Lasik/PRK Eye Surgery

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jbsugarbrown

New member
Has anyone on here had either of these surgeries or do you know someone close to you that has? Am considering having Lasik done myself & am curious what other's results and side effects, etc. are for those who would be willing to share their experiences. Also, does anyone have experiences over the long term? Have you had to have enhancement surgeries or had to go back to glasses or contacts (I do understand the need for reading glasses would eventually apply to everyone, even those having had the surgery.)? Was it what you thought it would be? Would you do again?

Thanks so much to anyone willing to give their input!
 
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doospunk

Active member
A very close friend of our had it about 1.5 years ago. She wishes she had done it sooner. The clinic she had it done at offered a couple different financial packages. THe base package was for the initial procedure, (where any enhancement beyond that would be additional). THe package she went with included the initial procedure, and covers any future enhancements she might need. We only know a few others who have had it done as well, and from everything we've heard, those people have been happy with it.
 
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G

Guest
Had my Lasic done 9 years ago. Best thing I ever did. At first there was some dryness and a little 'Halo' effect at night. Nothing too serious. I either got used to both conditions or they got better on their own. I am still seeing very well and I do not use reading glasses. If I need to be enhanced in the future it will cost me $400 per eye because my original doc quit his private practice and got hooked up with TLC. My 19 year old daughter got PRK'd on Oct 19. She is having no ill effects and is seeing at 20 / 15. She had it done at the TLC place in Fargo ND. It cost about $3000. This was the best package with lifetime enhancements if needed. There are TLC places all over the nation now so even if you move there will be a place to get worked on if need be. Again - best thing I ever did. The people that have trouble are usually bad candidates to begin with. You have to have big fat corneas to be a good candidate. There was a hack practicing in this area about ten years who would do the procedure on anyone that walked in the door. Some of those folks had big problems. That is why you should not bargain shop for this procedure. They are your EYES.
 
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fredster

New member
I had lasik in 2005 and also wish I had done it years earlier, so nice to wake up and see and not have to mess with contacts or glasses. I am close to needing reading glasses now but my mid and far vision continues to be exceptional. No concerns and would do it again in a heartbeat.
 
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joks79

Member
I had mine done in May of this year. I wish I would have done it sooner. It was a simple procedure. I have dryness until late October. There is an eye drop that is expensive, but well worth it. I had glasses for 21 years and I couldn't see the big E without my glasses or contacts. I now see 20/20! I can't wait to go put wood in the outdoor boiler and come in and not have glasses that fog. Do your research and like said earlier don't go cheap! I had mine done in Appleton Wisconsin. PM me if you want to know who did mine.
 
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mxz500rider

Member
I as well am thinkin bout gettin it done. I'm 28. Been wearing glasses since I was 13. But damn I am nervous/scared about gettin it done. One slip and its game over on sleddin and everything else.
 
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G

Guest
I was 44 when I had mine done. 9 years later still good. When I had mine done you couldn't have too much astigmatism going on. They also told me that I was right on the edge for getting it done because once you get into bi-focals it was too late. I believe the tech has advanced since then and they can fix you if you have greater amounts of astigmatism. Also you do not want to do the 'mono vision' version of the procedure. The idea behind this is to fix one eye for long range and the other for near vision. I originally did that and didn't like it so I got re-touched on my one eye. That was one of the reasons I had Halos at night. Don't anymore. Anybody that is thinking about this should be concerned about who they trust to do it. Again - they are your only set of eyes. However they have done millions of these procedures at this point. Statistically you are much more likely to get hit by a bus than have something go wrong. The biggest risk is screwing up the cornea which is why you want to have big fat ones to work with. The laser itself is all computer operated and shuts off should you move or anything else. They worst thing about it is all the packing they shove into your eyes to keep them open during the procedure. Also it stinks when your eyes are getting burned by the laser. I had been very nearsighted since third grade. I had it done at 2 in the afternoon and when I got home a coon was fighting with my dog. I had to go out and shoot it. So I did. 4 hours after surgery. Dead. One shot. Granted I was close but it was still kind of cool. If you are seriously considering this surgery just make sure you go to a reputable place. They can test your corneas and if you are a good candidate they will go over your options. If they don't test you and offer some two for one $999.00 special deal turn and run out the door.
 
