Nemmy Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 I'm getting it on May 19th in Orlando. It's LASIK Plus, which is supposed to be better than regular LASIK. Has anyone had this before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 What's lasik? :shock: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 It's LASIK Plus, which is supposed to be better than regular LASIK. Has anyone had this before? Nemmy.... I have worked for nine years for what is now probably the largest ophthalmology (eye doctor) practice in the United States. We do LASIK as well as other refractive procedures. FYI...LASIK PLUS is the name of the practice, not the procedure, and it's basically part of a "chain" of laser centers nationwide. Here's what you (or anybody else out there considering LASIK) need to know before committing to surgery: 1) Is your doctor a board certified OPHTHALMOLOGIST? An ophthalmologist is an MD. It is optimal for you to choose an LASIK surgeon who is also a subspecialist in corneal surgery (such as cornea transplants, cataract surgery, etc). Some ophthalmologists who have never performed surgery are "trained" to perform LASIK and that's it. You want someone who really knows the cornea of the eye. 2) Don't be pressured into surgery and don't choose your surgeon/surgery center based on price. These are your eyes you are talking about, so signing on to have surgery because the "special offer" ends Friday night at 9:00 is not a good idea. Most LASIK surgeons offer special credit plans and even some insurance plans are now contributing toward corrective surgery. I can't tell you how many patients come to our subspecialists to have their eyes corrected after getting poor results somewhere else. Ever see that episode of "King of Queens"? That really happens. 3) Get more than one opinion. Most LASIK surgeons offer free consultations and a good doctor won't be offended if you get more than one opinion. Also, realize that a simple eye exam may be enough for someone to tell you you COULD be a candidate for LASIK, but it is only through a thorough consultation and diagnostic tests that it can be determined if you are a good candidate and what procedure is best for you. Finally, make sure you know all the ins and outs of what is going to happen, and what is covered as part of your surgery. In other words, if your surgery is not as successful as you or your surgeon would have liked, will he/she do an enhancement procedure and if so, is it covered as part of your initial cost or will it cost you extra? Hopefully you've done your homework and feel comfortable with the doctor you have chosen. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. I have several coworkers in my department that have had the procedure or who work for the doctors who do the procedure. Shari "Too chicken to have it myself, but will encourage you to do it" Shoufler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hattuchili Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Hey, I am an optican from Germany. I am personally not so convinced of the LASIK procedure. Finally it is a healthy organ to is operated. Defective vision is not an illness. And what is with the organ in 20 years? How high are the risk and the chances for success? How high are the side effects, can someone predict that? But everyone should know for itself. --Soeren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Yeah, Robb was considering it but there just aren't enough long term results yet to really commit to it, plus Robb is lucky enough where his contacts don't really bother him and he can leave them in for weeks at a time! Elissa "doesn't need glasses!" Alvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Mare had it done years ago, and is totally happy with the results. I, on the other hand, am totally terrified of it going horribly, horribly wrong if I attempt it, so will just continue to deal with glasses/contacts. This is likely just me being my usual insane self, but I don't think I could have this done... dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 ^Did you ever see the episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets it done at the mall and his eyes crust over?? :laughing: Elissa "I could totally see that happening to Dave!" Alvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemmy Posted February 21, 2005 Author Share Posted February 21, 2005 Disneygurl, thanks for the error. I'm getting it done at a LASIK Plus center, but the procedure is called Custom Wavefront LASIK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Disneygurl, thanks for the error. I'm getting it done at a LASIK Plus center, but the procedure is called Custom Wavefront LASIK. We do the Custom Wavefront here as well, and while not everyone is a candidate for that technology, but it is a huge advancement. I will tell you that we have 5 or 6 of our doctors here who do the LASIK, RK, PRK and the overall results and long term success rates are great. I am sure you will do great. When are you having to done? Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hattuchili Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 How much cost the Lasik surgery in the US? In Germany you have to pay between 1,500,- and 2,000,- for one eye. How it works: During Your Surgery · Lasik surgery itself takes approximately 10 minutes for both eyes. · During this time your surgeon will communicate with you, and talk you through the procedure. In this regard there are no surprises, and it makes it easier for you. · Drops are used to numb the eyes before beginning. · There is no pain at all. The only thing you feel is the gentle surgeon’s touch and mild pressure. · It's easier than going to the dentist! · Tape is used to ensure that your eyelashes do not interfere with the procedure. · A small speculum keeps your eyes from blinking. · A suction ring is placed on the eye. Your vision then goes dark. · You hear the gentle hum of the keratome. · The vision returns. Your job is to look into the middle of the red light. · The laser makes a small clicking noise. · You can smell the evaporation of tissue. · You feel cool water as the surgeon replaces the flap. · You don't have to worry about blinking, or about moving your eyes. The laser has a sophisticated tracking system that follows your eyes. Should you even move more than a millimeter, the laser shuts itself off automatically. --Soeren How it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 How much cost the Lasik surgery in the US? In Germany you have to pay between 1,500,- and 2,000,- for one eye. It's approximately the same here, if you have it done with an MD such as the ones I work for. Some places (like the ones I warned about in previous post) will advertise $500 per eye in their commercial advertising, however, you have to read the fine print. Usually that is for a very specific Rx, and it only covers the initial procedure, no enhancements, post operative complications, etc. Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josephwanek Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I am also one of the people who is too scared to try it yet. But I'm only 18, how old should you be before you consider getting it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 ^Generally, they won't do it until you are 18, but once you are 18 your eyes have "finished growing". Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carnage Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 That's some great info. I've been considering getting this done for awhile now(I'm 24 currently). Though "considering" isn't really the best word. It's not something I plan on getting done anytime soon. Financially it will be awhile anyways considering that I just bought a townhouse. But in a year or two when I can afford it, I might consider it. Contacts aren't an option for me. I tried them, but just wasn't able to get them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josephwanek Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Cool, thanks for the info. But what is the percentage of completely successful laser surgery? Is blindness/eye damage a big possibility? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 But what is the percentage of completely successful laser surgery? Is blindness/eye damage a big possibility? I am not sure where you find statistical data as far as a "national average" for successful surgeries, and again, I think it's in your hands to make sure you are choosing a reputable facility, etc. Overall, I think the majority of surgeries are successful. The level of success can vary, and some people do end up going in and having what is called an enhancement, which is an additional procedure to "tweak" the correction. Most of my coworkers that have had it have sat up in the chair able to see fine. Some patients have long term problems with dry eyes, most have some occasional dry eye problems, especially during healing period. The most important thing is to remember it is surgery and it has risks, just as any surgery does. Since it's an elective procedure, you have to weigh those risks. But I think if you go to a reputable doctor and have had healthy eyes (except for the need for glasses/contacts) you should have good results. Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carnage Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 I remember awhile back I asked my eye doctor about this. He said that I would most likely be eligable for laser sugery. One thing he mentioned though was that later in life when I got older I would probably have to get bifocals for reading. I wasn't too sure on how that works though, or if I understood it correctly. But I figure it's worth it to have to have bifocals when I'm older if it saves me 30 years of wearing glasses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 One thing he mentioned though was that later in life when I got older I would probably have to get bifocals for reading. This is the best way I can explain it..... LASIK and other refractive surgeries correct the shape of the eye, most specifically the cornea. It is the shape of the eye (cornea) that most often effects how well we see close up (farsighted) or (more often) at a distance (nearsighted). However, the natural aging of your eye can also effect your vision. This tends to effect a person's ability to see things that are close up. That's why you see so many people over 40/50 having to buy those little magnifying eyeglasses at Walgreens. The current procedures out there don't correct this type of condition. However, some people who have been told they need to wear bifocals to correct both problems will opt to have LASIK so that they aren't 100% dependent on glasses/contacts. My coworker had LASIK 3 years ago because she didn't want to have to wear glasses all the time and she couldn't stand the bifocal contact lenses. Of course, there are several new technological advances and some new procedures are just waiting, pending FDA approval. I know there are two new procedures we will begin doing in 2005. Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemmy Posted May 20, 2005 Author Share Posted May 20, 2005 If anyone cares, it got delayed until tomorrow due to some rich guy who needed some operation at the time. I can't believe I'm still up, even though I'm going to Orlando tomorrow. And I'm not visiting any theme parks, which bites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I've been considering getting this done for awhile now(I'm 24 currently). What are the regulations on Lasik in Canada? Most of the horror stories I heard about Lasik back in the day were people who went to Canada for "cheaper" procedures. http://www.teamlasik.com/tampatrib1.htm I did this website for a surgeon in Florida about 4 years ago or so. (I swear I am much better now ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemmy Posted May 21, 2005 Author Share Posted May 21, 2005 Well, it went well. I'm not supposed to stare at the computer, so I had my girlfriend browse to the site while I just look at the keyboard. I'm not supposed to play any activities with lots of motion for three days, so no DDR. Anyway, my eyes are pretty watery and are burning like hell, but I'm not supposed to touch them. I'm supposed to go back later today for my first post-op appointment. What else sucks is that I have to wear eye shields at night for four fucking weeks. But, all in all, the doctor says it went very well, and that it should be a success. All I can do is pray that is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemmy Posted May 24, 2005 Author Share Posted May 24, 2005 If anyone still cares, I can play non-contact sports tomorrow as of 3 PM! That means I can restart DDR! The doctor still says that the surgery was a success. My eyes are still burning a bit, but that should go away in the next two to five days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 Can you notice any difference yet? Elissa "maybe Robb will get this someday!" Alvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemmy Posted May 24, 2005 Author Share Posted May 24, 2005 Well, Lasik is a highly unstable surgery. My vision is fluctuating, but at worst, is only at a level just a bit better than what I had without glasses. This should go away in about 4 to 5 months... :? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homey G. Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 Everything I understand, there's no reason to panic unless you hear the doctor say "bad flap" :shock: Then you can panic. Maybe Shari can fill you in on that. Brian sez, no glasses for contacts for me either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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