Lasik Eye Surgery

My daughter, son-in-law and a co-worker all had it done. They, like some of the others, wish they had had it done sooner. My daughter wore thick heavy glasses for years and now is blessed with the fact that all she needs are sunglasses when the sun is out or since she lives up north when there is snow on the ground. My so-in-law says it is so nice to be able to do his job without having to wear glsses. Good Luck, I think you will be glad you had it done, also.

Marie

I was the first in my family to do it. It was FANTASTIC! Since then, my mom, dad, and sister have all had it. My husband wants it too.

It was totally worth it. Good luck!

My best friend and her husband had it several years ago in their 40's and they have no regrets. We're the same age and she can see everything without problems while I have to get my glasses or strain my eyes.

I didn't see that anyone suggested this yet, but you might want to look into the Visian ICL. Instead of me trying to describe it, take a look for yourself. Here is the comparison chart to LASIK http://visianinfo.com/cwc/_premium/refractive_chart.php?s... ,
Roam around the other parts of the page too. This seems like the best option to me-I have been researching for my hubby.
Good Luck with whatever you chose to do!

OMGosh!!! Do you wear contacts or glasses now?? I had the surgery done last November and it was seriously the BEST 7 MINUTES OF MY LIFE!! You get off of the table and you can SEE the clock and actually tell time without having to squint. I have recommended this to all of my friends who still wear contacts and glasses. Don't get me wrong, your eyes will hurt after the surgery, but only for the evening..which I slept the whole rest of the day anyway. It feels like sand is in your eye and it does hurt, but only if you're trying to try out your "new" eyes. Just keep em shut and you won't have a problem. You wear some racket-ball type goggles for about a week after your surgery so you don't rub your eyes...so the cornea can heal correctly-which, BTW heals within hours of completing the surgery. My vision is Superman-like and sometimes I feel like I have eagle-eye sight! It has really gotten better over the course of this past year. No more stinging contacts in the early morning hours or dry eye from leaving your contacts in from a nap or sleeping through the night. You can see leaves...Individual leaves on trees!! It seriously is a miracle surgery and you won't regret having it done. Also, I used LasikPlus and you can finance the surgery for like 24 months at 0%!! Everyone there is so nice and the Doctor is just fun and makes you feel secure. Anyway-I hope you get it done for yourself and I hope I have helped you get a little bit more insight into the deal...I mean, it's your eyes!! I was nervous but totally excited...now, I'm a new woman who can wake up in the morning and see the alarm clock!!

I personally haven't had it but I'm going to. We are waiting till our house sells and then I'm sooo there!. My husband had his eyes done about 10 years ago and he now has 20/40 vision. That's better than average! The things he sees that I don't is amazing! That street sign that is just a little too dark is no problem for him. Also, the rest of my extended family have had theirs done and are so happy and grateful they did. I've already had consultations on it an am ready to go!

Our doctor is Dr. Shawn Wong in Austin. He's one of the top eye surgeons in Texas. His father opened their practice and his son followed in his footsteps. Interesting note too, his father was either one of the first or the first, I can't remember which, asian person to be born in Austin. Just a little tid bit that I always found fascinating. Yes, we are personal friends with Dr. Wong but that doesn't change his credentials. He's just plain good at his job. And he's nice and comforting too.

I say do it! Enjoy your new eyes! And one day I'll be able to see you around!
Smiles,
Jen
http://www.mommysjoy.com

I had PRK and not Lasik because my corneas were too thin. My husband had Lasik. Both of us are beyond happy with the results. I have gone through wearing glasses, soft contacts and hard contacts with my vision being best with the gas-permeable contacts before my surgery. After my surgery (2 1/2 years now), I see better than I did even with my hard contacts. Your vision is very precious so make sure you do your research on the doctor. And make sure an ophthalmologist, rather than an optometrist, will be doing your surgery. If you are a good candidate for the surgery, it is definitely well-worth the expense. Good luck!

