I'm interested laser eye surgery... but terrified of them cutting into my eye ball. Am I wrong to think so?

Question

I'm interested laser eye surgery... but terrified of them cutting into my eye ball. Am I wrong to think so?

I have horrible vision. Eye-doctors have recommended getting laser eye surgery because they say I fit the criteria for it. If it wasn't for contact lenses, I'd forced to walk around with Coke-bottle glasses.

Now, getting my vision fixed, is a dream, but the actual procedure is a nightmare it seems. It reminds me of the movie The Minority Report where Tom Cruise's character has to have eye surgery to evade being caught.

Now am I wrong to be afraid of an eye-doctor slicing into my eyeball, even with pain-relieving drops applied? Am I irrational about this medical procedure?

Has anyone freaked out before when the surgery is taking place? I know the surgery only takes minutes... but man, just the thought of it.

Answer 1

I've had some weird surgeries, and the thought of having a laser cut into my eye freaks me out, too. With that out of the way, I knew a woman who had it done a month or two ago. She said it was frightening at first, because she was still awake, but she also said it was worth it, and that it wasn't actually painful. As far as I know she hasn't had any problems after the surgery, either. I think it's completely natural to be concerned--talk to your doctor about the procedure, and maybe see if you could speak with someone who has had the surgery done yourself.

Answer 2

I know how you feel, I have really bad eye sight too but I'm too young and my prescription is still unstable so I can't get it. They don't really cut into your eye as such, it's a laser that alters the shape of the lens. It would be a good idea to research the full procedure just so it's not the unknown that you're afraid of. If you're still freaking out try to think about the benefits rather than the procedure. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to see the ceiling! That's my dream man!

Answer 3

I have recently had this procedure done. And although it is not for the faint hearted, it is not painful at all! You are fully aware of whats going on and can see the incision being done, but I just kept telling myself I couldn't feel it and it was all over in a few seconds. I would highly recommend it, I could see perfectly the next day!! Good luck

Answer 4

hello-i had it done in 2002 on one eye I only needed to have done...It was great-u don't feel a thing..it was the best thing i ever did for myself with my tax return that year. 1st off what part of country u live in as i lived in PHX then adn they have these places everywhere. 2nd some of them allow u to watch the procedure being done to someone else b 4 u do it...I personally had them close the viewing thing as I was also nervous at the time & didn't want to b distracted by people watchin...But when u go in u have a preliminary screening. they measure and check your eyes etc..no biggee-i hate the glaucoma test where they pu a puff of air into your eye-i think that is worse..so after that u go back in few days to get r done...they gave us a valium like pill to keep u calm. which was great they put numbing drops in your eyes which is fine..they head us wait in room with tv & movies & took one by one to have the procedure done..each person was back like in 5 to 10 min-mayb 15 at longest. but when they take u they set u in the chair -they blocked off my other eye and put this thing in to spread my eye open..I didn't feel a thing...then they make a slice & pull up that then the laser does its part...u do not feel it at all--u sorta smell a burnt scent & that's it. they put the flap back over. U get up go to next room they give ya some dark glasses to wear...I did mine in the evening about 7pm when I left I had to walk across big parking lot & catch bus home...I could already read the billboards & street signs...I couldn't believe the stuff I could see it was unreal...I went home of course & took the meds to sleep & went to bed...the next morning when i woke up I could see the pics on my walls and everything..I am still so shocked & impressed to not have to wear glasses or those d**n contacts anymore that I can't tell ya...I started wearing glasses in 6 th grade & am almost 50 now..I am 48 & i can see..it is so amazing to me still & i thank god for the technology & the proper use of it...so by all means each person has different experience to b sure-but there is no pain as long as u listen to them & do as they say...U will b so glad to not have them steam up (your glasses) in the cold, have rain aggravate u to keep cleaning off so u can see, no more fingermarks or smudges etc...plus the expense of glasses or contacts...It  takes a while to get used to not having the weight of them on or the air hit your eyes but so worth it...all the cool sunglasses u can wear & see.....so do it....best advice I have...no lil kids when u hold them to play with or smudge them...so many benefits to just a small amount of u sitting in chair and less than 1/2 hour of your time-no pain---duh--makes sense to me...I really hope u make sure of clinic as well & if they object to u possibly viewing a procedure than find another one that will and talk to other patients while there who have had it done....take care & best of luck Miss Rocky

Answer 5

tell ur concerns to the doctor so they can put u at ease! I think u are normal to be freaking out..who wouldn't! lol. If u go to a doctor that has experience and is certified in what they have done then u have nothing to worry about!!! In the mean time if u really want to know the doctors credientials i think u can ask  or call etc. Also in the mean time stop filling ur head with negative thoughts!!!!!! Think positive and just breathe and relax :) And if u r religious pray before u go.