LASIK input

So I guess it's safety related. I've scheduled a LASIK surgery this Thursday. One deal killer is if it impacts my fishing.

I think it's going to be a huge plus. But has anyone done it or heard of someone who did it but couldn't tie knots or some other unforeseen issues that would impact my fishing a week or two out???  I have -11 diopter with astigmatism so I am blind as a bat without glasses. I've been checked already and I'm a good candidate.

Any thoughts?


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I had LASIK in 2005.  Probably the 2nd most useful medical procedure I ever had.  I've no problems with it, although things aren't as crisp as they used to be, but that's probably due to staring at a monitor all day.

I think I recall there being some restriction on swimming for a few days/weeks, so just ask your doctor.  Don't skip out on getting it though, it's pretty sweet to wake up and be able to see without glasses.  Just makes life a lot more enjoyable.

My dad had that done a dozen years ago, give or take.  Been a huge benefit to him and his golf game.  But for up close stuff like reading (or in your case tying knots) reading glasses may still be necessary.  At least if you're over 50.

My brother and sister in law had it done and they love it.  My brother wore glasses for 45 years and had one eye done for distance and one for close up.  He said it took a few days to adjust.  I'm sticking with my glasses my eye site isn't that bad yet.

My brother and sister in law had it done and they love it.  My brother wore glasses for 45 years and had one eye done for distance and one for close up.  He said it took a few days to adjust.  I'm sticking with my glasses my eye site isn't that bad yet.

I know that my dad said after having it done that he'd only recommend it for those who just simply can't tolerate their glasses/contacts anymore.  He wore Coke bottles since he was a kid, and I think he still has impressions in his nose from weight of the glasses.  Anyway, he said it was very unpleasant getting it done as you couldn't be totally out for it (at least back then) and so you could see what they were doing - including the smoke from the corneal ablation.  Maybe it's changed since then though.

I know that my eyes have actually gotten better on their own over the last decade.  20/20 in my left eye, 20/15 in the right, uncorrected.  10 or so years ago they were 20/40 and 20/30.

I know that my dad said after having it done that he'd only recommend it for those who just simply can't tolerate their glasses/contacts anymore.  He wore Coke bottles since he was a kid, and I think he still has impressions in his nose from weight of the glasses.  Anyway, he said it was very unpleasant getting it done as you couldn't be totally out for it (at least back then) and so you could see what they were doing - including the smoke from the corneal ablation.  Maybe it's changed since then though.

I completely disagree.  You go in, they make a slice in your eye and peel it back.   Once they peel it back, everything is black.  You hear the laser pop a few times, smell some burning, then it's done.  That whole process takes 15-20 minutes total, for both eyes to get done.

You go home, go to sleep, and you wake up the next morning being able to see.

I had it done back in 2007 and I don't regret it for a second.  Sure day 3 of recovery was unpleasant but I still see 20/20.  If I ever need to I will do it all over again.

I know that my dad said after having it done that he'd only recommend it for those who just simply can't tolerate their glasses/contacts anymore.  He wore Coke bottles since he was a kid, and I think he still has impressions in his nose from weight of the glasses.  Anyway, he said it was very unpleasant getting it done as you couldn't be totally out for it (at least back then) and so you could see what they were doing - including the smoke from the corneal ablation.  Maybe it's changed since then though.

I completely disagree.  You go in, they make a slice in your eye and peel it back.   Once they peel it back, everything is black.  You hear the laser pop a few times, smell some burning, then it's done.  That whole process takes 15-20 minutes total, for both eyes to get done.

You go home, go to sleep, and you wake up the next morning being able to see.

Well, as I said, that was his experience.  Technology and techniques change. 

I considered it awhile back, but the nurse said I would still need to wear glasses to read, like sumpnz mentionied for his dad.   So I figured what's the point?  And the 15% complications rate post-op was too high a risk for me, they don't mention that very loud but that's the national average for problems post-surgery.  Did have a friend who had serious problems afterward and it took a year to repair the problem so he could get on with life.

