Risks Of Laser Eye Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

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:
   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

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:
    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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. QUESTION:
    Can a 12 (13 at may) Have laser eye surgery?
    I'm not blind (of course,why would i be here if i was) but i have short sight,and i hear there was risks of side effects with contacts,i hate glasses - no offence..

    Can a 12 (13 at may) have laser eye surgery?
    I put in my proper age and Yahoo accepted it.

    this is my first day here.

    • ANSWER:
      One of the first questions you will be asked in the UK is your age. Almost all laser eye surgery is carried out after the age of 20 years old. There are certain circumstances when laser eye surgery will be undertaken earlier than this but it is rare.

      Your eyes are maturing throughout your teenage years and it is important that vision correction is only undertaken when your eyes have stopped developing otherwise your eyesight may change soon after treatment and leave you with another prescription.

      Best to be patient and wait a while.

29. QUESTION:
    Is LASIK eye surgery really safe?
    Hello, Just a couple questions. I was reading about the difference between LASIK and PRK and it seems like PRK may be a safer procedure. I am concerned about the risks of Laser eye surgery (such as complications later in life, the cornea flap from the LASIK never healing, dry eyes, loss in visual quality. etc)
    and I was wondering which procedure is better to undergo, LASIK or PRK? Also potential blindness is mentioned, risks etc.. Are these likely? PRK seems safer to me (from what I've read..) Can you clear this up? Thank you!
    p.s. I know a consultation would help me get info, but I wanted to ask here first!

    • ANSWER:

30. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery questions?
    I have a few questions on laser eye surgery. I am considering getting rid of my glasses, but I do not want to have contact lenses.
    -How does it work, and does it work for everybody?
    -What are the risks, if any?
    -What is the cost, and is some of the cost covered by most health insurance plans?
    -Do you get perfect 20/20 vision, or just better vision?
    Thanks for your answers.

    • ANSWER:
      Pretty much what happens is they cut a flap in your cornea and with an ultra violet light beam that very precisely shaves off very small layers of the cornea to reshape it. When its shaped correctly light can reflect into your eye better and your vision becomes clearer. Yes I think it would work for pretty much everyone unless maybe you had some pre-existing condition that would effect your eyes or something.

      There are risks, but they are very rare. It's become a very common procedure now and it just keeps getting better and better. Some of the complications people can get though but are VERY rare are the flap on your eye might heal wrong and cause double vision. Theres another thing called "Sands of the Sahara" which is pretty much an infection that could happen under the cornea. If it isn't treated it could cause vision loss, but you can usually get it treated with antibiotics. I'd say the most common thing with Lasik would be Dry Eyes. You'll get loads of eye drops and you'll have to put them in for a few weeks at certain times of the day. Every surgery has risks, but they're usually very rare.

      The cost from what I'm aware of is about 1,500 to 2,500 per eye. I don't know if it would be covered by your insurance, but I assume no. It's not really seen as a necessity so probably not.

      I think you'd probably get 20/20 or something close to that maybe a bit less than 20/20 or a bit more. So you'll definitely see around there.

      A lot of doctors won't work on people who are under 22 or 23, but go to your nearest Lasik place and they'll tell you if you'd be good for it or not. I'm pretty sure most do this for free to look and see if you're eligible. The age was the problem my brother had so he got an alternative to normal lasik called PRK that pretty much scraps the outer layer of the cornea instead of cutting a flap...I would recommend if you are under 22 though to just wait till you can get normal lasik. The scraping one makes you VERY VERY sensitive to light for a few days all light even a very small amount, and it seems actually painful which Lasik isn't.

      So I really hope that's helpful and good luck!!!! When I'm old enough I'm definitely getting it done. If you hate glasses and contacts I think it would be a great option. =)

31. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had the Lasik laser eye surgery?
    My husband really wants to get it, I'm against it for myself. The thought of someone messing around with my eyes gives me the creeps and I wouldn't want to risk it. How did your surgery turn out, was it worth the cost?

