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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: bowhunter2k9 on March 20, 2014, 08:09:10 AM

Title: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on March 20, 2014, 08:09:10 AM
Hey guys, I've finally gotten annoyed enough with contacts and glasses while hunting. Scheduled LASIK on the 4th of April. Who here has done it and what are the results? And I mean the new laser surgery


I had the surgery, and am now (one day after surgery) 20/15 with just a bit of cloudiness... that should disappear soon!
Title: Re: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: MouthCaller on March 20, 2014, 08:35:37 AM
Quote from: bowhunter2k9 on March 20, 2014, 08:09:10 AM
Hey guys, I've finally gotten annoyed enough with contacts and glasses while hunting. Scheduled LASIK on the 4th of April. Who here has done it and what are the results? And I mean the new laser surgery
They run radio ads for the new way of that here and supposedly you are seeing better than 20-20 within a day let me know how it turns out cause I would love to do that as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: WildSpur on March 20, 2014, 08:42:16 AM
I did a little over a year ago.  Best move I have made.  I was a -4.75 in contacts.  I am now 20/15 and my astigmatism is fixed.  I don't have any side effects.  I initially had halos which are common but they disappeared within a few months. 

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Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: rutnstrut on March 20, 2014, 09:48:20 AM
Been thinking of getting it done. Working construction I'm always getting stuff in my eyes and it's agrivating wearing contacts


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Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: letinmfly on March 20, 2014, 09:52:25 AM
I had it done 11 years ago and it was the best thing I could have done.  I still have 20/25 vision and I'll be 50 this year. 
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Frank G on March 20, 2014, 09:54:59 AM
Had mine done 15 years ago, best move I have ever made. Need to wear "cheaters" now and again in dark areas restaurants etc. But other then that "perfect".  :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: DirtNap647 on March 20, 2014, 10:29:20 AM
been researching this to ...does anyone know if its true that you have to get it done again just a rumor and was wondering...?
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: BowBendr on March 20, 2014, 01:46:01 PM
I wish I was able to do it, I hate wearing glasses while hunting...especially archery hunting...and i'd like to be able to use a set of binoculars without rolling down the eye cups and trying to get lined up.

Dr. won't do it but I can't understand why, something about bad angles my corneas sit at or somethin'....
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: jwhunter on March 20, 2014, 02:14:07 PM
I am -5.50 in both eyes..!!!! I want it bad but my vision keeps getting worse
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: PEHunter on March 20, 2014, 02:41:45 PM
Had it done in 2006 and it worked great.  Only side effect is eyes domt seem to focus as fast as they did. I only notice it at times when going from something really close to really far. They told me that could happen so Im ok with it. I did just have to get readers at 44, but they told me that would happen also after 40. My distant vision is still great 20/20 & 20/15.  Im glad I got it. Good luck.

Forgot to add that my doc would not recommend it until my existing vision went longer than 2 years without changing.
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Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: stinkpickle on March 20, 2014, 02:57:18 PM
My wife had it done several years ago, and she says it worked great.  She had the full laser procedure, not the one that involves razor blades...WHATEVER THAT MEANS!  I'll take her word for it. 
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: beagler on March 20, 2014, 03:22:23 PM
TERRIBLE LUCK with it personally! This really hot girl I was dating had it done then dumped me shortly afterward. :happy0167: :'(
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: fsu33952 on March 20, 2014, 06:12:49 PM
I wore glasses for 20 years. Couldn't see without them. Had it about five years ago. I have 20-15vision now. I remember the first year after I had it. It is amazing how much stuff you will see that you missed before.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: TRKYHTR on March 20, 2014, 07:29:15 PM
My wife runs an Ophthalmology surgical center.

Joe
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: VA_Birdhunter on March 20, 2014, 08:42:21 PM
I've been wearing contacts for many years I would love to have it done...know some guys that have and are very pleased with the results!!

