Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with LASIK

Recommendations for laser eye surgery in London

dmt — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:37:04 -0800

Recommendations for laser eye surgery in London I have been thinking about laser eye surgery for some time. Last month my optician confirmed that my prescription has been stable for long enough that I am now (at 33) a viable candidate. Obviously I’ll look to an ophthalmologist for a definitive view but I’m now interested in taking the next step.

So then, what was your experience with laser eye surgery? Did you use someone in London; were you impressed? What did it cost? Any recommendations on the various available procedures? My sense is that the various procedures are safe but I would really like to avoid halo effects while driving at night.

Finally – and this might be a deal breaker – I would be happy to use eyedrops for a period following the procedure but a year sounds like a hard act to follow; the rest of your life sounds positively onerous.

Additional details: shortsighted by 1.5 in both eyes with mild astigmatism.

LASIK in Vegas

alchemist — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:59:19 -0800

Lasik Filter: (asking for a friend) I am traveling to Las Vegas in November and staying for 1 week. LASIK recommendations? I am looking into getting Lasik while I am there because the price would probably be a LOT cheaper (euros vs. dollars). Any recommendations for a good doctor/center? Anyone have any good/bad experiences with this in the LV area? I will be staying in a hotel on the Strip and do not plan on renting a car. Any help would be great. I can do follow ups with my opthalmologist when I get back home.

Laser eye correction in the northern virginia area?

Nonce — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:34:41 -0800

I am nearsighted with a slight astigmatism, have about $2,000 to spend, and a desire to never wear glasses again. I'm in the northern Virginia area. I can travel to DC, MD, or anywhere close by, but not too far, as I don't want to make any followups too difficult.

Where should I go?

What kind of surgery should I get?

Is transepithelial PRK (all-laser) surgery the best? Or Custom Vue IntraLasik? Or something I don't know about?

Should I worry about what version of what software the center is running? How detailed to I need to get in this quest? Who has the best rep, the best service, and the best results? Is this possible to do responsibly for that much money?

Please help me not do something stupid to my eyes that can never be undone.

How to not blind self using cheap $199 specials?

Darke — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:00:28 -0800

How can I find the best LASIK eye doctor in the NYC Metro region? I've just been cleared for laser eye surgery by my optometrist, and can't seem to find any sort of way of determining who is likely to blind me and and who can do an awesome job.

Can I donate unused contact lenses?

snickerdoodle — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:04:13 -0800

Can I donate unused contact lenses? I just got LASIK, and I find myself with half a box of unused Acuvue contact lenses. Am I allowed to donate/give them away, and if so, what's the best way to do so? Google has turned up conflicting information, so I'm looking for first-hand knowledge. I'm in NY if that matters.

Can I have a second LASIK surgery?

dcrocha — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:56:09 -0800

Can I have a second LASIK surgery? I had a LASIK surgery back in 2004 for correcting my bizarre myopia (-9.00, -9.50) and mild astigmatism (don't remember the pair). At the time, the doctor examined my cornea and decided it wasn't thick enough so she would not try to completely eliminate both.

As a result, most of both problems are gone, but I was left with a bit of myopia and astigmatism. I have a good "social" vision, can be around without glasses but I find it unconfortable to: 1) work (computer job) 2) drive at night without them. So I was thinking of having a second surgery to zero everything and get rid of the glasses for good.

Is it possible? Safe?

Why should I not run after lasik?

krautland — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:20:04 -0800

Why should I not run after lasik? I finally signed up to get (femto) lasik later this month and the docs told me not to go running/working out for two weeks after getting the procedure. I forgot to ask them why.

any ideas?

What's that smell? Oh, it's my eyeballs crisping.

cuddles.mcsnuggy — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:47:08 -0800

LASIK: Considering eye surgery, have new questions for those who've had it. I'd like to hear from people who know what they're talking about. So I'm seriously considering custom LASIK, strongly enough that I plan to apply for the financing and schedule the procedure today for within about a month from now. I'm 33, nearsighted, about -5.25 in one eye and -6 in the other. I currently wear glasses and occasionally, soft contacts. With my glasses on, I see very crisp and clearly. I do not have astigmatism and have already gone through an evaluation with a clinic I trust, and am told I am a good candidate. I have some questions which I have not seen addressed in previous Askme threads and am hoping for additional insight and experiences from those of you who've had the procedure done.

