I had it done 6 years ago at 21 and it was too early. My sight has deteriorated a bit since then. Make sure your prescription has leveled off before you consider it.
eye surgery
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I had it done 6 years ago at 21 and it was too early. My sight has deteriorated a bit since then. Make sure your prescription has leveled off before you consider it.
My vision with contacts= better than 20/20 and can read the bottom line of the chart in the opticians. He said i have fantastic quality of vision even with theleft eye being a little worse because of a minute astygmastism that can;t be correct. This is with -2.75 left + 4.25 right.
Laser surgery wouldn't give me vision as good as I have now so no point. Plus contacts cost £50 for 6months (which can be stretched out to 7) so about £90 per year, even with these being the best Air optix.
Actually with surgery, will it give the best my eyes can reproduce with contacts or will it only give 20/20 ????????????????
Laser surgery wouldn't give me vision as good as I have now so no point. Plus contacts cost £50 for 6months (which can be stretched out to 7) so about £90 per year, even with these being the best Air optix.
Actually with surgery, will it give the best my eyes can reproduce with contacts or will it only give 20/20 ????????????????
If glasses bother you, I honestly think you're a fool for not getting your eyes corrected if you are able to. It's a few minutes of minor discomfort for the squeamish, a reasonably hefty fee and a small chance of failure (failure not meaning blindness, most often it means not being as close to 20:20 as they'd like) in return for many years of good sight. I used to HATE wearing glasses. No matter how much you spend on them, I can't think of anyone who looks better with glasses than without. Contact lenses are ok, but you become reliant on them and feel lost when you have them out. They also emphasise how unhappy you may or may not be with your glasses.
I had mine done years ago with PRK. I think there are much better techniques now than what I had. The best money I ever spent. I was quite short sighted (-5.25 and -4.75). Being able to read without having the book pressed to my face, and being able to see my **** in the shower were rewards enough.
I had mine done years ago with PRK. I think there are much better techniques now than what I had. The best money I ever spent. I was quite short sighted (-5.25 and -4.75). Being able to read without having the book pressed to my face, and being able to see my **** in the shower were rewards enough.
Caporegime
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afaik they basically put drops in so you really shouldn't feel any pain or discomfort past the unatural feeling of eyes open and what not. Your eye can move but the laser during the actual procedure has some pretty sophisticated optical sensors that track your eye movement and stop the laser the second it moves out of tracking range(the smallest of split seconds actually) so from what I understand theres very little risk in it.
I've also been looking around and I've yet to find, and it seems nobody has yet found a complaint of someone losing vision in their eyes or any reports of anyone at all going blind from it at all. In general the worst outcomes are infections after, very very dry eyes and even in 99% of those worst cases they are short term and very very fixable. Eyes essentially get upset when you screw with them and can be iffy for days/weeks after but wetting eyes with drops basically fixes it till it all calms down. Infection is treatable pretty damn easily, again, drops(and apparently 1 in every couple hundred contact lense wearers, me included a couple months ago
get infections aswell so equal risk really).Its something like 5% of all procedures have complications, but those range from not good enough vision after, infection, dry eyes, but it would seem that only 5% of that initial 5% or so have long term issues. Most places will repeat the procedure if the eyes aren't at a good enough vision and for free(the quality places will anyway) and many offer free repeat procedures for deteriorating eye sight in the next few years aswell, something to certainly keep in mind when finding a quality place to get it done.
The thing that has almost certainly now made up my mind to get it done is this, I always assumed going blind was a very small but very real possibility but I also assumed that probably a few people a year did actually go blind, which doesn't seem to be the case. I also always though, laser surgery, small risk but still a risk and glasses and contacts are basically risk free.
However, after 15 odd years of wearing glasses and contacts it occurs to me, injuries to face during sports while wearing glasses has happened and the chance of tripping and getting unlucky and hurting eyes with glasses is possible. I also got a small scratch from a contact lense leading to a fairly bad infection so neither are risk free and in reality carry the same risk the surgery does.
So when I get the money I'm about 99% certain I'll get it done now as the idea of great vision is too good to pass up really. I've now got -7/-6.25 in my eyes which makes life incredibly poor without glasses/contacts and glasses are now getting pretty damn thick, heavy and expensive and I find the dailies far to comftable compared to the monthy lenses also, and they are stupidly expensive in comparison for still not perfect vision.
Caporegime
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afaik 20/20 is what they aim for and can get very very close but due to the eye doing some repair work in the process and variations in people and not having the technology from 2089 at their disposal yet they can't be spot on, but plenty of people seem to end up with better than 20/20 vision, some people get 6/4 and some people get very very close to 20/20. THe thing is while you might see that last bit on the chart, how often do you try to read tiny text that far away
Lots of reputable places will redo the surgery if you aren't pretty damn close to 20/20 and for free, not sure what the cut off is tbh. As with previous post aswell though, I always assumed contacts were risk free, infact I used them for the best part of the last decade, maybe 8 years or so but eventually got an infection that was pretty bad. Then again I can't find lenses that fit my perscription perfectly anymore(over -6 and you get larger steps in most lenses and I really need a 6.25 but can only have a 6 or 6.5 and I also can't get the right cycle for both eyes or axis though its plenty good enough).