HI M. - Well, now you know that pretty much everyone recommends LASIK! I do also - best thing I ever did for myself. However, I wish there were some things they would have told me <before> I went under the laser. I did ask a lot of questions and was reassured time and again, but after the surgery is when they give you the "go home" instructions (when you are all fuzzy-eyed!)
So - be prepared! Here's a list from my surgery in April '08:
Wear eye shields (they provided) for 2 weeks while sleeping to prevent rubbing your eyes in your sleep (and you will, even though you won't realize it!). You'll be using anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotic drops for at least one week after surgery. You'll be using a TON of artificial tears, so look for coupons now. Ask the doctor which type they recommend.
No eye makeup, aerobics, contact sports, saunas or steam rooms for 2 weeks after surgery. No pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, oceans for one month after surgery. No scuba diving or snorkeling for 6 weeks (ie: don't have Lasik right before your tropical honeymoon). Ditto for scheduling surgery during allergy season if you're one who gets red, irritated eyes.
Toss out your mascara and eyeliner the day you go in for surgery and buy fresh stuff after the two-week time limit.
My big thing was DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES for 6 MONTHS. I laughed at my doctor - how can anyone not do that for six months? Especially when they say you can start wearing eye makeup after 2 weeks? Anyway, I haven't had any problems yet, and my vision was better than 20/20 after LASIK. Huzzah!
Oh, and one other thing I can share... I went in for my initial consult and booked a surgery date for two weeks later. They give you a free consult/exam, but expect you to put down $100 towards the surgery when you pick a date. I had to cancel my surgery due to family issues, and didn't immediately book another date. Well, I guess the company really wanted my business (or not to refund my $100) because after one month they called me and offered 50% off my surgery! Not saying that happens regularly, but if you're not in a rush...
Good luck with your decision on LASIK!

I had it done about 10 years ago and was so impressed by my doctor I started working for the Lasik company. There are pro's and con's regarding having Lasik. You have to be a candidate first. I had to have a touch up surgery after my eyes healed from the previous surgery do to regression. Don't be put off by this because this is usually covered in the expense of the Lasik Procedure. This is something that you will want to ask in the interview to see if you are a candidate. Here are some other things you'll want to be aware of also. Your pupil size matters whether you have double vision, night blindness, or halos. The bigger your pupil size the greater the risk of one of these things after surgery. You'll also want to be aware that Dry Eye is a possibility sense the ph balance will become unbalanced because you’re changing a physical property in your eye. This however is usually correctible or goes back to normal after you heal. After surgery, you will be using eye drops to keep your eye nice and moist so that it can heal properly. You will be advised not to ware make up for 2 weeks after your procedure because you don't want any foreign contaminates to get into your eye. Don't let any of these things discourage you. Lasik is wonderful and coming from someone who couldn't see her clock without glasses/contacts. My vision was so bad that all my other senses had to take up the slack.
For the procedure they usually give you a mild sedative like Vicodin then they put drops into your eye to numb it. You will need a driver to take you home. Rest is extremely important to do directly after surgery. Also after surgery you will most likely be able to see without any aid. It is the most amazing thing. I thought all the colors looked so much more vivid as if I'd had been looking through cloudy glass the whole time. You'll get some rather large sun glasses. I suggest you wear these at least 2 weeks following if you are in a heavily lighted area and for sure, if you go outside in the daytime. My vision after my touch up was 20/15 but now it is regressing again and I'll need to have another one. But that’s also do to age and environmental hazards. Don't get me wrong I still think its worth it and every case is different. I just don't want you to have unrealistic expectations. I also added up the cost of Lasik verses the cost of glasses/contacts to see when it would be a financial benefit. Mine came out to 3 years when I'd break even. I have 7 years of saving money. wooo hooo! The only problem I had was that now everyone could see how big my nose was especially since I didn't have my glasses to balance my features. lol
I hope this helps and by the way I still think Lasik's AWESOME!!!

