Lasik and Astronomy

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but here goes. My job and my hobbies allow me to spend a lot of time outdoors and glasses and contacts are often a pain (figuratively and literally). I have had several friends undergo Lasik and they are very satisfied with the results. However, I wonder if Lasik is such a good idea for someone who is a very critical observer (astronomer, photographer, birder)? Any personal experiences? Would you do it again?
Thanks, and have a great holiday season!
Dave

I chose to skip LASIK for three main issues:

1) Possible spiky diffractions at point light sources. The doctor I spoke with mentioned possible poor night vision due to scattered light from peripheral scarring.

2) Likelihood that I'd need corrective lenses for critical focus needs. Several people I spoke with who had the procedure needed glasses for reading afterward.

3) Non-permanent. As my eyes age the laser correction will become insufficient.

Choose what is best for you.

-Guy

I've thought about it and have heard some horror stories. Frankly, I guess the bottom line is I just don't trust anyone that far. If it's a life or death matter then you have no choice but on optional surgery I really don't feel good about it.

Several years ago when my wife an I lived in Oregon we belonged to a social club that was 75 percent physicians. I found out, after several years, that there are great ones, good ones, not so good and poor ones. It's just like any other profession.

Trouble is, that when coming off the street, you don't know which is which. I don't want to use my eyes to find out if I got a good one or a poor one.

Darrell

Lasik has a good track record in experienced hands. BUT, my standard admonition for elective surgeries is to be aware that "Whatever surgery can make better, it can make worse." As a pathologist, my perspective is admittedly skewed, but if things go badly, will you look back (no pun intended) and still say "It was worth the risk?"

I had VISX done 3 years ago and would recommend it to anyone after the proper research.

CAUTION, age plays a very big role in success rate. I was 22 yrs old and my vision is now incredible. My brother had it done this year after his 21st birthday, perfect. My mother had it done this year after turning "29" and she had great success also. Her right eye isn't quite perfect, but she doesn't need glasses except for driving (before she couldn't see ANYTHING clearly).

While almost everyone who has "laser eye surgery" has LASIK, I recommend you "google" the term LASEK. LASEK has a much longer recovery/healing time, but there are advantages.

Typically, LASEK is used for those with thin corneas who simply are not "candidates" for LASIK.

LASEK is also better for those with "dry eyes" or who engage "contact" activities like boxing.

While I can explain all of this & more in graphic detail, I'll keep this post brief. However, I will make the claim that LASEK is THE better choice IF -- I repeat IF -- you are willing to endure the longer healing time.

LASEK may -- I repeat may -- give you better odds of not having "halos" than those undergoing the LASIK procedure.

If you find a physician who performs both LASIK & LASEK, ask him/her: the odds are high that they are not the high volume, low quality type. If the physician only performs LASIK, then they may be of only average quality and I suggest you keep looking and get those 2nd & 3rd medical opinions from the high-end specialists.

Just my 2 cents.

FYI, I had LASEK and my vision is excellent. I was a -7.75/-8.25 before. Also, I have no halo problems where as I did with my contacts.