Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Leica & Alternative Gear | Join Upload & Sell

1       2      
3
       4       5       6       end
  

Archive 2012 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning

  
 
traveler
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #1 · p.3 #1 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Sadly your's isn't the only bad situation out there. However that is one reason to do a LOT of research on the doctor and equipment that will be used in the procedure. I had a unique situation as well. I had EBMD a condition where the epithelial layer (outside) of the eye sluffs off or has what is referred to as a dystrophy. This renders your vision on and off and it changes continually which makes for a impossible correction via glasses as you change glasses every two months. After having this diagnosed I went to a specialty place in Salt Lake City where they do so many different kinds of surgeries to correct every manner of issues. The specialist I met with was quite familiar with my condition and suggested since I had such issues in addition to the dystrophy such as 20/100 eyesight with lots of astigmatism, that while he was going to have to basically do half of the PRK procedure to allow the outside skin to regrow (which happens in about 5 days remarkably) he could laser the eye while in the procedure and I would be able to eliminate my glasses. Only mild readers would be needed for long term reading. I went for it and it was a life changer. However I noted you said the maximum diameter allowed for lasering was 7mm. He did 8mm on me as I have not only large eyes but also pupils. This he said would accommodate the size differences. I do not have halo's nor other vision issues. Today I'm 20/15 BOTH eyes NO astigmatism. I frankly don't recommend Lasik as it retains the so called "flap" of skin in which is eliminated and regrown for a more natural/perfect result. I also have understood from a air force guy I know that the service ONLY does PRK, NOT Lasik because of the flap being moved in some flying situations and such, where as the PRK is solid and permanent. Just thought I'd share my experience. The laser used was also supposedly the latest technology available.


Dec 04, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Bifurcator
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #2 · p.3 #2 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Bifurcator wrote:
I'm one of those odd folks who don't give a crap about what I look like

RustyBug wrote:
I believe it ... I've seen your picture.

When I was young, I used to think I should "look nice" when I go to buy a car, so the salesman will be more helpful.

Now, I find that you learn more about how interested people are in helping you with your needs ... when they think you "got nothin' for them" vs. when they think they can get something from you. My wife hates to go shopping with me.

Her: "Can't you at least tuck your shirt in?"
Me: "I can, but I don't want to."
Her:
Me: "Don't worry ... I'll
...Show more

Yup, that reflects the difference between using cloths as a tool and actually caring about "how you look". I do use clothing to assist an intention or purpose but I don't actually care myself, how I look. I think the first time this hit me in the face (besides adults constantly telling me about it) was at 19 when I went in to court where a lady in her mid-to-late 40's presided as judge. I went in with a $700 perfectly tailored dark-blue pin-stripe 3-piece and made lots of flashy eye contact while throwing in some legal terms I had heard on TV. Reckless Driving and 4 other moving violations were dismissed out of hand on the spot. I was happy! But I felt twice as happy when I turned around and saw the other 20 guys waiting their turn (all dressed in ragged levies and t-shirts) looking at me astonished at what had just happened. I could hear them thinking: "Oh, he must know someone.", "He must be part of some elite organization.", "What a lucky bastard!", and so on. I knew tho; the cloths showed respect in that situation and placed me in a similar reality to her own - which was reinforced by the vocabulary used while I delivered my extremely lame excuse - which was basically that I was young, just learning how to be responsible, and that monetary penalties would not assist me in this.

So expressions like "the cloths make the man" are true to a large degree and being aware of that is often helpful in life and business - it's just that on a personal daily level with no one to impress but myself, I don't care.



Dec 04, 2012 at 01:03 PM
ISO1600
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #3 · p.3 #3 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


traveler wrote:
I also have understood from a air force guy I know that the service ONLY does PRK, NOT Lasik because of the flap being moved in some flying situations and such, where as the PRK is solid and permanent. Just thought I'd share my experience. The laser used was also supposedly the latest technology available.


The military only mandates PRK for flyers. I am not a flyer, so I was given the option of LASIK.

Bif, Rusty, please keep this discussion on topic, and try to keep it serious.



Dec 04, 2012 at 01:53 PM
FlyPenFly
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #4 · p.3 #4 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Do the glasses fix the night vision issues or is it still problemsome?


Dec 04, 2012 at 02:11 PM
ISO1600
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #5 · p.3 #5 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


I'm still waiting on the glasses. They are hoping it will help but I'm doubtful.


