Laser Eye Surgury

CplDavisCplDavis I hunt the arctic Snonos Join Date: 2003-01-09 Member: 12097Members
<div class="IPBDescription">Anyone had it?</div> So Im considering gettting it.

Anyone had it, know anyone who has, or thinking about it as well.

I wear glasses, <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> my vision is is still pretty good uncorrected but one eye is slightly near sighted and the other is slightly far sighted lol.

If I alternate closing and opening eyes i can have" super binoccular zoom vision" to an extent lol.

^_0 0_^

I could get contacts but the thought of putting plastic discs on my eye balls never was really appealing to me although I know I would get used to it but still. meh

So anyone have any comments about the process?
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Comments

  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    And I thought you were having surgery to get lazer eyes. BORING
  • Pepe_MuffassaPepe_Muffassa Join Date: 2003-01-17 Member: 12401Members
    My uncle had it like 10 years ago - he swears by it...

    I'm planning on it in a few years - need to get some more cash first though, but then, Goodbye glasses <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-CplDavis+Apr 6 2005, 10:16 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CplDavis @ Apr 6 2005, 10:16 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> So Im considering gettting it.

    Anyone had it, know anyone who has, or thinking about it as well.

    I wear glasses, <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> my vision is is still pretty good uncorrected but one eye is slightly near sighted and the other is slightly far sighted lol.

    If I alternate closing and opening eyes i can have" super binoccular zoom vision" to an extent lol.

    ^_0 0_^

    I could get contacts but the thought of putting plastic discs on my eye balls never was really appealing to me although I know I would get used to it but still. meh

    So anyone have any comments about the process? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Yeah my eyes are the same way, its weird <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • raz0rraz0r Join Date: 2003-07-24 Member: 18395Members
    My eyes used to be like that, but then they both went short-sighted.

    Now i wear contacts half the time.
    I can't wear contacts when i'm using the computer though, i don't blink enough, so the lenses get all dry <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • Cereal_KillRCereal_KillR Join Date: 2002-10-31 Member: 1837Members
    Contact lenses are mostly water, not plastic.

    If your operation fails somehow, you can go blind.

    If your sight problems worsen after surgery, it can be very bad.

    If you plan to use Night Vision goggles after a laser surgery, you can go blind.
  • SpacerSpacer Invented dogs Join Date: 2003-05-02 Member: 16008Members
    Glasses make you look smart and sexy. TRUFAX.
  • TyrainTyrain Join Date: 2003-01-03 Member: 11746Members
    GOGO LAZER SURGERY!

    I'm going to have one in a couple of years.
  • ReKReK Join Date: 2004-08-30 Member: 31058Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Silver
    Both my parents had it. They still need reading glasses, but a much lower perscription, and they don't have to wear glasses 24/7 now.
  • SnidelySnidely Join Date: 2003-02-04 Member: 13098Members
    What does your optician say?

    I asked mine about it when I last saw him; I had read an article in the paper about laser eye surgery not being as successful as is trumpeted. He said (at the time) that he'd only recommend it if a person's eyesight was really bad.
  • GrayDuckGrayDuck Join Date: 2003-05-08 Member: 16134Members, Constellation
    I wanted it and I planned on getting it at some point - but a year or so ago my eye doctor chaned my contact brand to <a href='http://www.nightanddaycontacts.com/' target='_blank'>Focus Night and Day</a> and I fell in love with them. My Dr said that they are the most breathable and 'best' contacts on the market. I sleep in them, its WONDERFUL to be able to read the alarm clock at night. I still might get the surgery, but now I'm in no rush. These contacts are so thin that I can't even tell that I'm wearing them <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • TestamentTestament Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4037Members
    I'm going to stick with my glasses, thanks. They're comfortable, look fine, and they don't involve lasers slicing open my eyeball and I don't have to risk poking out my eye with contacts. Glasses for the win.
  • StewieStewie Join Date: 2003-08-03 Member: 18795Members
    A friend of mine had his eyes lasered. He went from near-blind to perfect eyesight. The first few days afterwards his eyes were supersensitive, but he says it was worth it.
  • BulletHeadBulletHead Join Date: 2004-07-22 Member: 30049Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-GrayDuck+Apr 6 2005, 12:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (GrayDuck @ Apr 6 2005, 12:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I wanted it and I planned on getting it at some point - but a year or so ago my eye doctor chaned my contact brand to <a href='http://www.nightanddaycontacts.com/' target='_blank'>Focus Night and Day</a> and I fell in love with them. My Dr said that they are the most breathable and 'best' contacts on the market. I sleep in them, its WONDERFUL to be able to read the alarm clock at night. I still might get the surgery, but now I'm in no rush. These contacts are so thin that I can't even tell that I'm wearing them <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Not sure... I like my AccuView 2 contacts

