Lasik surgery

[The Lone Rider]

Here I am, the day after surgery. I just got back from the post up check up and have been told my vision is now 20% better than 20/20 vision (something like 24/25). Prior to surgery my vision was bad enough I couldn't always recognize people.

I had the surgery yesterday and here I am, alive and vibrant and only dried out eyes and a sandpapery feeling that goes away as the eyes heal.

This is truly amazing


People - consider having it done. I believe Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch is also the best in the country.

Just brilliant!

[Tony.OK]

What vision probs did you have before? Long/short sighted, astigmatism?

Would love to get it done but its still a little problematic for astigmatism.

[musicman]

Awesome, that's good to hear! I'm saving up for it, but will probably do it overseas where it's cheaper.

[MD]

Yeah it's an amazing thing to wake up with sharp vision without the usual stuffing around with specks or poking irritating sheets of plastic into your eyeballs.

I had it done in the early days (93 & 94). As the doc described us we were his guinea pigs. Took him 5 ops to complete my eyes. Bloody sore back then. They burnt off the surface of the eyeball- 22 hours of severe pain each op and you were blind for most of that.

Nowadays, you yunguns are spoilt with the painless under the cornea burn.

[PrincessBandit]

Would love to have it done, but the $ puts it lower down the "What I'd love for Christmas/birthday..." list.
Katman could tell a different tale of when he had his done in Auckland, but despite that he wouldn't warn people away from having it done. (One eye was everything he'd hoped for and more, but the other eye had problems which necessitated further surgery).
Technology advances in such leaps and bounds that being a guinea pig in the early 90s was no doubt a bit of an "approach with trepidation" feeling MD? Even with the comparitively painfree and quick procedure now I still would feel apprehensive about what it would be like to have done.

[martybabe]

Here I am, the day after surgery. I just got back from the post up check up and have been told my vision is now 20% better than 20/20 vision (something like 24/25). Prior to surgery my vision was bad enough I couldn't always recognize people.

I had the surgery yesterday and here I am, alive and vibrant and only dried out eyes and a sandpapery feeling that goes away as the eyes heal.

This is truly amazing


People - consider having it done. I believe Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch is also the best in the country.

Just brilliant!

That's very interesting mate, I've been contemplating it for a long time. How much did it cost you in total and how long was the operation and recovery?please.

[kiwifruit]

I've also been thinking about having it done... Does it ever go wrong?

[Pussy]

I'll just keep the Golden Labrador and my white stick for now....

[bungbung]

I had mine done at Fendalton eye clinic about 6 years ago. Fantastic, cost then was about 2.5k each side.

[jrandom]

http://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/

"Personalised IntraLase LASIK surgery - $2950 per eye
$5900 both eyes"

The Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK) has a good discussion of risks and results.

[The Lone Rider]

Cost is $2800 per eye, they can fix long, short and astigmatism

I couldn't see distances and had astigmatism

Surgery takes at most, about 30 mins and thats mainly them setting and adjusting things.

Recover time varies, it's the day after and I can see (and about to go out riding with my club) but I wouldn't ride with a skull cap and sunnys only, you aren't allowed to play contact sports or swim for awhile. Also my eyes dry out and your vision goes funny off and on but clears up with eye drops.

Basically - one day turn around and a bit of recovery. And you get free corrective surgery for the next year and they check up on you on a 1 3, 6 month etc basis. Any problems arising in the first year and they fix it free. Mine seems to be spot on but they say you won't know for maybe 3 months - and should feel "normal" after 2-3 weeks.

I'd go to Fendalton - they have had more surgerys done than any other place in the country.

www.lasik.co.nz

[Katman]

I've also been thinking about having it done... Does it ever go wrong?

Yes, sometimes.

As PB has said, one of my eyes turned out brilliantly but the other developed an inflammation under the cornea (through no fault of my own) and I spent the next twelve months with fucked vision out of that eye waiting for the eye to heal and settle back down before the eye clinic would even contemplate having another go at it.