Dec 04, 2012 at 02:17 PM
RustyBug
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #6 · p.3 #6 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Sorry to digress a bit into some lightheartedness ... but VERY SERIOUSLY ... the business of LASIK is one that is filled with its share of doctors pedalling their wares, and for some they care more about your money than your eyes. Have you ever noticed HOW MUCH $$$ THEY SPEND ON ADVERTISING THE PROCEDURE.

We are conditioned to be believe that doctors only have our best interest in mind, but the LASIK industry is making money hand over fist on volume of procedures. I'm just trying to illustrate that doctors are no different from car salesmen, photographers, lawyers or plumbers. There are some really good ones that have a passion for their craft, and others that craft their passion for money.

My experience is that it was a "struggle" to finally get them to "come clean" with me about some of the real issues that get glossed over in favor of the wonderful hype @ "life without glasses". I realize that yours is an exceptional case (i.e. pupil size), yet the lack of diligence rendered by the doctors only serves to illustrate my point at how quickly the industry would have as many people as they can undergo the procedure, thus ...

Caveat Emptor

You've given your fellow FM'ers something to think about regarding something so "near & dear" to us, our vision. I hope to likewise share some things for them to consider as well, lest they be caught in up in the hype and bare the consequence.

Here, in Alt Forum in particular, we have discerning tendencies. The masses may not be able to tell the difference between a lens with CA and one that is well corrected ... and thus they are fully content with the convenience of a 10X Zoom rather than the optics of a Leica prime.
IMO, the undiscerning masses have sung the praises of Lasik, such that we rarely hear about the shortcomings recognized by those who are more discerning and less pleased with the outcomes. IMO, the Lasik industry plays to the numbers, serving those who aspire for convenience moreover than quality. Recall that this is corroborated by the flyer vs. non-flyer approval for utilization of Lasik procedure.

Again, I'm truly sorry to hear of your ordeal. But, in as much as you are aspiring to help your fellow FM'ers ... I hope they can also take a nugget of discernment to look beyond the "salesmanship" involved within the Lasik industry.

Caveat Emptor

Edited on Dec 04, 2012 at 03:33 PM · View previous versions



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:09 PM
Jman13
Offline
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #7 · p.3 #7 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


I had a chance when I was in the Army to get free PRK or LASIK, and I went to the original consult, but because an Army optometrist was a moron when I was in my OBC (he prescribed lenses WAY too strong for me....I told him the prescription was wrong when he made it...I got the glasses, and sure enough, they were too strong and hurt my head...got another exam and they measured me at the same prescription I'd had previously). As a result, since that outlier exam was there, I was deemed not to have a 'stable' prescription, and was therefore ineligible.

I was peeved at the time, but the more I've thought about it, and the more I've heard complications such as this...the happier I am that I wasn't eligible to go through with it. Now, I'd have a very hard time having someone operate on my eyes when it isn't necessary. Plus, I don't mind wearing glasses.



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:14 PM
ISO1600
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #8 · p.3 #8 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


The Doctors who did my procedure are all Air Force Drs. They don't get paid per procedure, so they have no underlying agenda to make more money hand over fist from me or anybody.
Yes, they are probably trying to make a quota, but they should not do it at the expense of my sight.



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:16 PM
ISO1600
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #9 · p.3 #9 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Like I said originally, I debated it for YEARS. We are talking almost 8 years of going back and forth, talking to Optometrists at different bases, etc. Like 6-10 of my coworkers/friends over the years had it done, and every one said it was the best decision they'd ever made. I am the first person I know to have encountered problems of any sort.

No, I did not NEED refractive surgery, but I figured it would make photography more comfortable. It makes it far easier to use a rangefinder in most cases- but shit just hasn't worked out that well haha.



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:21 PM
mortyb
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #10 · p.3 #10 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Sorry to hear this, and thank you for sharing.

I'm lucky and have good vision, no need for glases. However, I'd never undergo laser surgery. A friend of mine had laser surgery that didn't go well at all. She's had serious complications for many years, luckily her vision is getting better.

My philosophy on body and health issues is to leave things alone unless there are serious issues. I've heard enough stories were you fix something, but end up with more discomfort/issues from side-effects etc.

Wish you all the best, hope things will be better.



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:30 PM
RustyBug
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #11 · p.3 #11 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


+1 @ AF Docs aren't paid per procedure.

But, rest assured the more procedures they do, the more it "pads their resume". I'm not raggin' on the doc, per se ... but as your OP has set out to warn our fellow FM'ers of potential perils, I am simply calling additional attention for our fellow FM'ers to a need for an accompanying discernment associated with the Lasik industry.

