I've been considering laser eye surgery for awhile now. I got checked out by my optometrist and he recommended Horizon for my area (South Jersey). Does anyone know of a resource that I can check to see how well rated they are and such?

Bottom line, I want to go to a great place to get this done in order to minimize the risk.

I had it done last year, and i highly recommend it. Feels amazing not to have to wear contacts or glasses.

I had the procedure almost 3 years ago; Still 20/20. Absolutely love not having to wear contacts or glasses.

ever since ive heard of this ive wanted it but i know ill be that 1 in 18498242y482232093 that goes blind :duh:

The procedure is so fast, and almost painless, and if you go get it done at a reputable place there is almost no chance the can screw up. Unless he slips a pokes you in the eye with his finger.:duh:

didnt that kathy griffith or w.e her name is get hers screwed up?

I don't know anything about it but would probably be interested myself. Have you considered the Vision world's version of the AMA... whatever they might call it.

Can't help with a resource to research the place you are looking at. Check their website, see the credentials of the surgeon. Mine was an assistant director of Ophthalmology and a University hospital, so I knew I was in good hands.

Vision varies from 20/10 to 20/15, five years after the operation.

The best in laser eye is Dr Boothe. The best in the world. He has the most cases of laser. Plus so many celebrity personality is going to him to do their laser. Recently he has a promo of buy one take one, mean the other eye is free. Downfall he is in Texas Plano. But who cares if he is in Texas you want the best for your eyes for sure. My friend had one and he's doing just fine.
http://www.boothelasercenter.com/?gclid=CNzLiKf0r6ECFR5kswod1lFB-w
Dr. William Boothe continues to be the busiest IntraLASIK surgeon in Dallas, TX and in the world, having now performed over 69,000 IntraLASIK procedures and over 115,000 LASIK surgeries

Sorry Dino this is one think Im in the dark about. I avoid all eye surgeries or anything involving eye like the plague.

I would ask them for a reference from previous customer or even call the insurance company they accept or the bbb I am sure one of them will direct you to what you need to know good luck.

Had mine done about 3 years ago and still have 20/15 with no issues at all.

Took about 15 minutes and a very small amount of stinging for an hour because I didn't take the "sleep aid" they offered me. :-)

You know my opinion. Had it done on the allegretto wave and haven't looked back. It's been 4 months now and I have 20/15 in both eyes. I was terrified of it for years but after 15 years with contacts I decided to step up. One of the best decisions I've ever made.

its the best thing i ever done
good luck on your search

I've been considering laser eye surgery for awhile now. I got checked out by my optometrist and he recommended Horizon for my area (South Jersey). Does anyone know of a resource that I can check to see how well rated they are and such?

Bottom line, I want to go to a great place to get this done in order to minimize the risk.


All I have to say is this . If you look around pretty much all these doctors still use glasses - why is that ? I considered doing this a while back since my wife works for a hospital and she and I both know doctors that do this and would do it for us for a really good price - still that question is on my mind .. Just my thoughts .

i'm with sandman - we're both docs, i wouldnt get it either.

Got mine done 5 or so years ago, it's fucking awesome!

I had it done by the Army in November 2007, and it is fabulous. After wearing glasses and contacts for 17+ years (9 of those in the military), I was tired of having to search in the dark and just not being able to see if my glasses/contacts were knocked off. It really is life-changing, you won't believe how annoying glasses and contacts were until after you don't need them anymore.

Regarding the doctor thing, I spoke to an optometrist and he said the same thing others are saying: "No way, glasses are good for me." However, the benefits (for me) completely outweighed the cost of being that 1 in X million that has a bad reaction. I see as good or better now that I've had the surgery and the convenience factor is so high the minor downsides seem pretty small.

So, I say go for it! Don't look for price, but for how many pairs of eyes the surgeon has lased. Also, see what kind of equipment they are using and do some research on the equipment as well as how proficient (how many surgeries) the doctor has performed with that equipment. The amount of eye "pairs" is important because if some says they have performed 1000 surgeries, their actual count could only be 500.