God Bless
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on March 21, 2014, 01:20:56 PM

Quote from: beagler on March 20, 2014, 03:22:23 PM
TERRIBLE LUCK with it personally! This really hot girl I was dating had it done then dumped me shortly afterward. :happy0167: :'(

I Lol'd
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: chuckward on March 21, 2014, 01:32:42 PM
Had it done 9 years ago. My contacts were -6.25 before and within a week I had 20/20. I'd have it done again tomorrow if need be.  Chuck
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: TauntoHawk on March 21, 2014, 04:31:21 PM
I have a Health Savings account set up for the purpose of having Lasik done when I can. another year and half an I should be their.

My eyes havent changed in about 5 years so I think im good but it'd be nice not to have to mess with contacts again.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: steveo on March 21, 2014, 04:59:43 PM
Had the old type done? I guess since it has been 18 or so years ago! it is great, only need reading glasses now but they had said that by the time ya hit late 40s probably would.
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: jhcats10 on March 21, 2014, 05:08:22 PM
Had it done about 3 years ago. Like everyone else, best move I've made. WELL worth the money in my opinion
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: BamaProud on March 21, 2014, 11:39:36 PM
My wife did it about 6 years ago.  She describes it as life changing.  She went from near blind to better than 20/20 literally over night and with zero complications. 

I was afraid she would leave me once she was able to see me. ;)
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: ridgerunner on March 22, 2014, 08:15:14 AM
How much does this surgery costs guys? I'd love to get it done.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: BamaProud on March 22, 2014, 05:41:50 PM
It was about 5K back 6 or so years ago.  We could have gotten it done cheaper but were most comfortable with a certain Doctor.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: FL-Boss on March 22, 2014, 06:02:35 PM
yea, I priced it out last week at about $4,800 - highest rated, recommended doctor in my area.  I'm sure some will do it for half the price... but when it comes to my eyes..I won't take chances.
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on March 22, 2014, 08:25:59 PM

Quote from: FL-Boss on March 22, 2014, 06:02:35 PM
yea, I priced it out last week at about $4,800 - highest rated, recommended doctor in my area.  I'm sure some will do it for half the price... but when it comes to my eyes..I won't take chances.

This^^^ same. More expensive but way better reviews
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: timberchicken on March 23, 2014, 09:59:52 PM
I had PRK (very similar to Lasik) surgery done 2 years ago.  It was a great move but you are right on getting what you pay for and not taking any chances with your eyes.  It is great to not have your glasses fog or contact shift while staring down a turkey or deer. 
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Old Gobbler on March 23, 2014, 10:59:34 PM
I have Astigmatism in both eyes ( oval or odd shaped corneas ) would I be a candidate for LASIK ?
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: WildSpur on March 23, 2014, 11:20:37 PM
You should be.  I think the major thing is if your corneas are thick enough.  I had an astigmatism and it was fixed with the surgery.

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Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on March 24, 2014, 12:25:08 AM

Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 23, 2014, 10:59:34 PM
I have Astigmatism in both eyes ( oval or odd shaped corneas ) would I be a candidate for LASIK ?

I do too, doctor said I'm a great candidate and it should fix it all. The lasers now a days are advanced enough to get the curve correct
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Flydown on March 24, 2014, 12:40:45 AM
I had it done in 1998.  Cost $4700.00 bucks and is my best investment to this day. 
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Old Gobbler on March 24, 2014, 07:59:28 AM
How long after the procedure is done can you see correctly and or return to work ?
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on March 24, 2014, 08:14:43 AM

Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 24, 2014, 07:59:28 AM
How long after the procedure is done can you see correctly and or return to work ?

