EYE SURGERY recommendations in SE Idaho? (Nampa, Pocatello: insurance, travel, work)

[Idaho mom]

Hi all - I have a strong eye prescription (-9 or so). It's only nearsightedness, nothing else too crazy. I am tired of wearing contacts or glasses all the time. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations from their own eye surgery in the SE part of Idaho, or am I looking to travel to SLC for this one? I was told about 5 years ago I'm not a good candidate for lasik, rather other procedures due to my level. Good or bad experiences, details about how it went locally, etc. I'd travel from Rexburg to Pocatello, or to SLC if necessary. Thanks in advance!

[cleosmom]

Gosh the only person I even know whose had the Lasik surgery done no longer works up here in IF, otherwise I'd be happy to see who he went as he was thrilled.

Me? I'm too chicken, the surgery hasn't been around long enough for me.

Mtn.States Resident might be able to shed some light on this.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Idaho mom

Hi all - I have a strong eye prescription (-9 or so). It's only nearsightedness, nothing else too crazy. I am tired of wearing contacts or glasses all the time. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations from their own eye surgery in the SE part of Idaho, or am I looking to travel to SLC for this one? I was told about 5 years ago I'm not a good candidate for lasik, rather other procedures due to my level. Good or bad experiences, details about how it went locally, etc. I'd travel from Rexburg to Pocatello, or to SLC if necessary. Thanks in advance!

Idaho mom,

I don't know why you were told you weren't a good candidate for Lasik surgery. It is possible you may be told that anywhere.

However, if you have reasons to believe you are a good candidate, send me a PM and I'll give you the names of local eastern Idaho opthalmologists who have international recognition for their work.

I never post names of professionals in an open post such as this.

Oh, my own sister has had 2 Lasik procedures in Idaho Falls and is very pleased with her results. But again, I don't know why you were told you weren't a good candidate originally. So best to discuss in a PM.

Let me know if I can help.

MSR

[esselcue]

Successful Lasix has to do with the thickness of the cornea. Some people do not have enough corneal tissue to use the laser for correction. It's a very simple procedure, though, if you are a good candidate. Takes only moments and is almost instantly a cure! Nothing to it...no pain, no worries...just lots of eyedrops for a couple of weeks afterwards (Yes, I had it done and so has my daughter!)

[Idaho mom]

Thanks all - I will send you a message MSR. It's a little scary thinking of someone poking around in my eye, but I really want it done and would like to know good local doctors. I think my cornea is thin but I'd have to have another full checkup to be sure.

[Chris Oria]

Dr. George Martinez, Nampa Idaho. He is not only the best, he's honest. Wont take you or your insurance company for a ride.
He will tell you what to expect, when to expect it and how.

In April of 2006, I had my eyes checked at America's Best because my vision was blurring just a little now and then.. They said my eyes were fine, and my vision was actually improving.

In July of 2006, I was unable to drive because my vision had become so blurred that I was seeing 'shadows' of light .. like ghost lights from bright objects.

Dr. Martinez found cataracts that were blinding me. Not normal cataracts that cloud your corneas.. but the kind that start in the back of your eyes, and push forward. Rapidly.

I have 20/20 vision now. It took two weeks, 1 laser surgery per eye per week, and I no longer need to wear glasses or contacts. My vision to start was 20/400

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Idaho mom

Thanks all - I will send you a message MSR. It's a little scary thinking of someone poking around in my eye, but I really want it done and would like to know good local doctors. I think my cornea is thin but I'd have to have another full checkup to be sure.

Idaho mom, you have mail. ( - must add the sunglasses when considering eye surgery- )

[Idaho mom]

Much obliged for your private message and info MSR. The doctor you mentioned was also brought up to me by a friend, so I think I'll give them a call for a consult. Thanks!

Also thank you Chris, but Nampa may be to far to drag around kids for follow-ups. If the local options don't pan out I'll keep Martinez in mind.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Idaho mom

Much obliged for your private message and info MSR. The doctor you mentioned was also brought up to me by a friend, so I think I'll give them a call for a consult. Thanks!

Also thank you Chris, but Nampa may be to far to drag around kids for follow-ups. If the local options don't pan out I'll keep Martinez in mind.

Idaho mom,

You are welcome. Please send me a PM after you see that MD. With his fellowship training, if there is something unusual about your cornea, he may know other treatments or national experts.

Good luck and I hope the appt. goes well for you.

MSR