Caveat: I'm aware there are tons of older Askme threads on Lasik, and I've probably read them all, and have weighed the pros and cons offered therein. Please don't point me to these prior posts, as I'm seeking different perspectives from what's already out there. Thanks!! :-) So that said, here's what I'm wondering:

- I know that Lasik does not prevent the potential need for reading glasses in middle age, because presbyopia is due to lense changes which corneal alterations from Lasik would not affect. Also, given that Lasik may not prevent all vision changes and my sight may still decline again later, will having had Lasik prevent me from being able to see well at long & short distances with *regular prescription glasses* in old age? Or will I be stuck with blurry long distance vision (should such a decline happen) and only be able to wear reading glasses for up close?

- If my vision were to decline again as I age, would having had Lasik mean I would never be able to wear contact lenses again? Do contact lenses irritate or damage the laser-altered corneal tissue?

- Those of you who have had eye surgery many years ago; have you noticed any vision decline as you get older? In what way? Can you see well again with glasses, like in the old days?

- Night driving: I'm aware of the possibility of halos and heard that if they occur they may decrease over time as I heal. However, would wearing glasses for driving prevent halos?

- My doc explained the laser touch-up process in the event that the work needs to be enhanced with more lasering within the year after the first surgery. She explained that the same flap is lifted open in later procedures that was cut in the first one, and made it sound like the flap is just kinda always there, "flapping" for lack of a better term. This squicks me out. Does the flap eventually heal fully and seal itself down for good? How long does it take?

- Does having had Lasik mean I won't be able to have surgery or treatment for cataracts later in life, should I develop them? Basically... I'm wondering if Lasik means I could never have any additional surgery done the eyes ever again.

- Hayfever and allergies: in terms of itching, redness, noseblowing, runny eyes, etc. -- Those of you who had Lasik, how do your allergies affect your eyes now? Any differently from before Lasik?

- More on the allergies thing, also regarding headcolds: Sometimes I use pseudoephedrine or other otc meds to dry up my nose. Any contraindications for using these after Lasik? Will they cause too much eye dryness?

- What about smoke? Like campfire smoke or incense (we use incense a lot around the house). Is smoke any worse for lasered eyes than for normal eyes?

- Crying: I'm an emotional softy. Sometimes I cry. Will fountains of tears and the eye pressure/redness resulting from said crying cause damage or problems with lasered eyeballs? Pain? Flap issues?

- Ladies: Eye makeup. Anything bad happen when using mascara or eyeliner? Doc said not to use makeup for the first couple of weeks after surgery but didn't expand on that or mention if it could cause problems later.

- Cat hair and other debris: We have five cats. Sometimes I get a hair in my eye. Or I get dust or eyelashes or whatever in there & have to pick them out. Would this have the potential to cause major corneal damage even after the flap has healed? (I know it would in the first few weeks during the "hands off" period... but what about years later?)

And finally: What does the procedure feel like? I'm a little scared that I'll see the flap-knife & the laserbeam coming at me & I'll be emotionally scarred for life. Does your vision go black before the blade looms? Are the numbing drops effective enough? I heard it doesn't really hurt. Is it pointy feeling? Just wondering what to expect.

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for insight!

lasik vs implantable contacts?

pipti — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:34:35 -0800

What are your thoughts on Lasik versus implantable contact lenses? I've read a little about PRK and it sounds like it might be too painful for me, so I'm ruling it out. I'd like to go with the surgery with the lowest risk of major complications. And the one that lasts the longest.

Seattle Eye Doctors?

rouftop — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

Hi, Looking for an eye doctor in Seattle. Somebody who'll give me the skinny on whether I'm a good candidate for Lasik, without trying to push me into anything. Lots of good lasik threads here on AskMeFi, not so many threads on eye doctors in Seattle. Am I even going the right route? Should I just go straight to a good Lasik doctor? I fear being pitched something that's not right for me.

LASIK for mild nearsightedness?

DevilsAdvocate — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:23:42 -0800

Considering LASIK (or other laser eye surgery) for relatively mild nearsightedness. Experiences? Statistics? My prescription is -1.50 in one eye, -1.25 in the other. My vision is roughly 20/70 without glasses, 20/15 with. Have you, or someone you know, had laser eye surgery for similarly mild nearsightedness? What was your/their experience? Also, how long ago was the procedure done?

I'm also interested in statistics on results and complications for LASIK with mild nearsightedness, if anyone's aware of any—most of the figures I've seen don't do much in the way of breaking it down by degree of nearsightedness.

I've seen this question, which has a few responses in that vein, but that was 3.5 years ago, and I'm looking for additional tales.

