NationStates Jolt Archive

So. I go in tomorrow at 9 AM to get lasik eye surgery.

Essentially, what they do is cut a flap into my cornea, and reshape it.

The surgery is entirely elective...I'm sick of dealing with contacts and glasses...the constant re-orders, repairs...the inability to see with them in, and the disruption to my job (when I lifeguard). Add to this dryness at night and reduced vision...I'd say it is worth it.

So has anyone else gotten lasik or another elective surgery? Why? Do you dislike the idea?

My dad's an eye doctor, and he does lasik surgery. So I'm all for it, it keeps me fed.

My father just had it done this past spring. He had been wearing glasses since 1967, now he can see just fine without. Not bad for being in his mid-70s...

i had it done in '99.

id worn glasses since i was 8. i like not having to wear them now.

i had it done in '99.

id worn glasses since i was 8. i like not having to wear them now.

I can't stand my glasses. Everyone says they look good, but I have no peripheral vision in them

I have a seriously impaired vision which can not be improved by operations, but I am very, very, very conservative if an operation has a risk of blindness. The eyesight is one of the most precious things I have and I do not feel like risking it.

I wish you all the best for your operation.

no money, but eventually i would like to have one... especially when my eyesight would falter some more...

My mom did it a while ago and was so taken by it she was trying to talk me into it.

I had to remind her that I don't wear glasses and as far as I know there isn't a lasik for colorblindness.

If I could afford it, I would get it, but I have dealt with glasses since I was 10 so it isn't all that bad.

I can't stand my glasses. Everyone says they look good, but I have no peripheral vision in them

Pff...you don't need peripheral vis-SUCKER PUNCH!

I've had more than one firearm detonate on me, spraying molten brass in my face.

I had glasses on, so it wasn't a problem.

Even if I had the lasik, I would still wear glasses at the range.

Pff...you don't need peripheral vis-SUCKER PUNCH!

you have no idea how many times that has happened in the past month of wearing glasses :(

I've had more than one firearm detonate on me, spraying molten brass in my face.

I had glasses on, so it wasn't a problem.

Even if I had the lasik, I would still wear glasses at the range.
Totally relevant to the conversation.

I would like people to note, your standard eye glasses do not count as safety glasses.

I remember reading somewhere that it ruins your night vision? True or false?

I've worn glasses since I was at least 4 years old. I have a love-hate relationship with them, and, having tried contact lenses for a few years, I know I hate them. As such, if the money is ever there, I'd love to try the surgery.

My wife got it and LOVES it. She had really thick glasses most of her life and now they tell her that her vision is better than 20/20.

She payed a little extra for free lifetime touchups in case anything happens.

I remember reading somewhere that it ruins your night vision? True or false?

it can

my night vision is fine but there is a long list of possible bad outcomes from lasik. you cant know beforehand if you will end up with one of them.

I would like people to note, your standard eye glasses do not count as safety glasses.

They did in High School shop class. :p

it can

my night vision is fine but there is a long list of possible bad outcomes from lasik. you cant know beforehand if you will end up with one of them.

My wife had lasik, and one eye is giving her a "halo" effect at night.

They said it would wear off. That was a year ago.

I've had more than one firearm detonate on me, spraying molten brass in my face.

I had glasses on, so it wasn't a problem.

Even if I had the lasik, I would still wear glasses at the range.
I'm talking about vision correction, not safety glasses. The two aren't related.

I remember reading somewhere that it ruins your night vision? True or false?

Yes and no. You are more likely to have problems at night. Basically, at night, the pupil dialates, and can go beyond the area that has been corrected which can cause blurs, halos, double vision, etc.

This is related to pupil size (I have large pupils, so I am a little worried), as well as the proceduce you have (the machine that is doing mine is the best one currently available).

All in all, I've had night vision problems my entire life...this may actually get rid of mine

I can't stand my glasses. Everyone says they look good, but I have no peripheral vision in them

it is soooo cool to not have to wear glasses. or to go into a sunglasses place and buy whatever new pair i want.

I've had more than one firearm detonate on me, spraying molten brass in my face.

I had glasses on, so it wasn't a problem.

Even if I had the lasik, I would still wear glasses at the range.
Well duh.

