Hi,
I have a question for those of you that have had the lasik procedure. I have -6.5 or so on each eye and some astigmatism. I am not sure I want this procedure once, let alone two times. Has anyone had any lasik done and boom! it worked and didn't have to get any enhancements? Or did you have to go back a second time?

Many have gotten lasik done and have had immediate results with no follow up. I work with at least four people that are extremely happy with the results. One guy had it done about two years ago and he is very pleased with the results. The other lady had hers done about 6 weeks ago and is very happy. The third and fourth person are happy. One had his done about 1.5 years ago. One guy had some dry eye stuff going on for several months, but he was still pleased. I can't verify what their prescriptions were before the procedure. And just remember, there are no guarantees.

I am getting PRK done tomorrow on one eye. Believe me, I have done a ton of homework on this. I was somewhat disappointed that I couldn't get the traditional lasik, because of an astigmatism in both eyes. They feel that PRK is the safest way for me to go. A little longer healing time with results not as quick as lasik.

I don't know what the doctors have told you but you can always get a second opinion. Most doctors won't know if they have to do enhancement for a few months.

Take your time and do your research. I highly recommend that. You'll feel more comfortable going into a procedure if you've learned all that you can.

Bowriter

jkm,
My worst problem was my Astigmatism. I can't tell you what level it was because, I didn't understand my numbers all that well to begin with. The only numbers I ever understood were that I was 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other. But, what I can tell you is that I haven't had to have an enhancement and I am nearly 1 year and one month post-op. There is still a slight (smaller than a grain of sand is what I was told) bit of astigmatism left in both my eyes but, not enough to be noticeable. One eye is a little better than the other. I think I am 20/15 and 20/20 but, to tell the truth, I can't even tell which eye it better. And, I don't know that they aren't equal. The only problem that I have had is with dry eye. Which could be why I think one is better than the other as far as my sight is concerned. My right eye is only dry first thing in the AM and occassionally (maybe once a month). The left eye is the problem child. I have to keep it lubricated about once every 4 hours. But, I don't need any enhancements...at least, not yet. I have heard some stories that you may need an enhancement years down the line. But, I have also heard of people who had the surgery a decade ago or more and they have never needed any enhancement yet and their sight is as crisp as it was the day or so after their surgery. So, it all depends on the person. There is at least one person on this board that did have to have an enhancement. Perhaps, read back several threads and see what has been said in the past about the enhancements...if you haven't already.

Take care and keep in touch!

Hi JKM,

Yes, like the others said, there really are no guarantees. Just to give you something to go on though...my prescrption was -5.75 in one eye and -6 in the other. I was told by more than one person at my lasik clinic that with my prescription as high as it was there would be a 10-15% chance of needing an enhancement. So, since yours is only a little higher than mine was, I'd estimate the numbers are about the same. Basically, the worse your myopia...the higher chance of needing an enhancement.

I had about -5.5 / -5.75, and it seems I will not need any follow-up treatment. My vision turned out perfect the day after the surgery. I think I, too, was told about 10% would need follow-up surgery... but I didn't worry about that. I think that's a pretty good chance you'll be fine.

Thanks for replying to everyone! That makes me feel better. I had my surgery done on Feb 16, and the next day at my post op appt I was 20/25 in my left eye and 20/60 in my right eye. So I am impressed!!! However, being a big worrier, I hope I get better in the one eye, or at LEAST stay where I am!!!!! I have up to a year for enhancements, but I Hated the procedure! I am glad I did it, don't get me wrong, but I didnt find it a picnic either!!! JKM

jkm,
My worst problem was my Astigmatism. I can't tell you what level it was because, I didn't understand my numbers all that well to begin with. The only numbers I ever understood were that I was 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other. But, what I can tell you is that I haven't had to have an enhancement and I am nearly 1 year and one month post-op. There is still a slight (smaller than a grain of sand is what I was told) bit of astigmatism left in both my eyes but, not enough to be noticeable. One eye is a little better than the other. I think I am 20/15 and 20/20 but, to tell the truth, I can't even tell which eye it better. And, I don't know that they aren't equal. The only problem that I have had is with dry eye. Which could be why I think one is better than the other as far as my sight is concerned. My right eye is only dry first thing in the AM and occassionally (maybe once a month). The left eye is the problem child. I have to keep it lubricated about once every 4 hours. But, I don't need any enhancements...at least, not yet. I have heard some stories that you may need an enhancement years down the line. But, I have also heard of people who had the surgery a decade ago or more and they have never needed any enhancement yet and their sight is as crisp as it was the day or so after their surgery. So, it all depends on the person. There is at least one person on this board that did have to have an enhancement. Perhaps, read back several threads and see what has been said in the past about the enhancements...if you haven't already.

