Lasik Operations. - Printable Version
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Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-27-2009 at 07:59 PM
I've always wondered whether a lasik operation is safe or risky. I've searched the net and obviously there are those who are in favour of it and others who are against it. What are its advantages? What are its bad effects? Can it lead to blindness by any chance? I am eager to know everything about it, any opinion or information is highly appreciated. Thanks!
Also, has anyone actually done it?
RE: Lasik Operations. by ShawnZ on 05-27-2009 at 08:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
What are its advantages
you can see again
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
What are its bad effects
they cut off your cornea and they shine a laser into your eye
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
Can it lead to blindness by any chance?
no, it is impossible for eye surgery to cause blindness.
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-27-2009 at 08:29 PM
Thanks ShawnZ.
quote:
Originally posted by ShawnZ
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
What are its advantages
you can see again
They say it makes your vision perfect again, yeah.
quote:No, I mean bad effects on the long run. Complications you know.
Originally posted by ShawnZ
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
What are its bad effects
they cut off your cornea and they shine a laser into your eye
Also, results of a non successful operation.quote:Glad to know, I wonder what the worst thing you can get out of it is then.
Originally posted by ShawnZ
quote:
Originally posted by Moh
Can it lead to blindness by any chance?
no, it is impossible for eye surgery to cause blindness.
RE: Lasik Operations. by stoshrocket on 05-27-2009 at 08:42 PM
My Aunt had Laser Eye Surgery and after 2 years of perfect vision her sight went steadily worse until it was worse than before the surgery. She decided to just stick with glasses, and could've saved a lot of money in the long run!
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-27-2009 at 08:47 PM
quote:Oh that sucks, exactly what I was afraid of. Thanks methos!
Originally posted by methos
My Aunt had Laser Eye Surgery and after 2 years of perfect vision her sight went steadily worse until it was worse than before the surgery. She decided to just stick with glasses, and could've saved a lot of money in the long run!
RE: Lasik Operations. by Adeptus on 05-27-2009 at 09:40 PM
quote:It's relatively safe and the advantage, obviously, is that you don't need to wear glasses or contacts after it.
I've always wondered whether a lasik operation is safe or risky. I've searched the net and obviously there are those who are in favour of it and others who are against it. What are its advantages?
quote:The only way it can lead to blindness is if the procedure is screwed up very badly and even then you would only lose one eye. It is always done one eye at a time and you have to have correctable vision in both to be eligible.
What are its bad effects? Can it lead to blindness by any chance?
The perfect outcome won't have any downsides. With less than perfect outcome it could correct your near-sightedness, but introduce halos, glare and similar issues. Some people lose the correction after several years (as methos mentioned) and either end up with glasses again or need to have it re-done.
You asked for opinions. I am not interested in the surgery at all, because contact lenses work very well for me. Acuvue now has two-week disposables that are approved for and safe to wear overnight. I don't bother with taking them out for shower either (in theory you are supposed to) and have had zero problems in 5 years. If you are now stuck with glasses, I would highly recommend trying contacts before you even think about surgery.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Spunky on 05-27-2009 at 09:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Adeptus
It's relatively safe and the advantage, obviously, is that you don't need to wear glasses or contacts after it.
Depending on the degree of eyesight loss. My girlfriend would have to have around 6 operations on each eye (£2400 roughly) and still need to wear glasses for the rest of her life
RE: Lasik Operations. by djdannyp on 05-27-2009 at 09:52 PM
At the end of the day it's a personal choice. It's not something I need to consider, but my boss had it a few years ago and absolutely raves about it, said she's so glad she did it.
But for every success story you'll read there'll be ones where it didn't work out. Maybe try to find out the success rates of the particular surgeon who'd be doing the operation? But even then there's no guarantees
RE: Lasik Operations. by Chancer on 05-28-2009 at 12:15 AM
Basically, they cut a slice of your cornea, burn a precise area and then "glue" the cornea back. They won't sew anything.
After the surgery, you'll have to be careful, don't touch the eye, keep it clean, etc. After a few days it'll be OK.
If it's done correctly, and you have no complications, you'll have a perfect sight for long years.
However, your eye MUST be very stable. If your degree has changed recently (1 year or less), you're not recommended to do it, as it can change again, making the surgery useless. In average, you should wait until 23, 25 years to be sure your eyes are stable and won't change any more.
