Laser Surgery

[Lorna]

Just wondering, how complicated is it to have laser surgery? Can you see normally the next day and stuff? Are yu allowd to drive after it as long as your vision is still sufficient?

[HeatherP]

I can't answer your question, but you are dealing here with one of your most important senses. Make sure you understand all the risks involved before you have the procedure done.

Luck,
HeatherP

[Rainsunbow]

Lorna,

I'm interested in sugergy too, I am going to the eye doctor to check into it iin about a month. I have a lot of friends who have had it done and they said it is the best thing they have ever done. One guy said it was great, but that he has sensitivity to light. I don't think I ever asked them this question, but I will next time I see them and get back to you. I found out my insurance covers 50%, so I'm going to push for it.

Leigh

[Harold]

You might want to check this earlier thread (http://www.diabetesforums.com./showthread.php?s=&threadid=53). One thing I might add, which you will understand after reading it, find out how many times your doc has done this operation before agreeing to it. Everyone should do this before any surgery.

[Shalyndria]

The most common of laser eye surgeries is LASIK (laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and involves the creation of a flap in the cornea. The laser is then used to remove underlying tissue basically reshaping the cornea so it refracts light correctly; it's used for near/farsightedness and astigmatism, and takes a couple of weeks to show any results.
A different procedure is used for Diabetic Retinopathy; laser photocoagulation. It repairs small bleeding vessels or abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

I've heard that LASIK isn't guaranteed; it may or may not improve vision. And with the cost that's maybe not the best recommendation for having such intensive surgery.

Shy

[HeatherP]

Yikes! Is it Tony that can't deal w/ "eye" stuff? I hope he doesn't read that post Shy! lol

HeatherP

[dpav]

The surgeries with the laser for Retina bleeding and prevention are a type that you will have as an out patient. You go to the office and they prep you and you will have the laser done. After a 20 minute wait, you will be released. I strongly do NOT recommend that you drive after the laser. I did this once and it is very difficult to do but it can be done. This is from a need to do point of view. But the doctors will strongly recommend that you do not drive at all until the eye has come back to normal.

Now Don't freek out on this. You will get a numbing shot before the surgery. There is no problem with it. It is mainly a psychological thing not a painful thing. It does not hurt.
The laser is done in about 10 to 20 minutes. Then you can go home after the wait to see if you are stable. Maybe the waiting part is no longer done. But do not try to drive unless you have absolutely no other way to get home.

If you are considering vitrectomy; This has improved a lot over the past 20 years. Actually that is as long as they have been doing this. I have had mine 18 years ago when it was fairly new. Mine was very successful. It usually requires an over night stay in the hospital for a day or two. This one will cause you some discomfort for a little while so you will need to take some kind of pain reliever for a week or so. The benefits from this successful surgery are very good.

If you have so much blood in your vitreous that your vision is impaired or gone, Id recommend this for anyone who needs it.

The lasik surgery is one that has more controversy about it than the other two. This is the main one that can get messed up more than the others. And this one I'd avoid if possible. This is not a needed surgery. Most people can live with glasses. That is fine and it is not worth having a bad doctor mess this one up.
Take care
Don

[Jenny]

I had an appointment for the doc to see if I was a good candidate for Lasik. I however chickened out when I heard how they do the procedure. I am NOT fond of being awake during any type of operation especially what I found happens during lasiks.

[hambone]

I don't blame you, Jenny. I don't know what Lasik would be like, but I have been awake for some pretty scary stuff myself.

Ham