Laser Eye Surgury, Lens Implants?

Question

Well, I'm going to have a Lasik consultation early next month with LasikPlus vision center. I am curious what kind of risk is involved with severely nearsighted people. I'm a contact lens wearer with a prescription of -6.5 in both eyes. I was just informed by my eye doctor that I have a floater in my right eye. I'm sure my Lasik doctor at the consultation will tell me about my eligibility, but I'm more interested in my risks, or risks that the doctors might not be telling you. I also want to know, since I have such a high prescription, if Lens Implants are a better option. I really don't know anything about them but I have heard that they are more for people with really severe prescriptions.

Any doctors with the information?

Any regular folks with positve stories or horror stories?

Thanks.

Answer 1

1.  When you develop cataracts you will need to get lens implants anyway, so if you're nearing that stage (I don't know how old you are) then you'll want to wait it out so that your insurance will pay for it.

2.  If you are not near that time, seriously consider Lasik -- there's about 20% of people that are unsatisfied and they are REALLY unsatisfied.  The doctor is basically carving out your cornea (the front window on your eye) to shape it differently so you can focus better.  What they do can not be undone so make sure you read the 100 pages of things you have to sign.

3.  MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR CORNEAL MEASUREMENTS FROM THE DOCTOR -- the reason for this is that when you do need to have cataract surgery, that doctor will need them to give you a lens implant.  Doctors are only legally required to keep records for 7 years, so if you have cataract surgery on down the road you might end up having to get it done 2 or 3 times because you can't get the right lens because you had your cornea changed, etc etc.  Just get the records :)