For those interest in LASIK...

kberg

I-SIG wrote:

I figured that before time-value of money, inflation, etc, LASIK would pay for itself within 7-8 years.

...and this is why I can't figure out why insurance companies can't cover at least PART of the cost, because in the long run financially, everybody wins.

cfrizz

Simple. Money. Why spend thousands of dollars on surgery when YOU can shell out a few hundred on glasses!

Same thing with dental insurance.

kberg wrote:

...and this is why I can't figure out why insurance companies can't cover at least PART of the cost, because in the long run financially, everybody wins.

kberg

cfrizz wrote:

Simple. Money. Why spend thousands of dollars on surgery when YOU can shell out a few hundred on glasses!

Same thing with dental insurance.

But like I said, the LONG TERM cost seems like it would be less for the insurance companies. I mean, no more exams, lenses, frames that can run up to $400 or more, blah, blah.....

simm

I believe the reason why they won't cover it is that the same company may not be covering you long term. You may change jobs, your company may change providers, or you may no longer be around to need eye care.

kberg

Hey Guys,

I said I would get back to you all once I had the LASIK procedure done, so here it is. I went in for surgery yesterday and was in the medical building for a total of 1 hour. First I was given some Valium to relax and then on to some prep work for the procedure. The prep work was about 45 min. of that hour and the procedure 15 min. I went in for a followup appt today and clocked in at 20/20 vision, so yes, I'm very pleased.

Recovery is fairly painless so far (feels like I have a small eyelash in each eye which seems to come and go, and some occassional tearing and stinging that also comes and goes). The surgeon said that today should be my "worst" day which all in all, is much better than I expected, pain/discomfort wise. I was also told that my eyes should stabilize by the end of two weeks but that it takes approximately 3 months for complete recovery.

The bottom line is that so far, I am very pleased with the outcome. Now I need to go out and get some reader glasses (since I normally wore bifocals before) at a +1.25 prescription - it's weird not being able to read very small print closer than about 18" away from my face yet be able to see everything further than that perfectly.

Depending on how I feel about everything after 3 months, I may just start saving up for CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) that will wipe out the need for readers, too!

Ok, I'm done blathering - just providing some feedback for those folks who have already had the procedure done, and for those who are considering it.

audiobliss

Awesome! Glad it went well for you. It really is an amazing procedure, a testiment to technology.

I would love to get rid of my glasses, and I'm too 'squirmish' about my eyes (to quote MacLeod) to poke my eyes every day putting in and taking out contacts. (I even hate eye drops.) However, that same fear and discomfort about having things happen to my eyes also make me terribly uncomfortable with the idea of having someone cut my eye...while I'm awake! Knock me out and I don't care what you do. But I actually have to watch you lower that blade to my eye, and then in my eye to cut a flap? *shudders*

I'd love to schedule it one day, then jump in time to the day after and reap the benefits, though. Also, since I'm 18, I assume my eyes are still changing a bit and I should wait a few years before having something permanent like this done, anyways.

kberg

audiobliss wrote:

Also, since I'm 18, I assume my eyes are still changing a bit and I should wait a few years before having something permanent like this done, anyways.

I think that because of your age, waiting for some period of time is a good thing to do for exactly the reason you mentioned; but don't listen to me, I would get the real story from your optometrist/opthamologist. And, without giving out my age, I'll just remind you that I was wearing bifocals before!

candyliquor35m

When my sister had lasik they did something called monovision where they only do one eye or they do one eye to see far and the other one to see close if that's possible I didn't ask her the details. Kind of like my contacts where now I only wear one contact in my worst eye so I can see far with that eye and no contact in the other eye so I can see close with it.

kberg

I know what your talking about - I tried monovision contacts and that drove me insane, but I only had them in for a short period of time, so perhaps I didn't allow enough time to get used to them - still, I hated contacts being on my eyes as before.

Day 3 after LASIK - the "eyelash in the eye" feeling is not gone entirely, but it is MUCH better than yesterday; hopefully, it will get even better as time goes on. The best way to describe the feeling now is that it feels like I have contacts in my eyes, but not as if they have been in for way too long when I actually was wearing contacts - in other words, the feeling is still there but not as annoying as it was with contacts.

The "worst" thing to complain about so far is that because I wore bifocals, I now need to haul around my new reader glasses, just in case I need them. Maybe in a year or so I'll have additional surgery done to get this corrected as well, and have the best of BOTH worlds!

I-SIG

This post is a resurrection of an oldie......

It's been 6 years to the day.....can still see like a hawk! Best money I've spent!

I still amaze a shooting buddy that I can see dust fly on his 350-400 yard shots!

Wes

Rivrrat

Good for you bud. I'm chicken to have it done.

Sherardp

Awesome read I-sig. Glad it worked out well bro.

tonyb

My daughter had this done while she was still under my insurance. She went to a very reputable guy, who does alot of sports figures. Long story short,worked well,she was fine,follow up was great from the doctor. Fast forward 8 years,her eyes are starting to go again. Apparently,this is a short term fix,not a permanent solution. This cost was well over 6 g's, insurance covered every nickel. So I guess if you go for Lasik,keep in mind you may have to go back after x amount of years and have it done again. Most places give you a couple years to come back for free to do any minor adjustments. Also keep in mind,this is your eyes,don't seek out the cheapest guy, do your homework, find a reputable doctor. Glad the OP is happy,and congrats.

searay40dad

yep, good for you friend. had mine done about 8 yrs ago...went from damn near blind to 20-15 in both on the first shot. Nice to wake up and see a clock, swim without running into something, etc. paid $800 per eye...5 minutes in the chair then next guy up.

Although corrected then to 20-15, the procedure doesn't stop the aging process. I was told I coiuld expect to see detioration begin around 40 due to aging. nearing 45 and havent been to dr in a couple years but clearly my eyes are changing. still can see ok during the day w/o glasses but night sight is different story.

wz2p7j

I'm 52 and had lasik about 10-15 years ago, can't remember. Long vision is still close to 20 20 both eyes. Plus I can still read books and mags and stuff without reading glasses, although I do put reading glasses on if I'm tired or the lighting isn't that good.

Chris