Laser Eye Surgery Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Laser eye surgery risks?
   What are the risks of laser eye surgery?

   • ANSWER:
     Nowadays the risk really isn't that high. I have known several people that got Lasik surgery done with great results. It is a pretty non-invasive surgery with a quick recovery time. Generally by two or three weeks your lenses have completely healed and you will notice a substantial difference in your eye sight. A great deal of the risk has been cut down with the event of robotics, computer aided imagery, blade-less procedures and the technology is constantly improving. Not to mention the price can be as low as 0 per eye today. With new breakthroughs they can even treat minor astigmatism. But to specifically answer the question, as with any surgery I assume there is always a possibility of human or machine error. That is why it is important to ask how many procedures each surgeon has done. All that said I should be getting it done this year and I am not at all too worried. The benefits outweigh the risk.

2. QUESTION:
   Laser eye surgery, risks/pros & cons of. Please read all of this so I can get the best info.?
   I have trifocal vision, an astigmatism, am nearsighted, 55 yrs. old, and fed up with glasses.

   I talked with someone who said it's not guaranteed I'll have normal vision after the procedure, and still might have to wear glasses of some sort. Only for reading I could deal with but not glasses I'd have to wear all the time. It would defeat the purpose.

   I will research this more, yet hoped for input from someone who's had laser surgery with vision simular or the same as (trifocal) mine. From the horses mouth so to speak. Are there any optometrists who might be online who can advise? Knowledgeable or experienced answers please.
   Thanks!!!

   • ANSWER:
     Go to a reputable place. I went to a university affiliated place and they were honest enough to tell me I didn't qualify because I didn't have enough corneal tissue to work with. I fear other places would have went ahead with the surgery.

     Usually at 55, I think you'd only get one eye done. Ask about the corneal rings also. There are other options coming out every year or so

3. QUESTION:
   What are the risks of laser eye surgery?
   I had every intention of having laser correction surgery to allow me to join the military but as ive got older and thought about it, I've got pretty worried about the whole thing. As far as im aware it works by placing a permanent lens over your eye, and i never wear contacts for the fear of them getting knocked when im doing jujitsu or whatever and causing serious damage so i dont see myself being overly happy with a permanent one. Basically how dangerous is the surgery?

   • ANSWER:
     It hasn't been around long enough for scientists to become aware of long term side effects. It has to be safe enough to be legal. There is less chance however of contact lenses getting lost behind the eye. A friend had contact lenses and she hardly ever had problems.

4. QUESTION:
   Is there any permanent risks to laser eye surgery?
   I called a company that offers Lasix eye surgery and they said there is no permanent risks to having the procedure done. Then I read on this website that there is permanent risks and you may in fact have to the surgery done again.

   • ANSWER:

5. QUESTION:
   laser eye surgery risks vs costs?
   Im interested in laser eye surgery but am not convinced by the adverts.
   i see "£395 per eye" but in closer examination it comes out more like £1500 per eye!
   A very large sum for most people im sure you would agree for a "2 min procedure" as they love to tell us!
   has anyone had this done & did they think it was worth the money?
   I hate anyone even touching my eyes & the thought of being blinded while paying vast sums of cash out fills me with dread!

   • ANSWER:
     Yeah, I think the cheap prices are only for the most simple prescriptions. I had Lasik a month ago and I paid 00 total or 1500 per eye. I think it was worth it. It depends on how much your glasses/contacts annoy you in your daily life.

6. QUESTION:
   Eye laser surgery risks, etc.?
   Hi, I'm thinking of having eye laser surgery done by Optical Express. Does anyone have any good or bad experiences? I spend much of my working day on a computer so my eyes are really important to my work. Are there any serious risks?

   • ANSWER:
     Hi,

     Yes, there are serious risks - this is not quite the same as buying a car. Technically you cannot go blind from refractive laser eye treatment, laser eye treatment occurs on the cornea, not the retina. That isn't to say that your vision cannot be damaged. Certainly the level of vision that you see now with glasses or contacts may not be as good after laser treatment. There are a number of reasons for this including LASIK flap complications, scarring, haze, DLK. regressive prescription, post operative bio-mechanic shift, post-Lasik ectasia etc etc. The list goes on, most consent forms are 4 pages at least. (Makes the Lifetime Guarantee that most companies offer seem rather redundant.) However, until you have actually had a full consultation everything is hypothetical. You may well turn out to be a suitable candidate, equally you could walk in and find out you have keratoconus.

     My advice would be as follows:

     1. Visit www.lasik-eyes.co.uk and start researching.
     2. Have a few consultations, not one, get at least 2.
     3. Give Optical Express, Optimax and Ultralase a wide berth - their business ethic, safety and technology are quite inferior (my opinion, having worked for different clinics).
     4. Get treated with the company that you trust the most - every company will tell you they have the best technology, Lifetime Guarantees etc - most of them are bending statistics, nor would you have to sign a prohibitive consent form if they guaranteed anything.
     5. Take your time to make decisions, DO NOT book your surgery on the same day as your consultation - if you later decide not to proceed you will likely have difficulty in getting your deposit back.

