Everything there is to know about lasik?Charla
I am a 16 year old girl. I plan on getting lasik sometime in the future. I want to know...1- how much it costs. with/out insurance2- level of pain or discomfort3- safety, risks and complications (people have said that lasik is bad because the flap never fully heals- is true? )4- if you had lasik, would you recommend it?
Harvey
Every lasik candidate must be at least 18 years old, and some surgeons require you be 21 years old. You also must have stable vision with a stable prescription for a year prior to surgery.I was about 20/250 before Lasik surgery last year. The procedure was painless, probably due to the Valium they gave me. The ride home (as a passenger, of course) was fairly uncomfortable, mainly due to light sensitivity. The doctor gave me dark goggles, but the light was still too bright. I was in some pain once I got home (maybe 3 hours post procedure), but I had some left over Vicodin, and took two doses of that. The Vicodin took the edge off. Slept fine that night. Woke up the next morning, and I COULD SEE FINE! Hallelujah! I was jazzed up about that. I drove myself to my one day check up (an 2 hour round trip) with no problems. For that check up, I was seeing at 20/25, less than 24 hours after the surgery. I went to work that afternoon (doing ultrasound which really requires you to use your eyes). For my one week check up, I was seeing between 20/20 and 20/15. Other than the touch of pain I had post procedure, before I went to bed for the night, I had no other problems. I would do it again in a heartbeat! No more glasses, no more contacts, no more cleaning solutions and saline!My advice would be to talk to everyone....talk to your family, friends and co-workers. Then ask your family, friends and co-workers to talk to their family, friends and co-workers....you get the idea. I found my surgeon by word of mouth. I asked everyone I know if they had Lasiks (or knew anyone who had Lasiks), and what doctor they went to. Almost everyone I talked to in my area went to the surgeon I ended up going to, and everyone was perfectly satisfied. I went into the procedure very confident! Good luck to you! Just one other thing....I went to a doctor who used computerized, laser equipment. No knives were involved. But, it cost me a pretty penny. I paid $5500 for both eyes, but I was not comfortable going to a doctor that advertised in the newspaper for $500 per eye. Sometimes you get what you pay for! Good luck to you!
Erline
I would recommend waiting until 18 or at least 21 (your vision tends to stabilize more by the age of 21)1. Most insurance companies will not cover surgery (they still consider it elective). Some will pay a small portion just depends on the insurance company. Check w/them to see if they do.Costs depend on Dr's experience level, the type of technology used, and at some places, the amount of correction.2. With LASIK little to no pain. Some people say it feels like they have an eyelash in the eye, some experience some tearing and burning like when cutting onions. Nothing too extreme.3. The flap never fully heals. After 5-10 years the surgeon can lift it up w/special instruments. You can rub your eyes, touch them etc 1 month after surgery. So yeah, no eye rubbing 1 month afterwards. It takes the flap 1 full month for it to self-seal but can still be lifted by the surgeon.4. I've had LASIK. Waited til I was 21 (I'm 24 now). It was the best investment I madeDon't go for the "bargain" centers that offer it @ $499/eye. Usually those are surgeons who need to gain experience or the $499/eye is for people w/minimum correction that can do without glasses or contacts. Don't get suckered in to centers that offer "lifetime guarantee." The center may be around now, but in 5-10 years who knows.
Bettyann
Here is the main thing that you need to know. If the doctor has a bad day, you may be blind afterward.
Britany
mi parents had it done and they lov it but it is very expensive and could cause serious eye problems in the futuree.....highly recommended though
Jenise
I had lasik over 7 years ago when it was fairly new. No pain involved, just felt like gritty in the eyes. It cost $3500.00 at the time, now you can get it less expensive. I think you have to be like 25 though. You follow post operative instructions to the letter and you should be fine. I would definately recomment it. IN fact, when my little girl is old enough she will have it too. She hates wearing her glasses and is not mature enough for contacts yet - she's 10. Good luck.
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