All I have to say is this . If you look around pretty much all these doctors still use glasses - why is that ? I considered doing this a while back since my wife works for a hospital and she and I both know doctors that do this and would do it for us for a really good price - still that question is on my mind .. Just my thoughts .


Please do some research...along with the OP before you make your decisions.

There is nothing laser surgery can do to improve your near sight after a certain point. You loose the ability to focus your eyes as the muscle which flexes your pupil weakens as you get older. One way or another, anyone who has ever had laser surgery will eventually need glasses to read up close. There are compromises to have both near and far sight, but I don't think any of us are in their 50's.

This is why many doctors have not gotten this surgery because they may have excellent far sight, but due to age, weakening near sight. OR the benefits of getting better far sight with surgery and losing some near sight wasn't worth it.

If you have awesome near sight and terrible far sight and you get this surgery, you WILL lose some near sight. It is unavoidable. It may be hardly noticeable but these are some of the decisions you have to factor in.

If you are reading a computer all day, you MAY have to wear glasses to read the screen post surgery.

What proceedure are they planning on getting? Depending on what condition your eye is in, the depth of your cornea and many other factors they may either do PRK (surface abrasion) or lasik. Surface abrasion surgery recovery time is considerable longer.

I had my surgery in December and I am still required to wear sunglasses until the end of the year, rain or shine. PRK is the preferred method for all doctors, however it is considerably more expensive which is why it is less available.

Overall, I can't thank the military enough for providing me with this surgery free of cost. They thoroughly educate you before you make the decision. (I had to sit through 2-8hour classes).

One way or another, it was worth it and I love it.

i'm with sandman - we're both docs, i wouldnt get it either.

more specific reason? "afraid that the sugoen will screw up and ending totally blind????

My brother got it done and he is super happy

Please do some research...along with the OP before you make your decisions.

There is nothing laser surgery can do to improve your near sight after a certain point. You loose the ability to focus your eyes as the muscle which flexes your pupil weakens as you get older. One way or another, anyone who has ever had laser surgery will eventually need glasses to read up close. There are compromises to have both near and far sight, but I don't think any of us are in their 50's.

This is why many doctors have not gotten this surgery because they may have excellent far sight, but due to age, weakening near sight. OR the benefits of getting better far sight with surgery and losing some near sight wasn't worth it.

If you have awesome near sight and terrible far sight and you get this surgery, you WILL lose some near sight. It is unavoidable. It may be hardly noticeable but these are some of the decisions you have to factor in.

If you are reading a computer all day, you MAY have to wear glasses to read the screen post surgery.

What proceedure are they planning on getting? Depending on what condition your eye is in, the depth of your cornea and many other factors they may either do PRK (surface abrasion) or lasik. Surface abrasion surgery recovery time is considerable longer.

I had my surgery in December and I am still required to wear sunglasses until the end of the year, rain or shine. PRK is the preferred method for all doctors, however it is considerably more expensive which is why it is less available.

Overall, I can't thank the military enough for providing me with this surgery free of cost. They thoroughly educate you before you make the decision. (I had to sit through 2-8hour classes).

One way or another, it was worth it and I love it.



Research can sometimes NOT cover actual real world facts - and FACT is that MANY MANY Doctors still use glasses - maybe its just a coincidence they ALL just happen the have the same eye issues which that laser surgery cannot take care of . I'm not saying something is bad about the surgery I'm JUST pointing out a VERY clear fact surrounding that surgery .


....

My brother had it done and loves it too. Before he did it, he put money into his flexible spending account from his work company. So it is now income tax deducted.

how much is it going to cost here? have you considered doing it in another country? both airfare and medical cost i believe are tax deductible.

i once read on a magazine where this guy went to india to do an open heart surgery paid for by his insurance company. all expenses paid with a companion.

like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. you get to go on a vacation and have your laser done.

my dad, 2 brother, and 2 sisters have all done it years ago. all done in the philippines. my 2 sisters who actually live in another country flew back to manila to have their eye surgeries done and flew back to where they live now, specifically for this reason, cost.

one of the best decisions I ever made. very scary at first. I used TLC, don't know if there around you.

