I called today for an appointment to talk to a doctor about having Lasik surgery. I have the worse vision, I can't see 2 feet in front of me. I have had glasses for 30 years and contacts for almost 20 and I just don't like them any more! My eyes get dry and they are itchy, I just want to SEE!

Has anyone had it done? What should I ask when I go?

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

I have not had it done. I remember a few years ago hearing that those cheap deals were because they needed to do a lot to learn so I'd want to know how many they've done and what problems they've had, what problems COULD happen... you only get one set of eyeballs!

If you decide to do it, make sure it's a VERY well-known, respected eye surgeon. Don't try to save money on this. Like another poster said, you only have one pair of eyes. Make sure you ask what type of complications it could cause later in life. My husband had surgery on his eyes and they used the laser surgery. After the surgery he could see perfect - no more glasses. About three/four years afterwards, he developed a detached retina and had to have emergency surgery or he would have lost his sight in his eye. Now he's lost his periferial vision in that eye. Doctors said it was due to the previous laser surgery. They're excellent doctors and in no way caused the problem. It's just one of those things that can cause weakening of other things in the eye.

I don't want to scare you into not doing it -- I just want you to ask a lot of questions and know there are things that could happen. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Good luck. I had mine done 1 1/2 ago. went from having to wear glasses all the time to 20X20 vision. Its worth every penny. I got a deal 399 an eye.

I had lasik eye surgery 7 years ago. I have had nothing but vision problems ever since. Just remember that complications do occur and it will change your life forever. Complications don't always have solutions either. You can't go back once the surgeon cuts into your cornea. My problems are extremely dry tired eyes, severe glare problems, crappy night vision and glasses no longer correct me to 20/20. I no longer drive at night and I even limit my daytime driving because of all my problems. Please think twice before you jump into this surgery. You just might be one of the unlucky ones like me.

If the Dr. says you are anything less than an 'excellent' candidate for the surgery, I would not do it. There has been a lot in the news laterly about people who weren't good candidates for the surgery, but had it any way (they were told the risks, but not that they weren't good candidates). Their vision is now worse than it was before the surgery.

Also, make sure you are going to a surgeon who has done the procedure many times with great success.

Good luck,
Sarah.....

I just did a google search for "lasik surgery questions" and several web sites came up. Do lots of research.
Please let us know what you decide to do. I'm thinking about it too, and I'm sure others are too.

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Donna

If you are going to a good, reputable doctor (not the B1G1 free variety!) they won't do it if you are not a perfect candidate. They also have a Q&A sheet ready for you to read. Then if you have more questions you are free to ask.

I had mine done over 4 years ago and I've had 4 wonderful years of finally being able to see! I had terrible eyesight - just as you explained. I actually went in several times over the years and was turned down (by the same doctor). As their techniques improved so did my chances.

They will tell you (and make you sign something) that there is always a possibilty of something going wrong.

They will test your vision and the thickness/shape of your corneas (your own eye doc may have done so already).

I am very happy I did it but I tell everyone it is a very personal decision.

Good luck!

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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle

I went today and there's a lot to think about! I looked the Dr. up and he has had 1 malpractice suit filed since 1992 when he started. I can't wear my contacts for 3 weeks and I am scheduled on Sept. 19th for the surgery, with a couple of appointments in between. My eyes are in good condition, the corneas are thick and therefore they can do a better type of procedure. The tech said things have come a long way, they don't shave the entire cornea anymore, just the specific spots that need touching up. I have to read all of the information they gave me yet.

If I could see even with contacts I would be fine, but I can't even see with them anymore. My eyes are a constant issue and after 30 years I am just so tired of having to worry about it. Contacts can cause problems also, some of which I have had, infections, dry eye (which is the worst thing right now). It is worth a try because right now I can't see half the time anyway.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Like you, I had been wearing glasses for 30+ years and contacts 20+ (prob closer to 25) years. My eyesight was horrible. One eye was -9.5 and the other -10.5. I literally could not see something two inches from my face without my glasses or contacts. I had the Lasik 5 years ago and could not be happier. Just remember though that if you need bifocals before the surgery, you will eventually need them (or reading glasses) again after. My eyesight was 20/20 and 20/15 after the surgery. My distance is still great. I can watch TV just fine and read anything that is more than 3 feet away just fine. But in the past 2 years, the aging process has continued and I now need reading glasses (or longer arms) to read anything close up. But I was warned of this and am still quite happy that I can see the clock in the mornings when I wake up. And if I fall asleep watching TV, it is great not to have my eyes feel like sand is in them from falling asleep with my contacts in. I had the type that you are supposed to be able to wear at night, but I hated to wake up with that gritty feeling in my eyes so I took them out at night. So I say if you feel comfortable about your surgeon and about the procedure then go for it.

Your eyes will also be dry from the surgery for a while. It's not too bad though!

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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle