Less than optimal results? - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

kterzo · 03-24-2009, 04:49 PM

I had Lasik done a week ago and am not entirely sure that I have achieved satisfactory results for my situation and recovery period. I saw my OD today for my 2nd post-op appt and I am having a lot of difficutly with my vision. It is extremely fuzzy and has not been clear at all. It's so difficult to see at distances that he has prescribed temporary glasses because I am getting headaches from eyestrain. My new prescription is -1.00 in each eye. While that doesn't sound bad, I just plain can't see past 3 feet; can't drive myself to work. I'm frustrated because my OD bluntly told me that he wasn't sure that my vision would improve at all beyond what it is now.
Has anyone else had poor result up to a week after surgery and then had their vision miraculously improve????

landar · 03-25-2009, 10:43 AM

I too just had Lasik one week ago. My vision is fuzzy at distance and halos and glare around lights. I just had a one week post-op visit and could see only about 20/30. It is mostly because of the halo/ghosting going on.

But, take heart. It has only been one week and my vision is improving every day. And you MUST use eye drops faithfully, at least every 2 hours. It is vital to keep the corneas moist during the healing process. I am also finding out that there are a lot of different drops available with drastically different main ingrediants. So I am experimenting with the various drops.

Give it more time. It is way too early to know what your final vision will be. Everyone heals at different rates. I was a little anxious myself because I do not yet have "perfect" vision. I am giving it time. And it may take months.

kterzo · 03-26-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landar

I too just had Lasik one week ago. My vision is fuzzy at distance and halos and glare around lights. I just had a one week post-op visit and could see only about 20/30. It is mostly because of the halo/ghosting going on.

But, take heart. It has only been one week and my vision is improving every day. And you MUST use eye drops faithfully, at least every 2 hours. It is vital to keep the corneas moist during the healing process. I am also finding out that there are a lot of different drops available with drastically different main ingrediants. So I am experimenting with the various drops.

Give it more time. It is way too early to know what your final vision will be. Everyone heals at different rates. I was a little anxious myself because I do not yet have "perfect" vision. I am giving it time. And it may take months.

Thank you for the encouragement landar.
I wish that I was able to see improvement everyday. So far my vision is the same as the day after surgery. Obviously I have to give it time; was just hoping for more! My vision at best is 20/60 right now.
Ironically though, I am very pleased to report that I have no halos, starbursts or floaters like so many people complain of. Of that I feel very fortunate.
Once I got a new prescription in my glasses 2 days ago I at least was able to drive. That helped me get back into the swing of life again!
Positive thoughts for your recovery as well...............

landar · 03-26-2009, 07:39 PM

I can easily see well enough to drive but night driving is a real trip. Halos and glare is weird. I can still drive but its just strange. I try to avoid nighttime lights for now. Good to hear you found relief with glasses. I was wondering if they gave you a fairly weak prescription because the glasses should soon be too strong as your cornea's heal and allow you better focus.

My vision was poor this morning, then got better in late afternoon, then poor in the evening. Its a roller coaster for sure. I would be lying if I said that I have not had some second thoughts about getting this done. However, it is so neat to be able to see w/o glasses or contacts even if it is not yet perfect. Even if I end up with glasses, the prescription should be very mild and I can live with that. Before, my eyes were both around -5.00 and I was pretty blind w/o my glasses. No one prepares you for the psychological trama of this procedure! Sure, they tell you it will take time to heal and your vision will change alot during the healing process but not the thoughts of doubt and remorse that will initially haunt you. When I laid back on that laser table, I put my full faith and trust in the surgeon(who has done about 12,000 eyes). And I had better be right or oops, my bad

. I am praying daily for good healing and strong vision. Keep the drops coming and get plenty of rest!

kterzo · 03-27-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norby2009

Sorry to hear about your poor lasik results, I'm 3 1/2 months out and the surgery has basically destroyed my life.

Your still pretty early on so their is hope for you you! Keep the faith.

God Bless!

I'm so sorry about all that you've gone through. I read all of your posts following my procedure and before I posted so I'm familiar with what has happened in your case.
I personally just want to encourage everyone who is considering this surgery to really do their best due diligence by talking to DOZENS if not a hundred of other patients as well as reading any blogs, posts, columns etc. I did what I thought was due diligence by reading articles online, a few medical journals etc, but I think it's paramount that people also talk to the patients who have not only had successful procedures but also the ones like us who have had either unsatisfactory results or have life long impairment. I believe had I done that myself and really known what I may have potentially set myself up for, I may not have had the procedure.
While I do not think I'll have life long medical issues as a result, I am certainly more than unhappy at the thought that I may have to wear glasses for the rest of my life if my vision doesn't improve and I'm therefore told that I can't wear contact either. Hard to say at this point.
My thoughts are with you and my heart certainly goes out to you. Keep spreading the word!