TLC is a highly respected establishment. Tiger Woods got his done there. Go for it Dino

The Air Force (should say the tax payers ) did mine in Jan 2008, but PRK not LASIK. It was the best thing ever. My vision went from 20/350 to 20/15 in 6 months. The only thing that sucked was I was that rare case that got extreme light sensitivity for the first week so i was in a lot of pain whenever the light was on or I tried to look at the TV. It only lasted a week though.

how much is it going to cost here? have you considered doing it in another country? both airfare and medical cost i believe are tax deductible.

i once read on a magazine where this guy went to india to do an open heart surgery paid for by his insurance company. all expenses paid with a companion.

like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. you get to go on a vacation and have your laser done.

my dad, 2 brother, and 2 sisters have all done it years ago. all done in the philippines. my 2 sisters who actually live in another country flew back to manila to have their eye surgeries done and flew back to where they live now, specifically for this reason, cost.

I would absolutely refuse to have Lasik performed in any other country. I waited a very long time to have my Lasik done because I wanted the technology to develop further to reduce my chance of side effects. This is why I had it done on the Allegretto Wave. Early on, a lot of people who ran over to Canada to have Lasik performed experience dryness and occasional haloing at night. I've spoken with dozens of Lasik patients from all over to pool their results. I've have had zero side effects and my vision is 20/15. For frame of reference my original prescription was -8.

Now, not everyone can have Lasik, people who use tri-focals and things like that most likely won't be able to have lasik. Moreover, there is no stopping the need for reading glasses as we age. There is just nothing that can be done about that.

This thread is filled with typical ignorance about Lasik..Like this:

i'm with sandman - we're both docs, i wouldnt get it either.

Exactly what kind of doctor are you? Clearly not one with much of an opinion.

Bottom line, if you want great vision, get Lasik. The only advice I can say is find the right doctor that uses the right method. There are several methods used today. The Allegretto Wave vs Intralase and so on. I would use the Allegretto Wave again or Wavefront, both use 3d mapping of your cornea to tailor fit your vision. It costs the most money, I spent just under 4k, but it was worth every penny to not have any side effects and better than perfect vision.

i'm with sandman - we're both docs, i wouldnt get it either.

I did not say I would or would not get it for myself. I really have no experience with Eye stuff because I truely avoid those cases. I would have to research it to see if it is right for me. I do know I would only have it done here though not another country. I just hate doing anesthesia for Eye cases, so I never get to learn much about them.

I got it done almost 2 years ago now....LOVE IT!!!!....i had PRK btw via the Air Force. Takes like 10-15 min... i notice a difference right away...and in 6 months your seeing better than ever....maybe even better than 20/20 ...i now see 20/19 in my left and 20/18 in my right:rock:

I've been considering laser eye surgery for awhile now. I got checked out by my optometrist and he recommended Horizon for my area (South Jersey). Does anyone know of a resource that I can check to see how well rated they are and such?

Bottom line, I want to go to a great place to get this done in order to minimize the risk.


DO it.. I still say that it is the best money I have spent.

There are two great places down here in the Washington DC area if you are interested. I have had no complications and see better than 20/20

I'm starting to get more and more curious about this. I have to say I'm sick and tired of contacts. Can anyone describe any possible side effects... dryness of eyes... occasional blurry vision... anything like that?

I have no side effects. Zero. I was driving the next day. I had glare/halo's for 3 or 4 days after that, then it went away, as it should have.

Seriously it has been 3 or 4 years and I have not regretted it once.

I'm starting to get more and more curious about this. I have to say I'm sick and tired of contacts. Can anyone describe any possible side effects... dryness of eyes... occasional blurry vision... anything like that?

http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-complications.shtml

Go for it!

