Laser EYES

[Doc]

Okay, who has them? Did it hurt? Are you happy with them?
Being faced with yet another 400$ for a pair of glasses, I'm very tempted indeed.....???

[. ._]

I can't stand the idea of someone burning my eyeballs. And there is no data on how they will stand up after 50 years.

No thanks.

My brother got some $8.00 glasses from these guys that actually don't look bad.

http://zennioptical.com/cart/home.php

The key thing is when you get your prescription for your eyes, MAKE SURE the eye doctor gives you your PUPIL DISTANCE.

Food for thought.

-istp

[Pratt X 3]

No laser eyes, but...
HOW ABOUT LASER CATS?!?!?

[wxguy]

Gimble in Calgary has a good reputation. I think Dr. Gimble is one of the Doctors that actually pioneered the procedure. http://www.gimbel.com/

Just make sure you don't get one of those discount deals... Eye surgery isn't really something that you should be chasing your nickels on.

[Flybabe]

Had it done twice. Lasik first then Lasek. Very very pleased with the results. Only downside is my eyes are very dry now (they were dry before, it made them worse).

I have no problems using drops in the morning and then slipping on my NON-prescription sunglasses

As I've said before, it's a very personal decision.

[Driving Comet]

Doc,

I knew of a person that got laser eye surgery, which resulted in some vision problems for night flying. I'm not sure how common this, and if it was an isolated case. They weren't major problems, I recall though he mentioned something with depth perception, only affecting him at night. Just a caution for ya. I too wear glasses, and they are sometimes a pain in the ass, but I have a separate pair I use for flying that I keep in the flight bag which helps to keep that pair moderately clean and in good condition.

It's a tough decision no doubt, and the only reason I haven't opted for the surgery is that it's something so new that there aren't certainties that it won't affect your long term vision.

Good luck!

[Invertago]

Ahhh how I remember the smell of my eyes being burnt by the laser... would I do it again, YES!

$2500 done about 7 years ago now, side effects are dry eyes in the morning, solution... don't rub your eyes when you just wake up and open them slowly in the morning.

Vision, 20/20 in one eye, 20/10 (better then standard) in other eye, night vision perfect! Previous light sensitivity is more pronounced now so I always wear sunglasses, but they're good for you anyhow.

Side bonus is now I can shoot lasers from my eyes, though unfortunately not the death ray type. But they are great for pointing things out on the white board during ground school and other presentations!

[Cap'n P8]

I had PRK done 15 years ago and I still don't wear glasses. I have a slight halo effect around lights at night but it never impeded my ability to fly or drive at night. Can't say I ever had any chronic dry eye either. Did it in Ottawa at Focus Eye Center. Didn't have the option of LASIK as it wasn't available then, but I still would have chosen PRK anyways.

[AlXpat]

Had Lasik done in 99. It's good to see life once again! I was -3.5/-3.75 with some astigmatism.
After having done a few flights and skydives at night, I can now safely say this eye surgery went alright

Choose a surgeon with a strong eye-surgery background. Mine had over 13k eyes done prior to getting my 2k$ !

[Star'Fox]

How long did you guys have to take off from flying after getting it done? I have heard anywhere from as soon as yours vision is back at 20/20 to a 3 month waiting peroid.

[Doc]

I don't intend to tell anybody. Far easier to beg forgiveness, than ask permission. A little common sense here.....if I'm not able to do so safely, I'll be taking a few "sick" days....
I have a better idea when I'm "good to go" than some pencil pusher at TC.
And, yes I take aspirin without telling anybody as well.

[Cat Attack]

Well since this is something I am very interested in as well I take all your advise to heart. If some one could please recomend a few doctors with very good reputations in the Calgary or Southern Alberta Area it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Flybabe]

Calgary - Dr. Mitchell. I haven't been to Gimble, but good rep there. I really like how personable Dr. Mitchell is (course, who wouldn't be - he's raking in the dough).

Doc - you live on the edge, I swear

[flyincanuck]

You can regain your CAT1 in as little as two weeks with a good CAME.

I visit an optometrist twice a year on my own dime to make sure everything is in good order (and stays that way).

But I have a strong refractive correction (-7.0 & -6.5). Glasses don't cut it for me...I don't like losing my peripheral.

I'm starting to develop some astigmatism in one eye, so I'm strongly considering laser eye surgery too. I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist, this time round.

My biggest concern is night vision and glare.

[wxguy]

I've heard that if your eyesight changes after getting the procedure done, you can no longer wear contacts.

[Flybabe]

You can "what if" yourself to death. I've had the procedure twice now... so, no contacts for me for sure. BUT... you know what?? Should things change (no telling if they will or not), then they do and I'll deal with it. I suspect, though, that I'm going to be pretty stable.

[Connor M]

I used these guys for a pair of $38 glasses and worked out great.

http://www.clearlycontacts.ca

based in Vancouver glasses in under 5 bussiness days delivered to your door.

My optometrist had his eyes lasered and is back in glasses and no longer recommends the procedure. He flys as well.

[bcflyer]

I was tempted to have my eyes done about a year ago. I asked my company doctor about it and he advised against it. His reasoning was that there isn't enough information on the effects of the surgery as your eyes age. That was enough for me to hold off for a while at least. I wear contacts so don't have to worry about prescription sunglasses or glasses fogging up. (yes I still carry a set of glasses with me)

[KMAC]

With regards to the Contacts after surgery question I can tell you that it's been impossible to find contacts that are comfortable since my vision dropped. I had a decent experience with PRK 11 years ago - I have since needed glasses (very weak prescription, 1.00 and 1.25 diopters).

The surgery flattens out your cornea and makes it difficult to find a good fit. I do have a stash of disposable contacts for skiing and sports in general. Otherwise, glasses ain't that bad.

I'm considering going back for round two of the surgery but am a little nervous about it. 11 years ago I was an aspiring pilot, now it's my bread and butter. Tough call.

kmac

[alti2d]

My opthamologist always put my ambitions for eye surgery on hold by asking me, "is the doctor conducting the procedure wearing glasses/contacts?"

All said, I agree with the above, a very personal choice, but there have been horror stories too... be aware of the risks.