My results were just as expected the first year or so . . . I was so delighted!! But then, I noticed that my close-in vision was going bad very fast. Then I noticed my astigmatism coming back. Now, five years post-op, I need glasses again to see clearly, for near and distant vision. If you don't have any astigmatism issues, perhaps this won't be an issue for you . . . but if the astigmatisms just come back, then why bother? I also need Restatis . . . an expensive hassle but at least I am no longer getting eye irritations and infections. I would take my old vision back in a heart beat . . . at least I would not need daily eye drops (which are very expensive) and I could see my food when I eat!
to read some of the answers to your question by physicians, it makes my blood boil. LASEK is very similar to PRK and it is very controversial at best which procedure gives better outcomes and better patient experiences. In fact, you can find many, likely hundreds, of studies comparing them, and most of them will show almost no difference, although the majority will likely show better comfort and recovery with PRK. In fact, many doctors used to do LASEK and then finally realized that if they do a small surface defect with PRK and manage the patient properly, the PRK patient heals faster with better comfort also. To say that PRK is "old and not advanced" shows what can be wrong with a forum such as this. Doctor's give opinions that are geared towards their own bias and not based on fact or scientific data. Go to the doctor you liked and trusted the most. LASIK also works quite well for your myopia and in fact, more patients undergo LASIK with this prescription than PRK or LASEK combined.
Your prescription is more amenable to a PRK procedure due to the corneal thickness. However there are several other tests that you need to fully answer the question of whether or not you are a candidate. The anklyosing spondylitis is not an absolute contra-indication to having the procedure, and many patients with that diagnosis have gone on to have extremely successful procedures. That in and of itself is not a reason not to proceed, however Ankylosing Spondylitis can be associated with other conditions which may make candidacy for surgery more questionable. Make sure you are also checked for other autoimmune conditions, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis..
You may very well be a candidate, but the prescription is only one of several factors we use in determining candidacy. A thorough exam by a reputable Laser Vision provider should answer your candidacy question more completely. You will need multiple scans of the cornea which are actually three-dimensional and provides us with important structural information concerning your eye's ability to safely undergo these procedures. There will also be other tests such as dry eye tests, dilated exams and several others. If all of this is normal, then yes, you should be a candidate. If you are treated in good hands and with superb technology, you most likely will end up with an excellent result, no longer needing any glasses or contacts.
Both eyes heal differently post op Lasik and sometimes one eye will take longer to reach its full potential. However, there are also some healing problems and issues that need to be looked at by your eye doctor-- they will check to see if the prescription is correct, if the flap is well positioned and if there is any unusual occurrences such as a decentration or inflammatory swelling. Most of the time the eye is just a little dry and thankfully almost everything has a 'fix' to it.
Allergy season is actually a very common time of the year that patients are interested in Laser Vision Correction due to their problems with itching and irritation from contact lenses. It is no problem whatsoever to have Laser eye surgery during this season, and you can continue on your current medications. A few key points to remember: 1) the medicated eye drops we give you post operatively after surgery will take full care of your allergic symptoms, so for those first few weeks post op, even during allergy season, your eyes will feel fine even without your normal allergy meds. 2) the meds you take by mouth for allergies can dry your eyes as well as other mucous membranes in your body. You may need to make up for the drier eyes by using extra lubricant drops or try to limit your usage of the oral allergy meds as much as you can. 3). No eye rubbing! You really shouldn't rub the eyes after these surgeries, as you can weaken the cornea in the long run. Learn how to deal with allergies without rubbing your eyes! Good luck, it is a great procedure and you will love it!
