Lasik Eye Surgery?

[BCR02]

I know most federal job postings state Lasik is approved by the federal government. My question is... Are there any persons on this forum that have had a bad experience after getting Lasik done? Side effects, etc.

[Darkmocha]

I had it done last October and I wouldn't call any of my side effects particularly bad, but I did have pretty bad night vision at first. If you have a job where you have to drive at night, you might want to get your shifts switched to days at first.

Other than that, the next morning I was able to drive, read the board in my classes from the back of a large lecture hall and besides some light sensitivity (just invest in some shades), I was good to go and now I see 20/15 with no oddities.

Just really do your research before you pick a doctor, you don't want some hack messing around with your eyes.

[FutureLE]

Look into PRK, its better for LE or anyone who is very active.. With Lasik the "flap" they cut never completely heals and can come open if your poked in the eye or hit hard (bad news).. PRK doesnt cut anything like Lasik does..

[BCR02]

Aprox. how long was the night vision issue?

[14USC89a]

I went in December. No side effects whatsoever. Nigth vision was perfect since day 1... I was lucky I guess. I used intralase, the incidence and side effects seem to be lower...

[dpd0779]

I had it done in Jan 08, was back to work two days after. My night vision wasn’t great immediately after but is fine now. I was 20/60 before, 20/20 now. Do your research and don’t go cheap. The wait period varies for diff fed jobs, I think for most its 6 months before you can start any training or working.

[k85o911]

how will jobs know you had eye surgery performed?

[dpd0779]

i think your suppose let them know, i wouldnt try to hide something like that

[Darkmocha]

I believe on normal inspection of the eye, you cannot tell the difference. However in a medical exam, they most likely will take a topography of the eye and tell it has been operated on. Either way, it would be to your advantage to up and tell them. If you come out of the surgery with better eyesight, it can only help you.

And just for your information, my problems with night vision lasted for about 2 months, but were markedly better beginning 2 weeks after my surgery.

[MarinePatrol]

I had mine done about 6 weeksish ago. My vision was 20/15 the day after. I dont have dry eyes (knock on wood) or anything really major. When something does touch your eye it hurts like heck, a simple eye lash hurts. I would do it again in a heart beat. After any type eye correction surgery the eye will never be 100% strength.

[Tx_Law1006]

Look into the Intralase LASIK surgery.. its what I did back in December and I swear by it!! It was painless and I literally could see right after the surgery. The procedure is more costly then regular LASIK but well worth it. The difference is that Intralase is 100% laser while regular LASIK is a blade cutting a flap that is guided by laser. No blade = no pain. I have had no problem with light sensitivity, night blindness (in fact it got better), or dry eye. I was pretty nervous about everything but in the end the procedure took less than 5 minutes.

Also if you are not a good candidate for LASIK you might be one for Intralase since the laser is more accurate and can be performed on thinner corneas.

If you don't need to do PRK, I would advise against it. It takes much longer to heal and is a more painful procedure since its basically shaving your cornea. Also some agencies require a longer wait time for PRK vs. LASIK. Just something to chew on.

[kamkze]

Best money I have ever spent. I went from 20/450 to 20/10, no side effects. Check out the Lasik Vision Intitute, they are nation wide.

[BCR02]

Yeah, I set up a pre-op appointment for Thursday at Lasik Plus. Also a nationwide company. With all the FDA talk about lasik, I still have some doubt about doing it.

[NYSP61]

Yeah, I set up a pre-op appointment for Thursday at Lasik Plus. Also a nationwide company. With all the FDA talk about lasik, I still have some doubt about doing it.

Forget the FDA, they are in bed with the politicians...

I had LASIK (I think?) "Custom Tracking Laser" done at Fichte Eye Associates in Amherst (Buffalo), NY and it was the best $3000 I've ever spent. Again, these are your eyes - do NOT go cheap!

http://www.fichte.com/

Dr. Fichte has been doing it longer than anyone in the US, and was on board with the FIRST clinic in the United Kingdom and Mexico, before it was even being done in the US. Do your research and do not go cheap!

