Southern California - Woohoo! No more reading Glasses!

I'm sure anyone who rides a Bike and needs Glasses for reading will know where I'm coming from, it was such a pain having to not only wear Sunglasses but carry Reading Glasses for Route Slips, the Garmin etc etc, not to mention all the other times we have to carry Readers or cheaters...I could never be bothered to get bi-focal Sunglasses...

So, on Thursday I had LASIK...it's awesome! I rode yesterday with my new eye, two Days after my surgery and what a difference, not only could I read my Computer etc but I could read the messages on my Blackberry at our Coffee stop....and that's only the Cycling related benefits...

My only regret is that I didn't have lasik 2 years ago.:mad:

That is awesome! :beer:

Congrats! Keep on using those rewetting drops! It really is a big life change - when I was a patient counselor for my laser refractive surgeons, I would often get crazy excited hugs from patients when they came in for their 1-day postop, and the common remark I got was, "I was able to read my alarm clock this morning!!"

I don't have a problem with my eye sight, its just that my arms aren't long enough. :lol:

I thought LASIK was David Millar's timetrial bike!:D...............Cool Jagman!

Congrats! A coworker had that done last year and she loves it!

I had mine done 10 years ago to correct nearsightedness. It corrected my far vision which was great for cycling but I also all of a sudden I needed reading glasses....:p

Great to hear! You're what age?

52 Today!! So it was kind of a Birthday present :)

I haven't had a problem with dry eye, of course I've been using the eye drops regularly but at the post-op the Doc put a tiny Plug into my tear drain which disolves after around 10 Days...this keeps moisture in the eye rather than letting it drain.

As far as Cycling goes, I did a 20 miler yesterday with a friend, this was 2 Days after the surgery, I had my left eye done for reading and surprisingly looking over my left shoulder wasn't a problem, I could still see Cars etc.

I had it done here http://www.oclaservision.com/

Congrats, it's been nearly a year since I had LASIK. So nice to wake up and see everything:)

I had it done about 5 years ago. Never regretted it a second.

Congrats! Keep on using those rewetting drops! It really is a big life change - when I was a patient counselor for my laser refractive surgeons, I would often get crazy excited hugs from patients when they came in for their 1-day postop, and the common remark I got was, "I was able to read my alarm clock this morning!!"

Having had it done myself I completely understand their excitement, the result was nothing less than stunning, it's amazing how your eyesight deteriorates over the years and when you suddenly get it back it's incredible...

I'm gonna celebrate by getting a Garmin 705, I wouldn't have been able to use one untill now, I hardly ever carried reading Glasses on the Bike...

I thought LASIK was David Millar's timetrial bike!:D...............Cool Jagman!

:D:D:D

Great news! Personally I am considering arm extensions.

I can sure use it, I can't see ****

52 Today!! So it was kind of a Birthday present :)

I haven't had a problem with dry eye, of course I've been using the eye drops regularly but at the post-op the Doc put a tiny Plug into my tear drain which disolves after around 10 Days...this keeps moisture in the eye rather than letting it drain.

As far as Cycling goes, I did a 20 miler yesterday with a friend, this was 2 Days after the surgery, I had my left eye done for reading and surprisingly looking over my left shoulder wasn't a problem, I could still see Cars etc.

I had it done here http://www.oclaservision.com/

Cool. I'm going in for an evaluation this Thursday @ TLC in NB!!! I'm such a chicken though and I'm scared.:o:o As you can see from my handle, I'm also 52...congrats and happy birthday by the way...and nearsighted and farsighted now and use progressives for all around glasses. IT SUCKS!!!

Keep us (me) informed of your progress.

You guys are lucky. I have 20/20 still at the much younger age of 51, but presbyopia has been setting in for the last 10 years and unfortunately is not yet treatable. I have no choice but to get arm extensions. I hate having to ask my wife to read labels on things at the store for me. She seems to think it's funny.

You guys are lucky. I have 20/20 still at the much younger age of 51, but presbyopia has been setting in for the last 10 years and unfortunately is not yet treatable. I have no choice but to get arm extensions. I hate having to ask my wife to read labels on things at the store for me. She seems to think it's funny.

Have you tried reading glasses?