Got mine done 2 months ago, and it's feeling pretty good right now.
First few days are rough, but as long as you do your drops properly, you won't have any probs!

good luck!

http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-complications.shtml

Information Overload!!! AAAARRGGGHHHHHH :bowlol::bowlol: LOL, Thanks I'll read when I get home.

Information Overload!!! AAAARRGGGHHHHHH :bowlol::bowlol: LOL, Thanks I'll read when I get home.

Things to know. A lot of side-effects stem from improper post-procedure care. A lot of people shrug off the sometimes annoying drops and sleeping with shields on. Naturally, their stories are usually the ones heard first about how awful lasik is. Like I mentioned earlier, some processes are substantially more efficient than others.

Things to know. A lot of side-effects stem from improper post-procedure care. A lot of people shrug off the sometimes annoying drops and sleeping with shields on. Naturally, their stories are usually the ones heard first about how awful lasik is. Like I mentioned earlier, some processes are substantially more efficient than others.

Well that would be reminiscent of people that are told "Stay on the antibiotics for a week." 3 days later they feel better and stop taking the medication and 3 days after that they relapse. People are stupid. I went through three years of Chemo and if the Doctor told me to stand on my head I'd just grab a piece of floor. Your health is THE most important thing. Money comes and goes. Your health, priority #1.

had lasik done July 1, 2009. My vision had been -7.25 with -3.5 astigmatism. (I'm 28). They were able to bring me to 20/15 vision.

My eyes get dry from time to time, but I have drops. It cost a little under 4 grand and I had it done in Philly by LasikPLUS with Dr. Shah.

It took 5 minutes...was uncomfortable, but worth it. I don't even think about not having contacts, etc. anymore...its just natural now.

Things to know. A lot of side-effects stem from improper post-procedure care. A lot of people shrug off the sometimes annoying drops and sleeping with shields on. Naturally, their stories are usually the ones heard first about how awful lasik is. Like I mentioned earlier, some processes are substantially more efficient than others.
If all people would apply this to every type of surgical story out comes would be way better. Most scary stories come from people not actually following the rules/orders post-op. Really people hurt themselves more often then not, by not reading the discharge instructions which out line everything or by not using common sense.

i'm with sandman - we're both docs, i wouldnt get it either.

You wanna back that up with some kind of logit at least?

You wanna back that up with some kind of logit at least?


I would be interested in knowing as well. My father is a doctor of 30-40 years and he saw no problem with me having the procedure.

I would absolutely refuse to have Lasik performed in any other country. I waited a very long time to have my Lasik done because I wanted the technology to develop further to reduce my chance of side effects. This is why I had it done on the Allegretto Wave. Early on, a lot of people who ran over to Canada to have Lasik performed experience dryness and occasional haloing at night. I've spoken with dozens of Lasik patients from all over to pool their results. I've have had zero side effects and my vision is 20/15. For frame of reference my original prescription was -8.

because technology is only available in the US and the rest of the world is still on the stone age?

The only reason I could see to consider doing it here, is for the after care and checkups. So unless the price is so much better, it probably is better to do it in the states. I will say though, I think many would be surprised how many great physicians come from countries outside the US.

I have worked with a lot from other countries. Many come here to train. In fact the teaching hospital by my house has to be 30% foreign.

Please do some research...along with the OP before you make your decisions.

That's the entire point of this thread. I'm trying to figure out where to research this.

There is nothing laser surgery can do to improve your near sight after a certain point. You loose the ability to focus your eyes as the muscle which flexes your pupil weakens as you get older. One way or another, anyone who has ever had laser surgery will eventually need glasses to read up close.

Yes, but this will be true whether or not you've had the eye surgery.

This is why many doctors have not gotten this surgery because they may have excellent far sight, but due to age, weakening near sight. OR the benefits of getting better far sight with surgery and losing some near sight wasn't worth it.

