Eye lazer surgery.. any downsides?

Question

I have one eye of -8.50 and another of -6.50, and astigmatism.. Would there be any complications if i had lazer eye surgery? Or what are the general downsides to it?

Answer 1

Lasik surgery is only good for about 5 years. My sister in law had it done and she's back to wearing glasses. Save your money, wear glasses and take the vacation you really wanted to go on.

Answer 2

I just had it in January and i had no complications.  The only thing is the vicodin they gave me had me knocked out for the whole day and most of the next day.  Also, you can't rub your eyes for a couple of months after (so the flap can heal), so if something gets in your eye, it's hard to get it out.  I think there are some people who have to go back for a second surgery because the vision wasn't completely fixed the first time.  Also, they make you sign a waiver beforehand that says you may go blind (kinda scary), but it had never happened at the office I went to.  All in all, I'd say go for it.  I'm glad I did.

Answer 3

The main downside I see is that often it makes your vision worse if the conditions are not just right.  There are a number of things the doctors just don't know until they actually do the laser itself.  Since you know yours is going to be tricky I would proceed with caution; get more than one opinion.

Answer 4

No short term really. Some times it doesn't work 100% the first time however, the Dr. will go back and redo it for free.  The best thing to do is pay a little more and go to a really good well recomended Dr.  (Oh about the astigmatism...  I don't think it matters, but you would have to ask your Dr. about that)

HOWEVER....  This procedure has not been around long.  There is no way to determine if long term effects are bad because no one has had it long term yet.  For this very reason insurance companies consider it cosmetic and will not pay for it.  They are afraid that 30 years down the road you will go 100% blind.  

My uncle had it an loves it, but like i said that was 5 years ago.  30 years down the road he might wish he never had it done.  Personally, I wouldn't do it.

Oh, BTW another down side is that if you are doing it for military or any kind of job...  They won't accept you.  For example...  You can be a pilot in the US Air Force and had the procedure done.  BUT,  it HAS to be done while you are in the Air Force by a DR. that the Air Force sends you to.  Same with most other jobs.

Good luck,

Grant

Answer 5

wow girl! i thought i was blind...-5.30 and -4.75..geeze i cant see anything...i can't even leave my bed without my glasses...sorry...i'm sort of in shock...! lol