anyone have lasik eye surgery?

angiebear

cause i want to get it, so i can get rid of my glasses. but i want to know how much it costs and how long it takes to heal, and if there are any problems?? or should i just keep my glasses? what do i do???????

Answer
Lasik generally costs between $3000-$5000. Most Lasik clinics and many Lasik surgeons offer free evaluations. The most important thing one should do, is to investigate the Lasik surgeon and the procedure thoroughly prior to committing to this surgery. Lasik is irreversible, so you must make sure to pick the best surgeon you can find and be very sure you are a good candidate for this surgery. Not everyone is. My nephew had Lasik and suffers from just about every adverse side effect connected with Lasik. He can no longer work or drive. ,

No one should have this surgery until they are absolutely sure their vision has stabilized, usually in your early to mid twenties, give or take several years. If you have the surgery prior to total vision stabilization, you will have to have the surgery repeated. LASIK is considered cosmetic surgery, is not covered by health insurance and can be quite expensive. Lasik is irreversible. Lasik has only been in use for a little over ten years and the long term side effects are unknown.

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

Lasik Surgery?

sassy2slop

i asked this question earlier, but i didnt get enough answered....ive been doing alot of research on this procedure, and also went into a local place for a free consultation, but im still not convinced. Im only 22 and my vision gets worse and worse by the year, i dont want to end up like my dad (old school thick glasses) where its too late for him to have anything done. WHen they went in they said its a good idea to have it done, because lastyear i couldnt see far away, at all, now i cant see far away or close up, and my job revolves around a computer 9 hours a day, and i can only wear glasses to drive. Im really weirded out about being able to see everything and even though i was told it was painless im afraid ill end up having pain (novacain doesnt work on me). Just want to get some opinions from a few people who have had it done before. How it worked, if there were any problems and any other information you could offer...Thanks!

Answer
I looked into Lasik eye surgery quite a few years ago. I am now 47 and I was probably about 37/38. It was stated that the older you are the more benefit Lasik will be for you. They feel that as you age the muscle in the eye begins to relax more and allows more light in. In the end I would end up wearing reading glasses. I wore contacts off and on which I felt was a more viable option for me as opposed to having surgery and still having to wear the glasses.

I know a few people who have had their eyes done and they feel wonderful that they don't have to wear glasses. My sister's sister-in-law is beginning to have to wear reading glasses (she was in her late 30's and is now in her early 40's). Also a friend of mine who is in her late 40's had to have it re-done because her vision was beginning to deteriorate.

There is also a procedure known as corneal refractive therapy whereby you wear contact lenses at night while you sleep to reshape the cornea. It also depends how bad your eyesight is. My boss and another co-worker have tried it and neither of them need to wear glasses during the day. The only reason I didn't opt for the corneal refractive therapy is that I would still have to end up wearing contacts at night and the expense involved $1500--I can use it elsewhere at the moment. The time may come when I do decide to do it.

Get an opinion from an optometrist or opthalmologist. If you have an eye doctor go and see him. If you are satisfied with him and his recommendations then you can talk to him about your options. If not find someone that you can talk to and agree with.

There are always new options out there. Keep researching and looking. You don't know until you ask the question.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

Help? Lasik Eye Surgery?

!

I am 17 turning 18 years old in July.
I have been contemplating getting Lasik for a while now BUT I would only get the bladeless version of the surgery.
I have astigmatism and different vision in both eyes.
I am willing to pay the price & I've had surgery before so I can handle it.
I'm just wondering are there any risks in the bladeless version of the surgery? Does lasik only last until you're 40 years old or is that a rumor? Would I receive perfect vision in both eyes?

Please try and inform me as much as possible but only about the bladeless version of the surgery.
Thank you. :)

Answer
please don't get it. i went to get Lasik and in one of my eye got blind. i sued them .

Eyes burn after Lasik Surgery?

Q. Its been 2 days now. And my eyes are still burning and watery! When will the pain stop? Also I was told today I can stop wearing my sunglasses in the house. But man how long until the pain stops or at least because very little to unnoticeable
I have been using all 3 eye drops, Tear drops, Anti Inflammatory and anti biotic
I know a lot of people to and they had amazing experiences from it. You just got a couple of bad apples, it happens....

Answer
Please, don't splash water in your eyes. Yahoo answers is dangerous...I don't understand why there is a health section at all. A wrong answer here can have serious consequences and lots of people are throwing out answers when they don't know what they're talking about. You already paid your eye doctor for the surgery, so ask him. He will want to know if you're concerned about something.