    I keep em in 30 days at a time, keep em out one night, and then put in the new set the next morning... they fall out now and then, mainly when on PC or watching a movie, because I forget to blink and they dry out, then stick to my eyelids XD Also, I "pop" my eyes every now and then, which allows tears to get under the contacts and flush out the ****, without taking out the contact (close eyelid, place thumb and forefinger across eye leangthwise, and squeeze GENTLY- you should here a SMALL pop or click)
  • theclamtheclam Join Date: 2004-08-01 Member: 30290Members
    My parents had it. They don't need glasses at all, except in low light situations (like a very cloudy day). They love it (although I don't think they had laser surgery, but radiokeratotomy, which involves cutting rather than lasering, although the final effect is the same).
  • AlcapwnAlcapwn &quot;War is the science of destruction&quot; - John Abbot Join Date: 2003-06-21 Member: 17590Members
    My aunt had laser surgery. She can see everything now, she doesent need them at all.

    You have to be really carefull the week after the surgery though. Alot of things can mess it up, IE crying.
  • ASTROMANASTROMAN Join Date: 2005-03-16 Member: 45506Members
    sounds painful, i like my contacts, but if i get too lazy, i just stick with my glasses
  • Omega_DeathOmega_Death Sith apprentice to a box of Cereal Join Date: 2003-08-06 Member: 19042Members
    My dad had the knife correction surgery, damn if I don't give him props for doing that, (the doctor just gave him a pain killer and started cutting away at his eye with a knife while he was awake). He went from around 30 years of glasses to perfect vision with that and has been fine with it for around 15 years, if you don't want to go for the laser surgery you can always go analog, (if you can stand to see it coming that is).
  • DOOManiacDOOManiac Worst. Critic. Ever. Join Date: 2002-04-17 Member: 462Members, NS1 Playtester
    edited April 2005
    I would have to disagree w/ most people here and say don't get any form of eye surgery yet. Its still risky, a LOT more risky than any of the money grubbing bastards at those dime-a-dozen eye care places will ever admit to you. There's some serious chances you'll come away with WORSE vision than before.

    I know all this cause I too used to be interested in laser eye surgery, and for my college lit class I did a fairly good sized paper on the topic, expecting to find good things about it, but instead found nothing but warnings and tales of woe. Here's are some snipplets:

    <!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Perfect Vision?

    If you’re like one of billions of people across the globe you probably wear glasses or contact lens.  Like everyone else who wears them, you are also aware of what a hassle they can be.  Glasses may be at times uncomfortable to wear, and contacts can be easily lost.  Without them, the common tasks of life would be harder.  Driving home, reading a letter, or even finding the soap you dropped in the shower would be difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.  What if you could throw away your glasses and still see perfectly?  Every year, thousands of Americans undergo some form of laser eye surgery under just that promise.  But don’t hold your breath yet.  Laser eye surgery doesn’t always live up to its patients’ expectations and it may not be worth the risks.

    *snip*

    There are three major types of eye surgery available.  The first method, called Radial Keratotomy, or RK, was first brought to the U.S. from the Soviet Union in the late 1970’s.  The procedure involved spoke-like incisions made directly into the cornea via a skilled surgeon using a special scalpel (Gallo 128).  RK is not performed very often anymore, as it appears to weaken the eye structure (Lewis Online).  As put by Dr. Stephen Crawford, “I think that patients should understand and consider all available options for correcting refractive errors, but I would never recommend RK to anyone” (Lewis Online).