I went from 20/400 to 20/15. AWESOME... just AWESOME!

[McL7C13]

I had no problems with it at all...I love the freedom of it, and I couldn't be happier that I had it done. I was back to normal a few hours afterwards. It was great, and well worth it.

[vitacura]

I am nearsighted, not sure of my uncorrected vision. I have been contemplating lasik, but the time just isn't right. I start the academy next month and will get OC'd and hit with Tear Gas. Ugh..

[Ursao]

I'm still on the fence about it. I'd like to get it done, but as seeing that my pay is ridiculous and I'm applying for several departments in Miami, I'm trying to do more research. The docs here wanted like 3800 for LASIK alone. I have decent vision aside from my Astigmatism, I'm thinking the lack of places to do it here in NC has made it come with an insane premium.

[davidh304]

Look into PRK, its better for LE or anyone who is very active.. With Lasik the "flap" they cut never completely heals and can come open if your poked in the eye or hit hard (bad news).. PRK doesnt cut anything like Lasik does..

PRK is essentially when the sand your eye down, laser it to correct, give you a pat on the back and a boot out the door. When they said it was "slightly more uncomfortable" they lied. It hurt.

Had to take about 4 days off work, and use the pain medication a few times. Had it about 2 months ago and my vision is....better. I'm not super thrilled with it but it might get better with time.

[nebraska_deputy]

My wife had it done about 5 years ago. At the time it was $2,000 an eye. There was a life time guarantee on the work. My wife says She is going to go back and have them done again. She says from time to time things are looking blurry again.

[cmescoot]

Look into PRK, its better for LE or anyone who is very active.. With Lasik the "flap" they cut never completely heals and can come open if your poked in the eye or hit hard (bad news).. PRK doesnt cut anything like Lasik does..

I agree and was advised against Lasik. I went with PRK due to my military activities and my goal of LEO work. The only downfall of PRK was the recovery. MAN!!!....I was in bad shape for a couple days. Thank god I have a great woman at home that took care of me with all those drops and bringing things to me because I got sick and tired of walking into furniture and cabinets! I MAY have also rushed the recovery time a bit too. I was out on the motorcycle 3 days after and the wind dried my eyes out so bad that I had to call and get a ride home and couldnt open my eyes for about 18 hours!
PRK FTW!!!!

[cmescoot]

PRK is essentially when the sand your eye down, laser it to correct, give you a pat on the back and a boot out the door. When they said it was "slightly more uncomfortable" they lied. It hurt.

Had to take about 4 days off work, and use the pain medication a few times. Had it about 2 months ago and my vision is....better. I'm not super thrilled with it but it might get better with time.

They don't "sand" your eye. They use a liquid drop that disolves the top layer of the eye instead of cutting it like they do in lasik. The eye litterally grows back in a few days. (a painfull few days)....However, many agancies will not consider you if you have had lasik because of the risk of the flap opening back up in the event that you are struck in the eye. Any activity with high winds (i.e helicoptors, motorcycles, boating) is the main reason to consider PRK

[Darkmocha]

They don't "sand" your eye. They use a liquid drop that disolves the top layer of the eye instead of cutting it like they do in lasik. The eye litterally grows back in a few days. (a painfull few days)....However, many agancies will not consider you if you have had lasik because of the risk of the flap opening back up in the event that you are struck in the eye. Any activity with high winds (i.e helicoptors, motorcycles, boating) is the main reason to consider PRK

Which agencies consider lasik a risk? I have called many agencies and they all (so far) seemed to have no issue with lasik as long as I allowed myself six months recovery time before the academy start date. I also informed the doctor performing my surgery of my aspirations and he said as long as I provided myself adequate recovery time, my eye would heal without a problem.

