bmattock
Veteran
Let me put it this way...
First, if I were interested in Lasik or other type of eye surgery, I'd investigate heavily the actual statistics before considering such a thing. I would NOT under any circumstances consider anecdotal evidence.
Second, I'd consider the risk/reward. The risk, in my opinion, is a significant downside. Even if the risk is managed or mitigated, it's not something that can be 'fixed' in the worst-case scenario.
Third, I'd NEVER recommend this type of surgery to anyone. Consider how you'd feel if you told someone they should have it done because you did and you're happy with the results; they did and lost their sight to a significant degree. What do you say to them now? Sorry dude? Are you somehow going to give them their eyesight back? I hope no one has surgery of this sort done on the random advice of strangers, but I certainly am not going to be the one who told them how great it was and then find out it ended badly for them. No way I want that on me.
First, if I were interested in Lasik or other type of eye surgery, I'd investigate heavily the actual statistics before considering such a thing. I would NOT under any circumstances consider anecdotal evidence.
Second, I'd consider the risk/reward. The risk, in my opinion, is a significant downside. Even if the risk is managed or mitigated, it's not something that can be 'fixed' in the worst-case scenario.
Third, I'd NEVER recommend this type of surgery to anyone. Consider how you'd feel if you told someone they should have it done because you did and you're happy with the results; they did and lost their sight to a significant degree. What do you say to them now? Sorry dude? Are you somehow going to give them their eyesight back? I hope no one has surgery of this sort done on the random advice of strangers, but I certainly am not going to be the one who told them how great it was and then find out it ended badly for them. No way I want that on me.
I did my investigation and research, and considered the risks. I saw almost zero downside. Procedure was done Friday morning, was back at work Monday. It was no more painful than getting a bit of grit stuck in my eye, more of a minor irritation than anything.
Best money I've ever spent.
Everyone's decision is their own, this is just my own experience.
Best money I've ever spent.
Everyone's decision is their own, this is just my own experience.
Last edited by a moderator:
bmattock
Veteran
This is from the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/P...res/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/ucm061354.htm
The list goes on. However, that one above seems like a 'significant' risk to me.
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/P...res/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/ucm061354.htm
The list goes on. However, that one above seems like a 'significant' risk to me.
stnolan
Established
I had it done back in 2000 by the DR that did Tiger Woods surgery (insert joke here) in Bethesda,Md. Best money I ever spent. Back then it was about $5.6k but with FSA it was a net $2.5k. I have been 20/20 ever since and the only side effects for me have been more light sensitivity and occasional dryness in one eye. I wasn't using RF's back before the surgery but I'm sure my shooting has benefited from it.
Yes, some do lose vision. How many?
Some people lose their lives driving to work, it doesn't keep me from doing so, however.
It's certainly an individual decision, what risks I decide to take have no bearing on whether someone else should or should not take that risk.
Some people lose their lives driving to work, it doesn't keep me from doing so, however.
It's certainly an individual decision, what risks I decide to take have no bearing on whether someone else should or should not take that risk.
Daneinbalto
Established
http://www.visionsurgeryrehab.org/
http://www.visionsurgeryrehab.org/
Surgery can not only be judged by vision strength as in going to "20/20" (or 6/6) vision. Some patients have ended up with diminished contrast, double vision, or contours. When surgery goes wrong, it is often because the patient is not happy with the performance in the latter areas. I'm not saying that problems always arise, but as photographers we are probably especially attuned to notice these issues. See
http://www.visionsurgeryrehab.org/
http://www.visionsurgeryrehab.org/
Surgery can not only be judged by vision strength as in going to "20/20" (or 6/6) vision. Some patients have ended up with diminished contrast, double vision, or contours. When surgery goes wrong, it is often because the patient is not happy with the performance in the latter areas. I'm not saying that problems always arise, but as photographers we are probably especially attuned to notice these issues. See
http://www.visionsurgeryrehab.org/
bmattock
Veteran
I do not know. I presume the FDA has some stats on that. Were I to decide to research into LASIK, I'd ask them. Since I'm not, I won't. I would recommend gathering such data as basic 'due diligence' for those interested, but I'm not going to do their work for them.
But I do look at crime stats and other metrics on city-data.com and it informs my choice of where in the metro Detroit area I want to rent a house for my family to live in. Risk is risk. One has to gather the data, interpret it, and make rational decisions based upon it. Doesn't stop one from being subject to crime, being hit by a car, or losing one's sight despite the odds. But reliance on facts is rational. Reliance on anecdotes is not.
I agree.
AshenLight
Established
Almost everything in life is a calculated risk. If the potential reward outweighs the risk in a situation it may well be worth it for that person. I took the risk (after much research) and got the surgery. I believe it is worth it and have no qualms about recommending the surgery. I imagine that anyone contemplating it would do their own research and decide if it would be worth it.
Ash
Ash
AshenLight
Established
I went to a private physician in the Boston area who has a very good reputation and does his surgery in a group practice. Please PM me if you'd like details.
Ash
bmattock
Veteran
I ask only one question. What will you say to a person who listens to your recommendation, does their research, gets the work done, and comes up blind? I'd feel kind of bad if it were me. Perhaps that's just me.
I would therefore not 'recommend' it to anyone, even if I had also had it done and loved it. I would recommend, as you did, that they do their own research.
AshenLight
Established
Bill,
I would hope that anyone contemplating any medical procedure, new equipment purchase or anything for that matter would do as much research as they needed to feel comfortable with their decision. If I actually had the ability to get people to do what I felt was right based on my own experience, I'd run for public office
Ash
bmattock
Veteran
Bill,
I would hope that anyone contemplating any medical procedure, new equipment purchase or anything for that matter would do as much research as they needed to feel comfortable with their decision. If I actually had the ability to get people to do what I felt was right based on my own experience, I'd run for public office
Ash
I didn't ask that. I asked what you would say to such a person.
AshenLight
Established
Bill,
Of course I'd feel bad... not because I suggested it but because of the negative outcome. If I went to Hawaii and liked it I'd most likely suggest it to someone. If their plane crashed on the way I'd feel bad but would I feel that my suggestion caused their demise? No.
The original poster asked a question about Lasik surgery. I answered based on personal experience which is what I believe they were looking for. Why is thread seemingly turning into a discussion between you and I regarding personal responsibility for what is ultimately another person's decision?
Ash
bmattock
Veteran
I think perhaps I am a little bit more sensitive to the use of the word 'recommend' than you.
AshenLight
Established
hlockwood
Well-known
Thanks for the offer, but, as I indicated in another post, Lasik has been ruled out because of (normal) scarring from cataract surgery. Turning up the corneal flap when such a scar is present is too risky. An alternative procedure is PRK, but I'm not interested. There is yet another procedure called Lasek that I'm now researching.
BTW, all should realize that I've spent many, many hours researching the risk/rewards of these procedures. I would not have proceeded, um..., blindly.
HFL