My only regret is that I didn't have lasik 2 years ago.:mad:

I had mine done 2 weeks ago. Simply awesome. It's a little odd, before the surgery with glasses, my left eye was 20/15 and my right eye was 20/20. After the surgery, my right eye is 20/15 and my left eye is 20/20. Because I'd had a better left eye for so long, my left eye became completely dominant.

I see great, but it's definitely a little different. They mentioned my eye dominance could well switch over time.

Cool. I'm going in for an evaluation this Thursday @ TLC in NB!!! I'm such a chicken though and I'm scared.:o:o As you can see from my handle, I'm also 52...congrats and happy birthday by the way...and nearsighted and farsighted now and use progressives for all around glasses. IT SUCKS!!!

Keep us (me) informed of your progress.

Yes I sure will keep you informed, feel free to PM me if you have any questions...
As I said in my previous post, I decided on Orange Coast Laser Vision http://www.oclaservision.com/ they are located on Jamboree/Dupont on the border of Irvine and NB, and I'm really glad I did, the (free) evaluation was excellent, the Dr checked my eyes and took a lot of time to answer all my questions and adjusted my eyes with a contact Lense to demonstrate exactly what to expect, the end result was much better than I expected after the surgery.

I was also nervous when I arrived for the surgery, who wouldn't be, but it was fast and completely painless...
Oh, and thanks for the Birthday wishes....although I did 20 miles 2 Days after the surgery I was afraid to "ride my age" on my Birthday today simply because there was a good chance I'd get caught in the rain and I wasn't going to risk getting rain water in my eye so soon after the surgery..

I am scared to get a laser shot into my eye. :(

Cool for all of you though.

It's not scary. They gave me a happy pill and I had a great time.
Although in the back of my mind, I was wondering where that burning hair smell came from...

I had mine done two years ago to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. I was something like 20/200 uncorrected, am now 20/15. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Couldn't recommend it more, especially for someone like me that couldn't wear contacts, so it was glasses or blur. I went to Dr Moosa at Excel Laser in Encino after three co-workers had good results there.

Jim

I hear Dr. Moosa's ad on the radio everyday.

It's not scary. They gave me a happy pill and I had a great time.
Although in the back of my mind, I was wondering where that burning hair smell came from...

I'm hoping for a happy pill also (Valium). I had a root canal a couple of weeks ago and it was a fast, easy experience also, thanks to the Valium prescribed to me. They may have to give me something as I CAN'T stay still, ever.:o

I had mine done two years ago to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. I was something like 20/200 uncorrected, am now 20/15. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Couldn't recommend it more, especially for someone like me that couldn't wear contacts, so it was glasses or blur. I went to Dr Moosa at Excel Laser in Encino after three co-workers had good results there.

Jim

that sounds like my eyes....I've worn bifocals for years. When I first checked out Lasik, they couldn't really handle the astig...I take it things have changed. I've been trying to talk myself (and our bank account) into this for years....what did they charge? Any bad effects?

Sheldon

I'm tempted as well. Will be nice to just go and pick up regular sunglasses for a change.

I am scared to get a laser shot into my eye. :(

Cool for all of you though.

You are not alone. I'll just keep hassling with the reading glasses I guess.

What does a procedure like that cost anyway?

...and I'm sorry, didn't mean to bring my cold air to you SC folks. We had a blizzard today. Snow day for the kids!

Yes I sure will keep you informed, feel free to PM me if you have any questions...
As I said in my previous post, I decided on Orange Coast Laser Vision http://www.oclaservision.com/ they are located on Jamboree/Dupont on the border of Irvine and NB, and I'm really glad I did, the (free) evaluation was excellent, the Dr checked my eyes and took a lot of time to answer all my questions and adjusted my eyes with a contact Lense to demonstrate exactly what to expect, the end result was much better than I expected after the surgery.

I was also nervous when I arrived for the surgery, who wouldn't be, but it was fast and completely painless...
Oh, and thanks for the Birthday wishes....although I did 20 miles 2 Days after the surgery I was afraid to "ride my age" on my Birthday today simply because there was a good chance I'd get caught in the rain and I wasn't going to risk getting rain water in my eye so soon after the surgery..

From all I've read about it, the thing that I'm most worried about, besides losing my vision altogether, is not being able to take a shower for the day!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT TAKE A SHOWER FOR A DAY!!!:mad: The other thing is sleeping that night, any problems?