I always wear a full face shield when I power up a brand new circuit board for the first time. I've had caps blow up when a voltage of the wrong polarity is applied.

As far as the surgery goes, I've never heard a bad thing about it, save one.

I have pretty good near vision when I don't wear glasses. So I take them off to read. My doc says that he can correct my far vision at the expense of my near vision. In other words, I will be able to see a mile, but need reading glasses for the close up stuff.

Fortunately for you, that's only a problem for us geezers over 40 or so.

it is soooo cool to not have to wear glasses. or to go into a sunglasses place and buy whatever new pair i want.

it's even better than that...I plan to work for the city, and the health insurance will cover either Rx glasses/contacts OR a pair of sunglasses yearly. new high-end sunglasses yearly will be nice.

So. I go in tomorrow at 9 AM to get lasik eye surgery.

Essentially, what they do is cut a flap into my cornea, and reshape it.

The surgery is entirely elective...I'm sick of dealing with contacts and glasses...the constant re-orders, repairs...the inability to see with them in, and the disruption to my job (when I lifeguard). Add to this dryness at night and reduced vision...I'd say it is worth it.

So has anyone else gotten lasik or another elective surgery? Why? Do you dislike the idea?

I had a similar surgery...but it might not have been elective since it was to correct double-vision.

Other than that, I can't think of any surgery I've ever had that I would consider elective.

My wife had lasik, and one eye is giving her a "halo" effect at night.

They said it would wear off. That was a year ago.

i dont think it wears off. i think you forget its there.

I'm not allowed on the Lasik boat until I'm 25, as my eyes are not fully formed yet.

Totally relevant to the conversation.

I would like people to note, your standard eye glasses do not count as safety glasses.
Actually, in our high school chemistry laboratory class, ordinary eye glasses can be a substitute for goggles. I don't think my eyes got burned with sulfuric acid or ammonium sulfide.

I'm not allowed on the Lasik boat until I'm 25, as my eyes are not fully formed yet.

you might be able to get it sooner...my Rx has been fairly stable for the last 2 years, so they are doing it now (I just turned 21)

So. I go in tomorrow at 9 AM to get lasik eye surgery.

Essentially, what they do is cut a flap into my cornea, and reshape it.

The surgery is entirely elective...I'm sick of dealing with contacts and glasses...the constant re-orders, repairs...the inability to see with them in, and the disruption to my job (when I lifeguard). Add to this dryness at night and reduced vision...I'd say it is worth it.

So has anyone else gotten lasik or another elective surgery? Why? Do you dislike the idea?

Good luck!
For me it was wondrful to be able to see without glasses. I had 6 dioptryes and the first thing in the morning was putting my glasses on and last thing in the evening was taking them off...
I was so used to them that I even tryed to take my glasses off after the surgery.

Oh, by the way... Both eyes the same day the 15 of april 1998... Call me Guinea Pig ;)

Actually, in our high school chemistry laboratory class, ordinary eye glasses can be a substitute for goggles. I don't think my eyes got burned with sulfuric acid or ammonium sulfide.

safety glasses are still irrelevant to the topic at hand.

I'm talking about vision correction, not safety glasses. The two aren't related.

I wear specially designed custom shooting glasses at all times. They are safety glasses, and they are specially tinted.

safety glasses are still irrelevant to the topic at hand.

I had elective surgery to get safety glasses permanently attached to my face.

I had elective surgery to get safety glasses permanently attached to my face.
I'm feeling lazy right now. Come over here and run your cheek through my hand.

I wear specially designed custom shooting glasses at all times. They are safety glasses, and they are specially tinted.

...and yet, from what you've said, they don't correct vision. Nor is this thread even really about glasses of any kind, but Lasik and elective surgery. Your safety glasses are none of these three. Please, spare me the hijack.

...and yet, from what you've said, they don't correct vision. Nor is this thread even really about glasses of any kind, but Lasik and elective surgery. Your safety glasses are none of these three. Please, spare me the hijack.

They correct my vision.