[cmescoot]

The army was my main concern at the time. I spend quite a bit of time on and around rotary wing birds and between the wind and flying debris, I would be at more of a risk had I gone lasik. That flap never fully heals and is always possible to open up from a hard blow or extremely high winds. I have been told that other federal agencies prefer PRK to lasik as well

[AvalancheZ71]

Anyone in Nashville that you recomend cmescoot? I see that your profile shows that you are in Nashville.

[BCR02]

What about this....? If you are in a few different application processes, and get Lasik done now, how does that effect your application process? By chance, if I am offered a position that starts ASAP (I WISH), what do you guys think would happen if it has not been 6 months since lasik. Kicked out of process? Deferred til next hiring period? What?

[GoldBadge]

However, many agancies will not consider you if you have had lasik because of the risk of the flap opening back up in the event that you are struck in the eye.

I have never heard of a single federal law enforcement agency that will disqualify you for LASIK, as long as the 3 or 6 month (whatever their policy) healing period has elapsed. I work with agents who have had LASIK and have caught blows to the eye without any problem.

Once the flap heals, it heals.

[Tmack82]

What proof do you have that the flap never heals? That's not what the FDA says.

[Getbusy]

I had Lasik 6 years ago and came out 20/15 which was sweet. My sight has gone a little, but the biggest drawback is the dry eye effect. Well worth it, but I don't think I'd take a chance with doing it again just for a minor adjustment. I agree with Goldbadge; once the flap heals, it heals. Some agencies might make you wait a few months just to make sure there are no complications, but I don't think that has anything to do with the healing of the flap.

[a cashew]

Secret Service has a 3 month wait after laser eye surgery

I went for the pre-op exam. Turned out I have a ridiculously bad case of dry eyes already. Doc plugged up my tear ducts with collagen to prolong the duration my tears are in my eyes to improve lubrication and then prescribed prescription eye drops and told me to come back in 2 months.

Hopefully this will work, I hate wearing glasses as it is.

[cmescoot]

Anyone in Nashville that you recomend cmescoot? I see that your profile shows that you are in Nashville.


I used Dr. Selkin in the cool springs area. Honestly some of the best money I have ever spent!

[cmescoot]

What proof do you have that the flap never heals? That's not what the FDA says.

http://www.lasikcomplications.com/

This is just one link i found when I googled Lasik Risk. I am not, by any means trying to discourage anyone form getting lasik. I personally just went with PRK because of my lifestyle and what I was told by a few doctors. Once a cut is made, there will always be a "seam" there and how it IS unlikely, it is possible that it may open up if struck hard or with extreme wind.

Im sorry. Didn't intend to cause a heated debate.

[hxd]

I went for the pre-op exam. Turned out I have a ridiculously bad case of dry eyes already. Doc plugged up my tear ducts with collagen to prolong the duration my tears are in my eyes to improve lubrication and then prescribed prescription eye drops and told me to come back in 2 months.

And I apparently have the opposite problem. When I went for my pre-op, they placed a dye on my eye and strips under my eyelids to measure tear production. They ended up pulling the strips early because they were already soaked from one end to the other.

I was, however, told that my pupils are slightly larger than average. As a result, I'm a better candidate for the custom wavefront procedure as opposed to the standard procedure.

I have another pre-op in a couple weeks, and then the procedure during the following week.

[BCR02]

HXD, What are they saying the cost per eye is? I just had my pre-op today, and they are saying I am a able to have traditional lasik with intralase. It also includes a "Lifetime Satisfaction Plan" which means I can come in for redo's free for life. They quote the price at $1,699 an eye.
The Custom with intralase is $1,999 an eye.

I am not sure if the procedure is worth the money. My eyes are at 20/60 before the surgery.?.

[Harley25]

I have never heard of a single federal law enforcement agency that will disqualify you for LASIK, as long as the 3 or 6 month (whatever their policy) healing period has elapsed. I work with agents who have had LASIK and have caught blows to the eye without any problem.

Once the flap heals, it heals.