    Another type of eye surgery available is Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK.  In PRK, a skilled surgeon scrapes away at the outer surface of the cornea.  The surgeon then uses a computer-controlled laser to flatten the corneal tissue so that light focuses on the retina properly.  Studies show that in more than 90 percent of cases, patients achieved 20/40 eyesight, which is enough to pass a driver’s license eye exam.  Unfortunately, the surgery is not without drawbacks (Gallo 128).
    Although the operation itself is not painful thanks to anesthetics, it is common for patients to experience pain for up to five days after the operation.  It may take weeks for ones vision to clear up, and up to six months to receive the full benefits.  As Dr. Stephen Slade says, “PRK works well, but it hurts and the results take too long.  To be honest, patients don’t like it” (Gallo 128).

    The newest innovation in eye surgery is a laser procedure called LASIK.  Short for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, LASIK has quickly become the patient’s favorite method of treatment (Gallo 128).  The reasons for its popularity are quick operations, which may last about an hour, a quick recovery, and little pain (Gorman Online).  Some patients see well enough to drive home without their glasses immediately after the operation (Lewis Online).

    The LASIK procedure involves the surgeon cutting a U-shaped slice around the cornea.  The doctor then peels back the thin flap made from the cut.  The laser then sculpts the tissue beneath. This part of the procedure can last as little as 60 seconds.  Once the laser is finished, the flap is then folded back over to heal (Gallo 128).
    Unfortunately complications may arise in any type of surgery.  Eye Surgery is no exception.  One should be made fully aware of the risks one may partake before he decides to have the surgery.

    <b>As put by Michael Kuisel in an article in Forbes Magazine, “Given the choice, I wouldn’t do it again.” Up to five percent of patients may experience complications.  As commented by Dr. James Salz, “A lot of people won’t be satisfied even when they get what we consider good results” (Marsh Online).</b>

    *snip*

    One common complication is the appearance of halos or glare around lights at night.  Although this phenomenon occurs in most patients who undergo LASIK, for most it disappears in a few weeks.  But for an estimated five percent of patients, they are stuck with it over the long term.  Ten to fifteen percent of patients must undergo the procedure a second time to get their correction just right.  These are considered “enhancements” rather than “complications”, but the procedure must be done in full again (Gorman Online).  Another concern is that the flap created with the LASIK procedure may take a year to heal.  An accident or rubbing of the eye too hard can possibly detach the flap (Marsh Online).

    “One claim about refractive surgery is that you’ll never need glasses or contact lenses again. This claim is false for most people” (Vision Online).  There is a chance you may still need glasses even after the surgery.  It is important to note that 20/20 vision does not mean you have perfect eyesight.  Other factors determine your overall quality of vision, such as seeing well in dim light and telling apart various shades of gray (Gorman Online).  One may still need glasses to drive at night.  As the patient gets older he may still need reading glasses because of a condition called Presbyopia, which is an age-related condition rather than a shape one (Gallo 129).

    There is, of course, the possibility that you may come out with worse vision than before you had the surgery.  There is also a rare chance that permanent blindness or damage may occur, although this is almost unheard of (Gallo 128).  LASIK is still a very new procedure, and there may be possibilities that complications may appear years, even decades, down the road (Gorman Online).

    *SNIP*<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Most of my sources are no longer on the interweb, but this one is:
    <a href='http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/498_eye.html' target='_blank'>http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/498_eye.html</a>
    Methinks one should heed an FDA warning about eye surgery...

    I also remember seeing this 60 Minutes-ish thing where they took a woman who by no means should have eye surgery of any form, and 9 out of 10 (or something like that) places told her she was 'a perfect candidate'. If you do decide to go w/ a form of eye surgery, please remember that the people doing the surgery are in business to make money and may tell you you're a candidate for the surgery even if you are not. Get a second opinion Get a third opinion If you have any doubts at all, don't do it.

    Personally, I'm gonna wait another 10 years and then see how technology has progressed in regard to this.