    • ANSWER:
      Well, I just had it on Tuesday. I'm the same way you are - I don't want anyone messing with my eyes. I'd rather have something like a procedure to remove my third nipple than have someone messing with my eyes. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but I was pretty much dragged into my appointment.

      My girlfriend insisted I do it, my eyes were constantly bothering me (dryness from contacts and winter) and she got sick of hearing me whine. I was extremely apprehensive leading up to, and the day of. They gave me Motrin and Valium to help with the procedure.

      I won't go into details, but it was uncomfortable. They really do mess with your eyes quite a bit (obviously), and I did more or less hate it. But afterwards, I realized that the whole thing took MAYBE 10 minutes, if that. Even with the pills, I felt discomfort... but you have to figure, 10 minutes of that for your vision back - no more glasses, contacts, rubbing your eyes, goop, dryness... and waking up being able to see without reaching for anything. The payoff is huge.

      It's been 5 days, and I'm putting eyedrops in my eyes every 4 hours or so. That's not nearly the nuisance I thought it would be. I feel no pain and my vision is getting clearer every day.

      I'm telling you, thus far, it's been worth it and I definitely was against it. I paid 00 for my surgery for Custom LASIK with no blades whatsoever in Omaha. A little pricey, I'm told, but right now I don't care about the cost.

      p.s. I don't have a third nipple.

      p.p.s. If they give you a choice between the 5mg or the 10mg dose of Valium. TAKE 10! I didn't!

32. QUESTION:
    Laser Eye Surgery in the future?
    I'm wondering what laser eye surgery could be like in several years. U am 15 tight now and I'm thinking, if I decide to have an operation done, it will be in about 7 or 8 years, maybe more. Will the science of the surgery be improved a lot? Will the risks be down? I have heard both positive and negative reviews of it. I have around -2 to -3, I believe, with the left eye slightly worse than the right. I hope that in 8 or more years, they will have improved a lot on eye surgery, and it won't be so risky.

    • ANSWER:
      There may be changes in technique, but not likely major changes in technology. The process for laser approval in the US is long and there is nothing coming through that process at this time.

      Techniques change much more rapidly because they rely innovative uses of existing technology by doctors and technicians. Fortunately, innovation does not require government approval.

      You may want to look at current Lasik results info:

      http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-results-1.htm

33. QUESTION:
    laser eye surgery?
    well im 14 and i have very bad eyes like -5.something and it gets worse practically every year and im starting to hate wearing glasses and i cant get contacts so im kinda wanting laser eye surgery (of course later when im older)

    -how much does it cost for each eye
    -how old do u have to be
    -what r the risks/ how likely

    opinion should i get it or no

    • ANSWER:
      You should not have it until about 22-23 years of age, probably.
      Many countries have a legal limit of 18 or 21, but on top of that it is highly recommended that your Rx has not changed in the two years prior to surgery, otherwise the "reset to zero" would soon have been wasted.

      The rate of risk is low: 97% of people who have had it done say they would recommend it to a friend, but there are individuals out there who have had major problems, often uncurable, and rather more who have had some degree of side-effect or problem. (mainly dry eyes and night-time glare)

      Try the FDA site below:

34. QUESTION:
    How successful is laser eye surgery?
    I am an 18 year old girl who is shortsighted. I wear thick glasses and I am considering the option of doing Laser Eye Surgery. I have heard the options contact lens and surgery would be ruled out if you have really bad eyesight that is why I want to do this surgery immediately before my eyesight gets any worse. BUT I am DEATHLY terrified of the risks involved such as blindness. I really want to fix my eyes because it is making me depressed wearing these thick glasses all the time and doesn't help with my confidence. I feel like this is the biggest probably life changing decision I will ever have to make because it can either go good or bad.

    • ANSWER:
      You have described your worries eloquently and we in the profession are just as concerned as you are.

      You state that you wear thick glasses which means your myopia is in the -7.00 to -10.00 range (I assume)

      You do not state if you have medium or high astigmatism as well as myopia.

