Can Those with Lasik Problems Still Function? - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

Grunt117 · 07-15-2009, 07:15 PM

Greetings,

I really like these forums. They've been helpful in informing me about laser eye surgery.

I have decided to do Epi-Lasik on July 30th. I didn't want to do traditional lasik because of the risk of flap complications. The surgeon simply said I'm a good candidate for either one. But the way he described what he'd do it sounded more like PRK to me.

I am extremely worried that things could go wrong with this surgery, but I've decided to do it with the hope it will work. I've worn soft toric contact lenses for as long as I can remember, and they never really bothered me, save for the occasional dry eye and associated discomfort. I hate glasses but use them when necessary. The only reason I'm doing the surgery is for independence. Although contacts have always worked great for me, they leave me dependent on them. If I'm ever out somewhere and don't have contact solution, etc. . . big problem.

I don't know what my "20/xxx" vision is, only that doctors have told me I'm pretty much blind without glasses. (I have trouble with the "E" on the eye chart without contacts/glasses.) Astigmatism is my main problem. My right eye prescription is -1.25D, -1.75x100 cyl and my left eye prescription is -2.50D, -1.25x60 cyl.

For those of you who have had bad experiences with Lasik, PRK, etc, can you still function in life? What I mean is, can glasses or contacts correct that damage that Lasik/PRK caused, or are you left essentially helpless? Were you able to maintain the job you had before Lasik/PRK or were you forced to quit? I spend 90% of my life in front of a computer, book, or television. I don't know what I'd do if I lost the ability to enjoy these activities (I know I couldn't work!).

anyman · 07-15-2009, 08:19 PM

2 weeks post op I avoid night driving due to the god awful starbursts.

I note your use of toric lenses. I hope you have had them out for the several weeks or so most surgeons recommend. Could really screw you up if you did not.

Grunt117 · 07-15-2009, 09:02 PM

I've had my contacts out since Wednesday so by the day of surgery that will have been about 3 weeks. The surgeon said I could do it sooner but I opted to wait just in case.

When they cut the flap and did the laser, did you find it was hard to keep your eye from moving?

Kelzbelz · 07-16-2009, 12:21 PM

I had Lasik done and my only real issues are so halos and starbursts at night, not as bad as it sounds for Anyman though, and some blurriness with indoor lighting.

I did not have any issue keeping my eye steady - at least not that I know of! I just kept staring at the blinking light and the surgeon didn't say I had any issues.

For me the surgery itself was very fast and easy - it's dealing with the recovery time and getting used to the changes to my eyes that is the hardest.

anyman · 07-17-2009, 09:25 PM

Keeping silent if the starbursts don't get better might be. Maybe I'll camp out in front with a sign saying "Ask me how lasik ruined my night vision"!