Lasik for the 19 yr old

[Ducky]

I been searching the forums about lasik for a 19 year old but couldn't

I been wearing glasses and contacts for a long time and it gets to the point where it really gets annoying and in the way when I am doing certain things. Playing sports is the worst part..

I am looking for lasik in the Houston area. Are there any of you recommend or know of a good surgeon down there?

Is it too early for me? thanks.

[juxtapilot]

Originally Posted by Ducky

I been searching the forums about lasik for a 19 year old but couldn't

I been wearing glasses and contacts for a long time and it gets to the point where it really gets annoying and in the way when I am doing certain things. Playing sports is the worst part..

I am looking for lasik in the Houston area. Are there any of you recommend or know of a good surgeon down there?

Is it too early for me? thanks.

I am 18, and would NEVER get lasik at this age. From what I have heard, the surgery usually goes well, but it's the effects 5-10 years down the road that scare me. If the eye is still growing, the lasik could disrupt that I suppose.

I'm not sure what anybody else will say as I am obviously not in the medical profession. But from a personal standpoint, I won't do lasik for probably another 10 years.

[tprops4me]

I am in the eye care industry, and 21 is the minimum. Your eyes have not yet stabalized at 19. You will be there before you know it. The best part is that the technology gets better every day. In two years it will be better than today. Do I trust it? Very much. In fact so much that I had my wife done a few years ago, and will have mine done before I leave this business.

[TheShortOne]

i got mine done at 18. I'm now 25 - no problems at all. My eyes had been stable for a while (no prescription changes in a few years). Best thing I've ever done. highly recommend it!

[My Flight Surgeon]

There are several issues here.

First, the surgeon - select one who is a board certified ophthalmologist and who does a lot of cases. Once you select the surgeon, check out the Texas Medical Board website to see if he has had problems with the board. Also, in the selection process, ask your optometrist who he recommends - it is probably the best bet. Don't go for the cheap $99 an eye ads on TV either.

Second, the outcome of the procedure itself. There are very few risks in the hands a good surgeon. The problem is that no one can say 100% you will be 20/20 and not need to wear glasses. They may get you from 20/200 to 20/30 (good enough to drive without glasses) but not 20/20 (what you need for a Class 1 or 2 medical).

Third, age. Let the surgeon make the recommendation on whether or not you are a candidate now or should wait a couple of years.

[Ducky]

oh thanks i will then wait. But here in seattle, I see tv ads that costs $250 per eye. Sounds way too cheap? but then I heard many from others that went there had good experiences and havn't had a problem at all.

http://www.lomaseye.com/

[My Flight Surgeon]

It is about $900 an eye in Phoenix. They may be competing with the Canadians who have been doing this inexpensively for years in Vancouver.

[tprops4me]

Originally Posted by Ducky

oh thanks i will then wait. But here in seattle, I see tv ads that costs $250 per eye. Sounds way too cheap? but then I heard many from others that went there had good experiences and havn't had a problem at all.

http://www.lomaseye.com/

Alot of times those low number places do not include patient consultation costs as well as pre and post op care. Be sure the numbers you get include these things. Don't trust your vision to the lowest bidder.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by tprops4me

Alot of times those low number places do not include patient consultation costs as well as pre and post op care. Be sure the numbers you get include these things. Don't trust your vision to the lowest bidder.

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bike21]

I got mine done at 21 (now 28) and still have better than 20/20. I highly recommend it once your prescription has stabilized and the doc says ok.

Oh, and don't go to the cheapest bidder! Spend the big bucks if necessary for the best doc. I went to the best in the region at the time and spent something like $2000 per eye. I know the prices have come down to about $1000 per eye for a good doc, but don't skimp on this one

[taseal]

I had it done in turkey by some highly recognized dr in europe (he had alot of intl ppl actually) and I ended up with a better than 20/20. the dr who did my medical was amazed

[Ducky]

great. just 2 more years to get lasik!!

btw how long did it took for you guys that did lasik to heal? I mean what happens when your on a flying job and suddenly you decided to get lasik? Do you tell the company or what?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Here is some more info for you.
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pil...aserEye_II.pdf

[Ducky]

wow at least months to heal...well anyone here who is working for a flying job but had lasik during on the job?

[mojo6911]

Another thing to consider, is that if you play any contact sports or anything, it leaves the flap that they cut a bit weaker, and it can come open again.

[bike21]

It took me no time to heal at all. I was back to training on my bike by the next week and racing again soon after. I had to wear a 'scratch guard' thingy when I slept for a week, but that is all.