I'm aware that having such a procedure done would be risking more than someone who had really horrible vision to start out with, and will take that into account in making a decision.

these tired ol' eyes o' mine....

oigocosas — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:01:57 -0800

best surgical procedure for extreme near-sightedness (-12 diopters) + mild astigmatism? best doctors in sf bay/napa area? your own "blind but now i see (or dont, as the case may be)" cautionary tale? thank you as always excellent mefite mind. ps: anybody had the lens implant? and what about presbiopia (?) aka age-related farsightedness? bi-focular lasik? lens implants?

Cataracts!??

bluejayk — Mon, 14 May 2007 12:51:00 -0800

I think I have a cataract. I'm 30 years old, and I live in China. What now? So, I had LASIK 5 years ago. There were complications. My eyes are naturally dry, and the surgery seems to have made the condition worse, so that my eyes tend to be red and itchy, unless I take very good care of them, or even when I do sometimes.

So I've gotten used to having bloodshot eyes, and it makes my left eye (the one more prone to redness and irritation) bother me on occasion. This last week, it started to bother me a lot, but I figured it was due to seasonal allergies, or using the computer too much, or something. I used a hot compress, which is about the only thing I can do to make it better outside of living in a cool, clean climate.

But my left eye continued to hurt and the last few days I noticed some occassional extreme sensitivity to light. This is unusual and today when looking in the mirror I noticed a little cloudy spot over the iris, which coincides with an area of blurred vision I had assumed was just caused by general irritation. So I looked online about cataracts, and it seems to likely to be a cataract, despite my relative youth.

Obviously, this is not a qualified diagnosis. But I'm really at a loss what I'm gonna do about it. If it is a cataract, it seems the only way to get rid of it is surgery. Well, I live in China, and I don't have health insurance. I don't have much in the way of savings, so to fly back to America to have surgery would require credit card debt. Surgery in China... uhm. Maybe. Surgery in Hong Kong? Surgery in Thailand? All the websites I found were about cosmetic surgery, so I'm not sure where I fit in.

I guess I'll be seeing a doctor in the next day or two, but in the mean time if anyone can point me to good resources about cataracts, overseas health care, or anything else, it'd be great. I'm kinda freakin out, cause I think of cataracts as something people get in their 70's.

Who is the best lasik doctor in North Texas?

torpark — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 11:18:21 -0800

Who is the best lasik doctor in North Texas? I want to have intra-lase lasik, using quality of at least the Visx 4 IR, or the Zeiss laser. I am looking for the best doctor in all of north texas, price is not a concern. And I am not interested in doctors which advertise on the radio, nor am I interested in those that have done the most procedures. I want the ones who don't make mistakes and have lots of experience. Have you had lasik and done your due dilligence? Is there any place I can find comparisons of doctors?

Non-Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

stovenator — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:43:26 -0800

During a pre-screening for LASIK, I was told the shape of my corneas was too steep, and they recommended ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) instead. Has anybody had this done? Any recommendations for eye surgeons in Austin? What should I know, given that I don't know anybody who's done this?

Night vision problems with LASIK

speedoavenger — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:54:17 -0800

For those mefites who have had LASIK surgery, especially those who had the surgery done with the Allegretto Wave laser, what was your NIGHT VISION like after the surgery? I had the surgery a week ago, and I'm seeing very large starbursts of light when driving at night. It doesn't give me searing headaches, but I find it very annoying and distracting. Is this something permanent that I should brace myself for now? Can night vision problems be corrected with an enhancement surgery? My pupils are large at 8mm, but I made sure that the optical zone of the laser is larger than my pupils. Did your night vision problems go away right after surgery, or did it get better after a few weeks or months? Overall, I'm happy with the surgery. I just wish I would have done a little more research before hand. On a positive note, my vision is 20/20:-)

How long until my vision stabilizes after LASIK?

speedoavenger — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 20:36:34 -0800

For those mefites who have had LASIK, how long after the surgery did it take for your vision to stabilize? I had my surgery yesterday, and I had a follow-up appointment this morning. I already have 20/15 in my right eye, but my left eye is still pretty blurry. The Doctor at the followup appointment said the blurry vision in my left eye could be due to the fact that my left eye is still quite dry. I did have a stronger prescription and longer laser treatment in my left eye. He said that I may need enhancement surgery, but that we would not be able to tell if I needed it for 3 months, which is supposedly the time it takes for my vision to stabilize. The real question is did you achieve the best possible vision right away, or can it really take weeks or months before the best results of the surgery are realized?