      This is important because if you have no astigmatism then you would be a good and safe candidate for contact lenses.
      If you have high astigmatism then contact lenses would not be a good solution for you.

      Contacts have improved vastly in the last few years and are almost 100% safe, very easy to use, give excellent vision and don't cost a great deal of money.

      Lasik surgery is another matter. The best surgeons would NOT operate unless your cornea was thick enough to withstand the peeling back.

      Perhaps you should know just what Lasik is. The surgeon peels back a layer of the cornea, then reforms the structure below with a lazer beam and then REPLACES the flap that has been peeled back.

      If you do enough research you will find a clinic where hundreds of such cases are done each week. You could even interview some of the patients yourself since they had the same fears as you did.

      I am an O.D and referred a hundred or more cases each year for Lasik. I did not see ANY that were a failure and do not know of any cases of blindess from Lasik (there was one reported in the journal but the patient was a diabetic).

      Every one of the patients that I referred does NOT wear glasses (except for reading for the ones over 45 years old).

      It is oneof the most successful operations one can have. I did have one patient come back to tell me he has some glare for night driving but that it was not a serious problem.

      While you are making your mind up why don't you try contact lenses first? There is no risk and you might be quite happy with them. Your cost would not be more than 0 (£50) in most offices.

      Hope this helps. Much good luck.

35. QUESTION:
    Laser Eye Surgery..Do you think that their is any risk envolved?
    a lot of people are getting it these days i think a lot more would but but there seems to be a bit of fear of it,
    Hi Bailey..yes I am thinking of getting it done. Have been for a consultation and am going to get it done after my holiday in May as they said you cannot swim for 4 weeks afterwards. Was just wondering about peoples opinions on the risks, but for reading the experiences of people that have had it done, I feel even happier about it now

    • ANSWER:
      I had Laser eye surgery done after wearing glasses for 16 years. It has been perfect for me. I have had no changes. Of course, as I age, I expect changes. I also co-manage refractive surgery and have seen hundreds of successful patients. It doesn't hurt, generally. There is a bit of pressure, but no real pain if you have Lasere eye surgery. The PRK version (where no flap is cut) is a little more uncomfortable for the first few days following the procedure. I've seen several people who said they were in some pain, but healed just fine. I used to wear both glasses and contact lenses. I had Laser eye surgery done and it's the best decision I've ever made. I can see clearly, no squinting, no driving with glasses anymore. I can read road signs, see the individual leaves in the trees (they're not just a blurry mess anymore). It's also nice to be able to see what time it is when I wake up. The procedure is painless (although a bit uncomfortable) but takes less than 15 minutes. Highly recommended.

      If you need help finding a reputed surgeon in India u can check out the ink below:
      http://www.indianhealthguru.com
      You can schedule a free appointment there and they'll answer all your questions and see if you qualify as a good candidate or not

36. QUESTION:
    Is laser eye surgery any good?
    I have researched it on several occasions but I have ended up with mixed results from various websites. could anybody please be kind enough to tell me the cost and any potential risks of this method of treatment.
    Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      its quite safe, and one of the most common procedures done to the eyes along with cataracts, laser vision correction is quite safe, and generally the effects are very good, however if you have certain risk factors such as diabetes then the likelihood of a successful procedure is reduced, however the consultant will gauge this when you go for the consultation, and will be able to tell you whether you are eligible. its really a non invasive procedure, just removing a layer of the cornea, which increases the refraction of light into your eye, hence better vision...

37. QUESTION:
    will laser eye surgery help me see better?
    I know the risks, im not actually gonna do it. My glasses broke a couple of days ago. One of the sides broke off and when i wear my glasses now, it tilts to the side and it makes my eyes hurt. I'm sick of always buying glasses and then breaking them. The pair that i just broke has been a pain in the butt to me in the past! Its always faling off and it really irritated me! My parents dont want me to get contacts because the think i might get and infection, but i was wondering, if i got laser eye surgery when i get older, will my eyesight get a lot better.

