My sister recently had laser vision correction surgery. She now has 20/30 in one eye, and 20/40 in another. She had it done in Edmonton, Alberta; her cost in Canadian dollars was $2170, roughly $1725 US. As I’ve been thinking of having this done (I’ve been wearing glasses for 25 years and tired of them), I’d like to know a couple of things from you, if you’ve had it.
How long was your recovery time - ie, how long until you could drive?
What did your vision get corrected to?
3a. How much did it cost?
3b. Did your insurance cover any of it?
I could have driven the next day; my dad came with me to the surgery and drove me (to my parents’) home that night. By dinner time (surgery was in mid-day), after I had napped off the sedative, I could see fine. He drove me back to the doctor the next day for the checkup, then he drove me home. I don’t think I drove that day or the next (caution, in case my eyes suddenly reverted to their old state), but I could have.
20/30 in each eye, but with the astigmatism, it rounds out to a collective 20/25. (No, I don’t understand either.) However, I still have some haloing around lights at night, so I do have glasses that I can wear if I feel like I need them. They crisp things up nicely, so I’ll usually wear them to drive, to see plays/movies, to poke around dusty old cathedrals . . .
About $2000 an eye (this was three years ago).
Not a penny.
Southern California – I had it done at U of So Cal.
Two hours. By the time we got on the train back home, I could see fine but had a slight headache. I went everywhere with level 4 sunglasses for a week, then started taking them off if it wasn’t bright.
Uh, very good; the way it’s measured here is different, but I can read the smallest print both close-up and far away (normally eye doctors here make you try only the second-smallest). I don’t need any kind of correction any more. I used to be nearsighted and have astigmatism.
3a. It cost less than 2K US$, but this was in Spain and in 2001. The price included any necessary re-operations (unusual but it may happen, specially if you’re farsighted), plus yearly check-ups forever. The clinic where I got it is part of a chain and I’ve been able to get my check-ups in Milan and London
3b. Nope. In Spain, non-elective procedures (my aunt getting lasik for her almost-blindness) are fully covered by Social Security, but non-electives (me getting rid of glasses) aren’t. Getting a separate medical insurance here is basically dumb, specially since many insurers will turn around and get SS to pay them back the money they just paid you: just pay your taxes…
Right now, Spain. When I had the surgery done too. But I’ve been known to move between continents.
1. How long was your recovery time - ie, how long until you could drive? I had it done at about 2 in the afternoon and was able to drive in the next AM for my morning follow up visit.
**2. What did your vision get corrected to? ** Better than 20/20. 20/10 really.
3a. How much did it cost? about $2400. $800 went straight to the laser place at the hospital. the rest to the doctor. This was in 2003.
3b. Did your insurance cover any of it? HAHAHAHAHAHAH! FYI: your insurance company hates you.
4. Where do you live? Michigan.
One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I love being able to wear sunglasses.
Oh, another thing. I knew in late 2001 I was getting it done the next year so I took out the maximum, $2400 I think, in pre-tax medical expenses. So I didn’t have to pay tax on a big hunk the money that went to pay for my surgery.
A couple of days, but I had PRK, rather than LASIK, because my corneas were too thin, and the heal time is longer with PRK.
20/15 in both eyes. My advice - don’t go in expecting perfection, because you’re not going to get it. I still have some smearing of strong light sources at night. But even though it’s not perfect, it’s much much much better than glasses or contacts.
I paid $2500, after a discount because my work is associated with the company that ran the eye place. No insurance, but I used a cafeteria plan, so it was tax-free, at least.
I had RK (not LK) done 15 years ago. I realize this may not be exactly what you asked, but the long-term report might interest you. My apologies for deviating slightly from your OP.
Recovery time? I realize the surgery was different, but I’m including this for completeness. It was almost immediate (could see great the instant the surgery was over). But they put me in an eye patch (to ward off infection) for a week. I insisted that my eyes be done a week apart (I was a little worried… wanted a chance to bail with some vision left.) I was driving within a day or two (but with only one eye)
What was your corrected vision? 20/15 left side, 20/20 right. (more below*)
What did it cost? Probably irrelevant, given the time that has passed; But (for completeness) it was $2200 (usd)
Insurance? No. I didn’t have any at the time.
Where [did] you live? Phoenix, Arizona
*Just FYI. It didn’t affect the rate of change of my vision. My prescription was deteriorating at 0.X diopters per year. It continued unabated. The surgery merely “reset” my eyes to perfect vision for a few years. I am now in glasses again (but MUCH less correction). The “starring” and night vision problems (I’m sure they warned you about this) faded pretty quickly. Also, I can still wear contacts if I wish (I think they warn you this could be a problem… it wasn’t for me)
Again, my apologies for the slight OT deviation. I thought the long-term report might be of interest.
