LASIK

[Omaha 680]

Yikes! Why?!

My doctor, is a big proponent of PRK. She claims it eliminates a lot of the possible side-effects of Lasik. She said that 5(?) years ago she was doing 90% lasik and now she is doing 90% PRK. Being paranoid about the side-effects, I was willing to go through a week of discomfort to make sure I didn't have them. I still feel that way as long as I'm through the worst of it.

[Northwestcoug]

Omaha, I wouldn't be shy about going into see your doc today, just to make sure everything's OK. Even if you are a total wuss, the bad pain a couple of days after the procedure is kind of disconcerting. You paid for the follow-up, don't hesitate to use it.

[Omaha 680]

Omaha, I wouldn't be shy about going into see your doc today, just to make sure everything's OK. Even if you are a total wuss, the bad pain a couple of days after the procedure is kind of disconcerting. You paid for the follow-up, don't hesitate to use it.

Yeah I called them a day after and then again today just to let them know what was going on and make sure there wasn't something abnormal. The pain was pretty much gone as of yesterday and the light sensitivity got better during the day today. I described everything and they said it was all expected including the slight "backtrack" in my vision quality today.

[Commando]

My doctor, is a big proponent of PRK. She claims it eliminates a lot of the possible side-effects of Lasik. She said that 5(?) years ago she was doing 90% lasik and now she is doing 90% PRK. Being paranoid about the side-effects, I was willing to go through a week of discomfort to make sure I didn't have them. I still feel that way as long as I'm through the worst of it.

Ok well that's justifiable then.

[Northwestcoug]

Yeah I called them a day after and then again today just to let them know what was going on and make sure there wasn't something abnormal. The pain was pretty much gone as of yesterday and the light sensitivity got better during the day today. I described everything and they said it was all expected including the slight "backtrack" in my vision quality today.

Good to hear. Hope it's all better soon.

[Omaha 680]

So I got the protective lenses out about 5 days ago. I noticed a backtrack in vision quality in the weekend after they came out (especially in reading vision), but I seem to be progressing more rapidly now. Coming up on the two week appointment, where the doctor says it is very likely I'll be at 20/20 each eye, and then we'll see if I get better from there.

While my vision continues to improve each day, things are still cloudy. My short-range reading vision remains the most affected, which is awesome because I spend 90% of my day looking at a computer screen. But if I think about it, each day is a little better so as long as I continue to improve until I get as good or better than my previous lens-corrected vision I will be satisfied. While I still don't regret doing PRK over Lasik (we'll see if that changes in the coming weeks), I certainly misunderstood the extent of the recovery process. Looking back at discussions leading up to the surgery, I think my doctor was fair in explaining it and perhaps I was too optimistic. In looking up various blogs people have done on PRK recovery, I seem to actually be a little ahead of schedule.

[Omaha 680]

I thought I'd provide a somewhat final report in case anyone is investigating PRK. I'm coming up on 2 months this Friday. Things have improved drastically since my last post. My short range vision has improved to the point that I don't think about it most of the time. I wouldn't be surprised if I test at 20/20 or better next week because I am reading text on signs pretty far away now. There is still some occasional blurriness due to dry eyes, but the random fluctuations from very good to very poor vision seem to have nearly ended. I expect the doctor to discontinue steroid drop use on my next visit, at which point the remainder of the healing process should accelerate (at least that's what I have read on random blogs, I have no idea if it's accurate). I would say at this point I am moderately satisfied with the results and if the dryness (and associated blurriness) continues to decrease in frequency I will be very satisfied. I still think I'm glad I chose PRK over Lasik, because the main reasons were to avoid side-effects. I like that I can play soccer with reckless abandon, not worrying if a collision will dislocate an eyeflap. Yes I know that is exceedingly rare.

For anyone who is considering PRK I would offer the following from my experience:

1. Do not underestimate the recovery period. I don't think the doctors are lying when they lay out the timeline, but they definitely seem to give best case scenarios. While the timeline for returning to work and other activities is technically doable, it is not comfortable at all to try to come back that quickly.

2. Do not schedule anything at all for the first 3 days after surgery, work or otherwise. Just take your painkillers and eyedrops on schedule and get lots of sleep, preferably in a dark room.

3. I recommend taking a week off from work after the surgery just to rest and let your eyes heal. If you can take two it would be even better. I went back 3 days later and stared at a computer screen because I had to but it sucked.

4. Don't expect to drive for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.

5. Don't freak out if 4-6 weeks after there are still very large fluctuations in vision quality. Things eventually stabilize.

[Shaka]

My recovery was much quicker than yours and I had no problem driving the next day. I did take a few days off of work.

[Omaha 680]

My recovery was much quicker than yours and I had no problem driving the next day. I did take a few days off of work.

PRK? You are very fortunate then. From what I have read my experience is pretty typical. I know Lasik is a much quicker recovery.

[Northwestcoug]

I am glad things are improving for you Omaha. Concerning your dryness, are you taking Restasis? It's a topical drug that can help increase tear production.

[Omaha 680]

I am glad things are improving for you Omaha. Concerning your dryness, are you taking Restasis? It's a topical drug that can help increase tear production.

Not taking Restasis, but I recall the drug from the commercial. I'll ask my doctor about it when I see her next week. Right now I'm still just using preservative-free artificial tears.

[Omaha 680]

Just read 20/15 on the chart

Still some dryness and the left eye is significantly sharper than the right, but those things are slowing improving. For someone who has worn lenses since age 11 and couldn't read the alarm clock without his glasses, this is pretty cool.

[Pelado]

Just read 20/15 on the chart

Still some dryness and the left eye is significantly sharper than the right, but those things are slowing improving. For someone who has worn lenses since age 11 and couldn't read the alarm clock without his glasses, this is pretty cool.

Very cool.

Though my sight isn't as sharp as it used to be, I'm grateful to be the only one of my many siblings (we're Mormon) that doesn't wear corrective eyewear. Can't imagine not being able to read the alarm clock.

[Drunk Tank]

Bumping this thread....

Thinking about getting this done. I have a slight astigmatism in both eyes and I don't like toric contacts. I fairly limited in my choices where I live, unless I drive to LA or San Diego for the procedure. Has there been any new and exciting developments in Lasik surgery that I should be aware of or ask about when I go or when making the choice on where to go?

Thanks!

[Northwestcoug]

Bumping this thread....

Thinking about getting this done. I have a slight astigmatism in both eyes and I don't like toric contacts. I fairly limited in my choices where I live, unless I drive to LA or San Diego for the procedure. Has there been any new and exciting developments in Lasik surgery that I should be aware of or ask about when I go or when making the choice on where to go?

Thanks!

My advice: do not skimp on your eyes.

I am very satisfied with my procedure. I did it locally at the most experienced LASIK center. One eye required a 'touch-up' procedure a few months later. This meant that over the course of one year, I was seeing the staff pretty regularly. If you have a good center close by, that is the best option. If there are any complications (relatively rare but they do happen), it is just easier to get them taken care of.

Even in my small city I've seen one bad LASIK result. One health care worker developed a nasty viral infection in her cornea, and it was recognized too late. Her vision is most likely impaired for life, and I've heard her say she felt very uncomfortable with the level of care she got. This isn't meant to scare you, but just realize that there is are different levels of LASIK care out there. Don't gamble with your eyesight.