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gguerra's reason for not having lasik are all false.
In 2005, I had Lasik surgery. I can truly say that's the best thing I ever did for myself. Because of my age, I elected to have mono-vision, where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is corrected for closeup vision. My astigmatism was also corrected. I bought some reading glasses right after the lasik surgery -- but, at the age of 70, I still dont have to wear them because of the mono-vision. I have regular eye checkups and my vision has not changed at all in the 11 years since my Lasik surgery.
You might search for "lasik" threads on this forum, as there have been other questions about it. I just did the search myself and found 69 threads for "lasik".
I sometimes hear about people needing to use reading glasses after the fact. Seems like I'd never get away from glasses and if that is the case I am just wondering what the point is at all.
Even people who have had perfect 20-20 vision throughout their lifetime will eventually need reading glasses. I have a -5.5 prescription, so not as bad as yours, and have contemplated Lasik a couple of times, but every time I realize I don't mind wearing contacts and/or glasses.
I'm not as much afraid of the bad things that can happen, which are definitely real, but if I ever get it done I would love to have better than 20-20 vision, something like Chuck Yeager's 20-10 eyesight! Other problems I have heard, are dryness in your eyes and constantly needing eye drops, or lights looking like starbursts at night. Like others have mentioned, the issues/problems, are quite low, but like with any medical procedure, things can happen. You, yourself, will just have to weigh out the pros and cons for what you are looking to get out of it.
Even people who have had perfect 20-20 vision throughout their lifetime will eventually need reading glasses...
Not everyone who has Lasik eventually needs reading glasses. Check out Lasik monovision, where one eye is corrected for distant vision and one eye is corrected for closeup vision. That's what I had done 11 years ago. It's awesome. I'm 70 years old and I dont need reading glasses.
Not everyone who has Lasik eventually needs reading glasses. Check out Lasik monovision, where one eye is corrected for distant vision and one eye is corrected for closeup vision. That's what I had done 11 years ago. It's awesome. I'm 70 years old and I dont need reading glasses.
I wasn't talking about people how had Lasik or Lasik monovision. I said people who had 20-20 vision their entire life, no glasses, no contacts, I realize they are probably, somewhat rare now a days.
Presbyopia is caused by an age-related process. The ciliary muscle behind the lens controls your near vision and as you age, even people with perfect vision (without Lasik), the muscle weakens causing it to become less elastic and in turn will essential cause the lens' shape to change and not be as effective.
If you just got the regular Lasik, you would have needed reading glasses and there's nothing to say down the road, even with the monovision procedure you won't need them either.
I have worked as an ophthalmic/optometric technician for the past 15 years, have done many LASIK work ups on patients, and have had the procedure done myself in its infancy. Let me start by telling anyone within the view of my keystrokes that eye exams are very important even if you have perfect vision. Eye exams detect eye diseases that may not cause symptoms, glaucoma being a major one. Eye exams can even detect diabetes and high blood pressure in patients who are unaware they have these conditions, so please do not neglect them.
We have a machine available now that can take photos of the back of your eye without the need for those annoying dilating drops. It is called the Optomap machine, so you can ask your eye doctor about doing that instead of dilation.
As far as LASIK is concerned, it is very safe. It does carry surgical risks, but I ended up with 20/20 vision and I had it done when the procedure had only been approved for less than one year. The majority of patients are very happy with it. I got 15 years of great vision without glasses before going into readers because I had it done quite young. I got it done for free, because I worked for an ophthalmologist. As long as you have healthy eyes, it carries minimal risks. If you don't want to do the readers, monovision LASIK is a great option. I hope that helped!
...Eye exams can even detect diabetes and high blood pressure in patients who are unaware they have these conditions, so please do not neglect them...
Great post. My mother had an eye exam when she was in her 80s and the eye doctor asked when she had had her stroke. She had been seeing an elder-care doctor and several specialists regularly but no one caught the fact that she had been having TIAs until the eye exam.
Glasses are not less expensive. Lasik done once will eventually be less expensive than glasses bought often.
I am 68 and had it done in 2002. I have been very pleased with the results and never had any enhancement procedures done. I can see the computer monitor, watch TV and movies in a theater, and drive without glasses. It's great to be able to exercise or work outdoors and get sweaty without glasses sliding down my nose.
I elected not to have monovision and use readers only for very small print; I am able to read a lot without them.
I had some problem with dryness before the procedure; it may be a bit worse now, but I do not think it's due to the Lasik.
I do see halos around lights but it's really only a bit of a problem at night in rain. Otherwise you pretty much learn to ignore them.
As someone who had worn glasses or contacts every waking moment since she was in the second grade, I agree with those who say Lasik is one of the best things they have ever done for themselves. I would absolutely do it again.
When it comes to taking even the slightest possibility of ultra low risk to any component of my eyesight? No thanks. While the risks/complications may be low, they aren't worth it to me. Sight, and hearing for that matter, are far too precious to me to risk for vanity and/or minor convenience. Glasses and/or contacts for me, thanks.
I'd recommend looking at some authoritative sources rather than relying upon others' experiences with it. Only you can decide whether you're willing to live with any possible risks or side effects.
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