Are you implying that you lose some nearsight with the surgery?

If you have awesome near sight and terrible far sight and you get this surgery, you WILL lose some near sight. It is unavoidable. It may be hardly noticeable but these are some of the decisions you have to factor in.

Where did you hear this?

If you are reading a computer all day, you MAY have to wear glasses to read the screen post surgery.

What proceedure are they planning on getting? Depending on what condition your eye is in, the depth of your cornea and many other factors they may either do PRK (surface abrasion) or lasik. Surface abrasion surgery recovery time is considerable longer.

I was thinking of just going lasik for the convenience factor.

because technology is only available in the US and the rest of the world is still on the stone age?

When it comes to lasik? Yes. Unless you're flying to Germany or Sweden to pay more.

Also, how do you plan on doing all the outpatient check-ups? Because I've had about six so far. Plus I can get enhancements for free..for life. I can also get my doctor on the phone at any time of day. So, yeah..I'll pass on the out of country unguaranteed work.

There always a negative with a positive. In most cases with laser surgery people are very happy. I don't have any true statistics. Just weigh the positives and negatives.

When it comes to lasik? Yes. Unless you're flying to Germany or Sweden to pay more.

Also, how do you plan on doing all the outpatient check-ups? Because I've had about six so far. Plus I can get enhancements for free..for life. I can also get my doctor on the phone at any time of day. So, yeah..I'll pass on the out of country unguaranteed work.

I guess all my family who had this done then are screwed then huh.

I guess all my family who had this done then are screwed then huh.

Didn't say it was bad. I am saying mine is better. ;)

There always a negative with a positive. In most cases with laser surgery people are very happy. I don't have any true statistics. Just weigh the positives and negatives.

what are the negatives? do you know them?

otherwise, it's just unsubstantiated fear of the unknown.


What are the negatives to laser vision correction?

You may have dry eyes after surgery which in extreme cases, may have you take restasis daily. problem solved.

You may have some night vision issues with halos and blurriness of lights. This occurs in a small percentage of people. lubricating eye drops help. if you go out to drive at night, put some in and you'll be better.

it doesn't fix the gradual decrease in vision as you age. nothing does. this isn't a downside.

it isn't covered under most healthcare insurance. i paid 3400 for mine, two years no interest.

aftercare? yes, unlimited corrections free of charge if necessary, lifetime checkups are free as well.

will it make you blind or damage your vision? No. They used to perform this surgery with razor blades in the 1980's and that worked. Be happy we live in the age of computers and lasers that can cut down to microns now.

you must take care of your eyes immediately after the surgery and wear protective sunglasses for the first week or two. this timeline is outlined to you by your doctor.

will everyone's vision be changed back to 20/20? No. It depends on your age and genetics. the younger you are, the better your chances. it will improve your vision over what it is currently. if it won't, the doctor won't go through with the procedure.

i was -7.25 in both my eyes with over -3 astigmatism. that's legally blind several times over. I had to wear special contact lenses. it sucked buying new ones every year because they were so expensive. After 6 years, this surgery pays for itself because of the high cost behind those contacts.

I'm now at 20/15 vision. better than 20/20 and i'm 28. I would do this surgery every single time if I had to do it over again. Your quality of life improves drastically and it's not expensive anymore. (although I would avoid the budget/discount prices like the plague).

There are negatives. They are easliy found. I don't feel like posting a paragraph. Your doctor should point out the down sides. I know several people that have chosen not to have the LASIK due to them when presented by their doctor. I did not say I was against, but there are unwanted side effects that ohters don't want.

There are negatives. They are easliy found. I don't feel like posting a paragraph. Your doctor should point out the down sides. I know several people that have chosen not to have the LASIK due to them when presented by their doctor. I did not say I was against, but there are unwanted side effects that ohters don't want.