Yes, very much agree. Infact I hated glasses so much in the last couple years when mine broke almost 2 years ago i never got a replacement, when my eye got screwed with infection last month I was lost, I had no glasses and couldn't see for the best part of 2 weeks, with -6 and -7 basically it was horrible. I still can't wear glasses though I have a pair just incase now, but i just can't stand them anymore, I've worn contacts and only contacts for so long the peripheral vision, the slight fishbowl effect at edge of lenses, the wearing of glasses, I'd pretty much do anything to never wear them again.
As you say, the chances of blindness or any major complications occurring are tiny. Poor aftercare by the patient is the main cause of any possible problems.
The only thing I was worried about was the 'halo effect' that some people experience when driving at night. Apparently though this has now been virtually eliminated and hasn't been an issue for years.
The most important thing is finding a surgeon you trust.
That's what they say at the dentist!!
Then the needle snapped inside my gum, can you imagine the pain..
I don't think painkillers and anaesthetic's work so well on me, had a hernia op months ago, as soon as I woke up.. *aghh* , had to give me moreee, then more.
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Associate
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I'm 27 soon and have been waiting for surgery since 2000, couldn't afford it back then, will be a stretch now but I'm still willing to find that money. But my optician recommended against it saying I'm still too young.
He advised to wait for my prescription to stabilise (mine always seem to change at every visit) which for most people apparently happens around 30. I'm glad others have mentioned this as I was beginning to slightly question his advice, does he just want me on the books or something etc.
After a couple of years of contact lenses, I've more or less given up on them. Glasses do get in the way of a lot of things (mentioned already
). As much as I want it now, I'm gona stick to the advice. Maybe a treat to myself for big 30th birthday! 
Not one person I know has regretted doing it which is very encouraging.
He advised to wait for my prescription to stabilise (mine always seem to change at every visit) which for most people apparently happens around 30. I'm glad others have mentioned this as I was beginning to slightly question his advice, does he just want me on the books or something etc.
After a couple of years of contact lenses, I've more or less given up on them. Glasses do get in the way of a lot of things (mentioned already
). As much as I want it now, I'm gona stick to the advice. Maybe a treat to myself for big 30th birthday! Not one person I know has regretted doing it which is very encouraging.
Is there any truth in the stories I have heard about the flap never completely healing and a major blow to the head can detach it again? I only ask as I am considering having it done however I snowboard quite a bit and have hit my head hard a few times.
Caporegime
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there is a very small amount of truth to it, the flap after replaced is supposed to be slightly weaker than before, but honestly its fixable, the flap is the top layer not the cornea and I believe maybe can regrow aswell just you'd have a while of problems and pain hence this method as it virtual seals shut the operating area almost instantly.
The Lasek method(alcohol to soften it) I believe is supposed to leave a stronger almost perfect flap afterwards and is recommended for some people. But lasik has now been approved by almost every military and government type organisation. A long time ago when it was newish you couldn't qualify for things like the Airforce if you had Lasik, not sure if there was ever actually a problem or there was a percieved possibility of failure. the airforce, fbi, cia, almost everyone has now approved it because its essentially not an issue. I would think you'd be likely to displace damage the flap if you actually had an injury to your eye rather than just a blow to the head.
Also wondering if the stabilising eyes when you're 30 thing is true, more than one optician is losing patients due to the surgery but frankly theres enough people out there that need glasses anyway so shouldn't be an issue. But as with anything different people stablise at different ages. Some people have done all their growing by 16 and never get taller, some people have a growth spurt at 19-21. I'd wait for at least a slow down, and even just book a consultation with someone and have them advise you.
I would hazard a guess that glasses, and switching between glasses/lenses can screw with your ability to stabilise in a perscription aswell. Read up on the, forgotten the name of it, its a few eye exercises to help keep the eye in shape and strong and can certainly help eyes stop getting worse, see it recommended often.
Would maybe think those of us with still deteriorating eyes maybe suffer from not enough variation in eye usage, like sitting infront of a screen all day.
Alexander technique maybe its called? try it out for a few months and see what happens.
The Lasek method(alcohol to soften it) I believe is supposed to leave a stronger almost perfect flap afterwards and is recommended for some people. But lasik has now been approved by almost every military and government type organisation. A long time ago when it was newish you couldn't qualify for things like the Airforce if you had Lasik, not sure if there was ever actually a problem or there was a percieved possibility of failure. the airforce, fbi, cia, almost everyone has now approved it because its essentially not an issue. I would think you'd be likely to displace damage the flap if you actually had an injury to your eye rather than just a blow to the head.
Also wondering if the stabilising eyes when you're 30 thing is true, more than one optician is losing patients due to the surgery but frankly theres enough people out there that need glasses anyway so shouldn't be an issue. But as with anything different people stablise at different ages. Some people have done all their growing by 16 and never get taller, some people have a growth spurt at 19-21. I'd wait for at least a slow down, and even just book a consultation with someone and have them advise you.
