Lasik Revisited

[carinab]

I just finished reading the last two related topic threads from 2003 and thought I would open it again for two reasons.... I noticed that there weren't many opinions from our learned and degreed opthamologists. What do they think? Also, one of the questions that I didn't see addressed is are you at greater risk for macular degeneration later if you have the lasik procedure? I'm not finding too much about it web-wise....Has Lasik not been around long enough for that sort of thing to show yet?

Now that there are all laser procedures (no blades involved), it is starting to sound more appealing. Perhaps some of you that have already done some web research have a link or two that you found useful? Also, a question for those that have had it done, how has it impacted your shooting?

Thanks!

[Wakal]

I had the all-laser thing done back in March. 20/600 or so to 20/10 and 20/15 (darn right eye ).

The doctor who performed the proceedure on me was very forthright...expect to wear reading glasses as the eyes age. Since I was wearing spare lens for the Hubble already, that news didn't bother me a bit.

I'm still amazed every time I wake up (well, since I married Liota, just waking up is a good thing...although I've since developed an amazing resistance to arsenic and can breath around pillows clamped over my face) and can read the clock on the TV.

The proceedure was...interesting. Not painful, just sort of annoying. Got home at 1500, went to bed, got up the next day and drove (!) to the hospital for the follow up.

I've been pushing hard for the M card anyway, so I didn't really notice any difference in scores (because I still suck). Shooting Open, I had to reduce the intensity of the dot and now find that I like a 4moa better than a 6moa. Shooting Limited, I had to retrain myself how to shoot with both eyes open to get a sharp front sight (I hate the tape trick as the cowards way out). While my vision sharpness didn't really change all that much (glasses always have worked a bit better than 20/20 for me, oddly enough), the focal length difference was enough to warrent some extra dry fire work. Which, of course, I needed anyway.

I'd have LASIK done again in a heartbeat. Very much a life-changing proceedure, for the better.

Alex

[diehli]

Hrm... I'll have to consider this in the next couple years if my eyes stay the same (-1.50 in right, -1.75 in left/dominant and has been that way for the last 4-5 years).

[carinab]

Maybe this should move under the Surgery for aging eyes topic because I'd like the professionals opinions on all laser lasik as well for middle aged eyes....

thanks!

[Eye Cutter]

Carinab,

I don't do LASIK as it is not my sub-specialty but with the current technology available, the results are superb! And as Wakal has experienced, you would think back how come you haven't done it sooner.

Check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology website to find an Ophthalmologist who specializes in laser refractive surgery in your area and have yourself screened if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

HTH,

Eye Cutter