The IRS will disqualify you for it...they claim to have a 90 day post surgery period that you need to get another eye exam and submit the results but they won't even let me submit the results. They told me that I'm medically disqualified because I had the lasik surgery. My surgery went well and I'm 20/20 and I have none of the side effects from the surgery, but the fact that they told me to get the surgery and I spent $4,150 for it and then they tell me I wasn't allowed to have the surgery is extremely discouraging when trying to apply for any of the other federal agencies. What are applicants supposed to do when human resources can't keep their information straight?

[hxd]

HXD, What are they saying the cost per eye is? I just had my pre-op today, and they are saying I am a able to have traditional lasik with intralase. It also includes a "Lifetime Satisfaction Plan" which means I can come in for redo's free for life. They quote the price at $1,699 an eye.
The Custom with intralase is $1,999 an eye.

I am not sure if the procedure is worth the money. My eyes are at 20/60 before the surgery.?.

They told me that I would be a good candidate for both the standard lasik and the custom wavefront lasik. The standard lasik with the blade flap was about $1200 an eye. The custom wavefront lasik with the blade flap was about 1600 an eye. If I want the laser-cut flaps with either procedure, it's about an additional $500 per eye.

I'm going for the custom wavefront lasik with the laser flap. My total cost is $4250. That includes my pre-op, the surgery, and the post-op care.

The pricing I just indicated, by the way, is with the discount afforded to my through my vision insurance plan.

[BCR02]

Ok, I am trying to get a hold of my HR person.... About the insurance discount. I have found that some Lasik places give LE discounts also.

[k85o911]

yea like 100 bucks. wont make much of a difference

[GoldBadge]

The IRS will disqualify you for it...they claim to have a 90 day post surgery period that you need to get another eye exam and submit the results but they won't even let me submit the results. They told me that I'm medically disqualified because I had the lasik surgery.

That's contrary to what is on their website:

Vision Requirements

For all positions covered by this standard, near vision, corrected or uncorrected, must be sufficient to read Jaeger type 2, 14 inches. Uncorrected distant vision must test 20/200, and corrected distant vision must test 20/20 in one eye, and 20/30 in the other. Normal depth perception and peripheral vision are required, as is the ability to distinguish shades of color by color plate tests.

If you have undergone refractive surgery, you must meet Treasury approved requirements, which include documentation that you have passed specific exam and protocol testing. Visual acuity requirements are expressed in terms of the Snellen vision tests.



Also see text of an OPM memo (I added the bold):


United States
Office of Personnel Management Washington, DC 20415-0001

MEMORANDUM FOR HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORS
FROM: LEAH M. MEISEL
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
FOR TALENT AND CAPACITY POLICY
Subject: Employment of Individuals Who Have Undergone Vision Correction Procedures

The purpose of this memo is to update and clarify information about employing individuals who have undergone vision correction procedures (e.g., Radial Keratotomy (RK), Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Laser in Situ Keratomilieusis (LASIK)). Due to advances in refractive surgery, initial concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of refractive surgery have proven to be statistically insignificant. Such surgery generally produces markedly improved distant vision with minimal complications.

Therefore, you should not automatically disqualify individuals for law enforcement or other safety sensitive/critical work, nor place them on restrictive duty status, simply because they have undergone refractive eye surgery. Instead, you should evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not the individual has any postoperative complications that may adversely affect safe and efficient job performance.

If the individual has no current postoperative complications, and is able to perform the work safely and efficiently, then the individual should be allowed to resume or be considered for full and non-restricted law enforcement or other safety sensitive/critical work.

We recommend a complete eye examination, performed by either a licensed ophthalmologist or a State licensed and certified optometrist, to identify postoperative complications and aftereffects, including:

• Risk of corneal rupture due to blunt force trauma (with respect to the structural integrity and weakening of the cornea, the level of acceptable risk may be directly related to the number and depth of corneal incisions required to achieve myopic correction);
• Contrast sensitivity;
• Impaired vision with glare;
• Loss of visual acuity since the vision correction surgery was performed; or
• Corneal scarring and infection, etc.

