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#160760 - 02/13/04 10:56 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Had it 3 years ago, and I don't like spending money, but it was the best money I ever spent, and no side effects for me, not even dry eye.
I know now that I am 41, i will eventually need reading glasses, but no contacts or glasses is so %^&* nice!
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#160761 - 02/14/04 12:06 AM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,355
The O.C., California
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My husband had LASIK 3 years ago and is very happy he did! No more glasses, contacts, etc., and he can actually see the time on the clock when he wakes up in the morning! He had no complications. I think his vision is better than 20/20 now. He can read street signs half a block away, which I think is amazing.
Good luck!
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I can explain it to you. I can't understand it for you.
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#160763 - 02/14/04 05:09 AM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Power Poster
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,991
Soaring over Georgia
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I had LASIK done 3 years ago. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I had both eyes done, then had to get a second time on one eye to get it exactly right 5 months later. I was 42 when I had it done. I was able to go a couple of years without reading glasses, but now at 45 I do need them. It's still worth it, though. I can deal with the reading glasses just fine.
Good luck with your procedure. Let us know how it goes.
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Jim Bedsole, CRCM, CBA, CFSA, CAFP
My posts - my opinions
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#160766 - 02/15/04 06:38 AM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27,754
On the Net
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It has been a few years, but I have a diary of my experience on my site.
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AndyZ CRCM
My opinions are not necessarily my employers.
R+R-R=R+R
Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell
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#160768 - 02/17/04 12:34 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Gold Star
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 470
In a location
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Been there, done that (LASIK) - it is worth it. But don't shop just price, find the best Dr/Group in your area, even if it costs extra $$.
You will be glad you had the procedure.
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Comments are mine and not those of my employer.
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#160769 - 02/17/04 03:08 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,896
R.I.P. Chief Illiniwek
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I had it done almost two years ago (right before I turned 22). I love it! My mom even got to watch the entire thing, cause it was recorded and shown in the waiting room. My procedure took about 45-60 minutes total. I will never forget walking out of the building in downtown Chicago, and I was able to read the sign above the Goodman Theatre (even with my eyes slightly swollen and blurry). 
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We're doing oil changes. Oil changes for EVERYONE!!
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#160770 - 02/17/04 04:18 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Platinum Poster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 875
Big Sky Country
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I had LASIK done four weeks ago - on my 30th Birthday! The results have been nothing short of miraculous! I did a lot of research prior to selecting my doctor, including poring over Andy's website, which is a fantastic collection of info!  . Although my vision paled in comparison to Andy's (I was "only" a -7), I was still in a very bad way. I am now 20/15 in my right and 20/25 in my left, with the healing process still occuring. Other than foregoing eye-makeup for three weeks (I know, whaaaa), the only drawback to this entire experience has been the halo effect. I knew of this common side-effect, but the halos around every light at night is still a bit annoying. They have decreased substantially, and I hope they continue to fade. But, even if I have to live with them the rest of my life, the procedure was still well worth it! I can totally relate to the clean-shower syndrome. After my surgery, I took one look and attacked it with all the cleaning vigor of Monk on steriods! I wish you well with the LASEK procedure. Personally, I couldn't have done that version. The way it was explained to me, the "E" has to do with the Epithileal layer of your eye, which (as you know) is too thin to make the traditional "can-opener" flap that LASIK creates. At the center I went to, they would instead remove the epithileal layer with an alcohol bath, do the laser correction, and then place a "contact-bandaid" over the area to allow a new epithileal layer to regrow over the cornea. I was told that there is a bit more pain, and a slightly higher chance of infection. It was just a little too much for me.  However, on the bright side, LASEK is done quite a bit, too, with equally great results! Good luck, and let us all know how you enjoy your new life of clarity!
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Me, Type A? Maybe - I'm not done analyzing it yet.
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#160771 - 02/17/04 04:29 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,896
R.I.P. Chief Illiniwek
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I forgot to mention how blind I was. Let's just say that my "good eye" was a -7. Now I have 20/20, and it's great!!!
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We're doing oil changes. Oil changes for EVERYONE!!
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#160773 - 03/05/04 08:56 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,896
R.I.P. Chief Illiniwek
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Don't rub your eyes!!! And wear the stupid-looking goggles. It's great, isn't it??? 
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We're doing oil changes. Oil changes for EVERYONE!!
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#160774 - 03/05/04 09:03 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27,754
On the Net
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Great news. I had an annual eye appointment yesterday and my vision is the same. All my life my vision was worse year after year. Seeing the clock is kewl. But seeing the calcium buildup on our shower head was a bummer. I'd never seen it before surgery. Some things were best not seen.
_________________________
AndyZ CRCM
My opinions are not necessarily my employers.
R+R-R=R+R
Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell
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#160776 - 03/05/04 09:19 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27,754
On the Net
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Playing in the pool and wrestling with your kids is pretty neat too, without have to be careful of "the glasses".
Lots and lots of benefits. The only downside is when it goes bad, it is often real bad. I've not met any of those folks, but they are there. Most often, in my research, it was the inexperience of the surgeon. So as prices come down, don't necessarily go with the lowest bidder. That is NOT who you want cutting on your eye.