They correct my vision.

okay then. Now, would you get lasik? You said you would still wear safety glasses, but that doesn't actually answer the question I posed...

update us as to how it goes dude! i'm thinking of getting eye surgery sometime soon. good luck :)

i'm just scared if it goes wrong you can go blind... really don't want that.

update us as to how it goes dude! i'm thinking of getting eye surgery sometime soon. good luck :)

definatly will...my sister said she was good to go the next day, so if I have similar results, I'll post thursday.

Actually, in our high school chemistry laboratory class, ordinary eye glasses can be a substitute for goggles.

Someone clearly needs a lesson in safety. Wearing glasses and thinking they will protect you might be even worse than not wearing anything but being careful.

I can't believe this recklessness to be happening in the US, the teacher will get sued to hell in case of an accident. Where exactly is that?

My Dad had it done a couple of years ago - he was 70. He LOVES not having to wear his glasses. He says the best thing is to be able to wake up in the morning, open his eyes and see clearly.
His eyes were very light sensitive for about a month after the surgery. His doctor said it was likely because he has VERY pale green eyes and apparently , the lighter your eyes, the more prone you are to light sensitivity in general. ( this was just the doctor's opinion , I don't know if there is any really proof of it)
Anyway - the sensitivity wore off eventually and as far as I know, he has had no troubles.

I can't stand my glasses. Everyone says they look good, but I have no peripheral vision in them

That bugged the hell out of me when I first got them, but now not so much, I try to ignore the edges I can see.

So. I go in tomorrow at 9 AM to get lasik eye surgery.

But, but... glasses are hot! Well, they are...

So has anyone else gotten lasik or another elective surgery? Why? Do you dislike the idea?

... but I so totally know why you're doing it and I am planning on doing it myself when the - ahem - pecuniary circumstances so allow. When I was doing my ortho rotation earlier this year, I had to wear orthopaedic surgical gear (imagine space suits) and I was ready to smash my glasses into pieces because of the fogginess and their tendency to slip and annoy when things got sweaty.

So, good luck tomorrow! The operation itself is a breeze.

But, but... glasses are hot! Well, they are...
this is the longest I've worn them since I turned 14 and got contacts


... but I so totally know why you're doing it and I am planning on doing it myself when the - ahem - pecuniary circumstances so allow. When I was doing my ortho rotation earlier this year, I had to wear orthopaedic surgical gear (imagine space suits) and I was ready to smash my glasses into pieces because of the fogginess and their tendency to slip and annoy when things got sweaty.

So, good luck tomorrow! The operation itself is a breeze.

emptying the dishwasher at work sucks...the steam just kinda blinds me.
Snowboarding is hell too, as the contacts dry out, but the glasses cut into your eyes.

I have secretly thought about wearing the glasses every now and then for fun...but shhh....


as for the money...well...let's just say I lucked out pretty damn well with my parents...

I have secretly thought about wearing the glasses every now and then for fun...but shhh....

What happens in the dungeon stays in the dungeon.

as for the money...well...let's just say I lucked out pretty damn well with my parents...

Someone has to.

I'm waiting for artificial eyes. With infra-red mode.

I'm waiting for artificial eyes. With infra-red mode.

I want something like what the Ghosts have in Starcraft...those implants that allow them to launch nukes without being killed. Not that I plan on launching nuclear weapons strikes, but you know, it would make it easier to play golf.

Eye correction is just a conspiracy to take your money! They are giving you drugs to make it seem like you can't see!

They correct my vision.

Then they are useless after corrective surgery.


And who else finds it disturbing he got corrective shooting glasses?

Well, I got the surgery. Everything went fine. I can't get my face wet for 3 days, lift weights for 3 days, I have to sleep with eye shields for 2 weeks, and can't rub my eyes for 4 months. I hav to put in tons of eye drops.

However, my vision is now at 20/15, with perfect close-range vision. The results were pretty much instant...I couldn't read for a short time because my pupils were dialated, but that has since gone down. I have some haloing at night, but nothing too severe, and they said it should go away over the next few months. I highly reccomend lasik.

I wear disposable contacts, so I'm not that eager to have the lasik done. Back in the days before lasik, when they had RK surgery, I looked into that. But at the time they didn't do it on someone as nearsighted as me.

I did have some surgery done to correct my bite. Along with braces. I had a bit of a receding chin and they asked me if I wanted that fixed while they were correcting my bite. I said "Sure, knock yourselves out." So now I have a lovely chin, courtesy my Daddy's insurance.



