Hi Folks,

Sorry for being a little off topic. I am hoping for some feedback from AR members about Lasik surgery. I have just turned 44 and the eyes just are not what they used to be. I have been contemplating Lasik, but am basically scared to death of possibly making the situation worse. I have heard glowing reviews of what is possible. But I figured you folks would be a great resource. Thanks for your input.

Hugh

Hugh,

My wife had it about 4 years ago. She had excellent results. 20-20 in both eyes. I had it about 3 years ago. 20-20 and 20-30. Doctor said shooting large caliber rifles would not be a problem (after a month or so, check with your doctor though about the healing time).

I would recommend it to anyone. If you are old like me and remember the nightmares of the old techniques (radial karitotomy sp?, etc.), this is nothing like that. Lasik is absolutely worth the money. I have been very pleased with the results and my vision has stayed the same for the last 3 years (except for the need for reading glasses - which I think just comes with age).

Regards,

Terry

hugh:

I had Lasik surgery in May of this year. I am 50 and I was tired of shooting with glasses. The other main reason was my first trip to Africa which I completed in September 2004. My eyes are now 20/20 in both and for reading I only use off the shelf 1.00 glasses. I can not explain what a pleasure it was to be able to spot game at long distances with my naked eye. I had my surgery done by Dr. Tooma from Newport Beach California, he has done over 50,000 surgies. I have no problems with either eye and do not have halo's at night while driving. I would recommend the surgery, just research your doctor like you would a new Safari Company. Good luck & Good Hunting.

Regards,

Rick L. Webb

One of the forum moderators over on NE.com had Lasik surgery a little over a week ago, and is having problems.

Had mine done in 2001. I was on a mule deer hunt in AB a month later, and I was picking them out of the hills like crazy. That's the first time in my life that *I* was the one saying, "He's RIGHT there! Are you BLIND??" I saw so many deer, so far away that I almost couldn't believe what I had been missing. The results were MUCH better than I had even with contact lenses. I loved it so much I paid for my kid brother to get his done.

This was my doctor (we built his site a few years ago and did the video).

http://www.eyetechlasik.com

Sheldon

my experience with it has been nothing short of spectacular.
like most others i also was tired of wearing glasses & so forth. I had it done almost 5 years ago, I could see better within 5 minutes of the procedure than i had been able to see in 20 years. I personally didn't have any problems, no night halo, was also advised to wait a couple weeks before shooting, just to allow the cornea flap an opportunity to adhere completely. I also use old man glasses from wal-mart to read with, but my surgeon was very specific in telling me that lasik at that time was not going to prevent that from happening. I have been exstatic with the results.
mike

My wife has been the surgery assistant/laser operator for the last half dozen years at the Eye Center here. The amount of training and practice they get is phenominal. Your pre-op with the doctor will usually be spot on for what you can expect after surgery, and if you don't fit their profile or won't experience perfect results, they will be the first to tell you. I'd bet their overall success is >90%. Some like one eye done, and some like both. Luckily, I have one screwed up 20/100 eye (dominant shooting eye) which reads close and one 20/18 for far vision. My brain just makes the adjustment; I just adjust the scope for my weak right eye and shoot with both eyes open.

If you have a myopic correction, you may go through a period of temporary hypermetropia initially after the lasik procedure is done but should be fine in a short while. Your Ophthalmologist may prescribe a mild steroid if you have a swelling for a very brief period but on the whole the experience would be very good if you are prepared to grin and bear the irritation for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure is done.

Good luck and great hunting with superb vision!

My wife had it done five years ago. The results are excellent. Lasik surgery is probably much cheaper here in Cape Town then anywhere else.

www.kapstadt.de/lemberg
Hunting one hour from Cape Town

I had it done 4 years ago and regret it. I have 20/450 in both eyes. Glasses gave me excellent distance vision. AFter Lasik, my distance vision is not as sharp nor is my close up vision. I wish I had not done it.
Be careful.