7. QUESTION:
   What are the risks of eye laser surgery?
   I am 31 years old and my eyesight is -6.50. Should I consider the treatment. I am very confused.

   • ANSWER:
     Yes, but you are not buying a roll of paper towels here so don't go cheap. A good board certified surgeon is what you want. Also if the doctor says they can do anyone--that's a red flag, there are some people that shouldn't have laser eye surgery. I had mine done 7 yrs ago at age 35 and am trilled with my results. Check out more than one doctor, ask how many they have done, what complications have they had in former patients.

8. QUESTION:
   Do the benefits of laser eye surgery outweigh the risks?
   and will I be able to shoot lasers from my eyes afterwards?

   • ANSWER:
     Get advice from an optician, is my advice to you. Good luck.

9. QUESTION:
   What si the price f having laser eye surgery and what are the risks?
   I am thinking about getting the eye surgery when i turn eighteen because i hear of all these complications of wearing contacts that it might get stuck inside my eye.

   • ANSWER:
     About 2 to 3 K. Your power must be stable. Risk is small as Singapore has the highest success rate in lasik.

10. QUESTION:
    Has anyone underwent Laser eye surgery? What are the risks and the cost incurred?
    Does it work for all types of vision problem? Does it need any kind of maintenance?

    • ANSWER:
      I had laser vision surgery a few years ago in one of my eyes. I didn't get it done in the other because I wanted to be able to read without glasses with one eye and see in the distance with the other without glasses. It worked out well for me this way and I never need glasses (except sunglasses). I haven't need any kind of maintenance after the 1st couple of visits. Locally it costs about 0 per eye but it probably will be different by where you live. You will have to ask an eye doctor about your other questions but keep in mind you only have to get one eye done if you still want to be able to read without glasses. Good luck.

11. QUESTION:
    should I get laser eye surgery? How big are the risks?
    I'm 23 and just recently I noticed my vision isn't quite as sharp as it used to be. I went to the eye dr yesterday and although my vision is 20/20 he said I was just a little near-sighted. I would only have to wear glasses during class lectures......Now it isn't that I don't like glasses, it's just I don't want to have to depend on glasses for something as important as my vision. My vision is really good, but I want PERFECT vision. What do you think? How big are the risks of laser eye surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      It's not worth getting laser eye surgery if your vision is 20/20 even though you may want perfect vision. It's not worth risking it since there could be side effects that could make your eyesight worse. You should ask your optometrist since they'll give you more accurate information on this

12. QUESTION:
    How much does laser eye surgery cost and what are the risks?
    I want to join the Navy but my vision is terrible so i would have to wear glasses and i also am a boxer and the only thing keeping me from being really good is my vision but a guy told me if I get surgery i can never box again. is that true? thnx
    I really want to become a diver for the navy

    • ANSWER:
      I heard that the military will give the surgery for free when you join? I don't know if it's true or not now. Also the risks are you go blind.. And boxing will be damaging your eyes so no if you have the operation it's probably not a good idea to be boxing. But then it's probably not a good idea anyways.

13. QUESTION:
    What are the steps to laser eye surgery? Also what are the risks?
    Does it hurt?

    • ANSWER:
      I'm a massive hypocrite so I'll start by telling you not to do it. Do you feel suitably told? Good. More seriously, this is a huge thing and if you're that one-in-ten-million it could blind you.

      Start by visiting two or three clinics for a consultation. Definitely visit Ultralase as they will flatly refuse to treat you if there is any clue that it won't work or it would damage you. Some other clinics will accept a higher risk, but you must choose your level of risk. At your consultation they'll do a whole battery of tests using machines you're familiar with and some you've never seen before, expect it to take about two hours. At that point they'll know what treatment is best for you - if they let you choose get up and go home. You want a clinic that will only do what is best, not what you think you want. They'll send you away to have a bit of a think about it and if you decide to go ahead then they'll send your file to the consultant who will either accept you or recommend sending you to a colleague for a different type of treatment. They should give you a copy of the information and disclaimers to read at your leisure.

      On the treatment day they anaesthetise your eye, open it up and use the laser to burn away the cornea to reshape it. It is a destructive process and you might smell a slight burning smell. The lasering itself only takes a few seconds, but the whole start-to-finish procedure takes about half an hour. They'll give you some time to recover, check your eyes to make sure you're ok and give you some eye drops to take home. You'll have to wear some very attractive eye shields held on with surgical tape for a few nights, but I found I wanted them as I was frightened of poking myself in the eye and ruining the surgeon's good work. They'll bring you back for follow up appointments the next day, next week, next month and a few months later. With some types of vision correction they'll see you every year after your surgery.

      Some people find the surgery completely pain free and some people are in agony for days. There's no way to tell in advance who is who.

