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A while back I was contemplating getting laser eye surgery. As you can see from my previous post I hadn't really thought things through. I had done a quick search of the internet and found many websites filled with glowing testimonials about the procedure. So I stopped looking and was considering the next hurdle and to be honest the only thing holding me back was the cost. I have worn glasses since I was a young child and so I can't remember life without them. Wearing glasses is normal to me so the prospect of life without them was attractive but a reality I couldn't really comprehend. It sounded good but 7000 AUD spent on the surgery was a lot of money. I guess someone who is forced to start wearing glasses in their adult life would jump at the opportunity to never have to wear them again. I was attracted to the idea but no more than that. Which is why the cost was such a factor. Then OzSoapBox wrote a blog post a couple of days ago about laser eye surgery. His post encouraged me do some proper reading online. I believe I can now make an informed decision rather than a decision based on word of mouth and the testimonials from 'spin sites'. I recommend you check out his post should you be thinking about having laser eye surgery. Here are some websites I believe will help you to make an informed decision; Blogs & Personal Experiences OzSoapBox - 10 must read blog posts on laser eye surgery Pros lasik.com.au Wikipedia - Lasik The Eye Institute lasik.com USA Eyes Cons Stahleyecenter-malpractice.com - The Lasik Report Lasik-Flap.com - Anti Laser Eye Surgery Website and its forum Lifeafterlasik.com - A post surgery community Post Surgery Effects - blurring and halo So what have i decided? Well, I have decided not to go through with the surgery. My decision is based on a few factors. 1. Price - 7 grand AUD is a lot of money. 2. I don't NEED the surgery. Wearing glasses is not a hinderance for me and when I play contact sport I wear contact lenses. 3. The procedure is irreversable. So if something does go wrong ... 4. Side Effects. From what I have read side effects are common. The halo, haze and dry eye symptoms affect many, many patients. I know of one person who sufferes from all three (she actually still recommends the surgery - go figure). 5. The Lasik Flap. The laser cut into your eye, also known as the Lasik Flap, only heals to 2.4% of its former strength (I have read this is only a problem if your eye suffers a direct blow). PRK could be an option for you if you wish to avoid this cut (an alternative laser eye surgery procedure that eliminates the need for this flap. 6. I may still need glasses. Even the positive spin sites often write that within a few years I may have to wear glasses again. Should I have 'the dry eye' symptom contact lenses won't be an option for me - bye bye contact sport :( 7. Finally this report/list, posted on many sites, just scared the hell out of me. Don't let my bias convince or disuade you though. What is important here is that I did some research. If you are considering getting this surgery, you too should do some research. Don't take my opinion as gospel, or any one opinion for that matter. Be sure to consider the facts, the testimonials of successful and unsuccessful patients and your personal circumstances. If you know of a valuable website that fits into the Pros, Cons or Blog lists above please leave a comment and I will edit this post. Read 0 Comments... >> |