OT: Lasik ? for the 45 year old + group

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Getting LASIK for sure, got an MD and date all set. Mono, or both eyes adjusted for distance? Leaning towards both eyes set for distance. I am 49 and still get by without reading glasses, though just barely.

wylieflyote · Fri Sep 09, 11 6:36 am

Eric,
I have mono. I'll just score mono at an "OK", "C-" for visual quality. Yes, it is great to look in the distance, and then immediately be able to read the fine print on a digital wrist watch. So for convenience it's an A+, but then again with this setup nothing in life looks sharp and beautiful anymore. At night in La Ventana everyone was having amazing views of the milky way, for me it was just a big milky blur.
Go with your near-sighted plan and just keep a pair of glasses ready for fine print.
The operation is a snap, no pain, a couple days of watery eyes.
Kip

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

I used to lose my contacts at the absolute worst times and couldn't see back to shore when I really needed help.

LASIK has been great.

surfboy1968 · Since 17 Jun 2008 222 Posts south padre island Stoked

I am 55 and got lasix surgery 4 years ago, long distance right eye(strong eye) and short distance left eye. It took me almost a year to get used to that. I see perfect now. Trying to adjust to surgery was a challenge but I would do it again. Surgery took less than 10 minutes and eyes hurt for 24 hours after surgery. Dont open your eyes after surgery, go home and go to sleep. Ask your doctor for a valium:) It is worth the money,no more contacts!!!!

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

I am 51 and got Lasik about 6 years ago and my far away vision is 20/15 with no degradation over time. Best vision seems to be in the morning when I feel I can see pine needles at a mile away when it is front lit and sunny. As the day goes on and my eyes get tired the vision is not quite as crisp. I would highly recommend it if you are an outdoors person, and especially if you spend time in the water looking at waves in the distance. Lost a bit of my up close vision, but I am ok with the trade-off.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I am on the same page as you. That crisp distance is pretty wonderful. I have worn contacts for 30 years with no issues. In the last year, however, I am simply sick and tired of having to put them on to see anything. I just want to wake up and see

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

Seriously, do the Lasik for distance with both eyes - you won't be sorry.

E readers and big monitors are cheap. I hardly ever read "normal font at the normal distance" anymore. Big font + arms length is the best solution to middle-aged eyes, not some weird "one eye for close, one eye for far" business.

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

I am only 31, but having the surgery for me was the best thing that ever happened. I bought a plan that gave me free corrections till the age of 40. That was 8 years ago. Both times I went back they said I was still good. I would do it, you will be amazed.

snowycreek · Since 01 Dec 2009 38 Posts Hood River

Your question is: Mono, or both eyes adjusted for distance?
You can easily find out what Mono Vision would be like by inserting a contact for distance in your dominant eye and one a few diopers less in your other eye. This will be exactly what you will experience with Mono Vision correction. If you have never experienced it before you will likely not like it.
I wore my contact this way for years before getting the surgery so I was very used to it and find it an acceptable compromise.