      Some extra tips:
      Find out about who will treat you, when I had mine done the opthalmologists did the assessments and tests but it was the consultant who made the decision and performed the surgery. Find out about the total cost, not just the advertised cost. Some clinics make it seem cheaper by offering low prices - don't be fooled. Either they're cutting corners, they're treating people who don't need it, or they'll add loads of hidden extras that you can't get out of without risking your health. Expect to spend £2000 per eye. Take sunglasses to your first appointment and get someone else to drive you - do not drive home yourself unless they specifically tell you it is OK.

      There are some risks. It could theoretically blind you either immediately or a few years down the line. It might not work first time, in some cases they can do a second treatment but not always. You could spend a load of money only to find you still can't see clearly. You might get an eye infection, it may not be serious, but some infections can blind you. You will need reading glasses earlier than you otherwise would have done as you get long sighted as you get older.

      I'll anticipate some people's comments. Laser surgery was developed in the 50s and has been commercially available since the 80s, although today's version is much improved. Opthalmologists ARE having their eyes treated - mine had LASIK. My optician (from my glasses days) told me that some of her colleagues had had laser surgery too.

      That said - think VERY carefully and if you do go ahead remember you can back out any time up until they actually start the procedure - even if they've already done the anaesthetic.

14. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery worth the risk if it means I can fly?
    I want to be a pilot in the air force more than anything. I heard that they allow laser eye surgery in some situations. My vision is 20/60 correctable to 20/10. If I should be so lucky as to get the opportunity..is laser eye surgery worth it? I don't want to ruin my life with a mistake..but I don't want live my life with regret either...

    • ANSWER:
      I'm no doctor, but as a retired WSO in the USAF, I CAN tell you that eye surgery was actually encouraged among aircrews. There's two types: LASIK, and "PRK". Of the two PRK is more expensive, generally, but provides better results, and was the approved technique. I understand, now though, that LASIK is also acceptable.
      Before you spend the money on an initial exam, and possibly surgery though, I would ensure you can pass the other requirements for an Initial Class I Phyiscal:
      No astigmatism, and good/excellent depth perception
      No significant loss of hearing
      No history of asthma, heart conditions or high/low blood pressure
      Haven't been unconscious for more than 5-6 minutes since the age of 12. (Being under for surgery is OK.)
      Have a sitting height of =< 48". Don't want to leave your knees behind if you have to eject some day.
      Not diabetic. History of diabetes in your family's OK, as long as you aren't tested positive.
      Not tested positive for HIV.
      Not excessively over/underweight for your height, AND at least 5'4" for males, 5' for females (though this can be waivered.
      If you're pretty much otherwise good to go, and this is what you really want to do, then maybe you should consider an initial exam. Not everyone has vision that can be laser-corrected.

15. QUESTION:
    what are the risks in laser eye surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      The worst is going blind permanently. But that happening has a probability of less than 1 per cent.

16. QUESTION:
    what are the risks of laser eye surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      While laser eye surgery is considered a pretty safe surgery, it's still surgery and there are risks and complications. Things range from mild: increased dryness, the presence of halos or glare around lights/headlights, some initial discomfort,

      to moderate: corneal infiltrates (white specs in cornea), the wrong correction (too weak and you're still near-sighted or too much and you're now far-sighted) This can be fixed with some called an "enhancement" or basically, having LASIK/PRK done again,

      to severe: ocular infection that could result in blindness or loss of the eye, corneal ectasia that essentially warps the cornea so that no matter what (glasses, contacts, surgery) will not correct you vision to an acceptable level.

      Again, the latter complications are quite rare, but it can't hurt to be informed. Ask your surgeon what he considers a successful procedure (20/40 OK or 20/15 his/her standard?), how long have they been performing the procedure (total and with their current set-up).

      Make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor, staff, and facility.

17. QUESTION:
    What is the risk of laser eye surgery and is it worth doing?
    My mum has got really bad eye sight and she has to buy very expensive glasses but the lens broke is it worth to have laser eye surgrey

    • ANSWER:
      Laser eye surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her dental implants and Lasik surgery in India by a company called Indian Health Guru Consultants. The Price for dental and Lasik surgery is very less in India. She paid 25% of the price she was quoted in America.

      Indian Health Guru Consultants is very famous in India They arrange Dental surgery, jaw surgery, Lasik eye surgery, Dental Implants etc for foreign patients in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines- about their patient stories.
      They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low cost, as dental and eye surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

      http://www.indianhealthguru.com
      Hope this helps.

18. QUESTION:
    Can laser eye surgery correct myopia aka near sightedness?
    Can laser eye surgery correct myopia aka near sightedness?
    Does laser eye surgery last forever?
    What if you have big holes in your retina from myopia?
    Can laser eye surgery improve my myopia?
    Can myopic people have this laser surgery?
    Is there a risk for going blind from laser eye surgery?
    If you do go blind for laser eye surgery is it true that it can be corrected?

    • ANSWER:
      Since others have already answered your question I just want to point out that there are some eye exercises as alternative that can help myopia. I have a friend who used to suffer from myopia and he managed to improve his eyesight completely with eye exercises.

