Eye Doctor for Contacts after Lasik (transplants, how much, school)

[Julie4530]

Hi all, it's kind of a long story, but basically after 15 years my lasik has "worn off" and my vision is bad again. I had worked with a dr at Target optical to get contacts but we could not find any that were workable. I was told that because of the change in shape of the cornea after lasik, finding the right contact prescription could be very challenging.

I'm looking to 1) hear of anyone else who has experienced this and if you were able to wear contacts again with success, and, 2) if anyone can recommend a good eye dr in the E. Valley who may have experience with something complex like this. I'm wondering if the Target dr just didn't know what he was doing.

PS - I do not want to do another lasik surgery so that option's off the table. Too risky for me.

Thanks so much!

[LBTRS]

Wow interesting, always hear people say "best thing I ever did, wish I would have done it sooner" and you're saying you won't do it again.

I've always wanted to do it but have been unwilling to actually take the risk of doing it. I was unaware that it "wore off". Will be interested to hear what others have to add.

[Julie4530]

Yeah, the doctor at Target said they are now telling people it lasts 8 years, tops before you need to get another surgery. Again, not sure if he knows what he's talking about.

When I had it done in 1997, they said it would be for life, except I would need reading glasses around age 40. Well, I'm 40, and instead of reading glasses I've gone back to not being able to see at a distance - much like what I had before lasik, but not as bad. Could just be a part of the aging process.

I, too, am interested to see what others' experiences are.

[cre8lite]

i had mine done in ~2000, was told i could never wear contacts again. this last year i discovered my vision wasn't quite what it used to be, so i went to the dr. to my suprise, i'm at 20/20 vision. i knew right after my surgery i had better than 20/20, but don't remember how much better

i too will never again do lasik. it wasn't that they screwed up or anything like that, it's just i'm touchy about my eyes. you had your opportunity to make it better & that's all you're going to get. i'm glad i had the surgery, i'm glad it's lasted as long as it has & i do recommend it to others, but never again for me.

good luck in your search!

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by Julie4530

Yeah, the doctor at Target said they are now telling people it lasts 8 years, tops before you need to get another surgery. Again, not sure if he knows what he's talking about.

The professional at Target is an optometrist not an ophthalmologist. There is a difference because ophthalmologists are physicians and are the foremost authorities on this issue. Optometrists are not physicians (MD or DO) and did not go to medical school. They are people who undergo training in eye care and providing corrective lenses but they don't perform surgery and don't undergo a formal residency after they graduate from their respective professional school. While speaking to an optometrist is fine for an initial visit, you want to be seen by ophthalmologist and any reputable optmometrist would have referred you to an ophthalmologist in this case. If the optometrist at Target did indeed tell you that laser refractive surgery lasts 8 years tops and that people need another surgery again....well that advice is pretty irresponsible to say the least.

When I had it done in 1997, they said it would be for life, except I would need reading glasses around age 40. Well, I'm 40, and instead of reading glasses I've gone nearsighted again like I was before lasik, but not as bad. Could just be a part of the aging process.

I, too, am interested to see what others' experiences are.

I had it done around the same time and I've had no issues. Every person is different and yes as we age, our eyes do change. And with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with them. In terms of long term outcomes, this is the best information you will receive. Furthermore anecdotal tales will vary but if you want objective unbiased information regarding this, read below

"The two most common types of refractive surgical procedures are lamellar procedures: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK); and surface ablation procedures: photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and epithelial laser keratomileusis (epi-LASIK).

Long-term outcome studies for PRK and LASIK are difficult to accomplish because the patient population is largely young, mobile, and generally doing well, resulting in loss to follow-up. Additionally, outcomes related to new technological advances are not reflected in studies of procedures done ten years earlier.
However, ten year outcome studies have been published for PRK and LASIK in patients with mild [80,81] and with more severe [82,83] myopia. These studies, involving a combined total of 785 eyes, demonstrate stability for refraction and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and overall excellent safety. Myopic regression was more likely to occur in the first two years following surgery, with slower rates thereafter. Retreatment was performed in 20 to 45 percent of patients, commonly beyond two years from the initial treatment, and was well tolerated. In another series of 779 eyes in 402 patients followed for five years following LASIK procedure, best corrected visual acuity remained unchanged, compared to one month post-operative, in 98 percent of patients; 17.5 percent of patients had undergone additional surgery at a mean of 2.5 years after the initial procedure [84].
Patient satisfaction following LASIK surgery is high, compared with other elective surgical procedures. In a systematic review of 19 articles reporting patient quality of life and satisfaction after LASIK procedure, the overall patient satisfaction with surgical outcome was 95.4 percent "

[krazykatlady]

I had PRK about 10 years ago and since I've moved out here I can't see very well at all. I'm assuming that my vision hasn't changed drastically overnight. Most likely it's because my eyes are extremely dry. I agree that you should take a trip to see an eye dr. (real dr.).

Sue

[SMG]

I hav. Cornea disease and have had three cornea transplants. When i get lenses, i have to see someonethat is knowledgeable, will spend a lot of time wih me. I see acornea specialist, Dr Paul Wagner. I can not see the fast food contact guys. Dr Wagner is excellent.

[SMG]

M typos were Ipad related, not cornea related. Dr Wagner has spent two hours on a Saturday morning
Dialing my eyes n..pretty committed.

[azriverfan.]

You also have to consider the source. Optometrists aren't particularly fond of these surgeries because it cuts into their business. They make money selling corrective lenses and annual check ups. When people undergo laser refractive surgery, they are pretty much done with contacts and glasses so it's not difficult to understand why some optometrists aren't fond of these surgeries. I understand for some people, it's not a permanent solution but for the overwhelming majority of patients it is. The optometry industry changed since laser refractive surgery became mainstream about 15 years ago when chains started to offer the procedure for both eyes for less than a $1000. I remember Pat Riley used to do contact lens commercials for Acuvue in the 90's. Now adult contact lenses are a thing of the past of the past and these companies pretty much limit their advertising toward teenagers and young adults who are too young to qualify for laser refractive surgery.

BTW, I'm not advocating for or against it. I'm only advocating that you be seen by an ophthalmologist if you have questions or concerns about the procedure. I wouldn't limit my source of information to an optometrist working at a department store.

[azdr0710]

had Lasik about 12 years ago and it is a miracle....I'm active outdoors and it helped incredibly....never heard of Lasik "wearing off", but my doc told me I definitely would need reading glasses as normal some day and that day came about two years ago!...no problem....I'm sorry your distance vision has not stayed as it should as that was why I did it and it's been great...

definitely need to see a real eye doctor if you haven't yet....maybe just a pair of glasses is needed?....see what he/she says and get a full exam.....