I had Lasik done 2 years ago and haven't regretted it one bit! In fact, I occasionally give my husband a hard time about how he hasn't done it himself. He said he would once I had a successful surgery.
I went to LasikPlus at 9705 Research Blvd. I liked that they did a free exam to make sure that you were a good candidate. They also seem to have good payment options, although I paid for mine in full with money I had been saving up.
Good Luck!!
R.

Hi M.,

I highly recommend lasik. I had mine done in May 2006 and I still can't believe how blessed I am. All of my life I was dependent on glasses or contacts so things such as reading the clock in the morning required me to get up. Now I open my eyes and I can see what time it is and I thank God. It was expensive but I have no regrets. I went to the Mann Eye Institute. I was very pleased with their professionalism. Definitely not the cheapest and not a place you are guaranteed to be accepted as a candidate. But if it is an option for you they will certainly tell you. Good Luck.

L. T.

I had the surgery 2 years ago. I went from not being able to read the big E on the eye chart to having 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other. They did this on purpose so that I can see clearly both far away and close up (no reading glasses are needed). If I experience halos it is normally because my eyes are tired or dry. A little eye drop and I'm good to go. The only real frustration is trying to pluck my eyebrows. Since my eyes are at different powers it is hard to see both brows up close.

I had my surgery at Woodlands Custom Vision.
http://www.woodlandscustomvision.com/

It was expensive but worth every cent.

Do it. Love it! Had mine done 10 years ago- when I was 43. I do need reading glasses for up close but I can drive without glasses or contacts. Nirvana! And when I want to "dress up" -no glasses to spoil the look. Best investment in myself ever. I went to Dr. Whitsett (sp?) off of the Katy Freeway.

I did it and love the results. I could still read without corrective surgery but couldn't see far away. I only had one eye corrected so I see far with one eye and read with the other. Sounds weird, I know, but it works. Takes a little getting used to but I think it is the best thing I've ever done with my money....Good luck!

Hi M. :)

I had corrective surgery done 6 years ago. That was the BEST money I have ever spent, and I would do it again in less than a heartbeat! I can't speak specifically for LASIK (I had PRK/LASEK done because I was so near sighted - it's more invasive, and the recovery time is longer) But I can tell you that it is worth it. My vision was corrected to 20/16. The only "problem" I have is that sometimes I see halos around street signs/lights at night if I am really tired. Other than that, no problems. Before surgery, I couldn't even see the big E on the eye chart ;)

One thing I will suggest - find a reputable doctor. I went to Dr. Koch at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Even though it was more expensive than it would have been if I'd had it done in my home town, it was well worth it. They should do all of the screening tests to make sure you are a good candidate, and then a doctor should tell you what would be best for your eyes.

hth :)
Good luck!

Had it done 10 years ago and it was the best money ever spent! Shortly thereafter my 2 sisters got it done and it was the best money they ever spent! I went to Dr. Yee who worked at Baylor, I think,---they were doing a study. I could see 20/15 the next day although some things were still a bit blurry for a month or so. I also had the side effect of halos around lights-- that problem lasted for at least a year. It was a minor irritation when driving at night. All in all, I absolutely recommend it. Just find a commendable doctor.

My husband had it and his only regret was he didn't do it sooner. He loves it and it was worth every penny. My brother-in-law had it after my husband and loved it also.
Go for it!!!
Blessings,
D.

I had Lasik eye surgery in May of this year, and it was a little painful but after day 2 I was so glad I did it. I had been in glasses since 4 and just last January was in a MAJOR car crash and ever since that time had difficulties getting my contacts in and out b/c I would have flashes of the hospital and them being taken out and leaving me blind to my doctor and also the air bag. Anyway my Dr. and husband decided this was something I should think about and I was nervous but it was the best choice, I really didn't like my glasses after the wreck either. Now I don't really remember why I didn't want to do it. All of my check up have been great. My best friends husband is a Fire Fighter and after I had it done he decided to also and he would said the same as me. If you have any direct questions email me at ____@____.com

My husband had it done. I can not remember his sight before the surgery, but lets just say he could only see blobs of color for people. It was so bad when we would go to the lake to swim, him without his glasses, I had to wear a bright yellow swimsuit so he could "see" me. He decided to have it done, about 8 years ago, I was worried to say the least. His vision to 20/10, I think or 10/20. Basically he can see at 20 feet what a 20/20 person sees at 10. Better than "perfect". I was there when he had the surgery, it was freaky, but we saved money already, he would go through 2 to 4 pair of glasses a year costing us 400-600 a year. The surgery cost 1200, so in 3 years it was paid off. I will suggest doing it in winter, because you can get infections for months afterwards, so no swimming or getting bath water in your eyes.

