nai_in_av

Anyone had this done? I have had to wear glasses since I was a kid and hate the things.

Just curious if anyone had laser surgery and if they did what were the results? what was it like? how long was recovery time etc

Dan725

My wife has had it done, as have several of my friends. Nowadays it seems that they do both eyes at the same time, recovery is short, and results are fantastic - my wife said she got home same day, went to sleep, and woke up next morning being able to see perfectly. Full recovery takes a few days more.

Everyone I know who has had it done swears by it - but I'm still a bit scared myself, I tend to over research things and therefore come across the one in a million gone wrong stories! We shall see, perhaps next year...been saying that forever it seems!!

Jerseygirl

Yes. I had lasik eye surgery in April 2001. I didn't have the procedure before because I had astigmatism in both eyes...the earlier equipment couldn't correct this. My myopia prescription was quite low .75 and .5....I can't remember the astigmatism prescription but I know it was high. The procedure itself was a doddle...I was given a Valium while I was waiting...the procedure was quick and painless. I had it done around 11.00 am...went home went to bed and slept until around 5.00 pm. When I woke up I had 20/20 vision.

I researched the surgery for about 9 mths before I felt comfortable having it done. I found a web site run be an eye doctor in Chicago...his name is Dr Horn...it was a Q & A forum. He wasn't trying to drum up business...just educate himself and others. I tried to find the site a few months ago but couldn't find it...I emailed his office but didn't get a reply. It was an excellent site...it showed a pic of the Las Vegas strip at night...you typed in your prescription and it showed what your night time vision of the LV strip would probably be compared to before.

I am sure you know not to choose the cheapest. When I went for the consultation the week before...the doctor refused to do lasik on several people 'cos he didn't think they were suitable candidates.

nai_in_av

Thanks for the replies, I think there are a few places around here (Northern VA, around DC) that do the surgery.

What's funny is my wife is more worried about me getting the surgery than I am. IIRC my prescription (short sighted / myopia) is also pretty low.

Might have to start researching some of the places around here.

Jerseygirl

My husband will not consider Lasik.

One thing to bear in mind...its usually people who are experiencing post surgery problems that are posting on internet forums about Lasik. Those whose procedure was successful have better things to do.

Jerseygirl

I chose a doctor I'd seen on TV...he had performed successful surgery on TV personalities and celebs.

Ray

Must be this guy
http://lasikplus.com/chicago/horn.shtml

Jerseygirl

That's the one...his Q & A site wasn't operated through his practice.

nai_in_av

Excellent, I found that site on a google search. Glad to know it's the same guy and a good practice. They have 4 office's around here, so might have to schedule an appointment in the near future.

Jerseygirl

Where do you live? I would certainly go to Dr Horn if I had lived in the area. I did toy with the idea of going to Chicago...but if I'd had any post-op problems it was a long way to go back to his surgery.

Thydney

I have pondered with this for a while but I'm always drawn to a statement made by an eye specialist in the UK 'If it's so good why do so many opticians wear glasses?'

nai_in_av

A little bit outside of DC. So would not be Dr. Horn, but it's good to know that lasikplus is a reputable company.

BrewMonkey

Hello. I'm new here and this is my first post. I've been lurking for a week and found so much invaluable information I had to sign up to join in. The mix of genuine, informative replies and the pithy, sarcastic ones is just right - keeps it British! I'll be posting a thread about our planned emigration to the states and I expect helpful responses and healthy piss taking/sarcasm in equal measure

I posted this on another site once, so I've just pasted it verbatim (this was all done in the UK at Optimax):

The GF had her eyes done about two years ago. We did a lot of research and it took a lot of courage on her part but it was one of the best things she has ever done. No problems whatsoever, although she did say that the burning smell was quite worrying during the operation, but not painful! She's very active, regularly swimming etc. and has not had a hint of infection.

She needed to use eye drops for a short while after as part of the normal healing process and it was quite uncomfortable for a week or so afterwards (over the counter stuff).

The consultant will do a thorough examination to see type of surgery you are eligible for (flap or surface ablation) and if you can do either, will give you the choice.

The one she chose was the flap option (Epilasik?) and is the more expensive option, but the one that will heal quickest. They effectively sliced the top off the cornea to form a flap, then did the laser surgery to correct the shape of the cornea and then put the flap back. She also had both eyes done at the same time, which was not the ideal recommendation from the surgeon, but she wanted to do this as she only wanted to go through the surgery once. Again, this proved to be ok. She used Optimax and we found the surgeons and staff to be knowledgeable and refreshingly honest about the whole process (no hard sell - just lots of advice and checks with the ultimate decisions being left to you).

She now has 20-20 vision, but it's worth pointing out that although she has great sight, she said that in her contact lens days, she could actually see clearer than after the surgery i.e. the prescription for her contacts was somehow giving her slightly better vision than with her now 20-20 vision. She's immensely satisfied though and hasn't looked back (pardon the pun!)

Manc

ayup..........well go give us a proper intro in the meet and greet then dude.

Thydney

Contrary to popular belief 6/6 isn't the best vision you can have you can get 6/5 which is probably what her glasses gave her.