Thankfully, the second time round worked a treat and while it was twelve months that I'd never want to go through again, I would never talk anyone out of having the operation - in fact quite the opposite.

What happened to me was supposedly a 1 in 5000 occurance.

[H00dz]

after years of glasses and contacts my wife finally had the operation on both eyes, f***k me WHAT A DIFFERENCE its made for her definately the way to go

[Maha]

Yes, sometimes.

As PB has said, one of my eyes turned out brilliantly but the other developed an inflammation under the cornea (through no fault of my own) and I spent the next twelve months with fucked vision out of that eye waiting for the eye to heal and settle back down before the eye clinic would even contemplate having another go at it.

Thankfully, the second time round worked a treat and while it was twelve months that I'd never want to go through again, I would never talk anyone out of having the operation - in fact quite the opposite.

What happened to me was supposedly a 1 in 5000 occurance.


Is that why you dont always see things 'clearly'???......:chase:

[Maha]

Here I am, the day after surgery. I just got back from the post up check up and have been told my vision is now 20% better than 20/20 vision (something like 24/25). Prior to surgery my vision was bad enough I couldn't always recognize people.

I had the surgery yesterday and here I am, alive and vibrant and only dried out eyes and a sandpapery feeling that goes away as the eyes heal.

This is truly amazing


People - consider having it done. I believe Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch is also the best in the country.

Just brilliant!

Would have to agree with ya Lone Rider, I had cataracts done a few years ago, first one at the Manakau Super Clinic...on the house, they would only do one eye though. The second one, got it done privately at a cost of $3000. What you see the next day is mind blowing to be honest, money well spent!
I can read one line better the 20/20 on the chart so the Doc Dude done a pretty good job considering he had guess at new lens size and strenght, cos he could see through the cataract.

[Katman]

Is that why you dont always see things 'clearly'???......:chase:

Yes, I'm not so 'one-eyed' anymore.

[samgab]

That's good to read your experience. I'm booked in for Laser surgery this Thursday, the 18th, on both eyes... :Pokey: I'm near sighted, with slight astigmatism. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but I'm really looking forward to throwing my glasses away!!
I hope it works well: I had to give up on getting a new motorbike for a few years to get this done...
I'll report back on the results!

Oh, and Auckland eye institute have $200 off and interest free for 12mnth loans at the moment. Free plug for them.

[samgab]

Would love to get it done but its still a little problematic for astigmatism.

Astigmatism is not a problem anymore, they can fix that, even if it's bad. I have astigmatism, which they say will be fixed on the Thursday op.


Awesome, that's good to hear! I'm saving up for it, but will probably do it overseas where it's cheaper.

Before booking in here in Auckland, I searched the internets for places overseas to have the same, blade free, intralase lasik procedure done. I couldn't find anywhere that was substantially cheaper, after considering exchange rates etc. I checked everywhere online, including America, Australia, and even India.
I'm paying NZD$5600 to have both eyes done, because of the special they have on atm.
That includes all consultations and follow up visits and everything, and also includes them having another go if it isn't perfect the first time, but they say that's very very rare, eg 1 in about 40 thousand. The computer tracks movements of the eye and adjusts; and it maps your individual cornea, so it won't accidentally apply your map to someone else, or vice-versa. If they try to do that it just won't turn on.