    Note: Admittedly, my research is 5 years old (I did the report in 1999). Lots of things change, however I still doubt the industry is in much better shape. Please do investigate this yourself and draw your own conclusions. If the state of things has changed then by all means point it out. They're your eyes, do what you want with them, just remember you can't get any replacements. Legally anyways. :P
  • CyndaneCyndane Join Date: 2003-11-15 Member: 22913Members
    edited April 2005
    I know my mother has had this done as of about 5 years ago. (GG 1999?) She went to a doctor by the name of Vance Thompson, I do know he only used lasser and no cutting was involved. (She was legally blind btw, had a sight rating of 20/2000 or some such, without glasses of course)

    Her eyes for sensitive for two days after, and then she could see just fine. There was not extending healing period. She did have to be completely blind for the first day after. But then tha was due to the cotton swaps over her eyes. I know she swears by that doctor as one of the best, but I'm sure you can find someone suitiable in a larger community... IIRC, it was around 2500/3000 dollars. Which might explain why he is so good. Kinda hard to suck it up when people pay that much to have it done. I hear he even offers payment plans.. which is kinda weird, but I can understand why.

    Weird Al had it done, and he loves it. ;-)
  • GundamCLGundamCL Join Date: 2003-08-03 Member: 18786Members
    Just remember that Lasik, the best laser eye surgery, only repairs near-sightedness, not far-sightedness.
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    i wanta have it done, i hate wearing contacts and glasses
  • ShoeboxShoebox Join Date: 2004-11-15 Member: 32817Members
    my dad has laser eye surgery cuz hes a diabetic and they are known to have problems with their eyes. the doctor made him take eye drops with steroids in them. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • MantridMantrid Lockpick Join Date: 2003-12-07 Member: 24109Members
    Glasses can be sexy.
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Mantrid+Apr 6 2005, 08:00 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mantrid @ Apr 6 2005, 08:00 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Glasses can be sexy. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    for me there is no help either way, and i hate useing glasses, so the choice is easy
  • theclamtheclam Join Date: 2004-08-01 Member: 30290Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Mantrid+Apr 6 2005, 10:00 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mantrid @ Apr 6 2005, 10:00 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Glasses can be sexy. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I heartily agree (says the guy with glasses who is attracted to girls with glasses).
  • UltimaGeckoUltimaGecko hates endnotes Join Date: 2003-05-14 Member: 16320Members
    ...My vision will basically prohibit me from getting eye-surgery (even when my eyes do stop growing) until a suitable tracking laser is devised, which can properly follow my pupils.


    Woot nystagmus (...combined with other annoying crap <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> )...


    Anyway, Mom had it done, she needs reading glasses now - but is otherwwise 20/15 / 20/20 (forget which).
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-theclam+Apr 6 2005, 10:06 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (theclam @ Apr 6 2005, 10:06 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Mantrid+Apr 6 2005, 10:00 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mantrid @ Apr 6 2005, 10:00 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Glasses can be sexy. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I heartily agree (says the guy with glasses who is attracted to girls with glasses). <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Looks like we have the same disposition. But I usually end up wearing my contacts these days.
  • im_lostim_lost TWG Rule Guru Join Date: 2003-04-26 Member: 15861Members
    My dad had laser eye surgery about a year and a half ago, and he was quite happy with the results. There was about a one week period of wearing goggles to sleep (so you don't rub your eyes and mess them up), a two week period of using eye drops, and that was it. At the place he went to, they made the risks clear enough, and explained that he will probably need reading glasses eventually, so it didn't seem like they were trying to be deceptive at all. The procedure was about $2000, I believe. I think I will probably get laser eye surgery eventually, but I won't be able to for a while because my vision is changing too much.
  • ChronoChrono Local flyboy Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18989Members
    Does anyone know if there are any long term side affects? like say after 20-30 years?
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Chrono+Apr 7 2005, 12:02 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Chrono @ Apr 7 2005, 12:02 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Does anyone know if there are any long term side affects? like say after 20-30 years? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    How can they, it's way too early for that. Give it some time.

    ...

    That may have been a rhetorical question. If it was, then you bring up a good point.
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