    • ANSWER:
      You can't get the laser surgery done until you vision has stopped changing (like in your early 20's or so) even them, not everybody is a good candidate. If nothing goes wrong, you should wind up with vision that is normal or very close to normal when it is done.

      In the mean time, you can order some inexpensive glasses on www.zennioptical.com, www.glassesshop.com (or some other site). Since you keep busting them, there is no point in buying expensive ones.

38. QUESTION:
    I'm very unhappy with the laser eye surgery aftercare I'm recieving from optical express. What should I do?
    2 years ago I had laser eye surgery from Optical Express. It has improved my vision, but I've been left with very dry eyes. That is OK, I understood that it was a risk when I had the surgery, and it is worth it to be able to see. As long as I use lubricating eye drops several times a day, it's fine. Optical Express have a lifetime aftercare service, which is supposed to include all of the free eye drops that I need. I was also told that after the first few months, I'd need only an annual check-up, and that if eye drops are needed they can be sent through the post.

    However, I'm very angry about the aftercare. Whenever I have a check-up, the optician checks the eyes, agrees that they are dry and gives a very limited supply of eye drops, not even enough to last a month. When I run out, they refuse to give me any more unless I go and have another check up. This involves taking hours out of my day and travelling an inconvenient distance. They don't even give me enough drops to last until the next visit. This means that sometimes they are making me go for a check-up every few weeks, only to get eye drops. The check-up is pointless as they do absolutely nothing worthwhile at it. It's just the same thing every time - check my vision, check my eye pressure and check if my eyes are dry. That's all and it is totally unnecessary. Every time the same thing happens, they agree that I need more eye drops, they give me a pathetic amount and send me on my way. They never give me enough to last and on numerous occassions I have actually had to beg for more.

    It's not like these eye drops are dangerous - they are just standard over-the-counter lubricating drops that you can buy in any chemist shop. The reason I don't want to buy them is because they can be expensive when you need then regularly - why should I buy them when my atercare includes free drops? However several times I have bought them as Optical Express don't supply enough.

    What can I do about this? The dryness of my eyes may never go away. I can live with that as long as I have drops. But why should I spend the rest of my life travelling to pointless checkups and begging for the drops I need? I am so angry with these idiots. I really think that they just have nothing better to do - their shop is always empty, they hardly ever have customers and I think they just need to give people pointless appointments to justify their existence.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi

      It’s Lindsay here from Optical Express. I saw your post this morning, I’m sorry that you aren’t pleased with our aftercare so far. We always try to provide good aftercare for our patients, so it is disappointing to read that you are unsatisfied with your care. Perhaps I can help? Please could you email me your full name and date of birth to enquiries@opticalexpress.com then I can contact you directly.

      Best wishes,
      Lindsay

39. QUESTION:
    Question about laser eye surgery?
    I am scheduled to have lasek eye surgery on the 14th and 26th of may.
    On the 3rd of June i am flying to the states to work in a summer camp as a sailing instructor.

    If I do get the surgery, I risk overexposure to sun, bacteria in the water, and improper healing damaging my eyes.
    If I don't get the surgery, I will have to wear contact lenses pretty much 24/7 while im over there, glasses dont really go with water! This means that i could damage my eyes ANYWAYS from prolonged use, and may not be able to have the surgery ever,

    Any advice? thanks...
    yep they wont do the two eyes on the same day. its lasek.

    • ANSWER:
      you should be okay although maybe a bit sun sensitive, you might want to wear some dark, wrap around sunglasses. Also, your eyes can get really dry and if you are flying and being out on the water they may be even worse - definitely get some eye drops and maybe even see if you can get gel drops. i can remember what the brand name was but when I had my surgery my eyes were really dry and I was putting drops in every 10 minutes so the doctor gave me a gel that was essentially the same stuff as the drops but more concentrated and in a form that "stuck" to the eye better and didn't wash away as quickly. btw, laser surgery was one of the best things I ever did so if you have a chance to have it -go for it!