[PrincessBandit]

Is that why you dont always see things 'clearly'???......:chase:

And the winner of the choccy fish is....Maha (first to the finishing post on me little bookies book!)
p.s. you might have to wait for it in person 'cos you prolly won't want one all mushy and squished from coming through the mail on a hot summers day :laugh:
(sorry a private joke all to myself :slap:)

[Maha]

And the winner of the choccy fish is....Maha (first to the finishing post on me little bookies book!)
p.s. you might have to wait for it in person 'cos you prolly won't want one all mushy and squished from coming through the mail on a hot summers day :laugh:
(sorry a private joke all to myself :slap:)

Well, they are my absolute fav'...well them and Pinky bars....:banana:

[The Lone Rider]

Just got back from ride with the club - great ride, so nice being able to wear sun glasses in and out of the helmet, or nothing while in a pub

eyes a bit dry and tad blurry (dryness i guess) and need a panadol as a bit sore. All good though

And must have done something good for me as when we were coming out of the Leithfield Pub these two very attractive girls came up to me and asked to give one of them a ride because she had never been on one. And when I said yeah I'd be up for it the other wanted one to. Now they both have my phone number *wink*

[Matt_TG]

Good on ya, I had it done a year ago now, no problems at all - although it took a few months for the 'halos' around lights at night to totally disappear.

Cost for me was $4500 at the Angelsea Eye Clinic in Hamilton, they did both eyes at once and I didn't feel a thing. Best money I've ever spent. I used to surf with contacts which was OK, but fresh or chlorinated water made the contacts go blurry. Don't need to keep my eyes closed under water now!

[The Lone Rider]

Further update -

Had trouble sleeping which I guess would be to do with the eye shields I have to wear and the headache from sore eyes that developed by end of day.

Right eye feeling very irrated despite having been using the anti biotic eye drops as prescribed, plus lubrication eye drops. Vision funny off and on but overall still good. Kind all unnerving. May take day off work tommorrow for one more day of recovery before having to go back to that dusty horrible job I have.

Wish I could just skip ahead a few weeks to when my eyes should feel "normal"

[Matt_TG]

It sounds a bit like you are trying to do too much. I would rest up a bit, stay out of windy, dusty environments (ie bike riding) for a week, and maybe go for a swim in the sea. Your eyes have had pretty invasive surgery and need to heal themselves, take it easy mate.

[The Lone Rider]

It sounds a bit like you are trying to do too much. I would rest up a bit, stay out of windy, dusty environments (ie bike riding) for a week, and maybe go for a swim in the sea. Your eyes have had pretty invasive surgery and need to heal themselves, take it easy mate.

Ah.. see you don't know what you are on about. Not suppose to swim for like two weeks after surgery!

Bike riding not a problem - eyes actually feel pretty good riding.

I think it's the tv screen and computer screen more than anything.

Will give it another day though, so won't go into work tomorrow

[ManDownUnder]

yup - got it done in 2000 (8 years ago) no regrets at all... none!

[Katman]

Just be aware that if you are at all concerned about the progress of your eyes that it is better to get in and have them checked again asap. I took almost a week before I got back up to Auckland for them to re-lift the cornea and irrigate the eye. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

[Number One]

Good to hear a positive report about this surgery.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had Lasik that has intraoccular lenses and astigmatism. Seems that it isn't quite up to conquering those issues yet but shit I would love to have mine eyes fixed

[FROSTY]

Katman---My sister had the inserts same as you--she has same issue exactly.
I had mine done 20 odd years ago and other than the norman deterioration over time--one eyes a tiny bit short sighted now Im happy as.
Lone ranger--you will literally be seeing stars at night for awhile and watching TV was uncomfortable for me for a couple of months

[Katman]

Katman---My sister had the inserts same as you--she has same issue exactly.


Fuck off man, these breasts are for real!

[The Lone Rider]

Lone Ranger!? Sorry.. I'm not a horse riding cowboy. My steed is steel (and some plastic). Although I am hoping to have ridden enough K soon to earn the the club Spur patch.

Enjoying the bad ass look with the sunnys though.

Going to ring the clinic tommorrow if my right eye is still this sore - better to err on the side of caution. It only started hurting last night when I was watching tv with friends, after I got back from the club ride. Bit funny feeling this morning, bloody aggravating headache all of today!