19. QUESTION:
    What are the risks in getting Laser Eye Surgery performed under 21 years of age?
    I'm 17 in a month and I'm considering having LASEK as soon as I'm of age, I'm quite adamant about having it done as soon as possible because my eyes need to be better than -1 diopters to pass a medical screening process for a job that I'm after. (Before motivation and the obvious questions come out, this is a job that I'm willing to give my left testicle for, and at that, for my entire life). However, I'm trying to explore the risks in having surgery performed before 21. As it stands, my eyes haven't gotten worse in over 3 years.

    • ANSWER:
      The only actual risk is that it won't last very long if your eyes haven't stopped changing, as is usually the case up until the mid 20's. Because Lasik only corrects what is there at the time, not future changes.

      You may be one of the lucky ones , being as your vision is already stable, or seems to be.

      You will still have other criteria to meet before you would be a good candidate, such as corneal thickness and tear film quality.

      Once you turn 18 , you can find out a lot more about your eligibility from the laser clinic of your choice.

20. QUESTION:
    Please explain the risks and what are the reasons to get Lasik or laser eye surgery?

    You can start with a list and add as you feel appropriate.... I'm curious about the reasons why and why not to "risk" getting Lasik or a similar laser vision correction.

    • ANSWER:
      This is basically a procedure for young adults who haven't developed presbyopia yet. They can have years of not having to wear glasses while those of us who are older would still need glasses no matter what. That is one of the reasons I have decided not to get it. The risks I know of from getting this procedure are dry eyes, blurriness, bad night vision, and the possibility of rupturing the cornea since it is permanently weakened. Then there is the chance of overcorrection in some people. They end up with the opposite problem from what they had before. Some people end up having to wear glasses again within a few years. If I were younger, I might have considered it.

21. QUESTION:
    whats the risks of laser eye surgery???

    • ANSWER:
      Lasik and Laser eye surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her dental implants and lasik surgery in India by a company called Forerunners Healthcare. The Price for dental and lasik surgery is very less in India. She paid 25% of the price she was quoted in America.

      Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India They arrange Dental surgery, jaw surgery, lasik eye surgery, Dental Implants etc for foreign patients in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines- about their patient stories.
      They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low cost, as dental and eye surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

      http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
      Hope this helps.

22. QUESTION:
    What are the risks involved with laser eye surgery?
    I'm 13 and I've needed glasses for about 2 years. I needed them for about half a year before that but I didn't realise, so when we went for a checkup they told us! I've worn contact lenses for most of the 2 years. I know I'm only young, but I'm seriously considering getting laser eye treatment when I'm older. I hate having to apply my makeup differently, have a different washing schedule, I can't rub my eyes if I get tired or if I have something in my eye, I sometimes forget to take my contacts out and fall asleep, and my eyes water all night long, and it KILLS to take them out in the morning. If I run out of contacts I have to wear my glasses which I loathe, and I hate having to put in contact lenses every day. Sometimes they make my eyes quite dry, and also, contact lenses slowly damage the eyes because they aren't getting enough oxygen (because the lense is in the way) and I know that my parents won't go for the special air ones..

    My dad just told me about this woman who couldn't even read the first line of letters when she went in, and when she came out she had 20-16 vision, which is above average, and the eyesight you need to be a fighter pilot apparently.

    So yeah, what are the risks involved with laser eye treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      I think it is too early for you to ask this question and too early to get an answer. you still have a few years before you can get your laser done as usually it is not done before you are twenty. Laser machines are getting improved by the year with better results and less complications. so what you we talk about today will probably not be valid in five years time.

23. QUESTION:
    Need some opinions on laser eye surgery?
    Im thinking about getting laser eye surgery..What are the risks? What are the things you have to do? Does it hurt?

    • ANSWER:
      Watch out many scams out there . Check out doctors real Good

24. QUESTION:
    what type of laser is used in laser eye surgery?
    what vision problems can be corrected using laser eye surgery???what are the risks/ benefits of these surgical procedures. what do the letters LASIK stand for? how about PRK?

    • ANSWER:
      1) the laser is an excimer laser 2) nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism 3) would take more time than I want to take 4) Laser Insitu Keratomileusis 5) Photorefractive keratectomy.

25. QUESTION:
    Roughly how much would laser eye surgery cost from a reliable hospital? Any age restrictions and risks?
    Is there a specific age the patient has to be, and how bad does their eyesight have to be to not be eligibile for surgery? Mine is -4.75 and -4.25

    • ANSWER:
      i do not know to which country you belong it costs around 0 in India. the doctors will decide depending on the cornea and whether you have cataract or other diseases

26. QUESTION:
    i want to have lasik or laser eye surgery..what are the risks because i'm really scared?
    i have dry eyes and i wear contacts

    • ANSWER:
      And my nephew had it and is practically blind. You should be leary of Lasik. There are many risks and side effects after surgery, the least of which is dry eye, halos, starbursts and lens contrast sensitivity which effects night vision.

      LASIK or Refractive Vision Correction surgery can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. No one should have this surgery until they are absolutely sure their vision has stabilized, usually in your early to mid twenties, give or take several years. If you have the surgery prior to total vision stabilization, you will have to have the surgery repeated.

