Tell me about LASIK

[Anonymous]

Who do you recommend seeing for a consultation?

I have bad eyesight (-9.50 plus astigmatism which puts me at about -11.50 overall) and already have deteriorating night vision. Due to my prescription and particular facial structure (Asian- we can't wear most of the frames out there), my glasses and sunglasses run me about $1200+ each time. Obviously I'd save money in the long run by having LASIK, but I'm aware that my cornea may not be thick enough to get my eyes fully corrected.

[Anonymous]

I have trouble believing you can't find glasses for less than half that amount of money.

I was negative 10 and LASIK was great (Marwa Adi in Chevy Chase did mine) but no reputable ophthalmologist will do it if your corneas are thin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have trouble believing you can't find glasses for less than half that amount of money.

I was negative 10 and LASIK was great (Marwa Adi in Chevy Chase did mine) but no reputable ophthalmologist will do it if your corneas are thin.

OP here. About $600 for each pair is about right for me. I can't wear most of the plastic frames available because I have a very flat nose bridge and frames without nose pads don't fit my asian face. That's why there are companies that specifically cater to Asians.

[Anonymous]

Look into orthokeratology, as well. Contact lenses you sleep in and take out in the morning to perfect vision for a day or two.

[Anonymous]

I didn't have eyes nearly as bad as yours, but $600 seems like a normal price to me.

I had LASIK a year ago. It's easier to go through than a dental cleaning.

I went to TLC in Rockville.

[Anonymous]

Get a consultation through TLC. They won't take you if you are not a good candidate; they're kind of a mill and can afford to give up difficult cases to keep their stats up. But either way you will find the information you need about whether you're likely to have good results.

[Anonymous]

I'm a -10 and looked into lasik years ago (like +10), but decided not to do it since it would require multiple surgeries due to my -10s. Also, the size of your pupil matters, and I have large pupils. I passed on it.

I might look into it again when I need reading glasses (which should be in 5 years). I'm ok dealing with one type of glasses/contacts, but don't want two pairs.

Meet with all the doctors - your eye doctor, the lasik folks - It was my "normal" eye doctor who mentioned that the "crispness" I get with glasses is harder to reproduce with lasik. she said that her "severely nearsighted" patents struggle with lack of crispness the most.

Again - this was 10 plus years ago - I'm sure stuff has changed.

[Anonymous]

my sister had similar vision at -10 and it only took one go with LAsik to fix. I was at a -3 and it's worked out great. just go to TLC and get the consultation. they will let you know if your cornea's are too thin.

[Anonymous]

Dh and I each had LASIK before we met, each about twelve years ago. I was in Miami so I can't offer a doctor recommendation. However, we each feel it was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Go for a consult and see what the doctor says. DH had a cataract fixed by a great doctor in Silver Spring. I can't remember if she was cataract only or also LASIK. I'll try to find her info and post it.

[Anonymous]

you'll need reading glasses eventually....other than that freaking awesome

[Anonymous]

I had Lasik when I was about 34 about 10 years ago. Best thing. Only an appointment with the specialist can tell if you are a good applicant or not. I was near blind without my glasses. My eyes were so bad, I had to wear my thick glasses for a month so it can adjust before the surgery. The consultation is usually free.

Dr. Tanchel.
http://www.libertylasereye.com/about-liberty-laser/
She's still there after 10 years. I know 2 people and my siblings who had their eyes done there.
I went to 3 different consultants (TLC included). They put you through the nurse or someone that is not going to be the one who is going to perform the surgery on your eyes. They told me, you don't really see the doctor until the day of the surgery-what? you kidding me?!
So, I went to Dr. Tanchel. You get to meet her on your first visit after the nurse do the exams. And she'll do another exam and tell you if you qualify.

[Anonymous]

11:20 here. DH used Dr. Stacey Bang in Silver Spring for his cataract surgery. She might also do LASIK.

[Anonymous]

I was -13 I think (legally blind). TLC in DC said they couldn't/wouldn't do it, but Dr. Boutros in Fairfax (of the commercials) said he could. I was desperate and went for it, thinking that even some correction would be beneficial. Had two rounds of Lasik 5 years ago, and really couldn't be happier. No complications whatsoever. It's honestly made a huge difference in my life. I'm sure I'll need reading glasses down the line, but that's fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was -13 I think (legally blind). TLC in DC said they couldn't/wouldn't do it, but Dr. Boutros in Fairfax (of the commercials) said he could. I was desperate and went for it, thinking that even some correction would be beneficial. Had two rounds of Lasik 5 years ago, and really couldn't be happier. No complications whatsoever. It's honestly made a huge difference in my life. I'm sure I'll need reading glasses down the line, but that's fine.

PP here -- TLC wouldn't do it because my corneas were borderline too thin. Boutros said he could using the two surgery method, so he shaved off a bit the first time, and then a bit more the second time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have trouble believing you can't find glasses for less than half that amount of money.

I was negative 10 and LASIK was great (Marwa Adi in Chevy Chase did mine) but no reputable ophthalmologist will do it if your corneas are thin.

+1 on seeing this doctor. One of the best in the DC area