Here.. painted candy goodness.. sunnys included. yes that is me

[Little Miss Trouble]

I'd love to get my eyes done, sadly my perscription hasn't stopped changing yet so I have to wait until I'm older and blind-er before they'll fix me (short sighted and astigmatism)

[Katman]

Here.. painted candy goodness.. sunnys included. yes that is me

Awesome pic.

[The Lone Rider]

Anyone have problems with crusting around the eye?

My right eye still driving my crazy, i've emptied a lot of lube eye drops in it and I ended up with sticky stuff sticking to my eye lashes which I've carefully wiped off.

Still feels like I have an eye lash caught on my eye though!

Gah.. can't wait til tommorrow to phone them. Have to have it sorted before Thursday as I'm having throat/nose surgery on Friday!

[samgab]

Anyone have problems with crusting around the eye?

My right eye still driving my crazy, i've emptied a lot of lube eye drops in it and I ended up with sticky stuff sticking to my eye lashes which I've carefully wiped off.

Still feels like I have an eye lash caught on my eye though!

Gah.. can't wait til tommorrow to phone them. Have to have it sorted before Thursday as I'm having throat/nose surgery on Friday!

This is not good. You're kinda freaking me out a bit, as it's only 4 days till my op... Keep updating this thread in the next couple of days, will ya?
Cheers :) Hope the eye comes right very soon.

[imdying]

Would love to get it done but its still a little problematic for astigmatism.I had two, one one way, one the other, fixed up perfectly :yes:

[Okey Dokey]

Good luck when you talk to the docs today. Hopefully the right eye weeping will be something simple to clear up. Keep us posted. I'm realising how fortunate I am to have normal vision; your posts have helped me to appreciate it a bit more. One tends to take so much for granted and it is good to be reminded.

[alanzs]

It's in my future...

[The Lone Rider]

Eye a bit red this morning, vision a little funny - tad fuzzy, but not horrible

Still irrated, feels like I have eyelash in there.

Lube drops not helping and almost out of them now!


Doesnt help I've woken up two hours before I believe the clinic opens. Was hoping to get in before their normal clients come.

[The Lone Rider]

Right, talked to one of the doctors there - he says it's probably just the healing process but because I've had a bit of pain to come in at 10:20 and he'll have a quick look at it.

A+ service for Fendalton Eye Clinic

[Mully]

You may have rubbed it in your sleep and dislodged the "flap"

I had mine done in 2005. I was -5 and -4.5 vision, with slight astigmatism. I was the first patient in the morning (0800). Went home, had a sleep and was watching the news at 1800h that night with no dramas.

Extremely light sensitive for a couple of days, but other than that, good as gold (started uni the next day, and kept having to use eye drops, I'm sure the lecturer thought I was a druggie, as I kept coming back from the toilet with watery eyes).

Just have to be careful rubbing your eyes for a couple of weeks. I only had "Halo" issues for a couple of months, so I tended to avoid driving at night for a while.

All those considering it, check it out. I think they all do free consultations. Best 5 grand I ever spent (apart from the bike, of course)

[The Lone Rider]

You may have rubbed it in your sleep and dislodged the "flap"


Nah because I only just finished the mandatory 3 days with eye shields when you sleep.

And if you dislodge the flap your vision is suppose to be really bung. I can see alright.. its just not as comfortable or stable as the left eye.

[Mully]

Nah because I only just finished the mandatory 3 days with eye shields when you sleep.

And if you dislodge the flap your vision is suppose to be really bung. I can see alright.. its just not as comfortable or stable as the left eye.

I managed to rub one of the eye shields off while I slept - was just saying.

I ended up with a wrinkle (like a bedsheet, they said) in the flap of one of my eyes. It didn't affect my vision, just irritated the snot out of it. It sorted itself out in a day or so. They said it was easy to smooth it out again if it hadn't bedded back in.

[The Lone Rider]

Back now, they found no problems. Just told to keep an eye on it.

[Mully]

Just told to keep an eye on it.

Ba-doom, tish!!!

