Lazer Eye Surgery

My wife had it done around 10 years ago, in spite of me being dead against it (felt like an unnecessary risk to me). She was told it would correct her distance vision, but she would probably still need reading glasses. However, it did fix both for her. Her distance vision is still fine, but she needs weak reading glasses for small print again. So she was absolutely delighted with it, and I was happy to eat humble pie.

She went to VisionExpress (again, I was against using a High St. chain), and they were very good. The follow-up checks were great - 24hrs, 48hrs, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year. Might have been a 5-year check too.

It was a very quick procedure, and only slightly uncomfortable for her (I was a wreck in the waiting room).

I've got glasses for every conceivable activity (glasses that fit with the helmet for biking, prescription sunglasses, glasses with secure strap for flying, glasses for watching telly, glasses for reading...). But I'm too much of a woose to have it done.

 

Hi Dilly, I had laser treatment in 1993, when I was 36, and it was in its infancy. At the consultation I was told that when I reached my late 40's/early 50's I would need reading glasses due to natural deterioration. I was 53 when I started wearing reading glasses. It cost me £400 an eye back then, and is without doubt, the best money I have ever spent. I, like you, used to hate wearing glasses under my helmet, as I thought it was unsafe, in the event of an accident, as well as the usual fogging issues. I found the consultation answered all my questions.

 

Cheers, guys. Guess I can add my 2 cents here. My son gives anesthesia for a group of eye surgeons here and, when I was trying to decide what to do about my deteriorating vision, I talked to him about it. Of course there are different reasons you start loosing your vision but mine was due to cataracts. I have found out that my line of work for 40+ years (ironworking) can really cause cataracts since I was in the bright sunlight and also welding a lot. Anyway, I had been so tired of the continual progression of the situation ( reading glasses, stronger reading glasses, then full-time glasses due to my distance vision starting to go as well), that I was ready to do something. I am fortunate that supposedly one of the best lazer cataract surgeons in the U.S. works where my son works. I had the surgery, which I dreaded terribly since I am ultra sensitive about anyone doing anything with my eyes, and am thrilled with the results. With cataract surgery, you have three options: a clear lens that replaces the cloudy lens if you need no corrective lens, a single focal lens which will give you great distance vision, or a multi-focal lens which is supposed to correct close and distance vision. The Dr. who owns the clinic I went to suggested the single focal for me since I told him I could live with reading glasses, if I could get my distance vision back. I was thinking about the multi-focal until he informed me that, with that lens, I would not need readers but the distance vision would not be helped quite as much. Plus there is a big difference in price. Of course, what price is your vision worth! Bottom line: I am thrilled with the results and have 20/20 in one eye and better than 20/20 in the other. Again, just my point of view. Regards, Foss

 

I have been told that notwithstanding the possible improvements, laser surgery can have a negative effect on night vision. Does anybody know if there is any truth in this, or just hearsay ?

 

Had mine done in 2012 no problems with night vision whatsoever. There are two types of Laser surgery (can't remember the exact names) one were the surgeon shaves the front of the eye with the laser this allegedly can give a haze/fuzz around lights such as street lights at night and the other one is were the surgeon shave the eye to its natural contour eliminating this issue (this is the one I had). Apart from the near vision (I used reading glasses anyway) I have had no problems at all, its marvellous to be able to wear "normal sunglasses" and no grief wearing a full face helmet.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Pete.

 

I worked with a woman who from time to time, her pupil would blow (open fully and not close) then she would need an injection in the eye. bbbbrrrrrrrri

 

NO.

 

I know this isn't funny, but I had to chuckle when I read these posts. You see I can totally relate. I had a buddy with whom I was racing, at the time ( a few years ago) that owns an optical store here. He told me contacts were my answer (this was before the cataracts started coming on) and told me to come to the office and he would work with me on them. So, I paid him a visit. He deadened my eyes, to do the exam, then explained how to insert the contacts. It was a breeze. Slipped them right in! He then told me to wear them for 4 hours and come back and he would instruct me on removing them. I did as he said and returned to the store and was able, without too much trouble, to remove them. What I didn't take into account was the fact that my eyes were numb when the little devils were inserted and maybe still a little bit numb when I removed them. So I thought "this is a piece of cake, and this may be the answer to the need for glasses, especially while riding/racing". Well, the next morning, I spent the better part of an hour trying to put the freaking things in and only got one in, and thought I would never get it back out! And my eyes were red and burning. End of my experience with contacts!

 

My only experience with contacts, is picking them up after a half hours looking for them, after the Wife has dropped them.... usually in the bathroom.
Thank god I don't wear them !!

 

When I used to wear them, I once (and only once!) fell asleep with them in, whilst drunk. I've never known pain like it!! It was one of the hard ones, and it had scratched t'surface of my eye. I had to wear an eye patch for a few days. I tried soft ones too, but they scratched too easily, whilst cleaning em with mi fingers. This is why I had mine lasered.

 

Im at the stage where I have to have my glasses with me everywhere now,for reading. WAFPITA

 

You have a wife AND a son wow......

 

Yo Dill,
Mine cost £3,800 (reduced on payment from £4,500) think long term not the cost is my advice but at the end of the day,sorry about the Politician phrase, it will be your decision. If I could go back and make the decision again the only thing I would change is why had not done it earlier in my life. Your choice but way up the cost of specs/reading specs over your expectedlifespan. Hope this helps.
Regards, Pete.

 

Will you have to take time off work after da surgery?
Dont know how your Big Boss will cope wiffout ya! No top box shit dats 4 sure!

Rum time me finks!