Free Flyer

Anyone have any good or bad stories about Lasik/PRK that I should know about before I go through with this procedure? I'm going to be doing PRK and the doctor has done over 10,000 procedures without any mess ups so far, but I'd hate to be the 1st one to get screwed up.

Also, any advice on how long to take off from work/flying before going back without vision issues/pain from PRK procedure?

Thanks to all for any info.

Cleared4Option

I did LASIK back in '01-'02 and LOVED IT. Back then, they couldn't correct stigmitisms(sp?) so I still wear a very thin pair of glasses to correct my 20-20 to 20-15/20-10.

Ask the doctor about return to service... I think it has something to do with a small percentage of people and cornea detachment issues - which probably don't really exist anymore. I had to have my surgeon fill out some paperwork for my medical and send it to the FAA saying that I was still ok for my Class 1. (But, this was 10 years ago... so things might have changed... I'd check with your Aeromedical Doc and your surgeon to make sure that you have all your bases covered)

hesitant

There is multi-focal lasik that is used for people that are both near and far sighted. When people reach age 40 they will certainly develop presbyopia, which means old eyes. This is why their near vision deteriorates (reading glasses). Multi focal lasik corrects both near and distant vision without destroying binocular vision. I have been reading on this and I can't really tell if anyone has had positive experience with this. What can you find?

satpak77

I have been researching LASIK for over 1 year now, and never heard of this type of LASIK. You either get LASIK or you don't.

GoPats

I had LASIK back in 2003 and it went very well. I've been happy with the results.

However, I have a coleague who is NOT happy and hasn't been since he had it done.
His night vision is bad. Lots of halos, "streaks", etc.
Good enough to drive but not good enough to be happy about it.

I got my medical cert. very quickly. Your surgeon will fill out the doc. you need to take to your AME (if there're no complications).

Here's my recommendation:

Forget about the type of laser, the brand, the specific method, etc. and focus on the doctor.

He/she makes all the difference. The wrong doctor will ruin your life. Guaranteed. Get lots of references. No such thing as too many.
Yes, you always run some risk with any surgery but some guys are just incompetent and some are just hustlers. Don't let the "M.D." fool you.

If you're in the Boston area I can recommend someone for you.

Good luck.

GoPats

Back in '03 that was the LASIK doctor's holy grail. My doctor said, at the time, that it was at least 10 years away.

I haven't heard that it was available either. Maybe.

Hawker Driver

I had LASIK in 2002. No problems at all after the first three months. They were not really problems as much as the time it took for the clarity to get to 20/15. Right after the surgery, I'd look up at the stars. They would all be large halos with my left eye and sharp pin prick stars with my right. The next night it would be the opposite. It was kinda scary but as time progressed, the halos got smaller and smaller until they disappeared. They told me it would take about 3 months and they were right.

Not sure why you are choosing PRK over LASIK though. It seems to have a longer and more painful recovery from the comparison charts I've found

Free Flyer

I have to go with PRK due to the fact that my cornea isn't thick enough to do LASIK. I know that PRK is going to be more painful, but they said that the long term clarity is better than LASIK, but it's going to hurt like for at least 2 weeks. Thank goodness I'm using my sick bank at work to take a month off and some FMLA.

This particular doctor has performed over 10,000 procedures. My friend at Southwest just had his done by the same guy 2 months ago and loves it. So, we'll see how it goes. I will keep you all posted.

rightside02

I am looking into doing it my self, and I did a consultation with a doctor in st pete fl. DR. Updergraph And he is legit, all kinds of awards and was the first one in Asia to perform the surgery, still teaches other doctors how to perform it, but that being said he is very pricey, but then again what is your vision worth too you. ESP in our business.

Good luck

captain152

I've wanted LASIK for a long time (about 5 yrs now) but am VERY hesitant. Both my mom and aunt had it done and both have a lot of issue with their night vision.
I would love nothing more than to get rid of my contacts and glasses during the day. Glasses at night I could live with. I have an astigmatism in both eyes too.
Anyone else have a similar family history and/or eye sight issues?

Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post on the forum.