      LASIK is surgery and has many of the inherent risks of any surgery. It has been a dream to some and a nightmare that you will never wake from for others. LASIK is irreversible. Prior to committing to this surgery, you must do your homework and be willing incur the risks and side effects associated with this surgery. LASIK is considered cosmetic surgery and is seldom covered by health insurance and can be quite expensive.

      Anyone contemplating LASIK surgery must research the procedure thoroughly and ask lots of questions of your surgeon. You must check out your ophthalmic surgeon thoroughly, ensure that you are a good candidate and check out all the possible side effects. Although LASIK has helped many people, it has also been very detrimental to others even causing permanent blindness.

      If you pick a good LASIK surgeon who has lots of experience and are a good candidate, your will probably have a good result, but long term results and risks are still not known. You can check out the websites below to learn more about LASIK and the risks you might encounter.

      http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/lasik-la…
      http://blog.taragana.com/health/eye/2010… -
      http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/0…
      http://www.lasikcomplications.com/
      http://www.lasiknewswire.com / 2009 / 10 / fda-warning-letters-targ...

27. QUESTION:
    is laser eye surgery dangerous? has anyone here done it? should i do it? what are the risks?
    what should be the reason for doing it and for not doing it? i want to do it because i am kind of blind (but won't get any worse, most likely), 18 (old enough), and spending money on contacts and glasses. i don't really like wearing glasses because they bother my nose (all glasses do that) and are prone to getting knocked off when playing sports. also, they get wet in the rain. i just feel more free with contacts but in the long run getting surgery will save money and i wouldn't have to worry about the harms contacts can do to my eyes. i wore contacts for two years and finally they are doing good to my eyes. but is the surgery risky and worth it? has it become safer over the years? i just don't want to loose my eye sight or make it worse.

    • ANSWER:
      my sister did it. she researched a lot before it tho. she went from pretty much blind to 20/20. you need to speak to several eye doctors about the procedure. ask them the positives and negatives consequences. asking many doctors (but pretending you haven't) can get many more ideas flowing through your mind that you may not have thought of before.

28. QUESTION:
    Am 24yrs. How best is the Laser Eye surgery to get the better vision than wearing spectacles ? Someone suggest?
    Am 24yrs old. Problem with my eyes(blurred seeing the letters nearby). Am thinking for a Laser Eye Surgery instead wearing spectacles, since i hate wearing spectacle. So could some one suggest me which is good deal & do any risks involved in the surgery when it s done at this age??? Also help me in guiding the best eye surgery at Coimbatore, TN - India. Thanks ...

    • ANSWER:
      You need to talk to the Ophthalmologist about your age and other issues can arise. A diabetic is at risk. People do have Lazik done can have complications.It can cause blindness as well.
      I had Lazik done but I was 39 years old with 200/20 in right eye and 400/20 in left eye it helped my eyes to relax. My lenses before were 4.00 on the right and 4.75 on the left. after surgery both eyes were 20/20. I was wearing progressive lenses but I could not read without glasses before surgery after surgery was able to read without glasses. I got my surgery in 1998. I could see holes in the ground so clear from a distance.My became very dry of course they were dry before but not as bad as after.
      I loved it after my surgery. I had other problems with my eyes since that had nothing to do with the Lazik surgery just getting older.
      Please talk it over with your doctor and even your optometrist and the one doing the surgery.

29. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery safe now and where is the best place in Melbourne?
    I have been waiting for years for this surgery because of its risks and downsides as well as costs. My right eye is good but left one might need prescription, so I might get a surgery only to my left eye. Where is the best place to get it in Melbourne and how much does it cost? How long dost it take until I don't have to go see doctor at all?

    • ANSWER:
      Asking "Where is the best place to get LASIK done?" in any city is a bit like asking people "What is the best car?" The answers you receive are going to be based on their values and experience, not yours. Someone who values low price over quality is going to recommend a different surgeon than someone who values peace of mind over price (you can't have both). Which are you?

      Probably the most important decision someone who is considering LASIK must make is what surgeon to choose. Although I do not perform LASIK, I have created a document for my cataract patients to help them in choosing a surgeon. The article can be viewed by clicking this link:

      http://sgveye.com/en/resources/35-about-your-eyes/233-10-things-you-must-know-before-choosing-your-cataract-surgeon

      The advice in this document can be applied to choosing any surgeon in any specialty, not just cataract surgeons.

      Sincerely,

      David D. Richardson, M.D.
      Medical Director

      San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc.
      "LA and So Cal’s Trusted Source of Eyecare"

      207 S. Santa Anita Street, Suite P-25
      San Gabriel, CA 91776
      626.289.7856

30. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery really safe? What are the risks?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello, I am a representative from LasikPlus hoping to provide you an answer to your question.

      Laser vision correction is extremely safe when performed by qualified doctors on appropriate candidates. Generally, you are a good candidate if:

      • You are at least 18 years old.
      • You are in good general health.
      • You have no health issues affecting your eyes.
      • You have no active eye conditions that might affect healing.
      • You have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
      • You are not pregnant, and have not been pregnant or nursing in the last 6 months.

