Lasik

This week Joe and I had consultations for laser eye surgery to see if we were candidates. Joe has had two previous consultations - once when he was a teen, and once in his early twenties. What can I say, it appears the boy was anxious! But, the earliest doctors will perform this surgery is when you are 21 and even then your eyes may be changing and it is still not recommended. So this year, when we found our we had a decent tax refund coming our way, it seemed like there was no time like to present to find out if Lasik was in our future.

I am nearsighted and got glasses when I was around 14 years old. While my case isn't severe, at this point, without glasses, the world more than a couple feet in front of me is a blur. I've always wanted to ditch the contacts and see the clock at night, amongst other things.

Joe has astigmatism in one eye. From what I gauge from the doctors, his case is pretty severe. He had glasses from as far back as he can remember. Now, he also wears contacts although he definitely detests them more than I.

So, what did we learn from the consultations?

• We're both good candidates
• It's more expensive than I thought - about $2200 per eye, after insurance.
• I have huge pupils. Joe's are large as well, but mine take the prize.
• We both have healthy, thick corneas.
• On a moisture scale from 1-30, I scored a 20 and Joe scored a 10. For as much crying as a do, Joe was surprised I wasn't off the charts.
• Joe has a scar in his eye with no known origin.

Since our appointment, we've thought about it a lot. There are some scary risks, but the doctor we saw has a great track record. Plus, if the surgery isn't successful, they will correct it free of charge. He has only had to do this with 3% of all his cases. He has been performing the surgery since 1999. The whole idea of getting a nasty infection or going blind happens in less than 1% of cases (none for this doctor). We can expect to have dry eyes for a couple months afterwards, but this will clear up in time.

In true form, anxious Joe will likely be having surgery in June. He will only have to get one eye corrected. I, on the other hand, plan to wait another year. Although I'm 26 and my eyes should have finished developing by this point, my contact prescription has changed after each of my last three eye appointments. I wanted to make sure my eyes are absolutely done changing before I jump into this. It's a pricey investment and I don't need things heading downhill after surgery.

We will keep you posted!

Credit: TLC Vision