LASIK Eye Surgery

Post by **Jon Bolden** » September 29th, 2009, 8:28 am

I've wanted to get this for years and I'm seriously considering it now. Anyone ever had it or know someone? Any complications? It's been out almost 20 years now and I would imagine it's pretty safe. Who knows what happens when you get older.

Good places to go to in Austin? I've heard Houston has better doctors but I would imagine there's at least a few renowned places here in town.

Aden · Post by **Aden** » September 29th, 2009, 10:24 am

My mom had this done, but had it done for bi-focus... one eye for near and one eye for far. She now has to wear reading glasses again.

Another friend of mine had both eyes done for near sightedness and so far its still good.

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » September 29th, 2009, 11:11 am

I had mine done about about 10 years ago by Dr. Mann. No problems. Pure joy. My focal length used to be about 4 inches - 7.5 diopter correction, with astigmatism. I now have "monovision" (as Aden described), where my (dominant) left eye was corrected for distance vision and my right eye for dashboard/computer vision. The brain mixes the signals seamlessly, so you don't really notice the disparity unless you close one eye, and there is no problem with eye strain or headaches. I can read without glasses, but it's less strain to use them if I'm reading a lot, and I need glasses for close detailed work like sewing.

The important thing is that I can do most things - especially drive - without corrective lenses, and that's indescribably delicious. I can wear non-prescription feather-weight Maui Jim sunglasses. And my reading glasses weigh about a tenth of what my old glasses used to, so they are light as a feather, too.

I confess, I was scared going in... OMG! they're going to slice into my eyeballs...! But (a) they give you valium before the procedure, (b) it only takes 10 minutes to do both eyes, and (c) you can immediately SEE!!! The procedure is even slicker now, since they use a laser to cut the flap, too, instead of a micro-blade. You wear goggles for the first 24 hours so you don't absent-mindedly touch your eyes. You put drops in your eyes for a week or so. You don't rub your eyes for several months - don't want to dislodge the flap. The flap can be lifted up to 3 or 4 months later, which comes in handy for fine-tuning. My correction was so much, they went back in after 2 months or so and tuned up both eyes. No additional charge. Very easy. No problems.

ChrisTrew.Com · Post by **ChrisTrew.Com** » September 29th, 2009, 12:30 pm

Jeremy Lamb did this a long time ago, he might have some advice as well. (I think so...right?)

Post by **Jon Bolden** » September 29th, 2009, 11:42 pm

Kathy - Thanks for the great review.

Thanks everyone else too. I had a meeting with a doctor today and I'm a perfect candidate so it's time to start saving and finally taking photos without getting my glasses all sweaty and dirty.

The Drewd · Post by **The Drewd** » December 30th, 2009, 5:41 am

Jon, did you go to see the Dr Mann Kathy suggested? Did you check out anyone else? When do you think you may get it done?
Drew

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 30th, 2009, 9:53 am

Hey Drew,

I saw Steven Dell (it's actually Michael Dell's brother of Dell Computers).

http://www.dellvision.com/

But I'm positive there are several other great people to go to.

I don't believe I'll be doing it for another year or so as I'm content with my glasses for the moment and should probably buy a car first...lol

You thinking about it?

The Drewd · Post by **The Drewd** » January 2nd, 2010, 3:53 am

Yes I've been wanting to do it for years. I looked at Dr Dell's website, the most persuasive fact I saw there was that he uses the method approved for NASA/Military fighter pilots. Very interesting.
What did you take away from your interview with him?
Drew

Post by **Jon Bolden** » January 2nd, 2010, 1:30 pm

You don't actually get to speak with Mr. Dell, I think he's just the head surgeon. I would guess he has several associates who perform the same procedure at this point. But the consultation was free and really informative. They basically tell you how / why you are good candidate and if you should proceed. Then they give you a piece of paper with a giant price tag on it and you go *gulp*. Roughly five grand. But I've heard "best decision I've ever made" by several patients. Someday...

hypersuit · Post by **hypersuit** » January 3rd, 2010, 6:38 pm

Hey, Drew and Jon, I went to Dell to have my LASIK. It was good experience, everything went well and has turned out great. They use lasers now to cut the flap (that sounds so gross) instead of a knife so it heals faster and better. It's been 3 or 4 years now and no complaints.
Courtney