twodownzero Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 (edited) So I got hit by a semi truck on my bicycle last year and received about a $10k settlement after paying the lawyer and other things (I suffered a separated shoulder and my collar bone sticks up. It'll never look the same but after my cortisone shot, I have had no significant pain after that). I am going to save the remainder of the money, but I spent some of it getting LASIK surgery yesterday. The gift of sight is something so amazing that those of you who have never had to wear glasses or contacts might have a hard time understanding. But for me, I was -7 in one eye and -6 in the other, which meant even if you stood 6 feet away from me or so, I couldn't tell if you were a man or a woman unless you had a full beard or some immediately otherwise identifying feature. The fact that there exists a procedure that takes less than a half hour and can liberate the person from their glasses, at least from nearsightedness, for life, is so amazing that I can't even put it into words. This weekend, I will be shooting the Indiana state USPSA match with my new eyes. They might be a little irritated, but I can assure you, that I don't think I've ever seen this well. I have worn glasses since second grade, and just 11 hours after my surgery, I can read the computer screen, drive, etc., without the need of any vision correction at all. If any of you are thinking about doing this, but are scared or anxious about the process, DO IT ANYWAY! There was basically no significant pain or serious discomfort for me, and it was over and I was walking out of there with my new eyes in less than a half hour. I was at a match last weekend and talked to a number of other shooters who actually had the surgery or were thinking about it. If you can afford it, DO IT. This is just so amazing that I can't put it into words. The gift of sight is so taken for granted by those who have it. Edited August 8, 2012 by twodownzero Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngeyes Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Good for you. If you were a -7 then your clear spot was at 100/7= 14.2857 cm or 5.624inches. Anything further started to blur. Who knew getting hit by a semi could lead to good sight. God works in mysterious ways. Enjoy your new eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steel1212 Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I want it bad but currently can't afford it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHA-LEE Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I got LASIK done two years ago and am still loving every minute of it. If you can afford it, get it done. The only drawback is that even 2 years later I STILL find myself trying to push my glasses up on my face (which I am obviously not wearing) when I am tired. I guess some subconscious habits are really hard to break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunguru Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I got Lasik too, and I'm totally satisfied!!!! More than 4 year since my surgery, and no real bad effects... sometime a little dry eyes, but nothing worse than before. And 4 years later, I have a 20/15 vision. I was -4 average before. THANKS LASIK!!!! An old proverb say "No pain no gain". Lasik is the exception that prove it's true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Hayden Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I had mine just over 10 years ago.. so nice not to have the contacts and the inevitable dust under them. Still better than 20/20 - I had no astigmatism etc, mine was < $1K - I probably would have spent more for contacts in the last 10 years And i think the procedures and equipment are only getting better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkleskiw Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 What is the approx cost? I've been thinking of it, just need to start saving I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunguru Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Hmm, cost? Too hard to say. Too much variables as surgery type, local price and availabilty, how much correction, warranty, etc... Here, LASIK MD offer it from 490$ per eye, but it cost me 3500$, life warranty, free follow up examination, with zyoptix techology (the best available at time), and one of the best eye specialist in the world as Surgeon, dr Mona Dahger Dr. Dagher is an authority on intraocular procedures with specific interest in corneal and refractive surgery. She has brought her expertise on keratoprosthesis surgery (a revolutionary ocular prosthesis implanted to correct corneal blindness) to Canada after conducting considerable research and clinical work at Harvard Medical School. She has also trained eminent American surgeons to perform this surgery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I had RK done on both eyes and AK done on my left eye in Dec 1994. I have a complete eye exam at the same place my surgery was done once a year. My right eye is still 20/20 and the left is 20/25. Had Catarac surgery in the left eye in 2005. I would highly recommend Lasik surgery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbncu Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 So I got hit by a semi truck on my bicycle last year and received about a $10k settlement after paying the lawyer and other things (I suffered a separated shoulder and my collar bone sticks up. It'll never look the same but after my cortisone shot, I have had no significant pain after that). I am going to save the remainder of the money, but I spent some of it getting LASIK surgery yesterday. The gift of sight is something so amazing that those of you who have never had to wear glasses or contacts might have a hard time understanding. But for me, I was -7 in one eye and -6 in the other, which meant even if you stood 6 feet away from me or so, I couldn't tell if you were a man or a woman unless you had a full beard or some immediately otherwise identifying feature. The fact that there exists a procedure that takes less than a half hour and can liberate the person from their glasses, at least from nearsightedness, for life, is so amazing that I can't even put it into words. This weekend, I will be shooting the Indiana state USPSA match with my new eyes. They might be a little irritated, but I can assure you, that I don't think I've ever seen this well. I have worn glasses since second grade, and just 11 hours