_________________________
AndyZ CRCM
My opinions are not necessarily my employers.
R+R-R=R+R
Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell
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#160779 - 03/05/04 10:05 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Most often, in my research, it was the inexperience of the surgeon.
Bingo! I went with the most conservative surgen I could find and by the end, he would not recommend me for the surgery. Just when I got up enough nerve to have it done, I found out it is not for me. But, better that than someone agreeing to do it and coming out worse off.
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#160781 - 03/05/04 10:28 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Platinum Poster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 938
Do you know the way to ...
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Has anyone had any experience with the " See Clearly Method "? Or know anyone who has? As someone who has worn glasses since I was 9 years old, this sounds intriguing. The thought of getting rid of them (or at least toning them down from the coke-bottle bottoms I have for lenses) without the laser surgery sounds wonderful. But is it too good to be true?
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Just a lowly 1st Year Law Student ("1L"), so don't take anything I say seriously!
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#160782 - 03/05/04 10:30 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Quote:
He started as blind as Andy was.
So Andy, how blind where you? I think I might beat you (without even knowing), my GOOD EYE was a 6.75. (but now, perfect vision!!!)
I can't remember mine exactly, but I think I was around 6.75 and 7.00 also, and have been 20/20 since surgery
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#160783 - 03/05/04 10:30 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27,754
On the Net
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From my web sight, ugh, site:
I asked after the tests what my vision was. I was told -10.75 and -11 but I wanted to know as in 20/??. The gal estimated that I may be 20/1100, but that was just a guesstimate. Just like the Y2K problem, they don't have enough spaces for all my digits. She said they use a "fingers at 2 feet" rule. She held up her hand in front of her face and was 2 feet away from me. With my glasses off I couldn't count her fingers so she went to "fingers at 1 foot" and I could count them at that distance. Had I failed that, it would have been trying to see a hand waive, then any light. So I was rated "fingers at 1 foot" and the guesstimate was that I saw at 20 feet what someone with good vision saw at about the end of 4 football fields.
_________________________
AndyZ CRCM
My opinions are not necessarily my employers.
R+R-R=R+R
Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell
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#160785 - 03/05/04 10:43 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,261
Between Here and There
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Quote:
Quote:
... the only drawback to this entire experience has been the halo effect. I knew of this common side-effect, but the halos around every light at night is still a bit annoying.
Ok, when I first heard about this, my first thought was "isn't that how everyone sees the streetlights?"  I've seen halos around lights all my life. My mom, too. I have no concept how "normal" people see them.  
Huh  Thats funny I have always seen halos around lights at night and have never thought anything of it till just now I have been wanting to get this procedure done for quite awhile and probably will once I get a few extra bucks. But I always think of the What If's..
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#160786 - 03/05/04 11:38 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Power Poster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,920
OK
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Quote:
I have a friend who went to some hot shot at the local hospital and got MESSED UP! This poor guy now has double vision past 50 yards or so, glare, halos + he still has to wear contacts and glasses...He started as blind as Andy was. I think that was probably part of it. This proves that the most expensive doesn't mean the best either. The guys I went to took their time evaulating, and made sure that I understood everything. The total cost for me was $2k, easily worth every penny!!!
Hey, that sounds like me on a good day!!! Had an eye patch by the time I was a year old and glasses at 19 months. I was put into bifocals at 6. Finally got contacts after my first year of college as long as I promised to wear reading glasses. Now I have bifocal contacts. They are not great, but I can read ok most of the time. My double vision is getting worse (so says my opthomologist). Says surgery may be in my future, but it won't be Lasik. I've seen 1 1/2 of everything for as long as I can remember. I don't know what it would be like to see only one of something!
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#160787 - 03/05/04 11:46 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Platinum Poster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 975
first lily pad on the right
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I've always wondered: how do the doctors know what prescription to give a 19-month-old? I mean, when I got glasses, they put that thing over my eyes and had me read the letters followed by a bunch of, "Okay, is this better or is this better?" So how do they know if the baby is really seeing clearly? Something I've been curious about because I have a nephew who got glasses really young.
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#160789 - 03/08/04 09:16 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 20,656
The Swamp
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My eyesight is awful just like many of you have stated. My contacts are minus 7.75 and - 8.0...My question is this...my eyedoctor has never been able to put contacts in my eyes (I have to do it) because my eye muscles are terribly strong and they won't stay open with someone else's hand there...I also had "tatoo eyeliner" done awhile back and she stated I was probably the worst patient she ever had...so...how do you keep you eye open knowing they are cutting on you?????? I'd love to have it done...but I'm afraid I'd make them botch it all up!
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My opinion only. Not legal advice.
Say you'll haunt me - Stone Sour
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#160790 - 03/08/04 09:24 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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They give you valium and they keep your eyes open with a clamp
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#160791 - 03/08/04 09:27 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Platinum Poster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 975
first lily pad on the right
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Oooooh, they put these big metal things on your eye that holds the lid open (it kinda reminded of a big paperclip bent all up). There is no way possible to blink with these buggers in your eye. Then they put numbing drops on your eyeball. It's the weirdest thing to be able to see them literally brushing your eyeball with a Q-tip type thing and be able to see it but not blink or feel it.
