[at-l] LASIK info, FWIW

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

As someone who: (a) has had the surgery; and (b) researched it for 15
years before going for it, I applaud this excellent post.  I would
expand on it with two or three points of emphasis.  The pupil size thing
is a biggie!  If your doc is GOOD, he/she will be careful to discuss
where your pupil size fits in the range, and how much correction you
need . . . if your pupil is larger than average, and you are - say -
very nearsighted, you ought to CAREFULLY talk to your doc about the
possible increased risk of more significant "starrring" effects at night
or in low light.  If you need a lot of correction, and plan to climb
mountains over 15-20,000 feet, you should ask whether your cornea will
be weakened enough so that your enesight will deteriorate badly at such
altitudes [due to bulging].  If you are in your 40's, be prepared to
need reading glasses even if your surgeon is perfect - he/she can only
correct for ONE thing, and that is your distance vision - the need for
reading glasses is due to other, inevitable changes in the eye . . . you
also might look for the various Laser types, but I have not kept up with
which are the best today, but there are some newer models that are
"better" than the older models - but the laser should be about 5% of the
equation, and A GOOD DOC should count for the other 95%!

thru-thinker

"cosmo catalano, jr." wrote:
> 
>  From another list, but we've had discussion here about eye surgery. I
> trust the author of the message below, she has had first hand
> experience with the procedure and seems to know what she's talking
> about.  I think her message below presents the information in a clear
> and succinct (am I on the right list here?<g>) way:
> Cosmo
> 
> "I've worked for an ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive surgery
> and has performed LASIK on thousands of eyes.  Certain small complications
> may arise such as glare at night.  People that especially at higher risk
> for glare at night are those who have large pupils when dilated.  Another
> common side effect is dry eyes, which can be relieved with artificial
> tears.  I'm a skeptic when it comes to cheap, discounted LASIK surgery,
> but if you do decide to go that route, make sure you look carefully, ask
> lots of questions and find an experienced surgeon.
> 
> Here are questions that the practice I worked for recommended patients to
> ask other surgeons:
> 
> What is the surgeon's name that will be doing your surgery and how many
> actual Lasik procedures has he or she performed?
> Is the surgeon board certified in ophthalmology?
> Does he or she have outcome statistics of their own surgeries to show you
> (make sure you look closely at those stats)?
> Does the surgeon dispose of all supplies, including blades, between each
> patient?
> Are any single use devices or supplies reused? If so are they properly
> sterilized and inspected?
> Does the center sterilize all equipment after each case?
> What ranges of correction can the surgeon do for myopia, hyperopia, and
> astigmatism?
> Does the price vary depending on your range of correction? Are
> enhancements, if needed, included in the surgery fee? (If you are very
> nearsighted or farsighted, chances are you'll need an enhancement)
> 
> Another possible problem in LASIK is with the microkeratome (the knife
> that cuts the flap).  I've done research on these knives, and have
> discovered disturbing variability on how deep this knife cuts, verses what
> the manufacturer designed it to cut.  If you have a thin cap, I'd be a
> little bit more concerned because if it cuts too close to the Stroma then
> disasterous results could arise such as needing a corneal transplant.
> 
> Good surgeons have amazing stats ~90% reaching their targeted refraction.
> LASIK has been out for quite a while now.  It's in my opinion the best
> form of refractive surgery.  Complications happen, even though they have a
> low % of occurance, but if it happens to you, that becomes 100%.  Just, be
> aware of the risks and again, find an EXCELLENT surgeon."
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