What negatives that dave didn't cover?

i am very interested in this as well. however if you look thru this post everyone who is happy and have done this all are within the first 5 years. im more concerned about the long term effects. i feel this just hasnt been around long enough for us to know how our eye will react in 20-30 years. i would hate to be happy for 10-15 years and then all of a sudden have serious eye problems or go blind later on...

A good eye doctor will run a whole battery of tests on you to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK or PRK. They should also share the ranges that a healthy eye should be in and whether those are affected by the surgery. I had 3 months of testing and eye exams before my surgery and other than having a high prescription, I was a perfect candidate. If you have dry eyes before LASIK, this is aggravated by the surgery and affects your candidacy.

I went with a LASIK-affiliated optometrist that was covered by my insurance company. Based on my experience with her, I asked for recommendations and went with a TLC surgeon with a very good track record. However, a large part of that success was a week of pre-op prep followed by 2 weeks of post-op eye drops. It was not the cheapest at all, but I've considered it well worth it.

i am very interested in this as well. however if you look thru this post everyone who is happy and have done this all are within the first 5 years. im more concerned about the long term effects. i feel this just hasnt been around long enough for us to know how our eye will react in 20-30 years. i would hate to be happy for 10-15 years and then all of a sudden have serious eye problems or go blind later on...

it's been around since the 1980's using much less accurate methods. it's safe.

my dad had his eyes done with RK ( where the doc would do it by hand with a special razor blade) back in the late 80's. He later had it retouched with laser in the mid 90's. Still doesn't require glasses for day to day use. he's 66.

it's been around since the 1980's using much less accurate methods. it's safe.

my dad had his eyes done with RK ( where the doc would do it by hand with a special razor blade) back in the late 80's. He later had it retouched with laser in the mid 90's. Still doesn't require glasses for day to day use. he's 66.

1980s is 20-30 years ago... that is not very long.

http://lasikdisaster.com

I was ---> <--- close to getting Lasik until I talked to my boss at the time. He was one of those "1%'ers" that had an issue with Lasik. It took a year and one correction for him to be able to drive. And he was a software developer like me and basically had to work 1/2 time for that year (at a huge loss of income) due to the crushing headaches that he got from the starring, dry eyes and other shit he had going on. He had to buy 3 pairs of glasses during that year as well.

Another team lead of mine had PRK done back in the 90's and now if he's in a hallway with florescent lighting, he can't see the people at the end of the hallway (think normal office corridor).

I also know people that have had few to no issues and are pleased as punch.

There are positive AND negative stories on both sides. You have to be willing to risk the ability to ever see again with the annoyance of glasses and/or contacts.

ETA: also be careful of confirmation bias. Most people, after spending a relative fortune ($4k is a ton for most people), will be unwilling to say that they made a mistake if they have any issues or complications. Think about it. How many of you can say "man I wish I'd not gotten this exhaust!" -- rather you say "Man this exhaust is way louder than I thought it would be, but now I love it!!! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

lol.

1980s is 20-30 years ago... that is not very long.

you just asked about how it'll be 20-30 years from now and i provided you with a perfectly good example. now you're saying it is not very long.

ETA: also be careful of confirmation bias. Most people, after spending a relative fortune ($4k is a ton for most people), will be unwilling to say that they made a mistake if they have any issues or complications. Think about it. How many of you can say "man I wish I'd not gotten this exhaust!" -- rather you say "Man this exhaust is way louder than I thought it would be, but now I love it!!! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

lol.

haha true.

i haven't had any side effects from the surgery myself...i do use eye drops if my eyes get too dry but i've always had drier eyes when i had contacts too so it's nothing different there. no eye pain or anything. night time vision is good for me, the halo effect went away after 6 months or so.

if i go blind, i'll buy a braile keyboard and let you guys know.:thumbup:

you just asked about how it'll be 20-30 years from now and i provided you with a perfectly good example. now you're saying it is not very long.

