Lasik - Is It Worth It?

12 years ago I went from -14 in my left eye and -12 in my right (my natural focal point was at about the tip of my nose) to 20/20 vision.
I was wearing contacts almost every waking moment and I was in danger of blood vessels growing into my irises because my eyes were not getting to breathe enough.
Only recently have I needed to start wearing reading glasses (but we pretty much all have to somewhere in our late 40's to early 50's).
There's no harm in being evaluated in order to determine if you would be a good candidate.
If they say you are not (and a few people can't have Lasik), then believe them and see if they say another technique might work better for you.
Good luck!

I had Lasik 8 years ago after being in glasses and contacts for 25 years and it was the best money I've ever spent. My husband and father have had it as well, all from different doctors, and none of us have had any problems or need for tune-ups. As others have said, take your time finding a well-recommended doctor and then enjoy your freedom from contacts.

Just about everyone I know that has had Lasik is back in glasses with in three years. Maybe we just have bad docs in this area...

I've been told by some people I know that it is well worth it but I am too chicken. I know some good doctors here in Chicago but no in your area. Sorry

I love my Lasik. I see so much better than I ever did with contacts or glasses.

My husband and I both had Lasik about 7 years ago. Best money we have ever spent!

I'm having it done tomorrow. I'll let you know then!

I just had it last year and it is the best money I ever spent. Most of my husbands family had it done too with great results. They went to Schwartz eye center and paid more. I went to Nationwide and paid less but I have to have an enhancement on the left eye in a month or so. I had difficulty focussing when they did the left eye so it is not as good a result but I would even take this if this was the best they could do because I can see in the middle of the night if there is an emergency. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to get it done.

I had it 12 years ago with great results, and I know the technology has improved even more since then. I agree that this is not the time to try to save money. Go with an experienced doctor-you get what you pay for. And use those drops like crazy. I'm still 20/20 and don't need reading glasses yet at 42.

I'm so glad I got Lasik. Find a reputable doctor that will tell you if you're a good candidate or not (some just want the money). Side effects for me were "halos" around bright lights when I was driving at night, I'm not sure if that's totally gone away now or if I'm just used to it, but it's minor no matter what. I had no other side effects. A friend's mom who had a connective tissue disorder had terrible problems after she attempted Lasik and should not have even been approved for the surgery.

I could use glasses for distance vision, but it's not terrible so I haven't bothered. I do have an uncle-in-law who's a eye doc and he is skeptical about it, worried that long-term it's not the best thing for your eyes and might cause other problems down the road. So those would be good things to ask your surgeon - like what about if you need cataract surgery someday, does it affect ability to do glaucoma testing down the road, etc.

I don't think Lasik is perfect, they can't guarantee 20/20 vision, and it's not for everyone but I sure am glad right now that I did it :-)

I had Lasik 10 years ago and have no regrets. My vision is still 20/20, no halos, no blurring. I didn't need to go back for a "fine tuning" surgery. I think the trick is going to a REALLY GOOD surgeon. The guy I went to is the team ophthalmologist/surgeon for several NFL teams in the area - you know if he is entrusted with the eyes of million-dollar athletes, he knows his stuff. I would suggest looking for a doctor like that. Yes, it's more expensive, but you will get great results.

Something I will mention is that if you'd ever have needed bi-focals (in other words, reading glasses) in your 40's, you will still need reading glasses in your 40's. This hasn't happened to me yet, but the surgeon did tell me that that was the case, and it's just a function of aging. Your distance vision will still be fine.

If I had it to do over again, I'd definitely still get Lasik!

I had Lasik done about seven years ago and it was well worth it!! My vision was at the "legally blind" level and with astigmatism and I walked out of the office with 20/20 vision. I could hardly believe it, it was like a miracle.

Over time, my vision moved to 30/20 but I still needed no glasses/contacts. Six years after, I ended up with glasses to wear for distances (driving and watching movies) but at my age (48 at the time) this was not unexpected. At 50, I still only need glasses for distance and no reading glasses!

The only temporary side effect I had was the need to put moisterizing drops in my eyes for a while after the procedure. I've always had dry eyes. But that went away eventually.