LASIK

[AJ]

So anyone here have it done? I just had my first appt today and found out I was a good candidate. IN the 92-95% chance I'll end up with 20/20 vision, and worst case there would be no chance and I'd continue to wear glasses.

I get really worked up about this stuff cause I can't do contacts, and I have a huge problem with even putting drops in my eye. So the after effects, even if just for weeks/months, are really playing a part.

I really don't mind glasses, but don't like them much either when it comes to fogging up in the winter, and not being able to do thinks like swimming.

Anyone had it done or looking into it?

 

[JustROLLIN]

I have always thought about it, but never actually pursured it. What does the procdure cost from a decent doctor now-a-days?

Does insurance cover any of the costs?

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Some insurance may offer discounts, but the surgery in itself is generally considered elective and cosmetic, and therefore not covered by insurance. However, your policy may vary.

Costs vary widely, but generally expect to pay at least $2000.

 

[JustROLLIN]

One would think the insurance would be happy to cover the costs. In the long run it would be to the insurance company's advantage. The cost of office visits and glasses/contacts adds up over the years.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

You still need the office visits, whether or not you have any correction at all.

On other long-term expenses, it saves them money assuming you're still with that insurer 5 or 10 years from now. That's a risky assumption. Also, the dollars they are paying today are more valuable than those they pay 5 or 10 years from now, as they can invest those premiums longer.

 

[AJ]

I amd in the average range with a slight astigmatism and the cost would range $1499 per eye. So what I would end up doing is hitting my FSA flex plan up for the full available amount, and still need to cover about 1k out of pocket, or finance it, which they have some great plans for that as well.

Joe, I would highly suggest at least taking 90 minutes out of your day and going though the free initial exam and info shit. It was very informative, and the'll tell you if you're a candidate right there.

 

[mndsm]

I thought about that, but something about shooting lasers at my eyes does not appeal to me.

 

[cosmicspd3]

my dad had it done, average is 1500-2000 a eye. the elasticity in your eye for focusing loses its strength as you get old anyway so you'll need reading glasses no matter what once your old aka your eye muscles wear out. My dad is like 56-57 and had this done 6-8 yrs ago and loves it. He has to wear reading glasses to read some things but otherwise doesnt need any glasses. Scariest part is when they cut the clear part of your eye and peal it back your vision goes black. then you have to wear sunglasses for like a month or 3 months to make sure they heal right. I wear glasses and am considering doing this as they bug me too, but i hate contacts and my vision isnt tooo bad yet. I say go for it.

 

[mndsm]

See, and i've worn glasses for 26 of the 28 years i've been alive, no sense in changing it now.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

If they could put you out completely when they were messing with your eyes...

 

[AJ]

I thought about that, but something about shooting lasers at my eyes does not appeal to me.

This is my thinking 100%. It honestly makes me feel like I'm going to blow chunks.

then you have to wear sunglasses for like a month or 3 months to make sure they heal right.

Well you don't actually have to wear sunglasses that long, basically right after the exam, but other than that you don't need them. When I was there they performed the lasik on someone and someone who had it done the day before was in for their follow up. No shades and already acting like everything was fine.

See, and i've worn glasses for 26 of the 28 years i've been alive, no sense in changing it now.

Again, this is/was my train of thought. BUt then I think of all the shit I don't do because I have glasses, or at least don't do as often.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I guess I never thought of that... what sort(s) of things do you think you don't do or do less because of glasses or contacts?

 

[DrWebster]

I thought about that, but something about shooting lasers at my eyes does not appeal to me.

+1. No lasers in eyes, please. I can deal with glasses.

What I don't get is how insurers don't cover jack shit for vision correction. I don't get a discount on glasses, nothing for LASIK or contacts either. I need to get new glasses every 2 years on average, and since I have to replace 2 pairs each time (regular and sunglasses), it gets spendy. I understand how they can consider LASIK "cosmetic" surgery, but without my glasses I can't see shit -- they should cover at least some of the cost for glasses.

 

[AJ]

I guess I never thought of that... what sort(s) of things do you think you don't do or do less because of glasses or contacts?

Swimming is a big one for me. I love being in the water, but I just can't stand having my glasses in the water. Without them though, I suck at Marco - Polo! LOL

On a side note, I also think about the fogging up in the winter, forgetting to take them off before bed and breaking them, playing football or other sports and having them fall off unless I have a band around them, and just general "would rather not have them" attitude.

I can't say I'd do it, but my reason to do it out number the reason not to. Which is cause it freaks me out!

 

[mndsm]

See, and it's different for everyone. Like me, I can actually function without my glasses. I've stuck to my guns for years, and my vision has gotten progressively better. Maybe i'm an odd duck, but hey, it works for me.

 

[AJ]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/04/25/lasik.surgery.ap/index.html

Front page on CNN.com today. INteresting read.

 

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah, channel 11 news did a big special last night about Lasik and how safe it "really" is.

 

[AJ]

What's the station name, I'd like to watch it.

 

[JustROLLIN]

Well it was the national program for channel 11. So, NBC nightly news with Brian Williams I believe. I am not certain, but I think thats it.

 

[mndsm]

Yeah, that's what it was. I saw the same report last night. Makes me glad i'm cool with glasses.