i never asked anything. i said i would be worried about how ones eye could react after 20-30 years. hearing about 1 person who did it and is ok doesnt help at all

now if you had a statistic about thousands of people and showed that over a 20-30 year span only a small percentage was negatively affected, that would be a good reassurance

i never asked anything. i said i would be worried about how ones eye could react after 20-30 years. hearing about 1 person who did it and is ok doesnt help at all

I'm sorry it doesn't help you out. You could try researching the thousands of other people who have had a similar history with vision correction. RK started in Russia back in the late 70's. History of cutting the cornea dates back to the 1950's in Brazil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK

I'm sorry it doesn't help you out. You could try researching the thousands of other people who have had a similar history with vision correction. RK started in Russia back in the late 70's. History of cutting the cornea dates back to the 1950's in Brazil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK


sorry dave, i didnt mean to be rude. i re-read some of our posts and it kinda came out that way.

I have worn corrective lenses in one form or fashion my entire life and I really do not get what the big deal is. Contacts for track days, glasses for evening. I think the biggest issue for me with it is that it is not a permanent fix, most people need follow-up visits every few years and not to mention the potential risk...

http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/4/4/squirrellasike128518199731562500.jpg

But in all honesty if I were to do it I would only go to Dr. Boothe in Dallas, TX...

Dr. William Boothe
Eye Care and Laser Center
www.boothelasercenter.com (http://www.boothelasercenter.com)

He has done many of my friends and colleagues and remains the authority in Lasik procedures. I believe he often does procedures on many movie stars and professional athletes. He sounds like a hillbilly buffoon in person, (Jethro Clampett to be exact) but he is arguably the best.

sorry dave, i didnt mean to be rude. i re-read some of our posts and it kinda came out that way.

Its ok, its just the internet. :)

Look on the Wiki page for those details you're asking about with statistics. The percentages for issues is below .5 percent on a lot of them.

But in all honesty if I were to do it I would only go to Dr. Boothe in Dallas, TX...

Dr. William Boothe
Eye Care and Laser Center
www.boothelasercenter.com (http://www.boothelasercenter.com)

He has done many of my friends and colleagues and remains the authority in Lasik procedures. I believe he often does procedures on many movie stars and professional athletes. He sounds like a hillbilly buffoon in person, (Jethro Clampett to be exact) but he is arguably the best.

Honestly this is the last guy I'd go to. These radio ad guys are just cattle car shops that pay celebrities to use their names.

what are the negatives? do you know them?

otherwise, it's just unsubstantiated fear of the unknown.


What are the negatives to laser vision correction?

You may have dry eyes after surgery which in extreme cases, may have you take restasis daily. problem solved.

You may have some night vision issues with halos and blurriness of lights. This occurs in a small percentage of people. lubricating eye drops help. if you go out to drive at night, put some in and you'll be better.

it doesn't fix the gradual decrease in vision as you age. nothing does. this isn't a downside.

it isn't covered under most healthcare insurance. i paid 3400 for mine, two years no interest.

aftercare? yes, unlimited corrections free of charge if necessary, lifetime checkups are free as well.

will it make you blind or damage your vision? No. They used to perform this surgery with razor blades in the 1980's and that worked. Be happy we live in the age of computers and lasers that can cut down to microns now.

you must take care of your eyes immediately after the surgery and wear protective sunglasses for the first week or two. this timeline is outlined to you by your doctor.

will everyone's vision be changed back to 20/20? No. It depends on your age and genetics. the younger you are, the better your chances. it will improve your vision over what it is currently. if it won't, the doctor won't go through with the procedure.

i was -7.25 in both my eyes with over -3 astigmatism. that's legally blind several times over. I had to wear special contact lenses. it sucked buying new ones every year because they were so expensive. After 6 years, this surgery pays for itself because of the high cost behind those contacts.

I'm now at 20/15 vision. better than 20/20 and i'm 28. I would do this surgery every single time if I had to do it over again. Your quality of life improves drastically and it's not expensive anymore. (although I would avoid the budget/discount prices like the plague).

Thank you for your input!

Thank you for your input!