      As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and there can be complications, but they are unlikely (complications affecting vision after laser vision correction are now reported at a rate of less than one percent). I suggest that discuss the potential risks and complications with your doctor before choosing to have LASIK or other laser vision correction.

      While this is some of the general information that I can provide on the topic, every person’s eyes are different. To learn more about the procedure that would be right for you and the steps involved, it would be best for you to speak to a physician and take advantage of the free consultation. Feel free to visit http://tinyurl.com/LasikPlus or call 1 (866) 953-0282. I hope this information was helpful, thank you for taking the time to research LASIK!

31. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to ask to be sedated before laser eye surgery, or do I have to be conscious?
    Im not really worried about the risk of surgery, i'm more concerned about the discomfort of it while conscious. Is there any laser eye surgery technique where i can ask for an anesthetic?
    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Don't worry, there is no discomfort or pain during the surgery. The surgeon puts special eye drops in your eye so you won't feel anything. The whole operation is quick and painless.

32. QUESTION:
    Should I get LASIK/LASEK laser eye surgery?
    I am joining the military, should I get laser eye surgery or not risk it? Since I would be issued goggles, ballistic goggles, sunglasses etc, is this defeating the object and regretably so? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I had lasik while on active duty and the army paid for it. But i am currently trying to get back on active status and because of the surgery the meps is giving me a hard time even thought the army did it, and it was at a military hospital. So i would not recommend doing it before you go in.

33. QUESTION:
    is eye laser surgery worth the risk?
    I am very very very short-sighted and it always gets worse everytime I see the optician. I've heard mixed things about eye laser surgery; do the pros outweigh the cons or what?

    • ANSWER:
      Ive only heard good things about lazer surgery....hope the link below helps you good luck!

34. QUESTION:
    Can anyone give me some idea of the cost of Laser Eye Surgery in the UK please.I have short sighted vision?
    Have been wearing contact lenses for some years now, & when Laser Eye Surgery was carried out in this country i said to myself that i would wait some years to ensure that there were as fewer risks as possible.I realise people will not know the exact price for this as it depends on the individuals eye's etc.I just wondered if there was much difference in the prices now that there are more places carrying out this procedure,thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      500 per eye

35. QUESTION:
    people who have actually had laser eye surgery what is the procedure like what are the risks etc.?

    • ANSWER:
      I had it done a few years ago, and I'm very happy with the results! I didn't go for the "economy" laser eye surgery though.. I went to one of the most expensive places.. I figured your eyes are not something you want to mess around with, so I'm not going to worry about saving a few bucks..

      the only problem was that my eyes weren't completely numb when he started the procedure, so it kind of hurt at first.. I was kicking my legs from the pain so he was like "are you having some discomfort?" so I'm thinking "discomfort my ass! this hurts like hell!" but I didn't say that, I just said "I don't think my eyes are numb yet".. so then he numbed them up and the procedure went fine after that..

      now I see very clearly.. I think I still have better than 20/20 vision and it was several years ago that I had it done..

      by the way, one of the risks they warned me about is that your eyes could actually get worse instead of better.. but they said that almost never happens.. all I know is that I see a ton better than I did before having it done and I'm very happy with it! just don't go to a cheap place and you should be fine..

36. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery?
    Are there any risks of to laser eye surgery?
    Also how much does it cost?
    How old do you have to be to have it?

    • ANSWER:
      You should be 21.

      Yes, there are risks. Read this:
      http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/risks.htm

      Here's what it costs:
      http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/cost.htm

37. QUESTION:
    Can having laser eye surgery cause gender change, constipation, or make me a quadriplegic?
    I want to know all the risks involved before I go ahead with the surgery.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes. Don't do it. They can reprogram your brain while you lie there. You'll become a sleeper assassin and start killing people without realising it's you. Or they can make you take your clothes off and dance the polka whenever you see a green cross sign.

38. QUESTION:
    Laser Eye Surgery, Worth the risk?
    Hi all, I am 17 years old and living in Ireland. The past 8-9 years I have worn glasses and in the last 3 years I have gotten into contact lenses. The idea of laser eye surgery is a very realistic dream it seems, I even asked my optician about it. He said I was definitely a suitable candidate in another 2 or so years. However he never told me about possible side effects. I have looked at them online and they seem to overwhelm the pros of the operation.
    Did I just see a biased outlook of a minority(like 1 in 100, or those who did it in uncertified clinics) or is this really extremely risky.
    Thanks in advance
    Yes, but I wouldnt risk my health to save a couple hundred quid.

    • ANSWER:
      I has surgery and two of my friends did too, I went to Ultralase on the advice of one friend (and my optician) and it turned out that the other went to the same clinic. All three of us are really pleased with the results; it is better than I ever imagined it would be. At the best clinics it is very safe indeed with a 100% or 99% rate of getting perfect vision, but they only achieve this result by refusing to operate where they think you're not right for surgery. If any clinic refuses to treat you it is probably best to not get it done anywhere. The old "halo" and night vision problems are overcome with the latest techniques.

