LASIK and kitesurfing

kitesurf_girl1 · Since 05 Feb 2007 24 Posts Ireland

I got LASIK last Fri and I'm off the water for a couple of weeks (advantage being I now have 20/20 vision, disadvantage I'm now a kitesurfing spectator!).

Has anyone else had LASIK and kiting?

I am a little cautious so I want to buy goggles to wear when I get back on the water (cornea flap does take time to heal). I was checking the net and BARZ seems to be a good make of goggles. Anyone got any recommendations..???

thanks
Mel

brian · Since 04 Sep 2008 28 Posts

Hi Mel,
I've been using speedo goggles, but I face planted yesterday and blew my contacts out. They also fog. People using Sea Specs have had good reveiws. Please let me know later about your Lazik experience when you're back on the water.
thanks.

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 264 Posts Obsessed

Hi,
Had Lasik done in January. I don't remember the period that 'full healing' has been considered to have happened. Something like 3 months, i think. But I don't wear sea specs anymore. In the beginning I did, but I didn't really like them.
1) I hate wearing stuff on my face on the water if I don't have to.
2) If I got dragged, the water around the specs felt like it was much more turbulent and I was worried that if anything, it could make the situation worse. On the other hand, they would protect your eyes from a direct blast. Currently I get sprayed a fair bit but doesnt really worry me any more.

Bokeh · Since 07 Feb 2008 104 Posts Vancouver, WA Stoked

Got LASIK done in February. The doctor told me to wait two weeks before any strenouous physical activity. I asked him a bunch of questions about wake/kiteboarding and the he didn't seem concerned (but I think I sold him on the sport Laughing

).

Bottom line - no problems - enjoy your 20/20, don't rub your eyes. I do wear SeaSpecs. Not pretty but it is always some degree of protection, not to mention they did come handy yesterday with all that blowing sand at RR. However, when you get into a headslam situation it will be painful lasik or no lasik.

vangondc · Mon Sep 15, 08 9:53 am

I had it done in 1998 and at the time owned a white water outfitting company. I seem to remember just taking a short time off and then never looked back. Your eyes are one of the fastest healing organs in you body. No problems. The only thing that sucked for me was the halos I had driving at night, lasted about a month but then perfect ever since. 100% happy.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

nievechica · Since 06 Aug 2007 12 Posts Hood River, OR New Member

I worked in a clinic that did these regularly and its hard to say what adverse effects pts will have. Halo's do usually go away and every pt has the potential for dryness. Generally during your pre-op physical they look at the health of your cornea and can determine if you would be at a higher risk for side effects. Thicker cornea's equals better chance for success. Generally they want you out of contacts for an extended period of time as well (something to consider if she need them for shredding). another down fall is you will still have to use reading glasses as you age...but most people i know (my dad included) say its not to big of a deal.

wylieflyote · Mon Sep 15, 08 12:09 pm

In December 2006 I was all set to get LASIK but got talked into IOL (inter ocular lens implant), and never regretted it. I only did one eye which sounds crazy but I got used to it and now I really like monocular vision. One reason the Dr recommended IOL is because of my age, 58, and my active outdoors lifestyle indicates that in my 60's I will stand a good chance of cataracts anyway. Might as well get this out of the way now. The recovery period is the same.
Of course, I couldn't wait and went snow kiting in super dry Eastern Washington winds which irritated the healing.
Monocular is great for me because when I tried the correction in both eyes (with contacts) I could not even read my wrist watch, which sucked. Now it's like being a 20 y.o. again... well... almost.
Kip

PS, BIG mistake not wearing UV protection on the river. Take it from someone who's already damaged his eyes. I too hate wearing specs but I try to force myself most days.

grinder · Mon Sep 15, 08 2:31 pm **Lasik and living**

I did Lasik about 7 years ago. It beats the hell out of foggy glasses in the snow and contacts hassles in the water. While I am a great case in terms of healing, and no problems with dry eyes, I do have halos (it happens in low light conditions when the iris opens max). My biggest regret is that i can never again see the moon in perfect clarity. I don't think i was well advised of this beforehand and the docs all acted 'surprised' but I don't think they were really.

For the love of active sports I would do it again.

Sea Specs rock for eye protection! Tried Barz and not happy.

mystrygrl · Since 07 Sep 2006 95 Posts PDX/HR - What day is it?

Cool that you got LASIK... I had mine, oh, about 7 years ago, and still LOVE it! Look ma, no contacts!

Technology and recovery time may have improved since I had the procedure, but I had follow-up visits with my eye MD for a full 6 months (day after, week after, month after, 3 months after, then 6 months after)... most people are just fine and back to normal within days... I was fine except for some really minor bouts of teary eyes at night for a few weeks. At the time I was swimming every morning (pre-kiting era for me), and recall that I went right back to it about a week after surgery... wore swim goggles for that obviously...

For kiting I always wear sea specs. Always, always, always... seems like a good plan no matter who you are. After all, Lasik can cure poor vision for many of us... but probably cannot correct burnt retinas! Protect your eyes... you only get one set. your public health message for today.

newgirl · Since 03 Sep 2006 16 Posts Beaverton

I had LASIK done about 4 years ago to ease my triathalon transitions, no regrets, wish I would have done it sooner. NOW, I'm starting to move the paper farther and farther away....oh no, time for reading glasses????

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Ditto on the Sea Specs. Not cool looking but good eye protection from grit and UV. They scratch easily so keep them in their case. Recently they had a 3 for the price of one special but don't know if it is still going on.

Enjoy the Vision and protect those Eyes!

wylieflyote · Mon Sep 15, 08 7:54 pm

RayRaytheKiter · Since 10 Jun 2008 6 Posts New Member

If you want to save some $$$ or see more water sunglass styles, try Silverfish sunglasses, www.silverfish.com.

kitesurf_girl1 · Since 05 Feb 2007 24 Posts Ireland

thanks all for the responses, much appreciated.