Oh absolutely do it! I had it done 10 years ago and I LOVE IT! I have never had a problem w/vision or anything since I've had it done- In fact my husband refers to me as eagle eyes;-) I hated wearing glasses and every single type of contac I tried caused an infection in my eyes. It really wasn't a big deal (except for the huge payoff), my eyes were a bit sensitive for a couple of days but nothing that really impaired my day to day activities. Good Luck and don't sweat it.

I would go with RK (Radial Keritonomy). It's safer & more accurate. I know some former fellow churchmembers who had it & my hubby knows someone who has & they just can't believe the great outcome it had. On the other hand, I haven't heard many good things about Lasik. In fact, just the opposite...problems with 'halo' vision, still blurry vision & needing to still wear glasses or contacts or worse vision than before, etc. I really would do a thorough research & read about the doctor you're choosing, really try to find any complaints or praises from patients. Perhaps there is a forum on Lasik and/or RK that you can join or just read any comments made & who is suggested to perform the procedure. I refuse to let my hubby go thru w/it. I keep pushing him to get the RK although that procedure may not be covered by insurance like Lasik sometimes is. Best of luck & remember, you only get one chance. I personally am happy w/my contacts & will wear them til I HAVE to wear my glasses. I'm grateful for my eyeglasses too but they tend to give me headaches. Again, best of luck!

Hi M.,

I had lasik eye surgery 2 years ago this month and I have no regrets......Well, only that I didn't have it done sooner! I was nearsighted and had been wearing glasses and contacts since I was in elementary school. My husband also had the surgery. It is totally worth it in our opinion. My vision is now 20/12 in each eye. I have had no side effects, no dryness, no itching, no pain, nothing!
I recommend it!!! It's wonderful being able to see in the morning without reaching for the glasses or wear shades without contacts!

Hope this helps! God Bless!

My husband and I both have had it done, as well as my mother in law. We all love it!! My mil still has to wear reading glasses for the super close stuff because she was well into her 50s when she had it done, but is still overall very pleased with her results. We ONLY recommend the Lasik Vision Institute, I think they have offices in Houston and Dallas and maybe San Antonio or Austin. We have known one guy that was told he was not a candidate there and went to another place to have it done and now he can only wear his glasses not even contacts. And we have another friend who decided to go to another place in Dallas to save a few hundred bucks and ended up having double vision for a few weeks because some dust or something got in there during the surgery and he had to have it redone in that eye. Mine and my husbands surgeries were done about 3 1/2 years apart and neither one of us had any issues and just love the results!!! GO for it!!

It is the best thing I have ever done for myself! I had it done 10 years ago. So far, no problems.

Hi M. well as far as Lasik surgery goes I havn't personally had it done but my husband just had it done about 6 months ago and it has made a dramatic change on him! My husband could not see the wall infront of him without his glasses but after years of struggling with Dr.'s visits and contacts and solutions, he decided to go for it he was sooooo scared but it took about 1 minute per eye and we were out of there before we knew it! Best decision he ever made! It can be a little expensive but so worth it!! Good Luck!

Best thing I have ever done. I had my surgery on my 30 birthday two years ago. I tell people for my 30th birthday I gave myself the gift of sight. I was very near sighted and had a large astigmatism. My doctor thought it might take two surgeries to achieve 20/20 vision but after the first surgery I was 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other. I have never had any problems and I did not have any side effects, not even the dry eyes that is a common problem. I had mine done at Lasik Plus in Austin.

Lisa