You're most likely fine if its just mild burning/itching/watering. Discomfort after LASIK is usually minor, but not unheard of. If you're concerned, its still worth running it by your eye MD though to see if he wants you to come in for a quick look. If you were my patient, I would want you to call me so I could make sure everything is fine.

To the person who thinks his dad is far-sighted because of LASIK. This is almost definitely not the case. He probably still has good vision at distance and now has normal "presbyopia" that everyone gets when they age. LASIK does not treat presbyopia. Most eye surgeons explain to their young patients that once they reach the age of 40 they will start to need reading glasses, just like the rest of the world.

What is Presbyopia? Presbyopia has nothing to do with near-sightedness or far-sightedness. It has to do with the eye becoming less able to change where's its focusing. Just like you have to adjust the focus of a projector if you move the screen or projector, your eye also has to adjust its focus constantly to see things at different distances from you. A person with "normal vision" (emmetropia) is focusing very far away when their eyes are totally relaxed. Then if they try to look at something up close, the ciliary muscle in the eye contracts, which causes the lens inside the eye to become more rounded (if they're still young), which makes it more powerful and brings things that are closer to them into focus. When you age, your lens becomes more dense and can't change shape as easily as it used to. You can still focus on distant objects, but you have to move books farther and farther from your face until you eventually need reading glasses to help your eyes out. This is totally normal and is not because your dad had LASIK. If he's having trouble seeing things at distance AND at near, then he is probably hyperopic "far-sighted" and presbyopic.

Dry eyes are the most common side effect of LASIK. Nerves in the cornea are cut during the procedure and these nerves help you regulate lacrimation. After about 6 months, most people are back to normal, but about 1 in 5 continue to have issues with dry eye. People who already have problems with dry eyes should not have LASIK.

Also, while LASIK does have side effects, so do contacts. Its actually safer to have LASIK once than it is to wear contacts every day of your life for the rest of your life. People can get really bad corneal infections and even lose their eyes because of contact lenses, even with perfect hygiene and daily use lenses. Of course, if safety is your biggest concern, glasses are wonderful.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

If I had LASIK Surgery, is a waiver required for me to join the military if I have a nursing degree?

lasik eye surgery 40 image

Kevin

I have a degree in Nursing and I am interested in joining the military. I understand that I can apply for a direct commission into the military. However, I have had LasIk eye surgery and I can see 20/20. I was wondering if a waiver would be needed?

Answer
As long as it has been at least 6 months with no complications and your vision meets post-surgery standard, you would not require a waiver.

You will not be eligible for Airborne school or diving. There is no waiver for that.

AR 40-501

What are the sight Requirements for becoming a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps?

angelbaby

if you have bad eye sight but you have LASIK eye surgery and it is corected to 20/20 are you ok?

Answer
USN/USMC current vision standards:
20/40 correctable to 20/20
No colorblindness
No nightblindness
No astigmatism
I would not recommend LASIK surgery. If you are going to get your eyes surgically improved PRK is more likely to be accepted. LASIK is normally not accepted as there is a risk during a rapid-decompression or high negative-G maneuvers the flap may pop out of position.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

Do they make any exceptions for military pilots to wear glasses or contacts?

lasik eye surgery 40 image

O'hare

Can they wear contacts?
My dad is Army. And as most Military parents they would love their kids to follow in their footsteps. I've always wanted to be in the Navy and be a pilot. So I would love to be both. A Navy pilot. However, my vision is not 20/20. But with my contacts my vision is 20/20. I don't believe I'm a candidate for Lasik due to eye surgery when I was young.
Thanks to both of you!

Answer
Air Force

To enter flight training, a candidate must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot, that means the candidates vision can be no worse than 20/70 (correctable with glasses to 20/20) in each eye. To enter Navigator Training, the candidate can have vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye (also must be correctable to 20/20).

After flight school, the standards relax a little. Pilots and Navigators who have already graduated flight training, can remain fliers as long as their vision doesn't deteriorate beyond 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and color vision is required.

Effective May 21, 2007, applicants who have had LASIK eye surgery are no longer automatically disqualified from flight training. See related article.

Navy and Marine Corps

The Navy and the Marine Corps use the same standards (The Marines do not have their own medical department. They use the Navy for all medical procedures and standards). Navy Pilots must pass a Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot in the Navy or Marine Corps, an applicant's uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/40 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. Once flight training begins, vision can deteriorate to no worse than 20/100 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training graduation, if the eyesite deteriorates worse than 20/200 (must be correctable to 20/20), the pilot will require a waiver for carrier operations. If the vision deteriorates past 20/400 (correctable to 20/20), the pilot is restricted to aircraft with dual controls (ie, aircraft with co-pilots).