I hear Dr. Moosa's ad on the radio everyday.

Bill Handel.

Bill Handel.and on KFWB...

and on KFWB...

sorry.:o

..."news 98!" That's my favorite LA all news channel. They include the fake tape ticker sound in the background when reading the news, which suggests a busy news department from the 50's.

I get all my marching orders from Rush.:p:)

How much it costs depends on the surgeon. You hear radio ads for $499/eye, etc., and it can go upwards of $5-6k for custom wavefront. I strongly urge that while cost can be a consideration, let it not be the deciding and foremost factor as after all, these are your eyes. During my tenure as a patient counselor (first at UCLA Laser Refractive Center in Jules Stein, and then in private practice in Beverly Hills), I "secret shopped" several centers/surgeons for comparison. There was definitely a difference in the level of service/experience/equipment at the different price points.

Some good questions to consider and ask is not only how many surgeries a particular surgeon has performed, but about complication rates, etc. - ultimately you want an ophthalmologist who has a solid background in refractive surgery rather than someone who took a crash course on LASIK. But ultimately it comes down to finding someone you feel comfortable with to handle those precious eyes of yours.

The doctor I worked for has a wonderful informative website - http://www.lasikconsumerreport.com/lcr.html

In regards to the distance/reading issue, the common thing to account for that (whether it be glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery) is to correct one eye for distance and the other for reading. There is also a technique called stereovision, which is more of a "blending" of both to improve overall vision in everyday activities and uses. If you fall into the category of needing reading glasses and are unsure about LASIK or any other refractive surgery due to that, you can always inquire about it at your initial consultation. Hopefully the staff/doctor will take the time to do a "trial lens" - meaning they'll simulate the effects of surgery so you can get an idea of how it'd be like postoperatively. For some cautious patients, we have given them a trial prescription for contacts so they can "test" it out in their daily lives for a few days/weeks/whatever helps them feel comfortable.

And for those who might be a bit leery due to having dry eye conditions, a well-qualified place should do a tear film analysis during the initial consultation to determine if there are dry eye conditions that need to be addressed before considering surgery. It can be as simple as using a more effective rewetting drop/artificial tear, or an easy procedure of placing punctal plugs (we have little "drains" called punctum in our eyelids) to slow the drainage of your tear film.

I am not here to misrepresent myself as a doctor, and am in no way offering specific medical advice to any specific individual, but just wanted to share some tidbits that I often came across when dealing with prospective patients.

Shameless plug - I no longer work for this doctor, and am not speaking for any financial, personal, or professional gain - but if you are looking for one of the most renowned, top-notch refractive surgeons around, please take the time to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Boxer Wachler. Please let them know Luwin Kwan sent you, and I'm sure they'll take excellent care of you. Dr. Boxer Wachler has done amazing research on treatments for presbyopia, keratoconus, etc., and has conducted numerous successful clinical trials, etc. - he also has a "complications clinic" in which he sees patients that have had the procedure done elsewhere and had resulting complications, some of which could have been preventable and treatable had the proper preoperative measures/tests been taken.


http://www.boxerwachler.com/


Now go out there, get rid of them glasses - you'll look like this the next morning --> :eek:

:)

Great post Luwin

I have 20/15 after Lasik, but still need reading glasses for closeup reading (1.25 power). Not a big deal though.

Very nice write up Lewin...

I had a Drain Plug inserted at my preop...they disolve after about 10 Days right?

From all I've read about it, the thing that I'm most worried about, besides losing my vision altogether, is not being able to take a shower for the day!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT TAKE A SHOWER FOR A DAY!!!:mad: The other thing is sleeping that night, any problems?

My appointment was at 10am so I took a shower before I went :) I wore swimming Goggles in the shower the next 2 Days, now I just keep my eyes closed...

Right after the Surgery my wife took me for Lunch on the way home...I'd had 2 Valium so I must have looked doped up to all the other Customers...

When I got Home I took 2 Tylenol PM's and fell asleep on the Couch, I don't know how long I slept..
Then around 11pm I took 2 more PM's and slept till the morning...the Dr's Office gave me goggles to wear but I wore a patch..it came off during the night anyway, I slept great all night...

