Laser Eye Surgery - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Frank X. Morris · #1 03-20-2003, 11:01 PM

Howdy All,
On an other thread someone mentioned they had laser eye surgery and I was wondering who else has had it?¿ I had Lasic Laser eye surgery in October of 2000 and love it. I had 20/800- 20/1000 vision with Astigmatism and now I am around 20/40 with a slight Astigmatism. I liked what it did for me so much I will go do it again to get it to 20/20 in each eye

So what have been your results?¿

jsmith · #2 03-20-2003, 11:27 PM

Frank,

That was me. I had the procedure in January of last year. I have presbyopia or age onset near-vision problems. I didn't want to wear reading glasses so I had monovision correction performed which leaves one eye slightly undercorrected for near vision. I now have 20/20 in both eyes. I started with -5.25 diopter and wound up with -1.00 for my "reading" eye and -0.20 for my "distance" eye. It's just about the best compromise as far as I'm concerned. When seeing conditions are bad and I'm driving I wear glasses to correct the "reading" eye which helps quite a bit. I don't really need to but it's just more comfortable than without. Younger folks who are years away from near-vision problems don't usually have to worry about any of what I just described.

I endorse the procedure but strongly suggest that you educate yourself on all the issues surrounding it.

Frank X. Morris · #3 03-21-2003, 12:10 AM

Howdy Joe,
I was going to ask you about it on the other thread but I figured it was a good enough subject for its own thread

I use reading glasses but I can get away without useing them except for small print. The thing that amazed me after surgery were the brightness of the colors

I agree with you about educating yourself about it. The clinic that did my eyes went through it in detail.

#4 03-21-2003, 12:26 AM

The only person I've known that didn't have the greatest expected results is my sister. Although her eyesight is fine during the day, at night it's no longer as good. She's still able to drive and all, but the sight isn't as crisp as when the sun is out.

I've thought about it, but probably will never have the procedure. I've been wearing glasses now for thirty years and they really don't bother me even with an active lifestyle.

Playin' it safe!

Frank X. Morris · #5 03-21-2003, 12:30 AM

Howdy Eric,
Hey we aren't talking Unimogs?!¿¡ If your eyes don't change too much for a couple years then have it done. The eyes will be more stable for a longer time after surgery.

CMuc · #6 03-21-2003, 01:30 AM

This place has a lot of experience and is preforming a new proceedure to eliminate reading glasses.

http://www.lasereye.com/2002/start.html

jsmith · #7 03-21-2003, 08:14 AM

Sflori,

Loss of contrast is one undesirable aftereffect but it varies from case to case. It certainly affects night vision which can be a combination os the loss of contrast as well as other visual aberrations. The older equipment tended to cause halos and glare effects because their ablation zones were too narrow. My statements are all oversimplifications and it is really best to do a lot of research beforehand.

Cmuc,

That procedure sounds very encouraging. Maybe someday I can have my full vision back. The procedure is experimental and they say they have only performed it on 10 patients. The Canadians have always been a few years ahead of US & FDA approval in this field.

PC Dave · #8 03-21-2003, 09:11 AM

I had Lasik on both eyes (near-sightedness, astigmatism) in May, 1998 in Alberta (went to Banff, Lake Louise while waiting for surgery, beautiful!). It was tremendous, changed my life for about 4 years. Early last year I started to notice deterioration, and that has progressed, though not to the point where I have to take action yet. I haven't decided if I will get glasses or try to have additional surgery.

I don't think this is a flaw of the process, so much as simply my eyes changing as I've grown older. I still recommend the process - it was worth it just for the 4 perfect years.

Diesel-Lover · #9 03-21-2003, 10:11 AM

Hi,

Looks like in most cases the results are positive. I had the surgery about 3 years ago. Tried Mono vision but couldn't get the hang of it so had both eyes fixed for distance vision (3.5 ft on-wards!). They just pulled back the flap and zapped the eye a bit more to give distance vision in that one too.

Now I still need to use reading glasses for up close.

A bit of a loss in the contrast division

On cloudy days and at dusk the vision is problematic as well, using polarized sun glasses fixes the issues (lightly shaded).

I am still looking for clear no power polarized lenses, I feel these may fix the dusk issue better than the shades (perhaps even the contrast issues as well).

On windy dusty days I miss my glasses! Though its nice to be able to see right from the moment you open your eyes.

If I had to do it again I would probably pass. IMHO the utility function of the surgery is lower the older one gets due to age onset near vision issues.

jsmith · #10 03-21-2003, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diesel-Lover
I am still looking for clear no power polarized lenses, I feel these may fix the dusk issue better than the shades (perhaps even the contrast issues as well).

i looked into that and they said that polarized lenses are all shaded. my "driving glasses" have that special non-reflective anti-glare coating that makes it look like there's no lens there. got em made up at costco for about $50. you can have non prescription glasses made up the same way...

Frank X. Morris · #11 03-21-2003, 10:43 PM

Howdy All,
I wasn't worried at all. I couldn't wait. I had waited along time and when the price came down so I could afford it I was there. I was looking at having the old RK thing done many years ago but couldn't afford it. Since my eyes were so bad I expected change. I will have it done again.

CMuc · #12 03-22-2003, 12:15 AM

I was far sighted and had a form of PRK done called "no touch", that does not involve any cutting or scraping. I now have 20/15 vision in both eyes.

Diesel-Lover · #13 03-23-2003, 12:23 AM

Jsmith,

I will have to pay them a visit. There is a Costco about 60 miles from here. Is the optical dept a part of Costco or is it a private vendor inside the store?

I will ask about clear driving glasses with antiglare lenses. I hope they have a sample or something.

The way I hit upon the polarized lenses helping me was a fluke. It was actually kind of too dark for sunglasses one evening but as I was tired the oncoming lights of a gm car were bothering me at an intersection. To save my vision while waiting for a long traffic signal cycle I put the sun glasses on and was totally zapped with how comfortable and nice it was with them on even at the late hour. But the problem of not enough light was also there as I could not see my instruments etc and my field of vision was limited to my headlights only, similar to late night.

Thanks again.

#14 03-23-2003, 01:54 AM

I've actually found that wearing my polarized sunglasses (amber/brown shade) helps me when driving in the rain during daylight hours. It greatly reduces glare caused both in the air and on the ground.

Peyton300TD · #15 03-24-2003, 08:38 PM

hey i had lasik excimer two years ago and LOVE it.

no problems at all.... night vision isn't bad like they said it would be and no halo's either. love it!