The doctor said some people see perfect immediately... Most are the next day! And some it takes a little longer, my doctor only does them in Friday so you will have the weekend to heal fully
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: 2much2loud on March 24, 2014, 10:10:08 AM
Can you be put out for this? What is the pain like during and after? I thought about doing one eye at a time just in case
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Frank G on March 24, 2014, 10:17:57 AM
I was able to see "immediately", no pain what so ever, able to read the odometer from the passenger seat. Sun glasses for sure and goggles for a couple of nights. They don't want you to rub your eyes while sleeping.   :happy0064:
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: BamaProud on March 24, 2014, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: Frank G on March 24, 2014, 10:17:57 AM
I was able to see "immediately", no pain what so ever, able to read the odometer from the passenger seat. Sun glasses for sure and goggles for a couple of nights. They don't want you to rub your eyes while sleeping.   :happy0064:

Same for my wife.  No pain.  When we got home she said "I never knew you were supposed to see individual leaves while they are up in the trees".  ...then she said yer freeking UGLY too. ;) 
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: FL-Boss on March 24, 2014, 09:22:06 PM
I can't wait to get this done in a few months... already looking forward to next hunting season because I won't need foggy glasses.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Turkey Trot on March 25, 2014, 11:36:34 AM
Quote from: ridgerunner on March 22, 2014, 08:15:14 AM
How much does this surgery costs guys? I'd love to get it done.

Prices vary pretty widely, and I would not go with the cheapest personally.  Who has to pay if they mess it up with bargain lasik?  It is elective surgery, so insurance likely will not cover any resulting injury and follow-up surgery.

I've been researching lasik for a while and have been waiting and monitoring to give them to time to make certain that there are no long term problems being discovered.  Going "bladeless" with an all-laser procedure, often call "Intralase," but their are different protocols and trade names (e.g., Customvue).  A good eye mapping before surgery is important, so knowing which is the best and which clinic has what should be part of the research, as which equipment and how they do the procedure should be.

Wang is an example of a very prominent lasik doctor that charges a lot of money.  His website is one of the most informative that you can use for research.

http://www.wangvisioninstitute.com/   
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Frank G on March 25, 2014, 01:00:08 PM
Wanted to add one more item. The mapping test the day before is the only irritating aspect of the procedure  ::). If memory serves, the exam was 2 to 3 hours with the next day procedure ½ hour and gone. If you have ever looked through a red dot scope that is what it looks like with the exception the red dot blinks. My left eye took 10 seconds and my right 12 and gone  :happy0064:
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: memphistiger02 on March 27, 2014, 09:24:13 AM
I had it done last year. I was wearing -6 contacts, now I am 20/20 in one eye and almost that in the other. I am happy with it. They said I might have dry eyes after but they are fine to me.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: timberchicken on March 27, 2014, 06:22:12 PM
Quote from: WildSpur on March 23, 2014, 11:20:37 PM
You should be.  I think the major thing is if your corneas are thick enough.  I had an astigmatism and it was fixed with the surgery.

my corneas were to thin and thats why my doc did the prk surgery.  I was laid up for a couple days and could drive after about 5.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Shellwaster on March 27, 2014, 09:59:08 PM
I go for my consultation on April 15th. If the cost isn't too much I may see if they will trade my left n-u-t for the surgery.  Been wanting a kamado grill, kamado joe to be exact, a gun safe and a few more expensive items but LASIK will be beneficial long term.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Frank G on March 28, 2014, 07:43:04 AM
Quote from: Shellwaster on March 27, 2014, 09:59:08 PM
I go for my consultation on April 15th. If the cost isn't too much I may see if they will trade my left n-u-t for the surgery.  Been wanting a kamado grill, kamado joe to be exact, a gun safe and a few more expensive items but LASIK will be beneficial long term.

