Lasik

[UltimateDJuan]

Is it true that at some point of the Lasik process they actually cut your cornea and flop it over?

This is one of my main inhibitions towards getting lasik done. I really don't like the idea of having a slice of my cornea cut and flopped over with some tweezers!

Also, would the cornea ever truly heal, or will it always be a flap that can get disloged if you rub your eyes?

 

[Celadus]

Yeah, with lasik they cut your cornea and make a flap with it. If you have a good doctor and you are a good candidate it should heal perfectly fine but some people od have problems.

I've been researching it for a few years and I suggest going to several really, really good doctors before you make a decision. I'm driving to beverly hills for a consultation. Look into PRK or Lasek. They don't have a flap, are more suitable for certain types of people (big pupil, thin cornea) and they usually have less after surgery side effects. It takes a week or two to recover, sometimes you are still improving a couple months after.

Do a lot of research. A lot of people think its great but a few people had a lot of trouble. Keep in mind the people with the bad problems are going to be more vocal on the net than people who have the surgery and never think about it again.

 

[wayword]

Also, would the cornea ever truly heal, or will it always be a flap that can get disloged if you rub your eyes?

Supposedly, the only part that really heals is the rim around the cut, but the flap can still be flopped open like even like 7 years later by eye docs to make repairs.

So, yes there are some risks with this procedure:

Lasik Disaster
Surgical Eyes

However, I think most are pretty satisfied with it.

 

[UltimateDJuan]

Look into PRK or Lasek.

If they don't involve cutting the cornea, why wouldn't everyone do that instead? Are there any disadvantages?

 

[Celadus]

Recovery period is longer and rougher. You are pretty much knocked out in bed for a few days.

 

[Throttle]

I've had friends & family end up at the Johns Hopkins eye clinic from time to time, where they apparently do nothing but bad-mouth laser surgery for eyes and trade horror stories (you really don't want to know). Of course, being one of the best eye clinics around, they probably see the worst cases (selection bias)...