No problem! I met several people at work that have had the surgery done...oldest is over 10 years ago now. They're all baby boomers. No complaints, happy to have had it done.

Haven't run into a horror story...I know it's statistics, but its reassuring when multiple people you know personally haven't had an issue.

I had mine done in Philly, which is in your neck of the woods. I trust the docs up there the most...yankee bias. :D

Here's the thread I did on my experience: http://www.evoxforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8794&highlight=LASIK

Honestly this is the last guy I'd go to. These radio ad guys are just cattle car shops that pay celebrities to use their names.

Lawlz. They didn't pay my buddies, on the contrary they had to pay the Dr.

I had this done 11 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I had perfect eyes through college but then working on a computer every day must have taken it's toll. I finally had it done after really struggling with street signs at night. No more contacts, perscription glasses, sunglasses, etc.

The technology has only changed for the better since mine, and I had a great experience even with the "older" technology. I drove myself to the follow up appt. the next day without glasses or contacts!!

http://lasikdisaster.com

I was ---> <--- close to getting Lasik until I talked to my boss at the time. He was one of those "1%'ers" that had an issue with Lasik. It took a year and one correction for him to be able to drive. And he was a software developer like me and basically had to work 1/2 time for that year (at a huge loss of income) due to the crushing headaches that he got from the starring, dry eyes and other shit he had going on. He had to buy 3 pairs of glasses during that year as well.

Another team lead of mine had PRK done back in the 90's and now if he's in a hallway with florescent lighting, he can't see the people at the end of the hallway (think normal office corridor).

I also know people that have had few to no issues and are pleased as punch.

There are positive AND negative stories on both sides. You have to be willing to risk the ability to ever see again with the annoyance of glasses and/or contacts.

ETA: also be careful of confirmation bias. Most people, after spending a relative fortune ($4k is a ton for most people), will be unwilling to say that they made a mistake if they have any issues or complications. Think about it. How many of you can say "man I wish I'd not gotten this exhaust!" -- rather you say "Man this exhaust is way louder than I thought it would be, but now I love it!!! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

lol.

so who did lasik to your boss. dr Boothe?

goofygrin][/B]
http://lasikdisaster.com (http://lasikdisaster.com)

I was ---> <--- close to getting Lasik until I talked to my boss at the time. He was one of those "1%'ers" that had an issue with Lasik. It took a year and one correction for him to be able to drive. And he was a software developer like me and basically had to work 1/2 time for that year (at a huge loss of income) due to the crushing headaches that he got from the starring, dry eyes and other shit he had going on. He had to buy 3 pairs of glasses during that year as well.

Another team lead of mine had PRK done back in the 90's and now if he's in a hallway with florescent lighting, he can't see the people at the end of the hallway (think normal office corridor).

I also know people that have had few to no issues and are pleased as punch.

There are positive AND negative stories on both sides. You have to be willing to risk the ability to ever see again with the annoyance of glasses and/or contacts.

ETA: also be careful of confirmation bias. Most people, after spending a relative fortune ($4k is a ton for most people), will be unwilling to say that they made a mistake if they have any issues or complications. Think about it. How many of you can say "man I wish I'd not gotten this exhaust!" -- rather you say "Man this exhaust is way louder than I thought it would be, but now I love it!!! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

lol.

Again, due to having a few sites dedicated to "When They Fuck Up, Uncut". No thank you.

Laser eye treatment is now a well-established procedures.For many people the benefits of permanent sight correction far out way any potential risk.This is the most commonly performed type of laser surgery, is generally a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of common vision problems.But surgeons should make people aware of the potential risks compared with those of wearing glasses or contact lenses.

I got PRK done about a year and a half ago. Great decision all around, I went from being essentially blind without glasses or contacts to being 20/15.

My eye surgeon had, in fact, also had PRK surgery and loved it.

Lastly, you have significantly better chance of dying in your car than you do of going blind from laser eye surgery. Just saying