Is LASEK/LASIK safe? How far do you think it will advance within the next six years or so? All answers welcome

Question

Well it's 2008 now and there are companies all over the world that are offering the revolutionary treatment. I have heared that the best treatment can be found in Europe. My question is i hear that treatment companies have successfully treated many patients with long lasting results (now with the safer method of using "Intralase" to create the Corneal flap).
One company i found even advertised on a reputable website of an opticians. My question is if i was to have surgery at the age of 23 or 24 (which is why i refer to 6 / 7 years from now) how far advanced is the technology likely to be? Medical science is improving all the time and i really need this surgury if i am to make the grade for my dream job in the police service in the future.

Answers and opinions from Opticians, patients and success/ failure stories (with prescription strength details before and after) all welcome...

P.S. Does the Corneal flap heal? I have heared a scary story that it sometimes never heals, help pls?

Answer 1

I'd heard that it can cause damage to the retinas.

Answer 2

I am 10 years post-LASIK, I am pleased with my results. I am also an optician and I see mixed results, most people are happier after it is done but some people have continuing problems.



The procedure has improved greatly since I had mine done but there are some drawbacks. There is a high correlation between LASIK patients (even the latest and greatest procedures) and greatly-reduced low-contrast vision---a type of vision problem not really addressed in a standard eye exam. I do not have 20/20 vision now (I never did, quite) but my low-contrast vision is poor. This means I see ok in an eye exam under very good dark/light conditions, but that my vision is considerably reduced when a room is dark or for night driving. Also, I needed reading glasses a few years before most other people my age--but use them only at work with tiny eyeglass screws, etc.



Knowing what I know now, I would still have had the procedure done.



If my son (high RX) wished to have it done, I would encourage him to do so--but I would help him carefully research the best place to have it done. This is very important.



Who knows where we'll be in 6-7 years? I've heard of some very encouraging things that are on the horizon--how well they will acutally work, though, only time will tell. I'm sure they will continue to improve this procedure as they have done with all eye surgeries--technology is not going to stand still.



PS - The corneal flap is often very hard to detect even just days after the surgery. Think of plastic wrap re-sticking to itself--I've been told it's a bit like that--it is rare for it to "come loose" after being stuck back down.

Answer 3

I had lasik in 2002 and it was the best decision I could've made. Do a lot of research on the lasers, the doctor's experience, and the actual procedure. Some people are shocked to find out half way through the procedure you can't see for a minute or so and freaks them out. There are a lot of stories online though you can read the details of what happens.



My flap healed great. My eye doctor (not the surgeon) always makes the comment that he wouldn't see the scare from the flap if he didn't already know I had lasik done. Just take really good care of your eyes before and after. I took everything to an extreme. They said not to wear make-up 3 days prior, I went 7 days without etc. It's totally worth it in the end though.

Answer 4

I had laser surgery 15 years ago when it was very new. It is the best thing I ever had done and would get it done again tomorrow. My optician says my right eye is absolutely perfect, my left eye is not so good but I had astigmatism in that one. I do have a halo effect around lights at night but the treatment is so better now thats not likely to happen. I am sure in 6/7 years from now the treatment will be better again but then you will have spent the next 6/7 years having worn glasses

Answer 5

While LASIK is considered an overall "safe" procedure many people have life long side effects. For those who had LASIK and are now experiencing side effects like dry eyes, glare at night, blurry vision or eye pain there is treatment, without further surgery. Check out http://www.LasikFailures.com

Answer 6

I did it in Oct of last year. My vision was Horrible (+7.50 left eye, +5.00 in right) I had worn glasses for 30 yrs (I am only 32) and now I am 20/20! :) at first the Dr said I may still need glasses, but I don't have to!!! It is wonderful to get up and not deal with contacts or glasses!

Answer 7

The vision become best after 2 weeks. 6/6 vision.

Answer 8

Hi,

I had my eyes done (lasik) about three years ago. Didnt have any of the fancy extra's (wavefront etc) just the basics. Totally transformed my life for the better.