One of the major side-effects is that your eye might be very sensitive to light. So you might need sun glasses almost every time you go outside, or driving, etc. It's "mandatory" right after the procedure, but some people still need them after a long time, some just get used to them...
RE: Lasik Operations. by prashker on 05-28-2009 at 12:40 AM
Just get contacts
RE: Lasik Operations. by blessedguy on 05-28-2009 at 12:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Adeptus
You asked for opinions. I am not interested in the surgery at all, because contact lenses work very well for me. Acuvue now has two-week disposables that are approved for and safe to wear overnight. I don't bother with taking them out for shower either (in theory you are supposed to) and have had zero problems in 5 years. If you are now stuck with glasses, I would highly recommend trying contacts before you even think about surgery.
Same, although I prefer those you use for the whole day and take out before getting into water or going to sleep. Each of them last about 4 months, or even a whole semester if you're careful with it =P
What's your eyesight loss degree btw, if you don't bother to say it.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Chrono on 05-28-2009 at 01:01 AM
quote:lol, that kinda defeats the purpose
Originally posted by Chancer
So you might need sun glasses
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-28-2009 at 06:07 AM
quote:It depends on the surgeon of course, doesnt it?
Originally posted by Adeptus
quote:The only way it can lead to blindness is if the procedure is screwed up very badly and even then you would only lose one eye. It is always done one eye at a time and you have to have correctable vision in both to be eligible.
What are its bad effects? Can it lead to blindness by any chance?
quote:That is what I dont like about it, it's like a cycle. And, two years is not that long (referring to menthos' post).
Originally posted by Adeptus
The perfect outcome won't have any downsides. With less than perfect outcome it could correct your near-sightedness, but introduce halos, glare and similar issues. Some people lose the correction after several years (as methos mentioned) and either end up with glasses again or need to have it re-done.
quote:Yes, wearing contacts is a sensible solution indeed. I know alot of people who do wear contacts and are very relieved about it. Problem is, I am always wearing glasses and still my eyesight is getting worse as time passes.
Originally posted by Adeptus
You asked for opinions. I am not interested in the surgery at all, because contact lenses work very well for me. Acuvue now has two-week disposables that are approved for and safe to wear overnight. I don't bother with taking them out for shower either (in theory you are supposed to) and have had zero problems in 5 years. If you are now stuck with glasses, I would highly recommend trying contacts before you even think about surgery.
quote:That is what exactly confuses me, some people are very happy about it and others highly discourage it.
Originally posted by djdannyp
At the end of the day it's a personal choice. It's not something I need to consider, but my boss had it a few years ago and absolutely raves about it, said she's so glad she did it.
quote:Good point for sure. But, at the end no guarantees as you have mentioned.
Originally posted by djdannyp
But for every success story you'll read there'll be ones where it didn't work out. Maybe try to find out the success rates of the particular surgeon who'd be doing the operation? But even then there's no guarantees
quote:If it's for long years then it is worthy in my opinion.
Originally posted by Chancer
Basically, they cut a slice of your cornea, burn a precise area and then "glue" the cornea back. They won't sew anything.
After the surgery, you'll have to be careful, don't touch the eye, keep it clean, etc. After a few days it'll be OK.
If it's done correctly, and you have no complications, you'll have a perfect sight for long years.
quote:That's not good, from normal glasses to sun glasses. See what I mean by a cycle now.
Originally posted by Chancer
One of the major side-effects is that your eye might be very sensitive to light. So you might need sun glasses almost every time you go outside, or driving, etc. It's "mandatory" right after the procedure, but some people still need them after a long time, some just get used to them...
quote:
Originally posted by ShawnZ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXw4qqQqTrY
Unfortunately, "This video is not available in your country."
quote:agreed.
Originally posted by Chrono
quote:lol, that kinda defeats the purpose
Originally posted by Chancer
So you might need sun glasses
Last but not least, thank you all for your information and opinions.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Rolando on 05-28-2009 at 06:20 AM
I'm definitely getting one. I don't have that much though (1.5 and 1.75), and the effects of the surgery are said to be permanent. You've to realize there's different doctors. I don't see how a person could possibly have worse vision after the surgery than before... could be personal reaction, or a bad doctor.
It is recommended you get the surgery at age 24 though since that's when the eye stops changing.. you can get the surgery starting at 18, but my optometrist said it'll be better if I wait till 24, which is why I haven't had it done yet.
