Laser Eye Surgery

[dagibbs]

I just got back from the consultation appointment for laser eye surgery. Unfortunately I'm not eligible for Lasik surgery (too thin Cornea and too strong a prescription), but would am eligible for PRK laser surgery.

Lasik: they lift a corneal flap, resculpt the cornea with a laser, put down the flap, things heal quickly.
PRK: they remove the epithelial layer, resculpt the cornea, place a contact lens over the eye for a bit (band-aid) while the epithelial layer heals. Things heal more slowly, vision stabilizes more slowly.

PRK is more expensive than Lasik, has some greater risks associated with it (primarily permanent haloing effects at night), more discomfort in the healing cycle, and results in about a week of can't-read, can't-use-computer time during the initial healing period.

I can afford the greater cost, I already get some night-time haloing from glasses, especially if they are a bit dirty, but that week of initial healing time. I will have to think about this. (Of course, leolac has noted that she has experience with helping those of limited vision, should I need it.)

I don't have to decide now, but will probably come to a decision in the next couple weeks. I do intend to do some net research on PRK (vs Lasik). I think the information they've given me is pretty good, though.

Comments

[phaedress.livejournal.com]

I like the part where you say you're going to do some research. I've heard some bad stories, and once it doesn't work..well, you know. I understand the bother of wearing glasses, but what about contacts?

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the once it doesn't work they can't do anything to fix it is a worry. And the incidence is higher for PRK.

I've tried contacts -- they irritated me, I wasn't good at putting them in/taking them out (practice would probably help) and I never seemed to get nearly as clear vision as I did with glasses. Having astigmatism, means toric lens (because the eye is asymetrical), and they don't always align properly initially, or it seemed sometimes, for any particular insertion ever. Also, contacts have their own risks associated with them (eye infections being the most common one, with possible permanent damage on that side).

If I'd been eligible for the Lasik, which is the more practiced, more understood, more reliable choice, I'm pretty sure I'd be having it done. But for the riskier one, I'm really not sure.

[phaedress.livejournal.com]

I have astigmatism too and the toric lenses work...well, sorta. You saw me struggling to read the map when we played that railway game, but that's 'cause I take off my glasses to read. As for infections, well, yeah, that too, but you just have to be careful. I've known everytime I've been about to give myself one. (Like when I took my contacts out somewhere without handwashing facilities and then had to put them back in.)
Still: given the greater risks of surgery, why don't you give contacts another chance while you wait for PRK to become as well-practiced as Lazik?

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm definitely thinking that trying contacts again might be the choice. I'm not too happy about the risks of PRK right now.

[leolac.livejournal.com]

Sweetie...

What you like, I am game for. I am willing to date you with glasses, without glasses, and I am willing to be by your side in a healing period or in a "I don't know what to do" period.

Just to reinforce that. =D.

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Thank you sweetie. I do understand that. And I love you for it.

[leolac.livejournal.com]

*grin with cute body wiggles*

[juniorcrone.livejournal.com]

Hi!

I had Lasik done in 2000, and it was a one-time shot. The ophtalmologist said that my corneas were thin, so if they screwed up they couldn't operate again.

I did it anyway, and my vision is 20/15 in both eyes. Mind you, every case is different, and I was only moderately myopic when I got this done. I also had astigmatism, which can be corrected by Lasik.

If you have any questions about the side effects of Lasik, don't hesitate to ask.

Take care!

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

I can't do Lasik, as I said.

[juniorcrone.livejournal.com]

Yes, I got that part, but did you get a second opinion from another ophtalmologist? I'm just saying, another doctor might find another way to make you eligible for Lasik...

I'm just saying...

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

That is a thought. I'm betting the opinion won't be different, but it is a thought to try. I knew going in my prescription was strong, so it might be an issue, but I should try another clinic in Ottawa, see if they have a different thought on it.