The next morning the "sand in my eye" feeling had gone completely and it was as if nothing happened....:)

The only down side is that, as expected and explained before the Surgery, it's taking time to get used to my new Blended/Mono Vision it takes the Brain a week or two to get used to it....I've gotten through the first 4 Days so far by closing either my reading or non reading eye on ocassion if I want to focus near or far...The Doc tested my eyes at the Consult and put a contact Lense in one eye and said I could go home with it and see how it went but I declined and just went for it...

Very nice write up Lewin...

I had a Drain Plug inserted at my preop...they disolve after about 10 Days right?


They have different kinds - there are some that are made of silicone that remain in there until removed by the doctor, and then there are the absorbable ones which are intended to be temporary lasting. I'm assuming that you had the latter inserted.

How much it costs depends on the surgeon. You hear radio ads for $499/eye, etc., and it can go upwards of $5-6k for custom wavefront. I strongly urge that while cost can be a consideration, let it not be the deciding and foremost factor as after all, these are your eyes. During my tenure as a patient counselor (first at UCLA Laser Refractive Center in Jules Stein, and then in private practice in Beverly Hills), I "secret shopped" several centers/surgeons for comparison. There was definitely a difference in the level of service/experience/equipment at the different price points.

Some good questions to consider and ask is not only how many surgeries a particular surgeon has performed, but about complication rates, etc. - ultimately you want an ophthalmologist who has a solid background in refractive surgery rather than someone who took a crash course on LASIK. But ultimately it comes down to finding someone you feel comfortable with to handle those precious eyes of yours.

The doctor I worked for has a wonderful informative website - http://www.lasikconsumerreport.com/lcr.html

In regards to the distance/reading issue, the common thing to account for that (whether it be glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery) is to correct one eye for distance and the other for reading. There is also a technique called stereovision, which is more of a "blending" of both to improve overall vision in everyday activities and uses. If you fall into the category of needing reading glasses and are unsure about LASIK or any other refractive surgery due to that, you can always inquire about it at your initial consultation. Hopefully the staff/doctor will take the time to do a "trial lens" - meaning they'll simulate the effects of surgery so you can get an idea of how it'd be like postoperatively. For some cautious patients, we have given them a trial prescription for contacts so they can "test" it out in their daily lives for a few days/weeks/whatever helps them feel comfortable.

And for those who might be a bit leery due to having dry eye conditions, a well-qualified place should do a tear film analysis during the initial consultation to determine if there are dry eye conditions that need to be addressed before considering surgery. It can be as simple as using a more effective rewetting drop/artificial tear, or an easy procedure of placing punctal plugs (we have little "drains" called punctum in our eyelids) to slow the drainage of your tear film.

I am not here to misrepresent myself as a doctor, and am in no way offering specific medical advice to any specific individual, but just wanted to share some tidbits that I often came across when dealing with prospective patients.

Shameless plug - I no longer work for this doctor, and am not speaking for any financial, personal, or professional gain - but if you are looking for one of the most renowned, top-notch refractive surgeons around, please take the time to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Boxer Wachler. Please let them know Luwin Kwan sent you, and I'm sure they'll take excellent care of you. Dr. Boxer Wachler has done amazing research on treatments for presbyopia, keratoconus, etc., and has conducted numerous successful clinical trials, etc. - he also has a "complications clinic" in which he sees patients that have had the procedure done elsewhere and had resulting complications, some of which could have been preventable and treatable had the proper preoperative measures/tests been taken.


http://www.boxerwachler.com/


Now go out there, get rid of them glasses - you'll look like this the next morning --> :eek:

:)

Thanks for all the info Luwin, you can read all the brochures, but hearing it firsthand is always better. Great stuff.:)

My appointment was at 10am so I took a shower before I went :) I wore swimming Goggles in the shower the next 2 Days, now I just keep my eyes closed...

Right after the Surgery my wife took me for Lunch on the way home...I'd had 2 Valium so I must have looked doped up to all the other Customers...

When I got Home I took 2 Tylenol PM's and fell asleep on the Couch, I don't know how long I slept..
Then around 11pm I took 2 more PM's and slept till the morning...the Dr's Office gave me goggles to wear but I wore a patch..it came off during the night anyway, I slept great all night...