L@@k at it this way ....... you will be able to see everything better after the procedure  :icon_thumright: You may not want it after you get a good l@@k. Result you save money.  :TooFunny:
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: mtsrunner on March 28, 2014, 11:19:41 PM
Well...It seems like everyone has had good results. I have mixed feelings. I had mine done when I was 29. I could see perfectly with my contacts. After the LASIK, I was 20/25 in my left eye and 20-30 in my right eye. Both eyes developed star bursts when looking at lights, especially at night when driving. Both eyes got progressively worse over time. Fast forward to when I was 39. And my vision had slipped to about -5 in both eyes. I went for another consult and was told that this time I would get better results with PRK ( the knife version). Had it done and only got to about 20/40 in both eyes. I put up with it for three years and had to go back to contacts at age 42. Now, at 44 I have to wear contacts and reading glasses. I guess I'm the outlier. Both of my surgeons were very highly rated. I guess God just gave me really bad eyes in exchange for being unbelievably handsome.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Shellwaster on March 29, 2014, 08:44:44 AM
Quote from: mtsrunner on March 28, 2014, 11:19:41 PM
Well...It seems like everyone has had good results. I have mixed feelings. I had mine done when I was 29. I could see perfectly with my contacts. After the LASIK, I was 20/25 in my left eye and 20-30 in my right eye. Both eyes developed star bursts when looking at lights, especially at night when driving. Both eyes got progressively worse over time. Fast forward to when I was 39. And my vision had slipped to about -5 in both eyes. I went for another consult and was told that this time I would get better results with PRK ( the knife version). Had it done and only got to about 20/40 in both eyes. I put up with it for three years and had to go back to contacts at age 42. Now, at 44 I have to wear contacts and reading glasses. I guess I'm the outlier. Both of my surgeons were very highly rated. I guess God just gave me really bad eyes in exchange for being unbelievably handsome.

Sorry to hear about your results. I'm afraid I'll have a similar experience as I too am blessed with good looks   :toothy12:
In all seriousness these are the things I need to hear and would like to know the ratio of patients of this experience to that of great results.
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Turkey Trot on March 29, 2014, 12:11:30 PM
Quote from: Shellwaster on March 27, 2014, 09:59:08 PM
I go for my consultation on April 15th. If the cost isn't too much I may see if they will trade my left n-u-t for the surgery.  Been wanting a kamado grill, kamado joe to be exact, a gun safe and a few more expensive items but LASIK will be beneficial long term.

Are you considering Blue Laser in Athens?

http://bluelasergroup.com/
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Shellwaster on March 29, 2014, 12:16:24 PM
I'm not familiar with them. My consultation is with the Woolfoson Eye Center. If you have experience with the Blue Laser Group please PM me with your experience.
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on April 04, 2014, 06:53:49 AM
My LASIK is this morning at 8:00!! Prayers welcome!!
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Frank G on April 04, 2014, 08:56:08 AM
Quote from: bowhunter2k9 on April 04, 2014, 06:53:49 AM
My LASIK is this morning at 8:00!! Prayers welcome!!

G@@d luck ...................... :drool:
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Shellwaster on April 04, 2014, 06:13:17 PM
Good luck and let us know how it goes
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on April 04, 2014, 10:49:44 PM

Quote from: Shellwaster on April 04, 2014, 06:13:17 PM
Good luck and let us know how it goes

It was a success!! Went to my post op exam at 4:00, had 20/15 in both eyes, just a little cloudy vision... Kind of like a dry contact... Eyes have a bit of blood but zero pain!!(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/ybutepu2.jpg)
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: Shellwaster on April 04, 2014, 10:52:10 PM
Way to go man. Was it blade less or traditional with the microkerometet (spelling?)?
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on April 04, 2014, 11:30:07 PM
It was blade less... All they used was a laser!
Title: Re: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: FL-Boss on April 04, 2014, 11:54:03 PM
what was your vision before?
Title: Who has had LASIK?
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on April 05, 2014, 12:08:36 AM
20/120 I think... Like a -1.75
Title: Re: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: Frank G on April 05, 2014, 07:27:54 PM
Outstanding,
The dryness will go away. :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: Shellwaster on April 15, 2014, 07:47:50 PM
Well I went for my free lasik consultation today and instead of the sales pitch the doctor said that I don't need lasik and that I can see 20/20 without corrective lenses. The only reason I need them is because after several hours without them my eyes strain to stay focused. So, there is vision measured in 20/20, 20/30, 20/40 and so on and then there is focus. He said come back in 10 years when my eyes aren't 20/20 anymore and they can fix my vision as well as the focus problem and the slight astigmatism in my right eye. So it looks like I will be wearing uncomfortable contacts for awhile.