For Navigators (called "NFOs" or "Navy Flight Officers"), there is no vision requirement to enter flight training. However, the Navigator's vision must be correctable to 20/20 and there are limits on refraction. Refraction must be less than or equal to plus or minus 8.00 sphere in any meridian and less than or equal to minus 3.00 cylinder. No more than 3.50 anisometropia. After flight training, to continue on flight status there is no limit on refraction for NFOs. No waivers are authorized for NFO applicants who exceed these refraction limits.

Normal color vision is required for both NFOs and pilots. Normal depth perception is required for pilots and pilot applicants.

The Navy allows laser eye surgery, both for current pilots and NFOs, and for pilot/NFO applicants, if they apply for, and are accepted to participate in the Navy's on-going study about laser eye surgery for aviators.

Army (Rotary Wing)

The Army has very few fixed-wing aircraft. The vast majority of Army pilots are helicopter pilots. Army Aviators must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To enter Army Helicopter Flight Training, as either a commissioned officer or warrant officer, the applicant can have vision no worse than 20/50 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training, pilots can remain on flight status as long as their vision does not deteriorate beyond 20/400 (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and normal color vision is required.

Like the other branches, it is possible to apply for Army Flight Training and/or remain on flying status with laser eye surgery, if one is accepted into the Army's Aviator Laser Eye Surgery Study Program.

What is the procedure of Lasik surgery like?

Rout

Is the procedure of Lasik surgery painful?
I'm 18 years old and I recently asked my dad for contacts, which he said yes to. But he gave me the suggestion on getting Lasik surgery. It has been a week now and he is strongly suggesting to get the surgery.

I'm afraid of pain and I really hate the idea of doing the surgery. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what it's like during the procedure and after. Thank you.

Answer
I had lasik back in April. It didn't hurt at all. Afterwards, all I had was a little dryness, maybe a little burning, but nothing that I would even consider uncomfortable. All of this went away in just a few days, and they give you drops that completely ease this. All I can say is that it was the best thing that I have done in a long time. Waking up the next morning and being able to see things clearly, there is nothing like that.

One thing that I did do was research the doctors in my area. I ended up paying almost $4000 for my surgery, but I got the best. (your eyes are nothing to skimp on).
There are some downsides to consider. 1) It is sort of a trade off. You get nice clear distant vision, but as you age, your reading vision will decline. At around 40 (average) you will need reading glasses at about the same strength of your current distant vision. On the other hand, everybody loses reading vision as they age anyway. I figure. I would have ended up needing reading glasses when I get old anyway, plus I much prefer only wearing glasses for reading as opposed to all the time for the rest of my life. Also, I am 37 now, and my reading vision is perfect so far.
2) You may hear some people say that you will see a halo around lights after the surgery, but this is temperary, and is mostly just around LED lights, and it never bothered me much.
A doctor will map your eye so that the best outcome is achieved. So as long as you find a good doctor, you will be fine.

The actual procedure takes about 10 min. total. They lay you down under the machine, numb your eyes with drops. Then, they place a thing around your eye to hold the lid open (doesn't hurt, just a little pressure) then they will tell you to look at a light and the laser cuts the flap. The doctor folds the flap back, and for a second your vision goes blurry. Then the laser zaps off the correct amount of your cornia in the exact spots that your eye map dictates. Then the dr. folds the flap back down and then he will use a surgical wipe to wipe down the flap on your eye. You will see all of this, but all you will feel is wetness from the solution. Then, he swings you around under the other side of the machine, and does everything on the other eye. Plus, you will feel totally relaxed, because they give you a valium before starting.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

Does laser eye surgery disqualify you from being a military pilot?

lasik eye surgery 40 image

Flip Spice

I have done some reading about some pilot programs in a few of the military branches. I came across something interesting that stated: If you have had laser eye surgery in the past, you are disqualified from becoming a pilot. Is this true?

My next question is, if it is in fact true, why would that disqualify you? Laser eye surgery can correct your vision back to 20/20 and that's what pilots are suppose to have correct? So wheres the logic in that?

Answer
Army (Rotary Wing)
The Army has very few fixed-wing aircraft. The vast majority of Army pilots are helicopter pilots. Army Aviators must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To enter Army Helicopter Flight Training, as either a commissioned officer or warrant officer, the applicant can have vision no worse than 20/50 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training, pilots can remain on flight status as long as their vision does not deteriorate beyond 20/400 (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and normal color vision is required.