40. QUESTION:
    I Want Laser Eye Surgery!?
    First of all, Iam going to be 16 years old in 1 month,
    Iam wondering if it is legal to have laser eye surgery for my age since my eys are realy bad and without glasses i cant see within a meter clearly?

    So what is the legal age to have a laser eye surgery in Canada, Ontario, Toronto?

    Whats the Risk's? Can i go blind if something goes wrong in the operation?

    Whats the cost in Ontario, Toronto?

    Is it painfull afterwards or uncomfortable?

    will i need drops??

    also i heard if i get a laser eye surgery, i have to get one every year is the true or false?

    ps- Iam learning to be a pilot and with glasses i cant fulfill my dreams..
    I also play sports, and been boxing since i was 12 thats another reason why i wanted to get an eye surgery so badly, do i still quilify?

    • ANSWER:
      First of all - it is usually up to your eye doctor as whether or not he will recommend you as a candidate -if your eyes change alot they will not let get it because they will continue to change then they would not recommend you get it Your age could be a factor as your eyes may not be stable enough and may continue to change for awhile- if you have dry eyes your eye doctor may not recommend - I have extremely dry eyes and they won't let me get it done as it will naturally dry out your eyes even more than they are now. I have heard it is not painful or uncomfrotable. You may need drops afterward but not necessarily forever - You do not get it done every year if they thought your eyes would continue to change they won't let you do it ( a good optometrist anyway!) The cost in the US is about 3000.00 although I do know there is a place in Denver CO that does it for about 1/2 of that - anyway only your eye doctor can tell you if your too young, or a candidate for lasik - I kind of think they might make you wait but don't know for sure! Go Find out! They usually have free evaluations and consultations.

41. QUESTION:
    laser eye surgery, is it worth it?
    ok, i am turning 20 this month, and my eye sight is pretty bad and i would like to get rid of the nuisance of contact lenses and glasses. I am aware that laser eye surgery will correct my sight, and i can only do the surgery when im 21.
    I am not at all concerned about cost, all i am concerned about is the health and safety aspect, so when im 21, and do the surgery (the one with the latest methods and technology) will it get my eyesight to 20/20 perfect vision? are there any long term effects. sight defects??? will the surgery cause any chnages such as ruduction in colour or night sight or anything like that? basically is it worth the risk?
    thanks
    oh and i have very litrle astigmatism, will the surgery correct this??

    • ANSWER:
      It's a matter of weighing risks, and there are risks.
      (driving a car is a risk, but most people take it!)
      The risks for disastrous problems, such as loss of eyesight or severe scarring are very, very, small indeed.
      The most common disappointments are:
      Refraction not as near zero as hoped for.
      Flare or glare (especially with lights and headlights at night).
      Loss of contast sensitivity. (Blacks not black, whites not white)
      Dry eye problems.

      Having said that, the vast majority of people who have the procedure are very happy.

      It's a matter of assessing your chances of being one of the unhappy ones, and possibly being stuck that way.
      The second URL is an organisation for such people.

42. QUESTION:
    Opinions on Laser Eye Surgery?
    I was thinking about getting laser eye surgery to correct my vision. I do want to get it... but then I don't. I understand the chances of going completely blind are quite small, but I think it's a hell of a risk to take. I know so many people have gotten it done, but I would appreciate opinions of those who have, or even those who know about the procedure. And most importantly, has any doctor determined what will happen in the future? If the correction will remain or if the person can have complications? Please serious thoughts and opinions only.

    • ANSWER:
      In my opinion I would only get the surgery if it was absolutely needed, say for a job that required good vision and you couldn't wear glasses safely.
      Even though going blind is a small risk there's a lot of other problems like decreased night vision, problems with glare, etc.
      Plus it hasn't been around long enough to gauge the long term effects.
      Also, skills vary so if I was going to do it I would find a doctor who only does laser surgery and get a lot of recommendations.
      If they're any good they will provide references.
      Good Luck.

43. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to have an eye surgery thru laser?Does it have a high risk of losing your eyesight?