      On the other hand, it is surgery and there is always a risk of it going wrong. In extreme cases the surgery could blind you. Some people get really bad pain after surgery and in some cases it doesn't work well so you spend a load of money and still need glasses.

      You did exactly the right thing by starting off talking to your optician and it sounds like he's giving you good advice. High street opticians aren't experts in laser surgery so when your optician agrees you're suitable (your prescription has been roughly the same for at least two years) go and have a consultation at a clinic. Expect to pay about £2000 per eye - if the clinic quotes much less then they're either taking unnecessary risks or they'll sting you with extra charges if you need extra aftercare.

      Don't get too caught up in the surgery. You might never be suitable for surgery and end up disappointed.

39. QUESTION:
    Is it worth getting laser eye surgery?
    my eyesight is quite bad and was thinking about getting laser eye surgery. However it is quite expensive and i am worried about the risks of it.

    I am only 18, is it too soon?
    Which treatment is the best to have?

    • ANSWER:
      Overall it's worth it! Probably too soon for you though. You're still going to have some minor body changes though your early 20s. I waited until my mid-20s. If your prescription has been stable for a few years though you should be good. You doctor will be able to advise.

      If you go to a reputable surgeon the risks are minimal, but always there. You will have to read the disclaimer packet, or at least sign off that you read it, of everything that is likely to go wrong.

      As to "what treatment" that depends on your eyesight and your doctor. If your sight is really that bad your only option may be RK, if I recall correctly. I believe that is the most "aggressive" treatment.

      As to what to expect. On the way home, If you eye-numbing drops wear out before your pill pain-killers kick in it is going to feel like someone put out cigarettes in both of your eyes. It happened to me, and I will label it as "extreme discomfort" just under "true pain." Hopefully the valium will still be in your system and you won't care as much as you normally would. (This is the only thing I wished I was warned about that I was not) The first week or two of post operation care is a pain in the butt. Lots of eye drops, but better than getting an infection. You will probably need to keep a bottle of re-wetting drops on-hand for about 5-7 months after the surgery. My doc put me on Restasis for two weeks before my surgery to really get the tear production going into overdrive. I think this helped quite a bit with getting over the dry-eye factor after the surgery.

40. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery worth the risk?

    • ANSWER:
      if you have horrible eyesight, it is worth the surgery. but if you can stand wearing contacts or glasses it's not worth the risk. afterall, it is eye surgery. i've known people who had it, they came through fine. =D

41. QUESTION:
    Eye laser surgery for a 42 year old?
    How many are older who have gotten the eye laser surgery and how many good vs bad experiences have you had?

    I know that it is better to get it done younger, just wondering if you are older and if you had it done, if you had a good experience or bad. I know there is always risks.

    Thank you in advance for your kind answers.

    • ANSWER:
      I know a lot of people that have had the procedure that are around your age. Most of them had very good results. The ophthalmologist will do a very thorough exam to assess the health of your eyes and make sure that you meet all the requirements for the procedure. They will give you a valium the day of the procedure, put numbing drops in your eye, make a small flap in your cornea and aim the laser that is already calibrated. When the laser is done they will smooth cornea back down and put in a bandage contact lens. Then you go home! The whole process is usually around 15 mins. Be sure to follow the doctor's orders exactly. The only complaint that I've heard is most people over 40 are presbyopic and will need reading glasses at some point. Good luck!!!

42. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery to correct vision?
    Has anyone had this done? My eyes are -4.25 in one eye and -4.75 in the other. I heard that laser surgery may not be completely successful because my vision is pretty bad. Is this true?
    Is there much of a risk involved in the surgery itself?

    • ANSWER:
      Haven't been brave enough to take the plunge. Know of loads of people who have had the surgery successfully carried out. Also know of 1 person who was not successful. My vision also quite bad. Sought advise from optomitrist who advised against it...... The man who invented laser surgery HAS NOT had it done himself and is supposed to have said he would give it another 5 years to see how technology improves. Hope this helps.

43. QUESTION:
    eye-laser surgery ??????
    ok so im confused about eye laser surgery
    one person tells me high percentage of blindness
    the other sas low
    and then now there saying that lasts for a bit?

    anyone done eye-laser surgery?
    wats the risk? how big is the risk
    how long does it last?

    • ANSWER:
      my dad has taken the laser surgey last year...he had an eye sight of almost -9 (both eyes). Now he does not wear glasses at all, laser surgery will last until you die only if your eye sight is constant for atleast 3 years. The minimum age for taking it is about 18 years. Nowadays there is no risk of taking it, you dont have to be worried that ur eyes might hurt or u'll become blind. If your eyesight is not constant but still u want to take it then, after the treatment there is a chance of gaining sight again.

44. QUESTION:
    Where is the best place in KL to get Laser Eye surgery done?
    Those who have done it...how much does it cost, what are the risks if any, and does it last forever?

    • ANSWER:
      Um. Where is KL?