[Qkchk]

Good stuff! Might be another thing to put on my list for 2009...... becides dental work - :eek:

[ckai]

I gotta say, it's quite good reading up on this. I've been waiting for my eyes to settle for the past few years now so I have the option of getting it done.

I dunno, glasses make me look smarter, and I need all the help I can get! It is a bitch with all the sports I do with having to throw in the contacts all the time.

So from those that have had it done years ago, has your eyes stayed the same or have they gotten a little weaker? Or is it just the age thing that gets everyone?

[The Lone Rider]

Age is what effects your eyes the most.

They won't give you the lasik surgery if you have had any significant changes in your vision over the last 12-24 months.

Glasses don't make you look smart.
Motorcycles do. :D

[gunnyrob]

Halleluyah! I too was once blind, and I saw the light!

Happy to hear that you are as impressed as I was. All of you who think it's "cosmetic" don't panic, it's justified to get a birth defect sorted. The quality of life you get from not having to worry about glasses or contacts is amazing. Walking/biking in the rain, swimming etc.

You'll get a bit of halo effect for the first month or so, as well as things being a little out of focus as the eyes heal, then it all pops back into focus razor sharp.

Well done!

[imdying]

My own experience was a little freaky... literally as soon as I was out of the chair, and taken into a darkened room for the post op check, I could see the window frame as sharp as you like. Had the shields on my eyes for a single day, I even stopped in at the dairy at the end of the street to get a drink on the way home, it was that painless and comfortable. The next morning, being able to read the digital clock about 1 foot from my face was a revelation too :yes:

Not sure why the window frame sticks in my mind... probably because it was the first thing I'd ever seen sharply in focus.

[The Lone Rider]

Bit more of an update -

Everything seems pretty good. Getting a few moments of discomfort. At moment feeling a bit blocked up/pressure behind the eye and sinuses kind of feeling but this probably has more to do with my misaligned septum and blocked sinuses (which I'm actually going in for surgery tommorrow to fix!).

Been good waking up and can see exactly whats going on.

I look forward to the next time I have a misses... lol
The clarity.. *wink wink*

Even been riding around in.. dare I grasp the critics... a shirt, vest, sunnies and skull cap. Brilliant freedom! Oh and yeah pants and boots.

[samgab]

Thanks for all the updates Lone.

Well, I had my laser surgery done yesterday.
I'm not gonna lie to ya, the procedure itself is not a lot of fun, the pressure/suction on the eye hurts a fair bit.
On the bright side, it's all over very quickly. Both eyes takes less than half an hour, and you're in and out of there in about an hour all up.
My left eye was fine, hardly any pain at all.
My right eye has been hurting quite a bit, sort of feeling like there's a grain of sand in between the eye and the lid.
But it's bearable, and went in for my checkup this morning, and it all looks okay, and the Doc says it should come right in a day or two.
But the VISION!!!
I can see clearly! I can read number plates, and everything looks so clear, it's amazing.
Today, again, my left eye feels as good as new, and the right eye hurts when I blink or look left or right. Possibly there's some slight abrasion on it. The pain is bearable though, and I'm going back to work tonight. Gonna try to get some sleep before I start work at 9pm...

Anyway, I still think it's well worth it. It's a lot of money, but a worthwhile investment. :yes:

I'll keep taking the eye drops, 1 kind you take for 2 days, and another kind you take for 1 week. I'll report back on if the pain in the right eye goes away.

[ckai]

Glasses don't make you look smart.
Motorcycles do. :D

You know what, I've been told this :D


Walking/biking in the rain, swimming etc.


It's funny, it's always the small things that make a difference. The one thing that pisses me off about glasses is drizzle. It just sits on the glasses. Rain, no worries, it runs off.

When you think about, it's a little annoying having to plan a little bit before hand with water sports due to glasses/contacts. Such as wakeboarding, can't be a last minute thing since I need contacts in, so can never do it if I don't have them on me.