    • ANSWER:
      As with any surgery, there are risks. LASIK is probably one of the safest procedures you could have done. The side-effects to having LASIK performed are safer than the side-effects to most medications on the market today.

      I worked in a Ophthalmologist's office where they did LASIK surgery right next door at the Surgical Center and as an optician who works with fitting glasses and contacts, I have lost many patients to the LASIK procedure. They won't be coming to see me anymore to have lost glasses re-ordered or broken glasses fixed or contact lenses ordered. But, these people were THRILLED with the new lease on life that LASIK gave them.

      The office that I worked at held monthly free LASIK seminars. You had to call to reserve a seat but these seminars were loaded with information about the procedure, the cost, the risks and then always involved a Power Point presentation and a Q & A session. I'm sure there are offices around the country that do the same thing, especially with the growing popularity of the procedure. Heck, some insurance companies are starting to wise up and have begun to cover it. When you factor in the cost of glasses or contacts for a person throughout their entire life, its actually cheaper to do the LASIK, amazingly enough.

      Have your Optometrist recommend a reputable Ophthalmologist in your area or just open up the Yellow pages and start making some phone calls.

      Good luck!

44. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery advice?
    I'm thinking of having my eyes done but I am aware that the TV commercials are extremely misleading and there are risks of scarring (scratches in your field of vision) and many people still have to wear glasses after surgery.

    Is there a website that breaks down the pros and cons and advises on where to get the very best treatment? I don't have much money but I would not consider having eye surgery performed by anyone less than an experienced specialist.

    I am short-sighted and have a slight astigmatism which makes wearing contact lenses painful. would eye surgery correct this or would it be a complication?

    • ANSWER:
      Laser eye surgery is a procedure that can eliminate eyeglasses for many people who need them. It is not for everyone, some vision problems can not be corrected with laser surgery and some peoples eyes are just not suited to it for various reasons. having dry eyes or larger than normal pupils are two of these reasons.
      In the surgery the cornea - the clear lens in the middle of your eye - is partially sliced using a very sharp small knife called a microtome to make a flap. The flap is lifted, then the flat cut surface that will be under the flap is reshaped by using a laser to vaporise small areas - thus removing corneal thickness. The laser fires many times removing a tiny amount of cornea every time, finally giving a smooth surface in a new shape that should correct the vision problem. The flap is then layed down on top of this reshaped surface, and the surgery is all finished.
      Before the surgery, the doctor will have analyzed the corneal shape to diagnose the problem and prescribe the exact reshaping needed.
      When all goes just right, you will be able to see well without glasses. You may still need reading glasses for close work but normal daily tasks should be fine without them. Most patients have some haze or starring at night around bright objects - you may see a ball of light surrounding street lights for example. This is just from the slightly rough lasered surface.
      The flap will never "grow back on" from what I've read, and it can lift or shift if you get hit in the eye or dive into water with your eye open, but this is rarely a big problem.
      Sometimes everything goes awry and vision is worse than before the procedure, or night vision is so badly affected by the hazing that night driving is not possible.
      Dry and painful eyes are not uncommon, and some lasik patients have to use "artificial tear" drops constantly.
      You can't predict the future unfortunately. The success rate is impossible to know - the clinics have a vested interest in publishing a high success rate and defining success is at their whim. Most clinics define success as having better than 20/15 vision afterward and do not consider night vision difficulties or chronic painful dry eyes as a failure.
      I decided not to go with laser surgery. I'm a good candidate - low refractive index glasses, good pupil size, no dry eye history, etc. I just feel that the glasses aren't so bad and the real risk of permanent eye damage doesn't justify the cosmetic and convenience improvement from not having glasses. You have to decide for yourself.

45. QUESTION:
    Just how successful is laser surgery for vision correction? What are the risks?
    It was recommended that I have laser surgery for my eyes, but I love the way I look in my glasses and do not mind wearing them. Is it silly of me to skip the surgery for vanity reasons?