Caveat Emptor



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:38 PM
RCicala
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #12 · p.3 #12 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


I am an MD and it's a funny thing - we tend to avoid procedures. Doesn't matter how great the results for 98% are, we know the 2% all too well. I've got the worst eyes on the planet, but the very thought of corrective surgery makes me nauseous. I know everything that could go wrong.

I'm not disagreeing with those who point out profit motives and such, but the real bottom line is simpler than that. Surgeons love to operate like we love to photograph or fighter pilots love to fly jets. It's how they're wired.







Dec 04, 2012 at 03:41 PM
ISO1600
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #13 · p.3 #13 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Roger,
Thanks for the different perspective. You make some good points.

With all this, I had recently been considering another elective procedure, this time having nothing to do with my eyes, but another pair of important organs that every guy has. IF i get anything done, it won't be by Air Force Docs.



Dec 04, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Jman13
Offline
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #14 · p.3 #14 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Well, I'll be having that procedure as soon as my new son or daughter is born (which will be in June). Once that's successful, I'll be joining you in that elective process.


Dec 04, 2012 at 04:14 PM
bigkidneys
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #15 · p.3 #15 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


ISO1600 wrote:
Roger,
Thanks for the different perspective. You make some good points.

With all this, I had recently been considering another elective procedure, this time having nothing to do with my eyes, but another pair of important organs that every guy has. IF i get anything done, it won't be by Air Force Docs.



They are not all bad brother. Just took one of my people down to Keesler to have the Lasik done and she like most I have known have had great results with that procedure. Having worked in Navy Medicine 19 years, I have seen a few cases where surgeons weren't up to speed on certain things but for the most part they were. No corrective surgery available to fix what was done? If there is, you can always request to be seen by a specialist outside to get it done. We have had to authorize a couple since being here and the outcomes were great. Certainly things can go wrong like Roger said with that 2% but in this situation, it seems like the surgeon just wasn't up to speed so to speak...



Dec 04, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Bifurcator
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #16 · p.3 #16 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


According to the reported stats it's between 5 and 6%... not 2%. Just saying...

ISO1600 wrote:
Roger,
Thanks for the different perspective. You make some good points.

With all this, I had recently been considering another elective procedure, this time having nothing to do with my eyes, but another pair of important organs that every guy has. IF i get anything done, it won't be by Air Force Docs.



WHAT? So you'll be having 4 balls?

Seriously?

And you told US to keep it on topic... Heh!!!!



Dec 04, 2012 at 05:31 PM
Gary Clennan
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #17 · p.3 #17 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Here is my guy but he is in Calgary..... www.vasman.com



Seriously though Chris - I hope everything works out for you in the end. Stay optimistic.



Dec 04, 2012 at 06:56 PM
Lee Saxon
Online
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #18 · p.3 #18 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


The problem with "doing your homework" about this is that the doctors lie their asses off and so you have to know exactly what question to ask.

When I told my friends in med school my mother had a seizure due to some medication she was taking, every one of them said "Wellbutrin?" immediately. They were right. Yet the same doctor tried to prescribe it to me a few months after that seizure. He had lots of Wellbutrin-branded swag on his desk.

I was Googling around the other day and discovered the Claritin I've been taking since childhood is widely known to cause the massive memory problems I have. No doctor ever mentioned this possibility to me.



Dec 04, 2012 at 07:18 PM
douglasf13
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #19 · p.3 #19 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear that news. It's so difficult to sift through the appropriate research for these kinds of things, and I'm particularly surprised that this happened to you through the military. I wouldn't normally say this, but like others have mentioned, a lawsuit may be appropriate.

I had LASIK 3 years ago, and it was about as successful as I could have imagined, but your story certainly makes me appreciate my experience with it, and I'll probably stop hounding my wife to get it done, too.




Dec 04, 2012 at 08:00 PM
douglasf13
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #20 · p.3 #20 · possibly OT, but LASIK warning


Lee Saxon wrote:
I was Googling around the other day and discovered the Claritin I've been taking since childhood is widely known to cause the massive memory problems I have. No doctor ever mentioned this possibility to me.


Crap. I had allergie and sinus issues all of my life, until I started taking Claritin a few years ago. It looks like I have one more thing to research.



Dec 04, 2012 at 08:01 PM
1       2      
3
       4       5       6       end




FM Forums | Leica & Alternative Gear | Join Upload & Sell

1       2      
3
       4       5       6       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.