Edited to say: Actually, they put the numbing drops in FIRST and then they do the metal "eyelid holder-openers".
Last edited by croak44; 03/08/04 09:29 PM.
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#160793 - 03/08/04 09:34 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Gold Star
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 358
Massachusetts
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If I could ask, how many people here who have had it live in the Boston area? I've been wearing glasses since I was about 10, contacts since I was 14. My vision in my left eye is -7 and my right is only -2.5 (whenever I order contacts, people always feel like they have to double check that that's right  ), and I also have astigmatism in my right eye. I've always thought about the LASIK surgery, but very recently I have been seriously considering it more and more, partially because I hear so many stories of people who are thrilled with it, and because I too am sick and tired of glasses and contacts. The many people I've heard from all find it the best thing they ever did, but none of them live around here... and I wouldn't mind getting a personal experience from someone if they have them to offer.  Also, I too would be very leery about using any "Two eyes for $1000!" doctors, but does anyone know the "average" cost these days? I hear a lot of $2,000-$3,000 ranges.. does that sound accurate? I think that could easily be money well spent for me...
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#160794 - 03/08/04 09:55 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Platinum Poster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 875
Big Sky Country
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I'm sure costs vary by region (and some good ol' supply and demand), but most centers seem to work on a "tiered" basis. I had my procedure done in Denver, where the tiers varied from $299/eye for a -1.25, up to $1,599/eye for the -8 and beyond range. Who knows - maybe your quirky prescription will end up saving you a few bucks! I agree that you should not buy on price alone, but don't get sucked into a "it costs more so it is better" mentality, either. The marketing campaigns for the laser centers are pretty slick, and I've seen them try to capitalize on every angle, from cost savings to elitism. Whatever you do, insist upon learning the background of the physician and how many surgeries he/she has performed. If they won't disclose, don't go! Lastly, make sure you are comparing apples to oranges. Some centers have an all-inclusive package, which includes pre- and post-op eye exams, while others appear to be very competitively priced, but add on a $600 referral fee for the follow-up optometrist. 
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Me, Type A? Maybe - I'm not done analyzing it yet.
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#160795 - 03/09/04 12:01 AM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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10K Club
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27,754
On the Net
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Also, when I had mine done, where I did, touch ups were free for 2 years. Many packages now include free touch ups for life. But inquire as to what goes into that as you will have several visits pre- and post-surgery.
_________________________
AndyZ CRCM
My opinions are not necessarily my employers.
R+R-R=R+R
Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell
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#160796 - 03/09/04 03:13 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,896
R.I.P. Chief Illiniwek
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My doctor not only gives free follow-up surgery if you need it, but also contacts and glasses if you need them (as a result of the surgery, or if the surgery was not enough), and drops, and check-ups!
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We're doing oil changes. Oil changes for EVERYONE!!
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#160797 - 03/09/04 03:21 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Gold Star
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 415
1st Tee
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The only thing that I had to pay for was the antibiotic drops that I had to start prior to surgery. All my follow ups are covered + I even got a free T-shirt!!! It truely is a miracle. Playing golf this weekend with my new eyes was great. It was windy, sunny & the pollen is drifting (welcome to spring in N. Fla, normally a nightmare for my contacts, no problems now. Everything was so much clearer and brighter. I've found the goggles to be a pain in the *#^. I go in for another follow up Thursday, hopefully that will be the end of the goggles
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#160798 - 04/23/04 09:24 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Gold Star
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 318
USA
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I asked my eye doctor about laser eye surgery and he said my eyes were too bad to make it worthwhile. I've probably got most of you beat in the bad eye category - my right eye is -12.25 and my left -14.25. However, my eye doctor said I was a good candidate for clear lens extraction, where they remove the lens from your eye so you can see better. Has anyone heard of this or had it done?
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#160799 - 04/23/04 10:58 PM
Re: LASIK, LASEK, & PPK
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Diamond Poster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,355
The O.C., California
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Quote:
I asked my eye doctor about laser eye surgery and he said my eyes were too bad to make it worthwhile. I've probably got most of you beat in the bad eye category - my right eye is -12.25 and my left -14.25. However, my eye doctor said I was a good candidate for clear lens extraction, where they remove the lens from your eye so you can see better. Has anyone heard of this or had it done?
I think my numbers were worse than that. I was always nearsighted, but when I went for an evaluation for Lasik 5 years ago I found out I had cataracts! (I'm not that old) But....it's a good thing!
I had the bad old lenses extracted and had synthetic lenses implanted. Now - 20/40 in one eye and 20/30 in the other - uncorrected. And, unlike Lasik, it was covered by medical insurance.
I asked my doctor why this type of surgery was not done strictly for a case like yours (and like mine pre-cataract).
He said mainly it was due to cost - insurance would not cover it. Heck, if I had known it was available I might have given it some serious thought, regardless of the price.
I know how frustrating it is to have such poor vision - I started wearing glasses when I was 5.
Good luck!
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I can explain it to you. I can't understand it for you.
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