    • ANSWER:
      I can't quite believe some of the answers you are getting! No eyesight surgery is compulsory if your eyesight is corrected adequately using spectacles.

      Interestingly, you are the polar opposite of what we see in the main: usually people want lasik surgery because they are tired of wearing glasses or contacts, or they do not like their appearance in glasses...in your case, you are afraid of being too vain by NOT wearing glasses!

      If you like the way you look in glasses, and they are correcting your eyesight, then my advice is to STICK WITH GLASSES. It makes no sense to pay for expensive surgery, that is not without it's risks, if conservative measures are not only working, but preferred!

      Good luck

46. QUESTION:
    What are the pros and cons of getting laser-eye surgery?
    I'm currently in high school, and I've been recently prescribed glasses after figuring out that I was nearsighted. Although my eyesight isn't completely horrible (I only need my glasses when I need to read something across the room), I don't want to be completely dependent on my specs every time I copy something down from the board in school or read a distant sign. I also sometimes forget them when I go to school, which disables me from copying down the notes that I need to study for next class's exam. Thus, causing me to bother other people to copy their notes. I even sometimes miss out on the spectacular events or spectacles that my family and friends come across, which I am unable to enjoy with full definition all because I don't have my glasses with me. As a result, I have considered getting laser eye-surgery when I become an adult. However, I've heard many draw backs in getting laser-eye surgery. My mother told me that laser-eye surgery won't be the same 20-20 vision that I had when I was younger. Furthermore, I heard that you can't be a pilot if you've had laser eye surgery and that there's a high risk of going blind during the operation. I also would like to know if there's any longterm adverse effects after getting laser-eye surgery. So if you happen to know anything bad or good about laser-eye surgery, please feel free to tell me about them, especially if you've had laser-eye surgery yourself.
    I also feel nerdy wearing them

    • ANSWER:
      It seems that your problem isn't your eyesight; it's your lack of responsibility. It's not that difficult to carry around your glasses in a case, you know.
      Here's a recent article discussing the drawbacks to LASIK surgery: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/02/10/is-lasik-eye-surgery-safe-fda-scientist-regrets-saying-yes/

47. QUESTION:
    Questions about Laser eye surgery?
    Which type should I get?
    I think I have 20/30-20/40 eye sight and I plan on going into the Air force. Which is the safest? any risks or things I should know? Do I pay for it all or does insurance cover some of it?

    • ANSWER:
      Its cheaper and MUCH better in Europe, because over there if the doctors make a mistake or don't fix your eyesight, they either go to jail or FIX it Did I mention its about 20-25% of the cost compared to USA?

48. QUESTION:
    Lasik/Laser eye surgery?
    I have read a few questions and answers. I am aware of prices and risks. Can anyone who has had this surgery tell me about the prep before the surgery. Someone said he had to wear his glasses for a few weeks right before he had it done. And any other side effects other than the halo light? Also, I read a few people said about only getting 1 eye done so they could read...I don't understand this? Why only 1 eye, wouldn't it be blurry trying to see like that? I know when I have 1 contact out it is not that easy to see. But, anyways, I'd appreciate some opinions and feedback! Thanks!
    Prep

    • ANSWER:
      You'll need to wear your glasses (leave your contacts out) for two weeks prior to surgery (that's the FDA recommended waiting time for soft contact wearers -- it's longer for people with hard contacts of toric or RPG lenses). This is necessary because your contact lenses change the shape of your eye; you want your eyes to get back to normal before they start up that laser, otherwise they'd be doing surgery on a surface that's still changing!

      As for getting the eyes done together or at different times...

      These days, most people who have Lasik get both eyes done at once. If you have them done separately, you'll find that it isn't at all like when you take one lens out right now. As soon as the surgery is over, you'll start seeing an improvement, so the vision in your "corrected" eye and the vision in the other eye (with the contact lens) are going to be a lot closer than you think.

