this is impossible when you travel out of the country for your surgery.

[madanthonywayne]

I wouldn't get it done. I've worn glasses since 4th grade, and I'm used to it. There are side effects, like Sandy said, and I don't want to risk eye problems in my old age.
Wasn't there a big stink about using someone elses avatar? I can't remember whose avatar it was, but he was really pissed and I thought it was against the rules.

[Oli]

Perplexity?

[one_raven]

Wasn't there a big stink about using someone elses avatar? I can't remember whose avatar it was, but he was really pissed and I thought it was against the rules.

But it's different - it has a thicker moustache.

[TruthSeeker]

I think the glasses make you look like a camel.
That's my avatar! You silly! :p

[TruthSeeker]

In fact, that's how we used to do it for the first year or two of LASIK.

But the problem is that if you're significantly near-sighted, having one eye that's perfect and the other highly myopic is intolerable. You can't wear glasses without getting sick to your stomach.
That's why you should use glasses that are half corrective and half aesthetic... ;)

Also, regarding Canada having cheaper prices, it's true. Part of the reason is that the per eye fee to use the laser does not exist in Canada.
$2,000 cheap? And,no. The ad I saw was for one eye, $900. So... :shrug:

[phlogistician]

No. Everyone I know who has had it done has side effects. Everything from overcorrection to undercorrection to induced astigmatism, night glare, halos, dry eyes, haze, corneal abrasion, inflammation, infection, etc.

Surely not in the USA with the 'best surgeons in the world'

You are full of it, 'Sandy'.

[pjdude1219]

No glasses for me. And I know SOOO many people who have had lasik. They all say it was not worth the side effects. One guy can't drive at night anymore. He's only 30!:(
Your eyes are too precious to take a laser to them. Go for the glasses or contacts.

isn't night blindness one of the things its supposed to fix. i where glasses and i can't stand them so ithink taking a laser to your eyes is ok but i think you should check the factilies around where you and chech out stuff about the people doing it around you before doing cause its not for everyone

[yayacatfight]

Tiger Woods getting it done is the clincher for me. I can't think of anyone who has more to lose if something bad happened, even something slight.

I would want a general aesthetic though, is that possible? Being awake while they slice your eye is not appealing to me.

[pjdude1219]

Tiger Woods getting it done is the clincher for me. I can't think of anyone who has more to lose if something bad happened, even something slight.

I would want a general aesthetic though, is that possible? Being awake while they slice your eye is not appealing to me.

how bout the naval aviators that get it done cause lets face is can anyone think of some that requires good vision more than carrier landings

[TruthSeeker]

I would want a general aesthetic though, is that possible? Being awake while they slice your eye is not appealing to me.
You mean "anesthesic". "Aesthetic" sounds funny though... LOL!! :D

You just said you want your eyes to look pretty! Well.. ok then!!!! :D

;)

[spidergoat]

Tiger Woods getting it done is the clincher for me. I can't think of anyone who has more to lose if something bad happened, even something slight.

I would want a general aesthetic though, is that possible? Being awake while they slice your eye is not appealing to me.

I'm not buying it. He could afford new eyes if anything went wrong.

[madanthonywayne]

I would want a general aesthetic though, is that possible? Being awake while they slice your eye is not appealing to me.
No, it can not be done under general anesthetic. You need to be able to fixate on the target light during the procedure, which you couldn't do if you were unconcious.

However, they do dope you up a bit, generally with valium and benadryl. The surgeon I use the most also has a girl give you a massage and aroma therapy while you're waiting for your surgery.

[Dinosaur]

Most young people who are near sighted require new perscriptions every 2-4 years.

I do not think you can have repeated lasik surgery. Thus, you will end up using regular glasses or contact lenses some time in the future.

If Tiger had a second treatment after only 2-3 years, I think he might have made a bad decision. Perhaps he was more concerned with his next ten years on the tour. I have heard that some people cannot tolerate contacts, even soft ones. I have also heard that some people who wear contacts have problems with excess tearing and/or perspiration interfering with their vision. If he had such problems, the lasik treatment could mean many millions of dollars over his peak years.

I expect him to be wearing contacts or glasses by the time he is 35-45. If I had had lasik surgery when I was 21, I would have required 4-5 or more treatments by the time I was 35.

I am only guessing, but I suspect that 3-4 treatments is the limit. How much can you shave off your eyeball?

[TruthSeeker]

No, it can not be done under general anesthetic. You need to be able to fixate on the target light during the procedure, which you couldn't do if you were unconcious.

However, they do dope you up a bit, generally with valium and benadryl. The surgeon I use the most also has a girl give you a massage and aroma therapy while you're waiting for your surgery.
Your eye must actually stay open the whole time?

MAN! I can't even put a little water in it, let alone that! :eek:

[yayacatfight]

Most young people who are near sighted require new perscriptions every 2-4 years.

I do not think you can have repeated lasik surgery. Thus, you will end up using regular glasses or contact lenses some time in the future.

If Tiger had a second treatment after only 2-3 years, I think he might have made a bad decision. Perhaps he was more concerned with his next ten years on the tour. I have heard that some people cannot tolerate contacts, even soft ones. I have also heard that some people who wear contacts have problems with excess tearing and/or perspiration interfering with their vision. If he had such problems, the lasik treatment could mean many millions of dollars over his peak years.

I expect him to be wearing contacts or glasses by the time he is 35-45. If I had had lasik surgery when I was 21, I would have required 4-5 or more treatments by the time I was 35.

I am only guessing, but I suspect that 3-4 treatments is the limit. How much can you shave off your eyeball?


Good points. But you have to think there will be advancements in the technology to allow multiple corrections or eliminate the need for follow ups altogether.

[madanthonywayne]

Most young people who are near sighted require new perscriptions every 2-4 years.

I do not think you can have repeated lasik surgery. Thus, you will end up using regular glasses or contact lenses some time in the future.

I am only guessing, but I suspect that 3-4 treatments is the limit. How much can you shave off your eyeball?
Good guess. It depends on how thick your cornea was to begin with and how strong your original prescription was. Some people can only have one treatment.

Basically, the goal of LASIK is to make you less dependent on glasses/contacts. There's no way to guarantee your prescription will never change again following LASIK.

But it should take you back to zero, and most adults don't change that much, so you should never end up as bad as you were before surgery.

I was taught a rule in school called the $6000 rule. It said that the eye can endure only about $6000 worth of surgery before it shrivels up and dies

. That may need some correction for inflation since I graduated in 1995, but the point is that your eye can only stand so much surgery. Look at Michael Jackson's face if you want to see what too much surgery can do to you.