The next morning the "sand in my eye" feeling had gone completely and it was as if nothing happened....:)

The only down side is that, as expected and explained before the Surgery, it's taking time to get used to my new Blended/Mono Vision it takes the Brain a week or two to get used to it....I've gotten through the first 4 Days so far by closing either my reading or non reading eye on ocassion if I want to focus near or far...The Doc tested my eyes at the Consult and put a contact Lense in one eye and said I could go home with it and see how it went but I declined and just went for it...

Thanks for the forewarning of things to come (hopefully) and also, just everyone talking about this, makes me feel less anxious. :)

Thanks for the forewarning of things to come (hopefully) and also, just everyone talking about this, makes me feel less anxious. :)

I should make it clear that I'm not a Doctor, I'm only relating my experience

if you do decide to go through with it buy a Box of these http://www.aclens.com/da.asp?MID=70&ID=145 before the surgery...and carry a few everywhere you go...
I think my wife bought mine at Target or Costco, they help prevent dry eye....;)

They have different kinds - there are some that are made of silicone that remain in there until removed by the doctor, and then there are the absorbable ones which are intended to be temporary lasting. I'm assuming that you had the latter inserted.

Yes, I had the ones that disolve, I'm glad I did because they must be hard to remove ....Thanks!

I have to go back in two weeks for the second, hopefully last, postop...

I'm tempted as well. Will be nice to just go and pick up regular sunglasses for a change.

No contact lenses Dave?

I don't like sticking a finger to my eyes. Probably scared of early horror stories I've heard during childhood as well (melting in a campfire, etc.), and seems rather high maintenance. Having said that, I've never actually tried contacts. That's why I'm tempted on lasik; it's a one-shot deal. :)

that sounds like my eyes....I've worn bifocals for years. When I first checked out Lasik, they couldn't really handle the astig...I take it things have changed. I've been trying to talk myself (and our bank account) into this for years....what did they charge? Any bad effects?

Sheldon

I'm from the 'cost is not a concern when it comes to my eyes' camp. ;) Moosa's not the cheapest, but still reasonable. They charge is based on your prescription (higher refraction = more $$). Mine was about $2400 total with a referral discount. I would avoid any of those $499 specials that are on the radio and billboards. When I had mine done, Moosa had already done some 30K eyes, so the experience factor was there.

My eyes have always been borderline dry, so I use the Refresh Tears rewetting drops a few times a day, but other than that, nothing but good results. I did have a slight nighttime halo effect for about the first couple weeks, but it gradually went away, and now my night vision is great.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jim

Well, I made the appointment for Lasik two weeks ago and tomorrow's the day! My appointment is at 8:30 in the morning and I probably won't sleep a wink tonight. Everyone has been trying to help by telling my not to worry...but I don't understand it, it hasn't worked. :rolleyes: I know I'm being a big pssuy, but carp, it's my eyes.:o

The title of this thread was woohoo, no more reading glasses, but with me it will be woohoo, now more glasses for far away, but I'll now need them for reading. So tomorrow I throw away a lifetime of glasses and contacts and trade them in on reading glasses and sunglasses. Wish me luck.

I'm personally too chicken. I have to read crap all day. I've either got my nose in a book or a computer screen all day, everyday. Glasses are a drag, but it's a cost benefit analysis and downside just far exceeds the upside.

I'm personally too chicken. I have to read crap all day. I've either got my nose in a book or a computer screen all day, everyday. Glasses are a drag, but it's a cost benefit analysis and downside just far exceeds the upside.

I sit at a computer all day also, but I've worn glasses to see far away for over 40 years and I'm done with them. Since I've got to wear glasses or contacts all the time anyway, this will cut down on that considerably. Now I'll only have to wear reading glasses at work and carry them with me like all the other old people.:)

Good luck, Ralph. And don't be nervous... I had it done and never regretted a moment of it. It can sound freaky when it's about your eyes but the experience in hindsight (no pun intended!), was not bad at all.

You'll wake up the next day amazed at the difference! :)

Thanks Happy, I didn't ride with my buddies tonight because my mind is elsewhere. So I bring my bike home so I can ride the rollers only to find that the rail on my seat is broken. So much for working the tension off.