Lasik eye doctor in the Chicago area

elkton — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 19:00:55 -0800

Hi everyone. My first question even though I've been reading for quite awhile. My wife is looking into Lasik in the Chicago or the Chicago suburbs. She is nearsighted with stigmatisms. She heard a commercial on our NPR for a Michigan Ave. laser clinic and called. They told her it would be $2,500-3,000 per eye. Her vision is precious to me and I certainly don't want to go to a cheap place but that seems insanely expensive. We're looking for recomendations of good doctors in the chicago area and information about whether this price is as high as it sounds to me. My feeling is we're paying for a posh Michigan Ave. location not for great doctors and service. Thanks everyone.

Second time laser eye surgery?

TrashyRambo — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:43:20 -0800

Should I have my eyes lasered again? I had my eyes LASIKed four years ago, with great success. Since then my vision has deteriorated. At my last check, the optician suggested that I would need glasses for driving soon. I hated wearing glasses and contacts so don't want to go back.

I'd welcome any advice on whether to go for surgery again (and if so, what type and with which (British) company), whether to wait for technology that's coming in the next five or so years, or give up and go back to contacts. Also - is there a limit on the number of times it can be done?

Thanks!

Lasik recommendations for Ottawa

sanitycheck — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 15:06:37 -0800

My brother is interested in getting laser eye surgery and is looking for a doctor in (or near) Ottawa, Canada. He actually lives in Deep River, so recommendations anywhere in the Ottawa River area would be welcomed.

I have directed him to this thread for general advice on choosing a doctor for the procedure, but would love to hear from any Ottawa-area mefites who have had it done.

How do I find the right LASIK doctor?

bDiddy — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:52:28 -0800

I'm looking into laser eye surgery and I need to know how to distinguish one doctor from the next. I know of a few places who perform the surgery, but really only from their advertising on radio stations I listen to. The testimonials from the people on the radio sound good, but then again they're paid testimonials so I don't know what to believe. I plan on going in for a free consultation, but I assume I'll hear about the same thing anywhere I go. So my questios are these: How do I determine which doctor is a good doctor versus one who will laser my eyes into dried up raisins? Alternatively, does it not really matter and I should just go wherever I am most comfortable? Also, how can I find good doctors who may be out there but who don't advertise on the radio stations I listen to?

I am in northern NJ, so if anyone has recommendations, I'd appreciate it.

Custom LASIK or Traditional w/ punctal plugs

grateful — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 11:35:05 -0800

Help me choose the best option for my LASIK procedure. I have very mild astigmatism, -4.5 in both eyes, minor night vision problems, but no halos, ghosting or other special effects.

Help me choose between two options: traditional LASIK with punctal plugs, or Custom LASIK (with no plugs). They cost the same, so that is not a factor. Do the benefits of punctal plugs outweigh the benefits of Custom LASIK? Both procedures use the B&L Zyoptix system.

LASIK professionals in southern-central US

Saydur — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 20:36:37 -0800

Need some advice regarding LASIK in the southern-central US region. (Oklahoma and surrounding states) I've finally decided that I really want to get LASIK surgery done. I've read other AskMe posts on this, regarding whether it's a good idea, as well as plenty of other resources. I'm pretty well set in my desire to do this. I've heard the horror stories, and the benefits simply outweigh the risks.

However, I'm wary about doctors and procedures. I'd rather do one eye at a time, on the chance that something could go wrong. Naturally, I'd like a surgeon here in Oklahoma, or a bordering state. I'd like any advice regarding good experiences, good surgeons, or surgeons to avoid.

Also to note, I've seen the IntraLase and wavefront/customvue technologies, and heard no extra risks involved with these. Anyone have advice regarding these particular points of LASIK?

Advice on LASIK.

..ooOOoo....ooOOoo.. — Tue, 19 Apr 2005 18:42:34 -0800

I am scheduled for LASIK surgery on Thursday and wanted to hear from anyone who has had the surgery. When I google, all I get are ads and bitter people, neither of whom I trust. I wanted to ask anyone here about their experience. I trust the doctor (he saved my Dad's eyesight via surgery when no one else would try and he comes with good recommendations from a few other opthamologists I spoke to) but his office was a little hazy on potential complications and after effects.

1. Was it successful and would you do it again?
2. What was your pain/discomfort level?
3. How soon could you "see" correctly?

I'm just a little nervous since this is really a one shot deal if they screw up.

LASIK

shoos — Thu, 16 Sep 2004 17:31:24 -0800

LASIK - I'd love to ditch both my glasses and contacts. Have any of you had the procedure performed? In particular, I'm wondering if you have experienced any adverse or unexpected effects, and how much it cost.