Like the other branches, it is possible to apply for Army Flight Training and/or remain on flying status with laser eye surgery, if one is accepted into the Army's Aviator Laser Eye Surgery Study Program.

Air Force
To enter flight training, a candidate must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot, that means the candidates vision can be no worse than 20/70 (correctable with glasses to 20/20) in each eye. To enter Navigator Training, the candidate can have vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye (also must be correctable to 20/20).

After flight school, the standards relax a little. Pilots and Navigators who have already graduated flight training, can remain fliers as long as their vision doesn't deteriorate beyond 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and color vision is required.

Effective May 21, 2007, applicants who have had LASIK eye surgery are no longer automatically disqualified from flight training. See related article.


Navy and Marine Corps
The Navy and the Marine Corps use the same standards (The Marines do not have their own medical department. They use the Navy for all medical procedures and standards). Navy Pilots must pass a Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot in the Navy or Marine Corps, an applicant's uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/40 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. Once flight training begins, vision can deteriorate to no worse than 20/100 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training graduation, if the eyesite deteriorates worse than 20/200 (must be correctable to 20/20), the pilot will require a waiver for carrier operations. If the vision deteriorates past 20/400 (correctable to 20/20), the pilot is restricted to aircraft with dual controls (ie, aircraft with co-pilots).

For Navigators (called "NFOs" or "Navy Flight Officers"), there is no vision requirement to enter flight training. However, the Navigator's vision must be correctable to 20/20 and there are limits on refraction. Refraction must be less than or equal to plus or minus 8.00 sphere in any meridian and less than or equal to minus 3.00 cylinder. No more than 3.50 anisometropia. After flight training, to continue on flight status there is no limit on refraction for NFOs. No waivers are authorized for NFO applicants who exceed these refraction limits.

Normal color vision is required for both NFOs and pilots. Normal depth perception is required for pilots and pilot applicants.

The Navy allows laser eye survery, both for current pilots and NFOs, and for pilot/NFO applicants, if they apply for, and are accepted to participate in the Navy's on-going study about laser eye surgery for aviators.

Hope this helps

What age is a good age for corrective eye surgery?

Zoe

I really want corrective eye surgery(glasses my whole life, contacts never worked, etc.), but I'm afraid my eyes are still growing. (I guess a side question would be, when do eyes stop growing?) What age is a good age for corrective eye surgery? I've heard various things, like right after puberty to age 24. Please give a straight, informed answer, not the first result in a search. I really appreciate any help! Thank you!

Answer
One should typically wait til about mid-20's. Most MD's look for at least 3 yrs of stable vision. The eyes will continue to grow til usually mid to late teens. At infancy, the length of the eyeball is between 17-18 mm and the average adult eyeball is ~24 mm in length. Puberty is typically when the prescription of the eyes change the most. The person has a big growth spurt and grows many inches, the eye lengthens (grows too, but not by big #'s) and you become more nearsighted. Everyone's different, but most people stabilize in mid-20's. Thus, LASIK is best then.

Heads up though, you'll still need reading glasses in your 40's! Everyone does!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

Does laser eye surgery disqualify you from being a military pilot?

lasik eye surgery 40 image

Flip Spice

I have done some reading about some pilot programs in a few of the military branches. I came across something interesting that stated: If you have had laser eye surgery in the past, you are disqualified from becoming a pilot. Is this true?

My next question is, if it is in fact true, why would that disqualify you? Laser eye surgery can correct your vision back to 20/20 and that's what pilots are suppose to have correct? So wheres the logic in that?

Answer
Army (Rotary Wing)
The Army has very few fixed-wing aircraft. The vast majority of Army pilots are helicopter pilots. Army Aviators must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To enter Army Helicopter Flight Training, as either a commissioned officer or warrant officer, the applicant can have vision no worse than 20/50 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training, pilots can remain on flight status as long as their vision does not deteriorate beyond 20/400 (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and normal color vision is required.

Like the other branches, it is possible to apply for Army Flight Training and/or remain on flying status with laser eye surgery, if one is accepted into the Army's Aviator Laser Eye Surgery Study Program.

Air Force
To enter flight training, a candidate must pass a Flight Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot, that means the candidates vision can be no worse than 20/70 (correctable with glasses to 20/20) in each eye. To enter Navigator Training, the candidate can have vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye (also must be correctable to 20/20).

After flight school, the standards relax a little. Pilots and Navigators who have already graduated flight training, can remain fliers as long as their vision doesn't deteriorate beyond 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and color vision is required.

Effective May 21, 2007, applicants who have had LASIK eye surgery are no longer automatically disqualified from flight training. See related article.