Take care and keep in touch!Hi There,
Just a question for you----How long did it take for your eyes to improve? I had lots of myopia and more than usual astigmatism,but the next day I was 20/25 in my left eye and 20/60 in my right eye. I am trying to be patient, they say it can take 3 to 6 months for the eyes to stabilize. I appreciate your communication from someone who's been there! JKM

jkm,
I was seeing 20/15 the day after my surgery but, not everyone sees as well aftewards (right away). What your doc told you is true. It can even take as long as 18 months from what I have heard. And, different people have different problems. Some, like myself, have a dry eye issue that lasts longer than usual. So, you may take some time for your eyes to get to their best sight and have no dry eye issues. You may need an enhancement and your doc will be better able to let you know that after 3 months. And, as far as you hating the procedure, I guess that you can look at it this way...at least, if you need an enhancement, you know what to expect. Did they give you a valium before your procedure? If not, ask if they can give you one if you have to have an enhancement. And, if you do have to have an enhancement, make sure they give you the valium enough time before the procedure to take effect. I got my valium roughly 1 minute before my surgery and was a nervous mess during the procedure but, was really spacey just after it. If I would have been spacey during, it would have been much better. Not that I hated the procedure. I just get really weirded out by people touching my eyes. More than most people. And, that thing they use to keep the lids open had me in a tailspin. But, given my issue with even thinking about people touching my eyelids or eyes, I think it was alot better than I anticipated. But, you already know how it feels so, this info is nothing new to you! Anyway, just try to be patient. I know it is easier said than done. You may need an enhancement, and if you do...just remember how quickly it is over and that you do know what to expect now.

Take care and I hope I was of some help...even though I don't feel like I was. I kind of felt a little rambly (is that a word?). Sorry! I have the Monday morning scatter brains! Heheheh!

i know alot of people that have had lasiks done and only one had to have an enhancement. I think they sell you the enhancements for the money and no one has to have them done it seems. More money in their pockets for vacation i guess or that expensive house they all own... :p

jkm,
I was seeing 20/15 the day after my surgery but, not everyone sees as well aftewards (right away). What your doc told you is true. It can even take as long as 18 months from what I have heard. And, different people have different problems. Some, like myself, have a dry eye issue that lasts longer than usual. So, you may take some time for your eyes to get to their best sight and have no dry eye issues. You may need an enhancement and your doc will be better able to let you know that after 3 months. And, as far as you hating the procedure, I guess that you can look at it this way...at least, if you need an enhancement, you know what to expect. Did they give you a valium before your procedure? If not, ask if they can give you one if you have to have an enhancement. And, if you do have to have an enhancement, make sure they give you the valium enough time before the procedure to take effect. I got my valium roughly 1 minute before my surgery and was a nervous mess during the procedure but, was really spacey just after it. If I would have been spacey during, it would have been much better. Not that I hated the procedure. I just get really weirded out by people touching my eyes. More than most people. And, that thing they use to keep the lids open had me in a tailspin. But, given my issue with even thinking about people touching my eyelids or eyes, I think it was alot better than I anticipated. But, you already know how it feels so, this info is nothing new to you! Anyway, just try to be patient. I know it is easier said than done. You may need an enhancement, and if you do...just remember how quickly it is over and that you do know what to expect now.

Take care and I hope I was of some help...even though I don't feel like I was. I kind of felt a little rambly (is that a word?). Sorry! I have the Monday morning scatter brains! Heheheh!



Thanks for the input, and yes you made sense! JKM

My pleasure and, I'm glad that made sense! Hehehehehe! I tend to get wordy and, even I confuse myself sometimes.
Take care!