PRK laser eye surgery

Discussion in 'Laser Eye Surgery' started by Lynn, Feb 17, 2005.

  1. Lynn

    Lynn Guest

    I recently attended Focus Eye Centre in Kingston and was told I was a
    good candidate for PRK laser surgery. I wear glasses now, have
    astignatism, and they said they would do monovision on me. I am quite
    scared about having this done. Are people's vision really that much
    better and what are the complications, regression and or problems
    associated with this kind of risk. My husband thinks I should have it
    done, I however am very nervous about the whole thing, as you only have
    one pair of eyes. I have virtually now talked myself out of this.
     
    Lynn, Feb 17, 2005
    #1
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  2. Lynn

    Dr Judy Guest

    All surgery has risks. There are complications and problems associated with
    PRK and the surgical centre should have explained them to you and given you
    the percentage of patients who get them. Have you tried monovision in
    contact lenses? Do not have monovision surgery done without a month long
    trial with contact lenses to see if you can tolerate monovision.

    Finally, if you are scared or nervous and do not think the cost of the risk
    is worth the benefit of not wearing glasses, do not have the surgery.
    Continue to use glasses or contacts and tell your husband that you will make
    your own decisions and you have decided against surgery. If he wants
    surgery for himself, that is his decision but he should not be forcing you
    into something you don't want.

    Dr Judy
     
    Dr Judy, Feb 17, 2005
    #2
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  3. Lynn

    Dr. Leukoma Guest

    AMEN.

    DrG
     
    Dr. Leukoma, Feb 17, 2005
    #3
  4. Lynn

    Dan Abel Guest


    Even if I had been a good candidate, I would not have this surgery. Why?
    Because I'm not a risk taker. Having said that, I've had three much more
    serious eye surgeries and three laser eye surgeries. Why? Because my
    choice was between surgery or not being able to see. I'm assuming that
    your choice is good vision with glasses and good vision with no glasses.
    This is not the kind of surgery that you do unless you are 100% into it.

    Have you considered switching to contacts? They eliminate the glasses also.

    If you decide to go with the surgery, I second the advice about trying
    monovision with contacts for some time beforehand. Some people don't take
    well to monovision.
     
    Dan Abel, Feb 17, 2005
    #4
  5. Lynn

    Scott Guest

    I had Lasik done 7 years ago for a -14 prescription.
    After 20+ years of contacts and/or really thick lenses, it was the right
    choice for me and I have never regretted it for one moment.
    Would I have it done for a modest i.e. -2 or -3 correction? (you don't
    mention yours)
    I don't think so...
    The risks are small but real and you have to be sure it is right for you.

    Scott
     
    Scott, Feb 18, 2005
    #5
  6. Only you can decide if elective surgery is right for you. Not your
    husband. Not even your doctor. If this surgery worries you, then
    that is more than enough reason to not have surgery - even if your
    concerns are not clinically valid. You may find
    http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/know.htm interesting.

    Monovision may or may not be a good idea (I'm assuming you are over
    age 40), but you need to try it with contacts before even considering
    having it lasered into your eyes. Visit
    http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/monovision.htm for details.

    This is an elective surgery with relatively low risk, but risk is
    always relative. If it is outside your zone of comfort, then DO NOT
    do it. I suspect, however, that much of your fear is because you
    don't know all the facts. Do your research and if you are still
    uncomfortable, just say no.

    Glenn Hagele
    Executive Director
    Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance

    Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org

    http://www.USAEyes.org
    http://www.ComplicatedEyes.org

    I am not a doctor.
     
    Glenn - USAEyes.org, Feb 18, 2005
    #6
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