Some postoperative complications are not easily quantifiable using present day technology. To supplement the eye examination, we recommend you consider developing and administering a brief self-report vision questionnaire that identifies if the individual has experienced any visual changes since their eye surgery. You may want to include questions that yield information about whether the individual has experienced:
• Increased difficulty driving at night;
• Increased difficulty seeing at night;
• Difficulty with focusing on lights at night (which the individual may see as a starburst);
• Difficulty seeing at night due to bright lights;
• Seeing bands of light at night like a halo;
• A need for glasses to drive at night only;
• Increased difficulty distinguishing objects at a distance with similar color or shape, etc.

Please refer to 5 CFR 339, Medical Qualification Determinations, for more information. If you have questions, please contact (name deleted) Medical Policy Program Specialist, Recruiting, Examining, and Assessment Group, (202) (number deleted); (address deleted)@opm.gov.

[Harley25]

Thanks GoldBadge...Do you have a date of when that OPM memo was issued?
I will be faxing it to the human resources lady who told me yesterday I was insulting her and hung up the phone on me cause I asked her if she had any type of advocacy function with her job because I was provided with incorrect information and if I would have been given the correct information in the first place I would have had my surgery 2 weeks earlier which is why they will not accept my 90 day post surgery exam results. BTW I am already an IRS employee, just trying to move from being an RA to CI special agent. All of the CI people and SAC's I have spoken to said what they are doing to me isn't right but anytime they call human resources they get the same bs from them about what is going on, and no one can help me.

[GoldBadge]

Thanks GoldBadge...Do you have a date of when that OPM memo was issued?

I'm sorry, I thought I included the date. It's January 21, 2004.

Also, I replied to your PM.

[School Cop]

Ok, I am trying to get a hold of my HR person.... About the insurance discount. I have found that some Lasik places give LE discounts also.


I had LASIK two days ago; I'm at work right now (although taking it kind of easy - Sundays are very slow until about 3 PM). Just a little dryness today, no pain.

I got 15% off as an LEO discount; they got it off my paperwork and I didn't even ask for it. Came to $600, nothing to sneeze at. Total was $4000, including free "touch-ups" if the results aren't perfect, as long as I get a checkup once a year. The doctor is probable the most respected in the Dallas area, although not one of the "I've done 50,000" guys.

[Syphon]

I am getting the Interlase Lasik done tomorrow morning after my shift is over. I will let you know how it works out. I have the weekend off so that should be plenty of time to heal up. I work nights so I hope the night vision isnt bad. I was told by the doctor that in 3 days It should be fine to go back to working nights. I got mine done for 2,888 dollars total. Got 15% off for United Health Care Insurance. I will post in a day or two about it.

[fritzab]

Going to Lasik Plus on the 28th for Custom wavefront and intralase for under 4K...got $400 off for scheduling the procedure on a less busy day!!Definitely like that Lasik Plus has the lifetime satisfaction plan (only needed by about .5-2% of the people anyway) and you can go to any center in the country for follow-ups the first year as well as the re-enhancement if you need it. Anyone who went through Lasik Plus...did they offer you "feel good drugs" for the day of surgery? I'm not terrified but wouldn't mind being a little more carefree.

In the hiring process for DSS. They don't have any published standards for the worldwide medical clearance and vision correction. Turning in my paperwork after the surgery so as long as I test at their standards, I shouldn't have any problems. At most I was told they will follow my surgeon's recommendations (3-6 months before getting punched in the eye).

As for the risks- IntraLase makes a different and thinner flap that sits much better on the eye when they put it back in place. Its got a "beveled' edge as well which keeps it more secure during healing. I also have big pupils and they recommended the wavefront which should reduce the night haloing I already get with contacts/glasses!

[OTVFD18]

My mother had PRK almost 10 years ago with no problems or pain to date. She has had excellent results. I just scheduled my consultation with the same doctor for PRK. The worst part of the whole thing is not being able to wear contacts for the two weeks before.