Should I consider laser eye surgery rather than glasses?

Question

Any comments welcome, I'd like to hear from other people who have had the proceedure, or have friends and family who have. I am seriously considering it as I hate wearing glasses.

Answer 1

There are possible side-affects from this surgery, such as problems with night vision.  About 5% of people have long term problems, and the US government have just launched an investigation into this (http://www.latimes.com/features/health/l...

Have you also spoken to your optician about contact lenses?  There are new lenses now that you can leave in for four weeks (including overnight) - would these be a surgery free option for you?

Answer 2

A friend had it done and it cost a fortune.

She had problems for months afterwards but it seems to have settled down and she can see well.

You should definitely read the fine print because there's no real guarantee it will work and deinitely no guarantee that you won't have to go through it all again if your eyes change.

Have you considered contact lenses? The newest soft lenses are so good that you really forget you're wearing them.

Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you. I do half and half lenses and glasses (lenses out in the evenings) and it doesn't really bother me any more.

Answer 3

I have had a few friends who have laser surgeries and they love it.

Remember, though, that these surgeries have not been around a long time, so the long-term effects are still not known.  Also, your eyes will still age.  The laser changes your cornea but not your lens.  The lens allows you to change your focus from distance and near, but as you age it loses this accommadative power.  Therefore, you may still need reading glasses when you are older.

Of course, the best thing to do is talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist about your options and the risks.

Answer 4

im a reseptionist for a doctor that does LASIK surgery, and most people are happy with it. im the only person that wears glasses there (which is ironic), but maybe in the future i'll consider LASIK.

Answer 5

i am planning to do this too.  I want to research it first before booking it.

I think this is one area where i think you should consider paying more than less.

A friend of mine did it a few years ago and thinks it was the best thing he has done.  There are downsides and risks but thats why you talk to alot of places and make your decision after a good deal of thought

Answer 6

You should consider the downside, which the clinics tend to gloss over.

Read reports on the Internet from the many people who have regrets about having it done. Then make your decision

Answer 7

Depends on whats your prescription...

Answer 8

Well I'm 22 and had all laser interlase lasik eye surgery last Thursday and love it already. I went to my 24 hour follow up on friday and my vision is now 20/20 (I was classified as legally blind before the procedure). The first 24 hours were definitely uncomfortable (I slept most of it though). I was told by my surgeon that due to my age there is a 30% chance that I will need what they call an enhancement procedure in 10 years. However my surgery came with 100% lifetime guarantee so if I do need an enhancement I won't need to pay again which is nice since the procedure did cost me $4000. Go to a free consolation and find out if you are a candidate (I actually went to a few places). I ended up going to Lasik Plus (http://www.lasikplus.com/), they have tons of locations. During the consolation you bascially go through a very in depth eye exam to check various things (one of the big ones is testing the thickness of your cornea (if they're not that thick it will limit which types of lasik surgery you may be able to get, if any). Generally they won't do surgery if your vision has not been stabilized for at least 1-2 years. Just remember there are risks but the recent FDA complainants are not new (or really a lot when you consider how many people have had it done), the press just focuses on them every once in a while. The key is to make sure you find a surgeon that you feel comfortable in that is willing to answer any questions you may have.