I don't like my contacts much, so I can't wait 
(Oh and, personally, my uncle had the surgery a long time ago and his vision is still perfect.)
RE: Lasik Operations. by Adeptus on 05-28-2009 at 08:40 AM
quote:-1.25 on both eyes with 0.75 astigmatism in the left eye only. That doesn't warrant special contact lenses so I just get half of of it (rounded up) on the sphere, resulting in -1.25, -1.75 prescription.
Originally posted by blessedguy
What's your eyesight loss degree btw, if you don't bother to say it.
For those who are not familiar with what the numbers mean, this is minor. Indoors, where few things are further away than 5-10 meters, I can easily forget whether I am wearing the contacts or glasses or not. I can drive fine without any correction in daylight, although it becomes a little more challenging in the dark.
Apparently, I was given a -0.75, -1.0 prescription for glasses when I was 6 years old, but my parents decided it wasn't necessary back then. They thought it would turn into a social issue, I could see well enough, and I didn't know anything different. I finally got some at 15, when it was starting to be more of a problem and I had more say in the matter.
quote:If your prescription is already bad enough (what we here call "coke bottles") that it can't be corrected with the convenient, disposable kind of contacts and you need custom-made hard gas-permeable type, the cost and the hassle of handling them correctly might be a problem. However, that would also make you a poor candidate for LASIC.
Originally posted by Moh
Yes, wearing contacts is a sensible solution indeed. I know alot of people who do wear contacts and are very relieved about it. Problem is, I am always wearing glasses and still my eyesight is getting worse as time passes.
If you can use generic disposables and the only issue is that your prescription changes fairly quickly, that's less of a problem with contacts than it is with glasses. You go through them anyway. Once a year or so you might get a new prescription and you will just restock with that.
Something else that hasn't been mentioned in this thread so far is orthokeratology -- special contact lenses that you wear only while sleeping, which have a lasting effect of reshaping the cornea. You'd put them in before going to bed and I assume they probably make your vision (while wearing them) worse than it already is. However, the reshaping effect should last for the day after, and over time, the strength you need actually goes down, not up. This is actually a good non-surgical alternative to LASIC for some people.
Anyway, just get what you need. About 20% of the population require some sort of vision correction, so this is not anything to feel bad or handicapped about. Contrary to the beliefs of my moron parents, I've never seen a boy with glasses who didn't look fine with them -- if that is the only option for you, don't worry about it, just pick some good frames.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Eddie on 05-28-2009 at 09:17 AM
I don't see whats so bad with glasses / contacts, its a part of life? Why does everything always have to be corrected by surgery, i know i definately never plan to have the surgery unless i become very tired of glasses in the future and it would vastly improve my eye site. As long as i can still see without my glasses as well i probably don't see the point in getting it. But as someone said, its all personal choice.
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-28-2009 at 10:39 AM
quote:Ahhh, still about five more years for you, good luck
Originally posted by Rolando
I'm definitely getting one. I don't have that much though (1.5 and 1.75), and the effects of the surgery are said to be permanent. You've to realize there's different doctors. I don't see how a person could possibly have worse vision after the surgery than before... could be personal reaction, or a bad doctor.
It is recommended you get the surgery at age 24 though since that's when the eye stops changing.. you can get the surgery starting at 18, but my optometrist said it'll be better if I wait till 24, which is why I haven't had it done yet.
. I know about the 18 part but never knew about the 24 part. So, do the results mainly depend on the doctor?quote:No, it's not that bad. But, I dont want it to get worse than it is now.
Originally posted by Adeptus
quote:If your prescription is already bad enough (what we here call "coke bottles") that it can't be corrected with the convenient, disposable kind of contacts and you need custom-made hard gas-permeable type, the cost and the hassle of handling them correctly might be a problem. However, that would also make you a poor candidate for LASIC.
Originally posted by Moh
Yes, wearing contacts is a sensible solution indeed. I know alot of people who do wear contacts and are very relieved about it. Problem is, I am always wearing glasses and still my eyesight is getting worse as time passes.
quote:Never really heard of it, so I dont know anything about it.
