LASIK vision correction?

[YellowDog]

I didn't have PRK.

PRK is old and primitive. It is also a bit hit and miss. I would not ever recommed that to anyone; however I do know of many whom were happy with the results.

When I had my eyes done in 2004, the two procedures available were LASIK and LASEK. Both use the same laser to correct your vision. With EK, rather than creating a flap to lift the surface to provide the laser with direct access to cornea, they remove the membrane with a blade. After the laser treatment, they then place a clear contact lens over it to allow it to heal whilst keeping it clean. It takes a couple of days longer to see again however the vision improves by the day. After a week when the surace has healed and started to regrow, they then remove the clear contact lens and you almost start again.

I had the EK procedure because it leaves you with a stronger eye and no flap that they claim to be able to reopen if required.

I understand that the newer proxcess where they use a laser rather than a blade is a lot better and less likely to weaked you eyeball. That's great. If you are happy with what you have seen and are happy with the answers to your concerns, then I am pleased for you and think you should get it done asap.

BTW: There is another procedure for people with really bad eyesight (>-8) where they insert a lens inserted inside the eye infront of the cornea. I certainly wouldn't have this done!

[Katman]

I remember when the Russians began the technique back in the mid 80's by slicing the cornea off completely, freezing it and then turning it down in a lathe - followed by stitching (yes, stitching) it back onto the eyeball.

Man, we've come a long way.

[SARGE]

Cant get her licence apparently they dont allow people who can only operate one eye, cant pursue her career and all sorts.

sorry Dean..they DO let people with one eye have a license ..i have mine and have since 1978.. got a class A heavy truck license in the US AFTER i lost it too

[Dean]

sorry Dean..they DO let people with one eye have a license ..i have mine and have since 1978.. got a class A heavy truck license in the US AFTER i lost it too

If you dont mind me asking SARGE how does a person who can operate one eye attain a licence? Things like blindspots and checking mirrors? Pretty awesome that you got the truck licence.

[Mully]

If you dont mind me asking SARGE how does a person who can operate one eye attain a licence? Things like blindspots and checking mirrors? Pretty awesome that you got the truck licence.

Dean - what was the discussion we had about you doing research?

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/70.html

Note: the agents' eyesight screening machines eliminate the need for many drivers to be tested by an optometrist or medical practitioner. However, if you don't pass the screening check, then you must provide one of the certificates listed before your application can proceed. Some drivers choose to supply a certificate instead of taking a screening check. If you have vision in only one eye, you must present an eye certificate from a doctor or optometrist.

That's for truck licences. I've already told you that you can get a private pilot's licence with only one eye.

Apart from some very specific jobs (which would probably include the Police, which we have covered), I would suspect precluding someone on the basis of having one eye would be considered discriminatory, and therefore illegal.

[SARGE]

If you dont mind me asking SARGE how does a person who can operate one eye attain a licence? Things like blindspots and checking mirrors? Pretty awesome that you got the truck licence.

i had my mojo workin Dean ..

[Mikkel]

Crikey SARGE - you should move down here... not enough one-eyed cantabreans to go by as it is.

As for the LASIK - one of my mates had it done not too long ago and he is very happy with it. He had the operation done, went home and was back at work the next day - no problems.
Yes, you do hear the odd horror story - but if you are riding a bike already, I think you can ignore those...

p.s. Youngbiker16 - please STFU!

[SARGE]

Apart from some very specific jobs (which would probably include the Police, which we have covered), I would suspect precluding someone on the basis of having one eye would be considered discriminatory, and therefore illegal.

im actually a better shot with my left eye than i was with my right..


i dont wear contacts because i cant see sticking a finger in my good eye and as far as shooting a laser into it ??...


fageddaboutit

[p.dath]

For those interested, I've just had my eyes lasered. I've written a blog entry about it:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php?b=1211

[Mully]

Huzzah.

Good times, huh?

EDIT: I'd forgotten about the burning smell.

[Thani-B]

Good write up. And jealous. Oh well, its on my list anyway. My fault for just buying a new bike. I dont mind glasses or contacts much though.

[p.dath]

One physcoholigcal change. Now that I don't have to wear contacts or glasses, it feels more "natural", like I never should have worn them or something.

It feels like an old chapter of my life as now finished. Bigger and better new things to come.

[steel001]

Had mine done in Thailand about 3 years ago, was some of the best money i have ever spent I reckon. Doctors trained in the US, they have better equipment than they do here and it's about half the price

Forgot about that burning smell too lol not the nicest

[Katman]

It feels like an old chapter of my life as now finished. Bigger and better new things to come.

Don't go getting too excited.

Life returns to normal.

[p.dath]

For those interested, I've updated my blog with my progress following the surgey:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php?b=1211

Basically left eye perfect, right eye is going to involve waiting a bit longer to see if it becomes perfect, or needs another zap.