I had a similar procedure done 3 or 4 years ago, and I love it. I had PRK done.  The only difference is there is no flap cut.  LASIK has a much shorter recovery/healing time than what I had.

Nothing bad to say, just make sure you have some good sunglasses  for the first few weeks.

Thanks for the input.  I'm told the National rate for second surgery to fine tune the eyesight is 5% but for me, it's 30%.  I'll still will be able to function but since I am making such a large correction, its much harder to hit it just right with all the variables like how your eye will feel.

I have two friends where they needed a second corrective procedure.  They both said it was well worth it without the second procedure.  In fact one of them may not even get the second procedure and just have MUCH weaker (and Cheaper) glasses I am using the newer procedure where the flap cut is also made with a laser.  Supposedly a signficant part of the issues were related to the micro blade cutting the flap.

When I drop my glasses from my nightstand, its literally a 5 minute or more ordeal to find my glasses.  I first from my bed have to feel around and clear a safe stepping zone, then I can get out of bed and look for them.  Once when I was in college and had too much to drink, I had to call in friends since I couldn't find my glasses after an hour of feeling around (it had wedged half way down the nightstand).  My current glasses, the lenses alone were $700.

I appreciate the input.  I am still going to go for it I think.  I've done a lot of research but I wanted to get input from the folks who love to do what I love to do.  So I appreciate the input!!!!!

Rudy, who is doing your LASIK?

If it's Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute [PCLI] or one of their affiliates, you are in world class hands. Anyone, else, i can't comment on.

I have several co workers who've had that procedure done. Each describes some discomfort but do not regret ever having it done.

You do have to follow the docs orders. Honestly i wouldnt try to go fishing 3 days later. BUT, make sure you ask the docs before you go in . When i had a cataract removed from my right eye 2 years ago, i took 2 days off work. When i went back in for the 3 day follow up, Doc asked me why i stayed out of work!! seems i could have gone back in the next day. Being industrial i honestly didnt want to chance that place causing infection.

Ask around your neighborhood, look for someone who has had the procedure done by the same doctor at the same place and talk to them.

Bear in mind too, that recovery differs for each person.

Rudy, who is doing your LASIK?

If it's Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute [PCLI] or one of their affiliates, you are in world class hands. Anyone, else, i can't comment on.

I have several co workers who've had that procedure done. Each describes some discomfort but do not regret ever having it done.

You do have to follow the docs orders. Honestly i wouldnt try to go fishing 3 days later. BUT, make sure you ask the docs before you go in . When i had a cataract removed from my right eye 2 years ago, i took 2 days off work. When i went back in for the 3 day follow up, Doc asked me why i stayed out of work!! seems i could have gone back in the next day. Being industrial i honestly didnt want to chance that place causing infection.

Ask around your neighborhood, look for someone who has had the procedure done by the same doctor at the same place and talk to them.

Bear in mind too, that recovery differs for each person.

I'm doing it at Alaska Lasik Center.  They use a laser instead of a microkeratome to cut the flap.  Supposedly it results in less complications. I looked into PCLI when I was in Washington.  I'm a little concerned that I didn't know they were here in Alaska.  Makes me wonder about the quality of my research.   The surgeon has done 16,000 procedures and I can't find a bad review.

NERVOUS!  But I have full expectations this is going to be an immensely positive change in my life!  Thanks for the input!

I'll give up fishing for one week and swimming with my kids for two weeks.  Hopefully that's it. 

ok rudy sounds like you are in good hands. with that many procedures and using state of the art, you should be fine.

being nervous is part of heading into the unkown. they should give you something to relax you during prep. Health insurance coverining it, right?

oh and yeah, here's PCLI's website; http://www.pcli.com/locations/index.html

Nope...no health insurance coverage.  Its considered elective.  But I did put $4,000 into my flexible spending account pre tax.  That's one of the reasons I am doing it this year since next year the cap for FSA goes down to $2,500.

For all the money they pay for my lenses, I would think the insurance company would MAKE you do it.  lol.  But nothing is ever rationale about health insurance it seems!