Laser Eye Surgery - anyone's experiences?

[~*Kathy*~]

Hey,

 

Sorry to jump in late but I got IntraLasik eye surgery on Jan 24/08 and I love it!

 

I had been wearing glasses since the 5th grade (yay puberty? lol) and when I got the surgery done, I was at -5.0 and -5.25 WITH astigmatism in both eyes. They told me that my only choices for eye surgery was either IntraLasik (where they cut the flap with a laser as opposed to a knife) or PRK. IntraLasik was more expensive but the recovery time is supposedly much quicker and less painful than PRK. I paid $3,400 to get both of my eyes done at a very reputable place here in Edmonton, but it's worth it to spend a bit more on a place with a good reputation since they are your eyes after all.

 

I have never been so satisfied in my life! If I hadn't gotten this surgery done, I'd be wearing my glasses forever because contacts just hurt my eyes so bad, to the point where I could maybe where them for an hour at a time and then it'd just feel like something was poking me in the eye the entire time.

 

If this is something you really want, then you should do it. Just make sure you are completely aware of all the risks involved...just like any surgery.

 

On the day of my surgery, I opted for a dissolving sedative which just makes you feel relaxed, then they freeze your eye with eye drops and get to work. The whole surgery itself takes 10 minutes max. I missed three days of work and then was right back to work afterward.

 

If you get it done, I highly recommend purchasing a humidifier for your bedroom at night, I use mine every night because sometimes I wake up with a little bit of dry eye. I also keep eye drops nearby at all times but very rarely use them. The first few months post surgery, you will probably use eye drops quite often. Now I generally only have to use eye drops before bed.

 

Ah, sorry for the long post. If you need more info, just send me a PM, I don't mind at all talking about my experience with IntraLasik surgery.

[*Lo*]

Wow thanks that is great info! I have the EXACT same eye prescription as you and astigmatism as well. I am still able to wear contacts but I went from about May-Aug this year where I couldn't due to that stabbing eye pain. But now they seem to be fine.

 

My only fear is that I have been told that if your eyes get worse as you age, you cannot have the surgery again. And you end up back with glasses. Also I hate anything eye pain related so I might be too much of a baby to get it

[DanielleNDerek]

i had lasik done in 2004 and i have no regrets about it. I did have to put the drops for dry eyes in for about 2 months after the surgery but my eyes do get dry normally anyway.

[CarrieRN]

I had the Lasik in 2000 and still have 20/15 vision. It was the best money I ever spent. I had more problems with dry eyes prior to the eye surgery. I had trouble wearing my contacts when I was flying (used to be a flight attendant) and could only wear my glasses. No problems at all after the Lasik.

[~*Kathy*~]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossip girl Wow thanks that is great info! I have the EXACT same eye prescription as you and astigmatism as well. I am still able to wear contacts but I went from about May-Aug this year where I couldn't due to that stabbing eye pain. But now they seem to be fine. My only fear is that I have been told that if your eyes get worse as you age, you cannot have the surgery again. And you end up back with glasses. Also I hate anything eye pain related so I might be too much of a baby to get it

Hey that's funny about the same prescription and everything! Yes, they do tell you that as you age you will probably need reading glasses 40+ eventually. That's why I decided to get the surgery while I'm still young so I can enjoy it, even if I do need glasses again in 20 years at least I'll have enjoyed being without them for a little while.

I'm better than 20/20 in my right eye and 20/20 in my left. It's awesome!

[MayanButterfly]

Thanks everyone for all the posts! The date is getting nearer now and I'm getting a bit nervous, but I guess somewhat calmed by the fact that I know thousands of these surgeries are done every year and most people are very satisfied (as evidenced even just by this board!)

 

I still have yet to meet many people who have done PRK - as lasik is now the more popular option, but unfortunately I don't qualify for this as my prescription is so bad. PRK is done without the flap - they shave the cornea off directly. The upside is there is no moving parts to heal so you can go back to contact sports, etc within a reasonable time and don't have to worry about things dislodging. The downside is that it takes longer to heal and is supposedly more painful (hopefully not too much??)

 

Anyways, my surgery date is in a little less than a month so I guess we'll see how it goes!

[Jen_S]

Good Luck!! I am sure you will love it!

[Alyssa]

soooo, just a quick question for all you girls that had laser eye surgery. i had mine 2 years ago in July 2007 and have been PERFECT since - 20/20 vision, no side effects, etc.

 

well for the last week my right eye has had this weird 'twitchy' feeling and almost feels like there is something in it?

 

i don't know if this has to do with being pregnant or just some 2 year later side effect but has anyone else experienced this?

 

[~*Kathy*~]

Alyssa - I dunno, that sounds kind of normal to me. Even before I had my IntraLasik surgery almost 2 years ago, my right eye would sometimes randomly feel like it was twitching (or spasming might be a better word for the feeling I'm thinking of). It usually lasts a few seconds for me and goes away...but I have no idea why it does that....I still get that feeling sometimes but never associated it with my surgery. Have you spoken to your optometrist about it already? I'm curious to hear what they would say about it.

[Kristin_And_Stewart]

I want Lasik so bad, before the wedding would be great, but i'd settle for anytime. I just don't wanna have to throw money away on contacts anymore!!