LASIK Corrective Eye Surgery ??

[limit6]

Has anybody here had this procedure, and if so, who did you use and what has been your experience with it ??

[GulfCoast]

My wife had it a few years ago. She would say it was wonderful. She went from coke bottle lenses to 20/20. However, she still has a little dry eye, and has started wearing glasses to drive at night (halos). I would say, it seems to have worked for her, but I am suspicious that the eyes may slowly relax over time and weaken the corrective effect. That is why I have not had it done, but I often consider it.

[Seymore]

I started wearing glasses when I was 6 and contacts at 16. I am so blind I can't shave unless I have my glasses or contacts.

I thought about having the surgery until I talked with an eye surgeon and ER doc I met at a hunting lodge two years ago. They told me that they see patients in the ER after a small bump to the head, ie getting rear ended and bumping your head on the stearing wheel, who are now blind. The surgery weakened their cornea to the point that they had what they called a "globe blowout". The eye surgeon told me he personally has not had it done, does not recommend it be done, and does not do it in his practice. He said the risk of this is small and is explained to anyone before they have the procedure, but, he personally didn't think it was worth that risk.

Like everything else, it's a personal decision. For me, I'll just keep wearing my glasses and contacts

[BuckeyeHoov]

I had LASIK surgery 4 years ago this July. It is the best thing I've ever done. I know this sounds stupid, but it was like being set free from glasses and contacts. I have had zero side effects since the first day. I would encourage anyone who hunts, golfs, or plays anykind of sport to have it done!! You don't have to worry about dealing with glasses or contacts at 4 a.m. which if you have contacts you know what I'm talking about. I know the surgery has become much more affordable now, but I would suggest you call the state medical association and ask who they recommend.

As for the halos, I am used to them and don't even recognize them anymore. I talked to the top surgeons at Ohio State University (my surgeon also teaches the procedure at OSU) and when mentioned that I play baseball and basketball they said I would have zero issues with that (which I have never had an issue). All docs will tell you that you will probably have to wear reading glasses in you fifties+ (if you are fixing near-sightedness), but you most likely would've needed them anyway.

[limit6]

bump

[Crowell]

My twin sons had terrible vision, 650/700 and wore glasses from 5 till 21. They did both eyes on the same day and have 20/20 vision. So far, they are grateful for the vision and avoiding contacts. I have heard of a case where a film grew over the corrective lens and secondary surgery was required. I wear glasses and have not opted for the surgery, but duck hunting on a cold morning, makes we hate glasses with a passion.

[HARLEY]

I had the surgery done two years ago, and it is the best money I ever spent! As far as the eye "blowing out" during a collision or such, I have never heard of that. I am around some pretty serious explosions with sizeable pressures from shockwaves on a regular basis and have never had a problem. My living depends on my eyes being sharp, and getting rid of the burden of glasses was the best thing ever. If you are close to Memphis I would at least talk to the people @ Meyer Vision clinic. This is where I had my procedure done, and only have good things to say about them. Good luck!

[Model12]

I had Lasik done on January 22nd this year. Dr. Stoney Williamson of Hattiesburg eye Clinic did it. He was the first person to do a corneal tranplant in Ms in the early seventies. I am thrilled with the results. I have 20/15 vision and have no side effects or other issues. It has been fantastic for me. I hated to fight glasses in rain while duck hunting and I should have that behind me now....

[GulfCoast]

Dan Meyer rebuilt my left eye in college when it was hit by a raquetball. He is one of the best in America. The only reason I can see is because of that man.

[booger]

I had horrible vision, astigmatism, near-sightedness and only hard lense contacts or glasses would corect it. I think it was 400/600.

Dr. Marascalco in Meridian and $2,800 later it's 20/20. It's great to wake up and go with no hassles. Camping, hunting etc. without any worries. Reflectorized signs look different at night, but you can imagine what they looked like through hard contacts or glasses.

There is a risk to all surgeries but this has become pretty routine. I'd do it again wth no hesitation.

[Seymore]

It all boils down to a personal decision. Having grown up in a family full of docs and surgeons, I would say that there are a few things that would prompt me to find another doctor whether it is this or any procedure.
Those being: referring to any procedure or surgery as being minor, carrying no risk, or feeling rushed when asking questions.