“LASIK Was Great, but Don't Do It Too Young”

I had LASIK at 21 as a graduation gift. My vision was pretty bad, I needed contacts or glasses everyday. Because I did not have a consistent eye doctor, I only did the consultation with the LASIK doctors. Make sure you meet with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to ask their opinion!

My LASIK surgeons were supposed to be one of the best in the area. The procedure went very well, no pain, and I could see more clear right after the surgery. Post op was fine, no issues.

5 years later, I need glasses to drive. My vision was not as bad as before, I'm technically still "legal" to drive without corrective lenses -although I feel I can't see well, especially at night, for driving. Went to an ophthalmologist when vision started to blur. She said I had the procedure too young and my cornea looked too thin to have it done again.

I do have a desk job, so that may have contributed some but I hear many people being advised to wait until they are around 30 (for eyes to fully develop). I loved LASIK during the 5 years I saw clearly, but I am disappointed that it didn't last longer.

Just wanted to add that I was about 20/200 in both eyes (that is where you see the eye chart but even the top line is a blur).  Astigmatism in both eyes too.

5 years later, I think I'm 20/40 or a little worse, which doesn't sound bad but it does make me feel I need glasses to drive.  I still have astigmatism in both eyes.

Overall, maybe I'd change my opinion about Lasik being worth it if I had it later -but for my situation, it wasn't worth it.