Navy and Marine Corps
The Navy and the Marine Corps use the same standards (The Marines do not have their own medical department. They use the Navy for all medical procedures and standards). Navy Pilots must pass a Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot in the Navy or Marine Corps, an applicant's uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/40 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. Once flight training begins, vision can deteriorate to no worse than 20/100 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training graduation, if the eyesite deteriorates worse than 20/200 (must be correctable to 20/20), the pilot will require a waiver for carrier operations. If the vision deteriorates past 20/400 (correctable to 20/20), the pilot is restricted to aircraft with dual controls (ie, aircraft with co-pilots).

For Navigators (called "NFOs" or "Navy Flight Officers"), there is no vision requirement to enter flight training. However, the Navigator's vision must be correctable to 20/20 and there are limits on refraction. Refraction must be less than or equal to plus or minus 8.00 sphere in any meridian and less than or equal to minus 3.00 cylinder. No more than 3.50 anisometropia. After flight training, to continue on flight status there is no limit on refraction for NFOs. No waivers are authorized for NFO applicants who exceed these refraction limits.

Normal color vision is required for both NFOs and pilots. Normal depth perception is required for pilots and pilot applicants.

The Navy allows laser eye survery, both for current pilots and NFOs, and for pilot/NFO applicants, if they apply for, and are accepted to participate in the Navy's on-going study about laser eye surgery for aviators.

Hope this helps

What age is a good age for corrective eye surgery?

Zoe

I really want corrective eye surgery(glasses my whole life, contacts never worked, etc.), but I'm afraid my eyes are still growing. (I guess a side question would be, when do eyes stop growing?) What age is a good age for corrective eye surgery? I've heard various things, like right after puberty to age 24. Please give a straight, informed answer, not the first result in a search. I really appreciate any help! Thank you!

Answer
One should typically wait til about mid-20's. Most MD's look for at least 3 yrs of stable vision. The eyes will continue to grow til usually mid to late teens. At infancy, the length of the eyeball is between 17-18 mm and the average adult eyeball is ~24 mm in length. Puberty is typically when the prescription of the eyes change the most. The person has a big growth spurt and grows many inches, the eye lengthens (grows too, but not by big #'s) and you become more nearsighted. Everyone's different, but most people stabilize in mid-20's. Thus, LASIK is best then.

Heads up though, you'll still need reading glasses in your 40's! Everyone does!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...

What is the procedure of Lasik surgery like?

Q. Is the procedure of Lasik surgery painful?
I'm 18 years old and I recently asked my dad for contacts, which he said yes to. But he gave me the suggestion on getting Lasik surgery. It has been a week now and he is strongly suggesting to get the surgery.

I'm afraid of pain and I really hate the idea of doing the surgery. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what it's like during the procedure and after. Thank you.

A. I had lasik back in April. It didn't hurt at all. Afterwards, all I had was a little dryness, maybe a little burning, but nothing that I would even consider uncomfortable. All of this went away in just a few days, and they give you drops that completely ease this. All I can say is that it was the best thing that I have done in a long time. Waking up the next morning and being able to see things clearly, there is nothing like that.

One thing that I did do was research the doctors in my area. I ended up paying almost $4000 for my surgery, but I got the best. (your eyes are nothing to skimp on).
There are some downsides to consider. 1) It is sort of a trade off. You get nice clear distant vision, but as you age, your reading vision will decline. At around 40 (average) you will need reading glasses at about the same strength of your current distant vision. On the other hand, everybody loses reading vision as they age anyway. I figure. I would have ended up needing reading glasses when I get old anyway, plus I much prefer only wearing glasses for reading as opposed to all the time for the rest of my life. Also, I am 37 now, and my reading vision is perfect so far.
2) You may hear some people say that you will see a halo around lights after the surgery, but this is temperary, and is mostly just around LED lights, and it never bothered me much.
A doctor will map your eye so that the best outcome is achieved. So as long as you find a good doctor, you will be fine.

The actual procedure takes about 10 min. total. They lay you down under the machine, numb your eyes with drops. Then, they place a thing around your eye to hold the lid open (doesn't hurt, just a little pressure) then they will tell you to look at a light and the laser cuts the flap. The doctor folds the flap back, and for a second your vision goes blurry. Then the laser zaps off the correct amount of your cornia in the exact spots that your eye map dictates. Then the dr. folds the flap back down and then he will use a surgical wipe to wipe down the flap on your eye. You will see all of this, but all you will feel is wetness from the solution. Then, he swings you around under the other side of the machine, and does everything on the other eye. Plus, you will feel totally relaxed, because they give you a valium before starting.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Read more...