Bit more of an update -

...but this probably has more to do with my misaligned septum and blocked sinuses (which I'm actually going in for surgery tommorrow to fix!).

I look forward to the next time I have a misses... lol
The clarity.. *wink wink*

You getting an overhaul or something? Shit 2 surgeries in close time frame! Extreme makeover NZ :)

Being able to see the person lying next to you may not be a good thing depending on the night before :drinknsin :)


Thanks for all the updates Lone.

Well, I had my laser surgery done yesterday.
I'm not gonna lie to ya, the procedure itself is not a lot of fun, the pressure/suction on the eye hurts a fair bit.


It's actually good to know the things like that. At least it prepares you a little more and may not be that bad.

Anyone work on computers and has had it done? I know staring at a screen all day does ruin your eyes a bit. I'm trying to get away from it but having to do a lot of designing at the mo'.

All this talk is starting to make me seriously look at it again. Maybe I can go all out when I get the next bike ;) Or, in reality, get my eyes done and save again for the bike...

[samgab]

Anyone work on computers and has had it done? I know staring at a screen all day does ruin your eyes a bit. I'm trying to get away from it but having to do a lot of designing at the mo'.

All this talk is starting to make me seriously look at it again. Maybe I can go all out when I get the next bike ;) Or, in reality, get my eyes done and save again for the bike...

I work on computers! I spend hours of every day on them. And despite saying I was gonna sleep, I've spent almost all of today on my laptop!
And this is day two after having the surgery done.
Not only that, but the pain in the right eye has all but gone away now!

Of course, I'll regret not sleeping later... Start work at 9pm and finish at 7am tomorrow morning, and I've been up since before 7am this morning...
I really should try to get a couple of hours sleep in.

Anyway, this is only day two as I mentioned, but my only regret is not having it done SOONER!

[The Lone Rider]

You getting an overhaul or something? Shit 2 surgeries in close time frame! Extreme makeover NZ :)

Being able to see the person lying next to you may not be a good thing depending on the night before :drinknsin :)

If you want to have some fun, have as much surgery as I've had.

Eyes.. piece of piss.

The surgery I had on Friday was to remove tonsils, adnoids, turbinates, fix a broken nose, and cut out polyps and bore my sinuses.

Tell you what.. it.. fucking.. hurts

In fact I'd still be staying at my mothers but for the cat fur, people trying to talk to me, phones ringing.. it's not all that helpful to a guy whos drugged up on painkillers, bleeding from the nose 24/7, swollen throat, and not in a pleasant demeanor. After getting woken up three times this morning, once to cough up blood and cat fur.. I politely said "Fuck this I'm going home where it's quiet and the bed hasn't been tarred and furred"

[samgab]

Holy crap Lone, I hope it's all worth it for you once you've recovered! Sounds like a lot of pain.

As for me, I'm in the 5th day since the eye surgery, and things are sweet! Both eyes have perfect vision, better than 20:20. There is no pain or even scratchiness anymore. My eyes are both still bloodshot, but it doesn't hurt.
When it is dark bright lights still have a bit of ghosting around them, but I'm assured that too will pass.

So I am 100% satisfied and happy with the result.
Good times. :Punk:

PS, right now I'm sitting here at home in Mangere Bridge looking out at the traffic in Onehunga! Can see the cars going over the Mangere bridge, the crane in Royal Oak, and small cars driving up to the monument on No Tree Hill... A-freakin-mazing.

[The Lone Rider]

Well eyes all good

But fuck me my throat hurts.

But sleep has been improving, especially if I manage to cough or sneeze out a blood clot. Finding half the problem with energy levels is the heat, I went out this evening and it was rather pleasant. It's been 3 hours and it's the longest I've been awake for since Friday!

[The Lone Rider]

Just an update on this...

Eyes pretty good. Able to see at dark quite well (GF is very surprised *wink*) and hardly ever using eye drops now. Had a check up not long ago and my vision is still better than 20/20