A couple of questions about Laser eye surgery?

Question

I'm twenty five and have been considering laser treatment for my eyes for a few years now and have a couple of quick questions before I take the plunge.

How do I prove my prescription has been stable for X amount of time?

Do I need to prove it has been stable for X amount of time?

The problem I have is getting hold of a previous prescription. I have one dated 16/02/08 which reads as follows:

Right: Sphere -1.25 Cyl -0.25 Axis 128

Left: Sphere -0.75 Cyl - 0.50 Axis 5

Prior to this prescription I cannot remember the last time I had my eyes tested or where I had them tested.

Is it going to be a case of trawling my local opticians (there are a fair few) for an old prescription or will this be unneccessary?

Would I be refused treatment if I can't locate an old prescription or can they determine the stability of my prescription through examination?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

At 25 you're probably reasonably stable and the stability of your prescription would easily be assessed by comparing your pre-surgical evaluation with your current glasses.  The questions and concerns that you should have are significantly more complex than your prescription's stability.  Do a search on the web for "Lasik complications" to start to educate yourself about the real concerns that you should have prior to proceeding with an irreversible procedure that permanently alters the structure of your cornea.  With your prescription, you would do very well with Orthokeratology http://www.noblur.com/ortho.html which is something you may also want to consider as this does not have any of the surgical risk and would provide a better long term result than surgery.  Good luck.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maller

Answer 2

Neil,

Nobody asks for any proof, they make you sign lots of papers to ensure all your claims anyways! :) Its your eyes, you know the best whether or not you meet the various criteria for the surgery.

If you havent gone back to the opticians, that means your prescription is really not changed much. You will have to undertake the pre-lasik evaluation anyways, and you should have all your questions clarified then.

For quick reference, check this FDA site: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/expect.htm

All the best!

Answer 3

I would call some specialist for these questions dont count on yahoo to give you the right questions this is your eyes you'r talking about ..

Answer 4

If you are anywhere near Seattle...

http://soundeye.com/

Dr. Stephen Phillips did my lasik over 5 yrs ago...from 20/400 (uncorrected)...which was 20/30 corrected to post operation...

20/20

Hope you find someone as good!

A really top doctor will not operate if there is some doubt about your eyes stability.  They will run the tests.

Take the other person's advice...ask lots and lots of questions...these are your eyes!!!