      I got mine done 1 month apart because I was having PRK (which has a longer healing time) and they wanted to make sure that Eye #1 was responding well before doing Eye #2. For two weeks before the second surgery, I had to wear my glasses, so I just popped one lens out of the frame. It looked a little goofy but it was well worth it knowing I'd never have to wear those glasses or lenses again!

      Other than that, there's not much prep involved until you get to the doctor's office and they give you some drops and maybe some medication.

      Afterwards, there can be side effects, some more likely than others. Glare and halos are most common. It's also possible that your vision may not become "perfect" afterwards, and you have to accept that possibility. Mine isn't perfect, probably because my eyes were so horrible to begin with (-9) -- but I still consider this surgery the best thing I could ever have done for myself and my health! Do I get halos? Yes, at night, and I still say it's worth it! Pick a doctor who has a great reputation. Don't be afraid to google him or her to look into his credentials.

49. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery or contact lenses?
    Hi,
    I'm 21 and have known I'm short-sighted since I was around 6.
    Over the years my eyesight has gradually gotten worse and worse (things become very blurry less than a foot away).
    The lenses in my glasses are very thick, so I have to add thick frames (even if I got the lenses thinned they would still be very thick). Having a small nose, my glasses are heavy and slip down all the bloody time!
    So I began wearing 30-day contact lenses as a teenager and I am now starting to have lots of trouble with them (irritating me, itching, infections etc.)

    I am considering Laser eye surgery to get rid of all the hassle but the risk of losing my eyesight would be a big blow for me - I start university in September as a student nurse.
    However, I am going on holiday for the first time in July with friends and know that I won't be able to have as much freedom when we're messing in the pool or sea etc. I never learned to swim in deep water properly because I can't see anything, I'm too scared!

    So my question is - go for laser eye surgery with a leading company (UK), or opt for daily contact lenses instead so I can throw them away every night? (I wouldn't be able to open my eyes under water obviously, but if I lost them or got chlorine on them I could use a new pair instead of using my glasses as I would have to with 30-day contacts).

    Sorry it's really long! Thanks for reading

    • ANSWER:
      If your main issue is that glasses don't work very well in water, and contacts are irritating you, they sell prescription swimming goggles. Or use your existing contacts with regular swim goggles so the water doesn't get in your eyes.

      Would be a lot cheaper & less risk of side effects than laser surgery (which seems to scare you anyway).

50. QUESTION:
    Should I get Laser eye surgery?
    I have already been cleared by a doctor who says I am a good candidate for no cut Lasik but I'm still having major reservations. For one, I've had glasses and contacts for pretty much my whole life, ever since the second grade. My vision is very poor without my contacts in but that has never bothered me at all. It's just natural to me, a part of who I am. As silly as it sounds I worry about not liking being able to see clearly all the time. Secondly, issues that you hear about, like hazing and eye dryness would be irrevocable if it happened. I would be so annoyed if I paid all that money just to have a debilitating condition that would be worse than my nearsightedness for the rest of my life. Like my family keeps reminding me every time I bring it up, "You only get one pair." Thirdly, for me this is purely a cost issue. In three or four years it costs more to have glasses and contacts than it does to just go and get it done. But is that really a good reason to put your eyes at risk? Please leave the "contacts are risky" comments be because I take very good care of mine so they aren't. And it would be really helpful if someone who has already done it would give me their opinion. Thank you, : ).

    • ANSWER:
      I had laser done 3 years ago and I have never once regretted it. It cost me £1095 per eye

      I went in early morning and I was home by midday I returned the following day for a check up and then another one a week after (subsequent appointments monthly then). The care I had was second to none. The only dryness I experienced was within the first month but you are given eye drops which you have to put in your eyes 3 times a day to maintain the moisture - after that there were fine but I always kept eye drops in the house for when they felt dry.

      So on personal level I would recommend it - I've had no problems and love that I dont have to wear glasses anymore (and I just didnt get on with contacts)

      One thing to note is that further down the line as your eyes deterorate with time you could require reading glasses - so bare that in mind also (This was one important thing I was told to consider during the initial consultation)