I Can See!

[Greenday]

Well, I got lasek eye surgery today. This is amazing. My eyes are dry as hell and that sucks but this is really cool. I can see the house that is behind mind. I can see the TV. This is so crazy!

Need to put in my eye drops...

[PawnPrincess Ardra]

Congrats! I've been thinking about getting it done for a few years, it just scares the hell outta me ( I have an insane fear of someone messing with my eyes ).

[csquared]

Good for you!

I have an insane fear of someone messing with my eyes

That in not insane. That is common sense.

[Pixilated]

Was anybody else's first response to the thread title to start singing ... "... clearly now! I can see aaaalll obstacles in my way!"

Or have I just dated myself back to the Mesozoic ...

Anyway, congrats, Greenday, and glad to hear things went well. My sister has tried to talk me into it, but ... not likely. I have both nearsightedness AND astigmatism and AFAIK, that type of treatment can't correct both. Also, I am SO nearsighted that there is no way I could get anywhere near 20/20 vision even with the best laser eye surgery going.

Anyway, that's my argument, and I'm sticking to it.

[Greenday]

My sister has tried to talk me into it, but ... not likely. I have both nearsightedness AND astigmatism and AFAIK, that type of treatment can't correct both.

I was both nearsighted and astigmatism. Mostly astigmatism. My vision wasn't horrible though without contacts or glasses. I could still read up close and make out objects from far away, just looked like blobs though.

I was definitely nervous, but you can get Valium to help with that. But you don't actually feel much of anything during the whole process. Your eye fades into darkness went they cut the flap but you don't feel anything with that. Then you smell a little burning when the laser is on but it wasn't bad. The process is insanely quick.

[Pixilated]

Darn. Bang goes one argument ...

My overall eyesight is bad enough that I put my glasses on when I get up in the morning and don't take them off until I go to bed. One morning I was groping around and couldn't find my glasses ... and panicked. I can't even stumble (and I used the word advisedly) around my apartment without my specs.

[ArcticChicken]

I've been thinking about it, for when I have some money, my biggest argument against it is that I like the way I look with glasses on. And I'd feel like an asshole wearing non-corrective glasses.

[Draper Mel]

I've been thinking about it, for when I have some money, my biggest argument against it is that I like the way I look with glasses on. And I'd feel like an asshole wearing non-corrective glasses.

This is why I don't do it either. I much prefer myself with glasses.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Is the dryness expected to be a temporary thing?

I've thought about it too but I'm chicken.

[Lachrymose]

Was anybody else's first response to the thread title to start singing ... "... clearly now! I can see aaaalll obstacles in my way!"

This was my first thought:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvC5yF6iA0k

[Mytical]

I can vouch for the no pain (didn't even feel the burning to be honest). It is kinda spooky for the little that you go blind..but other then that it is cool. It is neat not to have to worry about breaking glasses. Though I am getting so I can't read small things now..still see quite clearly at long distance (including words as long as they are not small). Need reading glasses soon I guess.

As for the dryness, it is temporary. Forget how long I had to use eyedrops (and it is also advisable to wear sunglasses for a few days if going to be in sun/bright light). Most places will let you wear them at work as long as you can prove it is for a medical reason. (If they use really bright lights especially).

[Luna Baby]

I had Lasik done on both eyes about 6 years ago. I've been very nearsighted with some astigmatism since age 8. The valium and the wonderful doctor are what got me through it since I'm super crazy about anyone being near my eyes. The dryness was very temporary for me. In fact, after a nap, I was up cooking dinner for the family that very afternoon. My vision was corrected to 20/15 and as of my eye exam in the spring, it still is. However, as I near age 40, I'm starting to get small indications that I'm going to need reading glasses. Eye doc says not to fight it, just use them when reading.....

Other than that, love the results. One thing to remember-I'm super sensitive to sunlight now. I wear sunglasses any time I'm outdoors, even on cloudy days. I'm just more comfortable with my sunnies on.

[Sarlon]

I had lasik about 9 almost 10 years ago now. and to this day am still 20/20.

it was incredible the results, nearly blind before, small dose of valium, and 20/30 right out of surgery (to much liquid on my eye since they left the clamp in a little to long after they finished. then 20/15 when I went into the doctor the next day.

for me it was about $4000, but that covered the surgery, the medicated eye drops, and all the follow up visits for the first year....1 day, 3 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, oh and I'm covered for the rest of my life if I ever have to go back for an adjustment.

now i just go once a year for a normal eye exam to continue the "insurance".

I did notice I'm slightly night blind, and very bright daylight causes my eyes to retreat into my skull and whimper.

[Rapscallion]

Can you be fully anaesthetised for the procedure at all?

Rapscallion

[Greenday]

Can you be fully anaesthetised for the procedure at all?

Rapscallion

I haven't heard of any doctors doing that. If they have a way of keeping your pupils still while you are knocked out, I suppose they could. It's more just moving your body around which is a huge hassle I'd imagine.

Went for my first checkup yesterday. Read the 20/20 line with my left eye and 20/15 line with my right eye. I can see so far away in vivid detail! The doctor said my eyes are still healing and that my vision should continue to improve. Only my right eye bothers me with dry eye and today it's really not that bad at all.