Lasik surgery

[lucybelle 453]

I saw threads about this, but from 2007.

I would like to get LASIK, but I'm worried the side effects will be worse than my vision is now. See, my vision is really not all that bad. I can get along just fine without glasses, for the most part. My main problem is an astigmatism. I only started wearing glasses two years ago when I moved to Costa Rica and could finally afford a pair! So I know what it's like to not have to wear glasses and I want that back!

I'm mainly worried about dry eyes and night vision- the halo/starburst. I've heard those things can last for months to over a year and that kind of freaks me out.

So please, those who have had it done, is the dry-eye or halo bad? How long does it last?

THANKS!

(PS- for anyone who also wants to have the surgery done, I'm planing on having it done here in CR with a very reputable doctor for under $900 both eyes)

Edited January 9, 2014 by lucybelle

[TBoneTX 45,663]

Good for you for starting a new thread instead of reviving an old one.

The only cost-effective place to have a procedure like this done is overseas.

I'll be interested in reading the replies.

[lucybelle 453]

I do plan on having it done in Costa Rica. The USA would charge around $4-5000 for both eyes. The doctor we plan to see here charges under $900 for both.

[LucidSofia 59]

I saw threads about this, but from 2007.

I would like to get LASIK, but I'm worried the side effects will be worse than my vision is now. See, my vision is really not all that bad. I can get along just fine without glasses, for the most part. My main problem is an astigmatism. I only started wearing glasses two years ago when I moved to Costa Rica and could finally afford a pair! So I know what it's like to not have to wear glasses and I want that back!

I'm mainly worried about dry eyes and night vision- the halo/starburst. I've heard those things can last for months to over a year and that kind of freaks me out.

So please, those who have had it done, is the dry-eye or halo bad? How long does it last?

THANKS!

(PS- for anyone who also wants to have the surgery done, I'm planing on having it done here in CR with a very reputable doctor for under $900 both eyes)

I had lasik a few years ago in Mexico. My eyesight was pretty bad so it was definitely worth it for me. Yes, you do have dry eyes for a few months (about 3-6), but really only in the mornings. You put on eyedrops first thing in the morning and it goes away (You are supposed to use eyedrops for at least the first 3 months anyways). I didn't really do any driving so I'm sure how bad the halo thing is at night, but when I went to the movies I noticed that I would see an extra line around subtitles which was a little annoying. It went away after a few months. I had astigmatism too. It's so great now not to have to worry about glasses or contact lenses, it really made my life a whole lot easier.

[BOS_LHR 829]

I'm a little late to the party, but I'll chime in -- have you considered the intraocular lens implants? They have fewer side effects than traditional Lasik. My brother-in-law had the procedure done and loves it, no complications whatsoever. I'm intrigued by it myself as a part-time glasses wearer. I like the idea better than using a laser to permanently reshape my eye.

[lucybelle 453]

I'll look into the implants, thanks BOS.

Thanks for the replies!

[Darnell 8,478]

one thing about the implants,

you have to go in for lens cleanings. unsure of the schedule, but

my father went in today for a cleaning.

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

I had LASIK done in the US about 10 years ago when there was a price war going on.. $999 for both eyes astigmatism and vision correction. I also had my sons done about 4 years ago, also in the US (LASIK with wavefront) which ran in the 3000 range.

Totally worth it. I did have to water my eyes for a few months but the discomfort was minimal and the halo effect was minimal. My son said he saw no halos and had similar dry eye issues to mine.. I think if you 40 or over there are some issues - at least that is what I was told at the time - looking at a few websites it seems to be not a big of deal anymore... In the last few years I have noticed my astigmatism getting worse again (very much so in the last year)

Edited January 16, 2014 by OnMyWayID