45. QUESTION:
    Can I get laser eye surgery?
    I'm not old enough to get laser eye surgery yet, but I have really bad vision and want to get it in the future. Currently, My eyes are around -10.00 in each eye, and I want to know whether or not it's possible to correct this.

    Also, wanted to ask, can I wear contact lenses while swimming while wearing goggles? It's just a short 50m trial. I'll throw them out afterwards, but is there any risk to my eyes?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes you can wear hem hilst swimming, but do throw them afterwards.

46. QUESTION:
    Are laser eye surgery safe? benefits? risk? side effects? cost?
    thanks...

    • ANSWER:
      My husband had it done two years ago and has never had a problem since. Yes it was somewhat expensive but in the end it has saved time and money. No more contacts, glasses or supplies. Bonus!! When he gets up in the night to use the bathroom he hits the toilet now!

47. QUESTION:
    Some questions about laser eye surgery?
    I know nothing about it. What is it? How much would it cost [roughly, and possibly in Australia]? What are the risks associated with it, and what are the requirements to have it done?
    Sorry it's a lot of questions, but I'd really appreciate any answers.

    • ANSWER:
      I would check a website, google it. You'll get more educated answers as long as the website as a .edu, .gov, and or if the website is of an official eye clinic.

      Some eye surgeries cost as low as 0.00 (very rare) per eye plus follow up appointments, etc. Most surgeries cost about 00.00 per eye, it's recommended you ask many questions to a doctor if you are considering it. Questions to ask would be how many follow up appointments, what's the cost of the appointments and medications etc.

      Risk include chronic dry eye, blindness, partial blindness, halo's around the eye. Many of these are extremely rare but you should always consider them. Be sure to get a good recommended doctor. Statistics say there are more chances of you losing some eye sight from contact related infections or problems that you are if you have laser corrective eye surgery.

48. QUESTION:
    im considering laser eye surgery?
    it will be free for me, since I'm in the military; im just concerned that, for lack of a better phrase, they wont know what they are doing. I know its the last thing that people want to hear, but ive heard stories from other Marines on station about their minor misdiagnosis and it just seems that it could be risky

    Does anyone know the added risks, if any, of getting laser eye surgery aboard a Marine Corps Base at a Navy Hospital?

    Pain doesnt matter, and I'm not a total ***** about my eyes, but i need to know if there are additional risks of going blind due to errors or something..
    Id appreciate speach from experience

    • ANSWER:
      i was very close to having it done, so i researched it. there is about a 2% chance anything will go wrong. a lot of people are able to see 20/20 after the surgery, but the quality of vision is not good, they have double vision. and sometimes it takes months or longer to go away. some people have actually commited suicide after having it because they couldnt see like they could before. also, it can cause very dry eyes. to the point some people have to use eye drops every 5 minutes. the drummer of U2 had it done, and now he cant drive at night, because lights cause too much of a glare.. Kathy Griffin also had it done, and had horrible problems. so it doesnt matter how good the doctor is,,these people could afford the best, and still had problems, its the procedure itself that is flawed. the chances of these things happening are small, but its still a big chance to be taking with your vision. most people dont have problems, but wouldnt it suck if you did have problems. so i decided not to risk it. plus if you have it done, it doesnt last forever, you have to go and have touch ups.

49. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery dangerous?
    What are the risks? I'm short-sighted but I'd rather stay that way than have something go wrong in a laser eye surgery procedure, resulting in my sight being worse.

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK or Refractive Vision Correction surgery is laser surgery that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. No one should have this surgery until they are absolutely sure their vision has stabilized, usually in your early to mid twenties, give or take several years. If you have the surgery prior to total vision stabilization, you will have to have the surgery repeated. LASIK is considered cosmetic surgery, is not covered by health insurance and can be quite expensive. Lasik is irreversible. The long-term side of effects of Lasik, Lasek. PRK Lasik, Wavefront Lasik etc. are unknown because the procedure(s) have only been in use for less than 11 years and some of the newer improvements/innovations far less than that.

      Anyone committing to Lasik must be prepared to accept the risks and side effects that are associated with this surgery. You must also thoroughly research your lasik surgeon and facility, the type Lasik procedure being preformed on your eyes and be very sure you are a good candidate for Lasik. Not everyone is.

      Most people experience satisfactory to excellent post surgical results with an increase in visual acuity to between 20/20 to 20/40. The most common side effect of Lasik is irreversible dry eyes. However, there is a small percentage (about 5%) who experience night blindness, halos, star bursts and decreased vision. These side-effects are usually permanent and often cause depression and loss of quality of life issues See "Sources" below for additional information on Lasik procedures and side effects

50. QUESTION:
    when you have laser eye surgery is it a high risk that you will become blind?

    • ANSWER:
      Given the assumption that you're speaking of LASIK surgery to correct vision, no there's extremely little risk of blindness. The surgery wouldn't have been approved, hundreds of thousands of patients wouldn't have paid significant money, if there was a high potential for blindness.

      If you want to get it done, and can afford it, go for it. The U S Army has paid for many, many Special Forces/Ranger soldiers to have it done, with excellent success.