Oh, congrats Sarkhaan. Glad you're happy with it.

Well, I got the surgery. Everything went fine. I can't get my face wet for 3 days, lift weights for 3 days, I have to sleep with eye shields for 2 weeks, and can't rub my eyes for 4 months. I hav to put in tons of eye drops.

However, my vision is now at 20/15, with perfect close-range vision. The results were pretty much instant...I couldn't read for a short time because my pupils were dialated, but that has since gone down. I have some haloing at night, but nothing too severe, and they said it should go away over the next few months. I highly reccomend lasik.
I'm glad everything went well and you're alright!

The not rubbing my eyes for 4 months would do me in, though. *fidgets*

If I wasn't so scared of, well, going blind just because I was tired of wearing glasses, I would totally want to do it. Maybe I will eventually.

I wear disposable contacts, so I'm not that eager to have the lasik done. Back in the days before lasik, when they had RK surgery, I looked into that. But at the time they didn't do it on someone as nearsighted as me.

I did have some surgery done to correct my bite. Along with braces. I had a bit of a receding chin and they asked me if I wanted that fixed while they were correcting my bite. I said "Sure, knock yourselves out." So now I have a lovely chin, courtesy my Daddy's insurance.



Oh, congrats Sarkhaan. Glad you're happy with it.
thanks :)
I'm glad everything went well and you're alright!

The not rubbing my eyes for 4 months would do me in, though. *fidgets*

If I wasn't so scared of, well, going blind just because I was tired of wearing glasses, I would totally want to do it. Maybe I will eventually.
you know, I never realized how much I used to rub my eyes untill I couldn't do it. Now, I get to put in eyedrops instead. The medicated ones do kinda sting a bit.

I'm glad everything went well and you're alright!

The not rubbing my eyes for 4 months would do me in, though. *fidgets*

If I wasn't so scared of, well, going blind just because I was tired of wearing glasses, I would totally want to do it. Maybe I will eventually.

I rub my eyes all the time...I fidget like crazy, and that's just a part of it. It would be a nightmare not being able to...

Well, I got the surgery. Everything went fine. I can't get my face wet for 3 days, lift weights for 3 days, I have to sleep with eye shields for 2 weeks, and can't rub my eyes for 4 months. I hav to put in tons of eye drops.


Congrats! I had the older style Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) in 1995, where they scrape off the epithelium and apply the reshaping laser directly onto the cornea (without the slicing). My result was a good one also; best thing I ever did. What's more, I had it done for free under health insurance (I was one of the lucky few who got in before the insurance companies took it off the books). :)

Well, I got the surgery. Everything went fine.

Yay! Now, did you get any awesome pills?

Congrats! I had the older style Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) in 1995, where they scrape off the epithelium and apply the reshaping laser directly onto the cornea (without the slicing). My result was a good one also; best thing I ever did. What's more, I had it done for free under health insurance (I was one of the lucky few who got in before the insurance companies took it off the books). :)
I almost had to have the PRK because of my pupil size, but I ended up being within the range for lasik
Yay! Now, did you get any awesome pills?

Sadly, no. they gave me a 10 mg valium 5 minutes before they took me in, so it didn't even really have an effect and I was still a bit nervous. It set in just as the procedure ended, go figure.

Now I have eyedrops that run into my sinuses and are really bitter.

Sadly, no. they gave me a 10 mg valium 5 minutes before they took me in, so it didn't even really have an effect and I was still a bit nervous. It set in just as the procedure ended, go figure.

Now I have eyedrops that run into my sinuses and are really bitter.

Honestly, now. It was a private, elective procedure. You should have haggled for them to include the good shit. It's like buying a car, but without feeling like you were just raped. Hopefully.

Honestly, now. It was a private, elective procedure. You should have haggled for them to include the good shit. It's like buying a car, but without feeling like you were just raped. Hopefully.

think it's too late to try and get some?

think it's too late to try and get some?

If you can fake pain well, then no. Just be prudent in how much you demand so as not to arouse suspicion. "Really, doc - I don't want to take pills. I hate them. But I can't stand it any more. Can I have just a few to get me through the worst of the pain over the next week?"