Originally posted by Adeptus
Something else that hasn't been mentioned in this thread so far is orthokeratology -- special contact lenses that you wear only while sleeping, which have a lasting effect of reshaping the cornea. You'd put them in before going to bed and I assume they probably make your vision (while wearing them) worse than it already is. However, the reshaping effect should last for the day after, and over time, the strength you need actually goes down, not up. This is actually a good non-surgical alternative to LASIC for some people.
quote:I totally agree with you there.
Originally posted by Adeptus
Anyway, just get what you need. About 20% of the population require some sort of vision correction, so this is not anything to feel bad or handicapped about. Contrary to the beliefs of my moron parents, I've never seen a boy with glasses who didn't look fine with them -- if that is the only option for you, don't worry about it, just pick some good frames.
quote:I dont have anything against glasses or contacts but as I have mentioned before, the part that I hate is that I barely take off my glasses and my eyesight still gets worse after a year or so but it does get worse. And, I think it would be the same using lenses. That's all.
Originally posted by Eddie
I don't see whats so bad with glasses / contacts, its a part of life? Why does everything always have to be corrected by surgery, i know i definately never plan to have the surgery unless i become very tired of glasses in the future and it would vastly improve my eye site. As long as i can still see without my glasses as well i probably don't see the point in getting it. But as someone said, its all personal choice.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Volv on 05-28-2009 at 12:53 PM
quote:I don't think that LASIC eye surgery would fix this problem. It merely attempts to give you a clean slate to start from, it does not prevent further loss of eyesight.
Originally posted by Moh
the part that I hate is that I barely take off my glasses and my eyesight still gets worse after a year or so but it does get worse. And, I think it would be the same using lenses. That's all.
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-28-2009 at 01:01 PM
quote:That is the reason I was asking about its advantages, I've read somewhere that it leads to perfection and STABILITY of vision. I actually kind of doubt the stability part. Thanks Volv.
Originally posted by Volv
quote:I don't think that LASIC eye surgery would fix this problem. It merely attempts to give you a clean slate to start from, it does not prevent further loss of eyesight.
Originally posted by Moh
the part that I hate is that I barely take off my glasses and my eyesight still gets worse after a year or so but it does get worse. And, I think it would be the same using lenses. That's all.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Basilis on 05-28-2009 at 01:45 PM
quote:Wearing glasses does not mean that the vision does not get worse.
Originally posted by Moh
I dont have anything against glasses or contacts but as I have mentioned before, the part that I hate is that I barely take off my glasses and my eyesight still gets worse after a year or so but it does get worse. And, I think it would be the same using lenses. That's all.
Eye contacts are a good solution if you need my opinion.
RE: Lasik Operations. by blessedguy on 05-28-2009 at 05:23 PM
quote:Well, I've never met people who have made that surgery, but doctors say it's effects aren't permanet, as already said here.
Originally posted by Moh
That is the reason I was asking about its advantages, I've read somewhere that it leads to perfection and STABILITY of vision. I actually kind of doubt the stability part. Thanks Volv.
quote:I've got everything against glasses, but contacts are fine. Mine is also very unstable =P, keeps getting worse each year. It was barely -0.25/0 when I was 11, but it already is -6.00/-5.75, same as Mom (wich already is -7.75/-7.50), and yep, that means I'll probably never make that surgery, as it is NOT stabel, and will never be I guess.
Originally posted by Moh
I dont have anything against glasses or contacts but as I have mentioned before, the part that I hate is that I barely take off my glasses and my eyesight still gets worse after a year or so but it does get worse. And, I think it would be the same using lenses. That's all.
quote:
Originally posted by Basilis
Eye contacts are a good solution if you need my opinion.
IdemRE: Lasik Operations. by Vimto on 05-29-2009 at 11:33 AM
I've considered laser eye surgery. My eyes are -3.50 (left) and -4.75 (right). I have no idea what that means though
I currently wear contacts, but if you think about the money in one year you spend on contacts, for me around £240, I've had contact lenses for about 5 years now, so all in all they have cost me £1200 approx. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is more than the cost for the surgery. The clinic I looked at were offering £395 per eye.
I am interested in this because, well, I see nothing wrong with glasses or lenses, I guess I'm just lazy, I'd like to be able to see all of the time without having to resort to wearing glasses or contacts.
Sure you may have to get it re-done or w.e but isn't it worth it? It's hassle free, you don't have to put contacts in every day or wear glasses and it's cheaper in the long run.
RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 05-29-2009 at 02:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Vimto
I've considered laser eye surgery. My eyes are -3.50 (left) and -4.75 (right). I have no idea what that means though
I currently wear contacts, but if you think about the money in one year you spend on contacts, for me around £240, I've had contact lenses for about 5 years now, so all in all they have cost me £1200 approx. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is more than the cost for the surgery. The clinic I looked at were offering £395 per eye.
I am interested in this because, well, I see nothing wrong with glasses or lenses, I guess I'm just lazy, I'd like to be able to see all of the time without having to resort to wearing glasses or contacts.
Sure you may have to get it re-done or w.e but isn't it worth it? It's hassle free, you don't have to put contacts in every day or wear glasses and it's cheaper in the long run.
I dont see why many people adore lenses actually, they only avoid you from wearing glasses I guess and glasses are not that bad. Also, it's not like they are cheap or anything. But, thinking about the successful result (obtaining permanent perfect vision) of a lasik surgery is worth consideration for sure if all that is true though. However, Im still confused about its results and I'm also wondering whether the result depends mainly on the surgeon or something else is involved. Finally, money is not the issue if the result is going to be actually worthy. [Even Vimto pointed that its cheaper than lenses on the long run]
RE: Lasik Operations. by vaccination on 05-29-2009 at 02:55 PM
quote:I'm not educated on the subject, but I would hazard a guess that the results of the surgery are more dependant on the condition of the patient than the surgeons skill. One would assume that the surgeons are qualified to carry out the surgery and as such have the necessary skill to make it a successful operation. [Agreed that the surgeons skill will vary however.]
Originally posted by Moh
However, Im still confused about its results and I'm also wondering whether the result depends mainly on the surgeon or something else is involved.
RE: Lasik Operations. by blessedguy on 05-30-2009 at 03:21 PM
quote:For use with Lensmakers Equation:
Originally posted by Vimto
My eyes are -3.50 (left) and -4.75 (right). I have no idea what that means though
(from wikipedia)
RE: Lasik Operations. by Vimto on 05-31-2009 at 08:50 AM
I meant more that I don't know if my eyes are bad or not Based on those numbers.
* Vimto is stupid
RE: Lasik Operations. by ipab on 05-31-2009 at 07:20 PM
Just thought I'd throw this out there. There is another approach to eye surgery as an alternative to LASIK. It's called PRK and a more evolved form of it is called "No Touch PRK", it involves no cutting, so less risk there. It does have a longer healing period though...
Personally, anything about messing around with eyes sets off my alarm bells... don't ask me why, it's sort of an irrational fear of the unknown. Anyway, I'd suggest trying contacts before you make the jump to eye surgery...
Me, I look good in my glasses so I'll keep them, for now atleast 
RE: Lasik Operations. by blessedguy on 06-01-2009 at 02:07 PM
quote:Oh, your right eye is not nice, certainly, but your left eye is a bit like the avarage, anyways,
Originally posted by Vimto
I meant more that I don't know if my eyes are bad or not
* Vimto is stupid
VIMTO I LOVE YOU! That very same Lensmakers Equation was at my Vestibular test yesterday, I wouldn't be able to remember it if yuo hadn't ask that =P
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Vimto on 06-01-2009 at 04:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by blessedguy
quote:Oh, your right eye is not nice, certainly, but your left eye is a bit like the avarage, anyways,
Originally posted by Vimto
I meant more that I don't know if my eyes are bad or not
* Vimto is stupid
VIMTO I LOVE YOU! That very same Lensmakers Equation was at my Vestibular test yesterday, I wouldn't be able to remember it if yuo hadn't ask that =P
I love you too!
Glad I was able to help... kinda
RE: Lasik Operations. by Voldemort on 06-02-2009 at 03:39 PM
my best friend just got it done a month ago... she had 5ish on both eyes iirc... she's fine now no glasses anymore
RE: Lasik Operations. by ipab on 06-05-2009 at 06:32 AM
http://www.infobarrel.com/Deciding_on_Laser_Eye_Surgery
Interesting read... well written too 
.
RE: RE: Lasik Operations. by Moh on 06-05-2009 at 10:56 AM
quote:The exact thing I was looking for, people with experience and most important had the surgery done. Great article, thanks.
Originally posted by ipab
http://www.infobarrel.com/Deciding_on_Laser_Eye_Surgery
Interesting read... well written too