I'm conflicted with this news as I'm tired of wearing lenses or glasses, been in one or the other for the last 26 of my 34 years, but glad I don't have to spend the money or finance it. Maybe in 10 years it will be a procedure paid for by obamacare?
Title: Re: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: BowBendr on April 15, 2014, 09:33:09 PM
I still wish this surgery was an option for me....I know that bird that bolted on me yesterday at 30 yds had to have seen the glare from my glasses. I hate wearing glasses while hunting. Been wearing them 5 years and I still haven't gotten used to having them on my face in the woods.
Title: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on May 06, 2014, 10:02:29 AM

Quote from: Shellwaster on April 15, 2014, 07:47:50 PM
Well I went for my free lasik consultation today and instead of the sales pitch the doctor said that I don't need lasik and that I can see 20/20 without corrective lenses. The only reason I need them is because after several hours without them my eyes strain to stay focused. So, there is vision measured in 20/20, 20/30, 20/40 and so on and then there is focus. He said come back in 10 years when my eyes aren't 20/20 anymore and they can fix my vision as well as the focus problem and the slight astigmatism in my right eye. So it looks like I will be wearing uncomfortable contacts for awhile.

I'm conflicted with this news as I'm tired of wearing lenses or glasses, been in one or the other for the last 26 of my 34 years, but glad I don't have to spend the money or finance it. Maybe in 10 years it will be a procedure paid for by obamacare?

Did he not suggest permanent contacts or a different surgery? My doctor regularly put in permanent contacts as well.

Title: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: bowhunter2k9 on May 06, 2014, 10:03:37 AM
UPDATE!!  My vision is now 100% no cloudy and is still 20/15!!! They are a little dryer than my eyes withoUt surgery but I put drops in when needed
Title: Re: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: Marc on May 06, 2014, 01:09:42 PM
I saw this post, and although I am new to the forums I am an optometrist.  I do a lot of the pre-op and post-op care for lasik surgeries.

Running a small private practice, I also recommend to patients whether or not they are good candidates.

There are a lot of misconceptions about lasik, but here is a list of some issues which make any patient a poor candidate:

Hyperopic prescription for glasses.

Too much Astigmatism (over 3.50 diopters of cylinder or astigmatic prescription).

Dry eyes.

Any ocular surface disorder


Cataracts that might have to be removed within 10 years.  (We all get cataracts as we age, many of us need them removed at some point in our life.

Lasik is something you do not want to price shop for.  Best way to find a good lasik surgeon is to go to a good optometrist.  We see the results from all of the surgical centers, and have a pretty good handle on who is good and who is not.  Also, you are paying for the technology when you are paying for lasik.

Dry eyes will almost always get worse after lasik.  If someone with dry eyes wants to do the procedure, I generally treat and resolve those dry eye issues before sending a patient in for lasik.  This can take up to a year, and in many cases, I recommend the patient does not get the procedure done.

If you do get your vision corrected for distance, at some point in your 40's you will need glasses to read with.  The cornea is responsible for focusing the majority of the light to the back of the eye.  The lens also helps to focus the light, but more importantly the lens is what adjusts our focus from far to near work.  As we get into our 40's the lens becomes less flexible and cannot adjust our focus as well (thus the reason that we need bifocals).  Lasik surgery reshapes the cornea, and has no effect on the lens, so you will need glasses to see up close at some point in your 40's if you get both eyes corrected for distance.
.

P.S. can someone explain to me how to do a bullet or numbered list on this forum?
Title: LASIK (Updated)!!
Post by: Shellwaster on May 06, 2014, 06:43:08 PM

Quote from: bowhunter2k9 on May 06, 2014, 10:02:29 AM


Did he not suggest permanent contacts or a different surgery? My doctor regularly put in permanent contacts as well.
[/quote]

The Doctor didn't recommend a permanent lens as my vision isn't the issue, it's my eyes are week and begin to strain to maintain focus.