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snowdude

New member
I had only one eye done 6 years ago, I have never worn contacts or glasses but was having trouble seeing far. The absolute best $2500 I have ever spent!! Don't be nervous it was very simple and quick. Had some morning dryness for maybe a month and some haloing at night for a couple weeks but everything is great after that. You will wonder why you waited so long!
 
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1flatlander2

Member
i had it done back in 99 -4.5 in one eye and -4.0 in the other. just turned 41 sat. i'm getting to the point i will need glasses soon or a touch up. best thing i ever did. the only problem i have is looking at lazer or digital lights a little star bursty
 
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Grant Hoar

New member
I had mine done at TLC 3 years ago, when I was 46. Been wearing glasses since 3rd grade, astigmatism, nearsighted, I was was wearing progressive trifocal glasses that were costing about $700 a pair.

Knew I would need reading glasses, and have from day one. Echoing what everyone else says, go with a reputable company that does the advance testing. I was nervous as he.., they were very patient, took their time to explain everything over and over again, but no pressure to do the surgery until I was comfortable.

I do have issues when doing some home projects that are just beyond reading glass range, such as some woodworking and trim work, but have gotton used to that.

Love not having glasses for all the outside yard work, deer hunting (shot two deer three days after having the surgery), snowmobiling, etc.

100% happy, no. Have gotten used to it, and would definitely do it again.
 
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joks79

Member
I had an astigmatism. I am not sure on how much, but all good now. I was 30 when I got it done.

Whatever the cost of the procedure, its the only thing you will buy and use everyday.
 
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ibendwire

Member
My wife had Lasik about 12 years ago. It has been great for her. She never had to go back and has never had a problem. She is getting to the point that she is going to need reader glasses (unfortunately so am I) but otherwise she has loved it and only wishes she had done it sooner.
 
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anonomoose

New member
Did it in the 90's and got rid of my glasses....never looked back. I actually could see my toes in the shower...or didn't need to put the glasses on to see what time it was in the morning....sweet.

I will tell you that you need to do quantum amounts of research.....it used to be in Canada, where I got it done, the procedure was approved and not the equipment which means that you could get state of the art equipment that minimized human error I suspect it is still that way....worth investigating anyway.

Now unlike then, even less human involvement and equipment does the rest with lazer accuracy.

Would I do it again....no doubt about it. Is it perfect...still see some blurriness in low light conditions...and lost some visual clarity doing star gazing but it is a small price to pay to get away from getting sick every time I had to get "used" to a new pair of glasses.

I do have cheap peepers laying everywhere...in car/truck briefcase, suitcase and just about any place I need to see up close...but I'll take that any time over coke bottle glasses.

I am glad I did it and would do it again without hesitation. But do the research so you can go into it informed...and I don't think you have to pay out the nose either....just find a doctor that has done lots of them and uses the best equipment available....less human involvement the better.
 
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28sobaski

New member
I got Lasik done a couple years ago when I was 30. Like everyone else I wish I'd done it sooner. My wife is actually on the surgery team as a nurse and has been a part of hundreds of these procedures and hasn't seen a major complication yet. It's very safe, but I think everyone is nervous about it before you do it because it is you eyes they are messing with. Very simple and totally worth it if you ask me.
 
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Skidooski

New member
I've thought about it quite a bit also but I suppose being far-sighted, 55 years old, borderline glaucoma, and bi-focals on my glasses, I don't stand a chance at having this done.
 
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millertime

New member
I had mine done in 06' at 33 years old. Wish I had not waited, it was easy, painless, and fast. I had no issues. I did however research the procedure and found a Dr. That sits on the FDA for approving new procedures and equipment. He was also an eye surgeon. I had mine done in Brookfield Wisconsin, the doctor lived and practiced in chicago, and came to Milwaukee to do procdures.
 
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kb97z

New member
Get her done...worked for me..been 2 years.. alls good..I'm 45 young..You'll love it come snowmobiling
 
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