I would hazard a guess that glasses, and switching between glasses/lenses can screw with your ability to stabilise in a perscription aswell. Read up on the, forgotten the name of it, its a few eye exercises to help keep the eye in shape and strong and can certainly help eyes stop getting worse, see it recommended often.
Would maybe think those of us with still deteriorating eyes maybe suffer from not enough variation in eye usage, like sitting infront of a screen all day.
Alexander technique maybe its called? try it out for a few months and see what happens.
I would advise having LASEK not LASIK.
I'm 27 soon and have been waiting for surgery since 2000, couldn't afford it back then, will be a stretch now but I'm still willing to find that money. But my optician recommended against it saying I'm still too young.
He advised to wait for my prescription to stabilise (mine always seem to change at every visit) which for most people apparently happens around 30. I'm glad others have mentioned this as I was beginning to slightly question his advice, does he just want me on the books or something etc.
After a couple of years of contact lenses, I've more or less given up on them. Glasses do get in the way of a lot of things (mentioned already
Not one person I know has regretted doing it which is very encouraging.
If you have the surgery, he loses you as a source of income...
*n
To those still wearing contacts...
Interestingly the guy who did my eyes in Harley Street is/was also a consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Many of the procedures he did were to correct corneas that had been damaged by people who had worn contact lenses all day every day (particularly the hard ones). I could never get them in myself (I had a trial of those first disposable ones); my eyes would start watering at the thought of putting 'em in.
With LASIK the flap is completely healed within days as long as you don't dislodge it doing something you shouldn't like playing contact sports in the first few days.
Interestingly the guy who did my eyes in Harley Street is/was also a consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Many of the procedures he did were to correct corneas that had been damaged by people who had worn contact lenses all day every day (particularly the hard ones). I could never get them in myself (I had a trial of those first disposable ones); my eyes would start watering at the thought of putting 'em in.
With LASIK the flap is completely healed within days as long as you don't dislodge it doing something you shouldn't like playing contact sports in the first few days.
That's not strictly true, the epithelium might rebond round the edges after that time, but it'll take up to a couple of years for everything to be as secured as it's going to. I can't remember how long they say it is but after some period less than the above anything happening to your eye which could dislodge the flap would do serious damage to an unlasered eye anyway.
Soldato
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Ditto! Although I used Maxivision in Manchester with -3 in each eye, back in October of 2001. Cost me £1700 for LASEK (the better option) and its the best money i ever spent.
15 mins of slight discomfort was all it took to sort both my eyes out.
Fantastic, and 7 years on the technics and quality can surely have only gotten better.
ive had the pleasure of Having both LASIK and LASEK. i initially had LASIK on both eyes about 18 months ago. procedure isnt nice but is over within minutes - i was in and out of the theatre in 10 minutes! I've since had to have an enhancement (LASEK) on my right eye - which is now pretty damn good. it looks like im going to have to have an enhancement on my left eye too.
I guess i'm just unlucky having to get both eyes re-done.
I guess i'm just unlucky having to get both eyes re-done.
afaik 20/20 is what they aim for and can get very very close but due to the eye doing some repair work in the process and variations in people and not having the technology from 2089 at their disposal yet they can't be spot on, but plenty of people seem to end up with better than 20/20 vision, some people get 6/4 and some people get very very close to 20/20. THe thing is while you might see that last bit on the chart, how often do you try to read tiny text that far away
Lots of reputable places will redo the surgery if you aren't pretty damn close to 20/20 and for free, not sure what the cut off is tbh. As with previous post aswell though, I always assumed contacts were risk free, infact I used them for the best part of the last decade, maybe 8 years or so but eventually got an infection that was pretty bad. Then again I can't find lenses that fit my perscription perfectly anymore(over -6 and you get larger steps in most lenses and I really need a 6.25 but can only have a 6 or 6.5 and I also can't get the right cycle for both eyes or axis though its plenty good enough).
Pretty happy with my 6/4, and really does make a difference, but I'm picky and love being able to see stuff far away.
Will constant use of the air optic monthlys cause any lasting damage over a number of years ?
Soldato
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The worst thing about it, was the sensation of having my eye sliced open, didnt feel a thing on my left eye, but on my right i could feel it being sliced open with the tool they used, it didnt hurt, but it felt very strange.
I got the full monty one and was back at work the next day, because of when i got it done and the offer, it was only £850 for both eyes, my wife priced it recently and it was horrendous.
I got the full monty one and was back at work the next day, because of when i got it done and the offer, it was only £850 for both eyes, my wife priced it recently and it was horrendous.
Associate
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Only my tuppence worth, and reflects the personal opinion of only one individual. However, that individual is a consultant opthalmic surgeon. In conversation with him a year or two ago, he commented:
" I wear glasses, as do a lot of my colleagues. Let the fact that we don't have our eyes 'done' speak for itself. And don't imagine that it's because we can't afford to"
" I wear glasses, as do a lot of my colleagues. Let the fact that we don't have our eyes 'done' speak for itself. And don't imagine that it's because we can't afford to"