http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352548,00.html

Has anybody here done the Lasik bit?

How did it work for you?

I have a couple of friends that have had it and they like it a lot.

I've considered it since I've worn contacts since 1979 and glasses for about 15 years before that.

A buddy of mine had it done and he has had nothing but success with it....

I've been wearing correction since 6th grade. I'm nearsighted and astigmatic. Then I hit my mid 40's and started to need reading glasses. Lasik will not eliminate the need for reading glasses in the majority of cases. My optometrist got his own eyes Lasik'ed and he's still needing reading glasses. Sure, myopia and astigmatism are optical defects, but it is normal to get presbyopia as you age. The Lasik would mean not only would I still need to have a pair of reading glasses in my pocket, but also unlike contacts that I can take out (and see REAL GOOD close up) Lasik means my close up see the teeny tiny stuff would just get harder. When my insurance covers it (like probably never) I'll consider it. By then I'm sure the procedure will be more reliable. I'm fine with wearing contacts during the day and taking them out to sleep. They work great for me.

Andy,

That's one of the main reasons I haven't done it.

I can see fairly good close up as long as it's well lit and not too small. If it gets beyond that, I have a $4.99 pair of Wal-Mart "cheaters" that I can wear. I keep them on my work bench right next to my lathe so when I'm making pens I can see the grain pattern close up and make sure I have all the micro scratches out of the wood.

For the most part however, I don't wear the "cheaters" unless I absolutely have to.

If they could get the Lasik to where I can see far away (without my contacts I can see about 6", my prescription is -5.5!) and close up without the "cheaters" then I'd really be interested!

I've some friends that have done this.

The only significant complaint is night time blooming on bright objects against dark backgrounds.

One good argument against lasik I've heard recently is that it may reduce your chances of a successful cornea transplant later in life, should one become necessary.

I wear contact lenses called "Focus Night & Day" and wear them for 30 days straight without taking them out, which is what they are made for. They are the most comfortable contact lenses I've ever worn. The doc said they allow 6X the breathability of other contacts, which is why you can leave them in for 30 days at a time. I go days without even remembering they are in. And, I see 20/15 crystal clear. I'm skeptical that lasik would be equal or better vision wise, I'm skeptical about the long term results, and it's expensive. My contacts cost $240 for a year supply, and my insurance pays for $200 of it. And if my vision changes, I just change lenses. If the lasik screws your eyes up, it's permanent. You're only given two eyes for your lifetime use.

If the lasik screws your eyes up, it's permanent. You're only given two eyes for your lifetime use.

That's my other main reason for not doing it!

---

quote:

Author: Vitalogy
Friday, April 25, 2008 - 2:14 pm

I wear contact lenses called "Focus Night & Day" and wear them for 30 days straight without taking them out, which is what they are made for. They are the most comfortable contact lenses I've ever worn. The doc said they allow 6X the breathability of other contacts, which is why you can leave them in for 30 days at a time. I go days without even remembering they are in. And, I see 20/15 crystal clear. I'm skeptical that lasik would be equal or better vision wise, I'm skeptical about the long term results, and it's expensive. My contacts cost $240 for a year supply, and my insurance pays for $200 of it. And if my vision changes, I just change lenses. If the lasik screws your eyes up, it's permanent. You're only given two eyes for your lifetime use.

---

KSKD, my understanding is that nighttime vision is also reduced in addition to the "blooming" effect. You simply will not be able to see in the dark as well as you used to. Not good for astronomers, spies and moonshiners.

Or night diggers.