after my surgery, I can read the computer screen, drive, etc., without the need of any vision correction at all. If any of you are thinking about doing this, but are scared or anxious about the process, DO IT ANYWAY! There was basically no significant pain or serious discomfort for me, and it was over and I was walking out of there with my new eyes in less than a half hour. I was at a match last weekend and talked to a number of other shooters who actually had the surgery or were thinking about it. If you can afford it, DO IT. This is just so amazing that I can't put it into words. The gift of sight is so taken for granted by those who have it. I don't know if the doctor told you about limitations but when I had mine done, the doctor said to take it easy for a month, no swimming, no exercises (strain), no heavy lifting and use sunglasses when out in the sun. I didn't go shooting until after a month and man, what a difference...I had mine done 2 years ago and it is one of the best things that happened to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodownzero Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) No swimming for three weeks, I can shower the second day and must wear safety glasses any time I'm anywhere near doing something where I might get hit in the eye. Since I wouldn't shoot without safety glasses, that was no problem!! It cost $3800 and that was with the thousand dollar discount. I had it done in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I wouldn't care if it was $38,000 at this point. Being able to read the screen without glasses or contacts was nearly priceless. Also, for many of you who own homes and itemize your tax deductions (itemizers are about 20% of those who file income tax returns), you *may* be able to deduct this as an extraordinary medical expense if you meet the income requirements. What that means is that anywhere from 15-35% of the cost of the surgery may be subsidized by uncle sam! Even though I have a job (I teach undergraduates), I am dependent on my dad, who owns a home and will able to deduct every penny. Edited August 9, 2012 by twodownzero Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neomet Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Ms. Neomet had hers done on Thursday. Her best corrected vision before was 20/30 and she is at 20/15 now. I don't think an hour has passed that she hasn't just gushed over how amazing it is to be able to see this well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodownzero Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Shot the match today and probably shot my best 5 stages I've ever shot in my life. No clue if it has anything to do with the eyes and compared to everyone else, I wasn't exactly doing that great. But it was probably a personal best for me and I can't help but think the gift of vision made at least some part of the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swhiteh3 Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 Reading this thread is making me quiver with excitement. I've worn glasses all my life. I am not able to wear contacts, so I've been dealing with glasses. Seperate pairs for sunglasses, seperate ones for shooting, etc. It's a pain. Waking up in the morning and not being able to see until you fumble around on your nightstand to find your glasses is horrible. The fact that they're CLEAR and don't exactly stand out is just salt in the wound. And when something goes bump in the night, and it takes 3 seconds to have my Sig in my hand, but about 20 to find my glasses - well that's just scary. I even left a sport I was really enjoying (nationally competitive tournament paintball) because I could not get over fogging with every trick in the book. But now I've decided to move forward, and reading this thread is just pushing me toward it more. I'd love better vision. I'd love to not have to worry about glasses, or having to clean them. I'd love to have inexpensive and easily changable shooting glasses lenses. Ok, sorry for the soapbox. If anyone has specific guidance, recommendations, or suggestions on how to make this process as successful as possible, please I'm open to hear them. To say this makes me nervous is an understatement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hvsmith Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 I can only tell you it may be the smartest thing I've ever done. I was also blind as a bat, since my surgery 7 years ago I'm still 20/15; can't read a menu to save my life without my readers, but it's a minor thing compared to the benefits, as the Nike commercials say, just do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 can't read a menu to save my life without my readers Same here. I'm 20/20 or better out beyond three feet or so but can't see sights, cell phones, etc without the readers. My daughter had Lasik done. Cost her(and me) about $4000 as well. I think getting them both done for under a thou is a steel or scary. I don't know which. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveU Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) Ditto those who were blind as a bat before correction that have perfect vision now. I'm 2 years out and it's the best money I've ever spent, next to the $ I spent on my first handgun Edited October 6, 2012 by Steve Umansky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shokr21 Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Got mine done about April 2010, wanted to get it done before I headed to the Stan. Simply the best money I've spend, ever. Don't hesitate, do your research, get a consultation and go for it! My cost was ~$2400 with a lifetime warranty, meaning if I'm ever not happy with my vision, I go back and they fix it for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mildot1 Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Had mine done over ten years ago, was about $1900 then. Still see 20-15 with both eyes. Best money I ever spent! Mildot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahead Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I had PRK and it really helped my shooting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RePete68 Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Hands down the best thing i did for my shooting. I had mine eyes done 6 years ago & still can see better than i ever did with glasses or contacts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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