You are beyond LASIK treatment parameters. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) utilizing femtosecond technology and a multifocal IOL will allow you to wake up, see the alarm clock, drive, and read without glasses.. Permanently! ICL would give you distance vision only and would need to be explanted when you develop cataracts. Since we are removing your natural lens with RLE, you will never develop cataracts or need to remove the IOL.
This isn't even close. As a former VISX user and Star Surgeon,I was amazed at the difference when I got my first Wavelight laser 6 years ago. Better night vision, reduced enhancement rates led to better patient satisfaction! I am now on to the next generation, awaiting topo guided treatments for even better results!
I'm going to have to disagree with Dr Chynn. The evidence shows that LASIK is safe with high altitude climbing. Many climbers of Mt Everst have in fact had LASIK. LASIK has also been used for years by Naval fighter pilots without adverse effects. This answer is coming from a surgeon who performs both LASIK and advanced surface treatments!
Having LASIK surgery does not increase one's risk of developing cataracts in the future. It does not decrease the risk either. LASIK prior to cataract surgery does effect the calculations required to determine the power of the implant (IOL) used to replace the eye's natural lens (which is removed during cataract surgery.) This means that there is a greater chance of needing glasses following cataract surgery. This can usually be corrected by doing a LASIK enhancement folowing cataract surgery if the Rx is small, or by implanting another IOL if the Rx is large.
There is no universal agreement on how long someone should be out of contacts before Lasik. Some doctors will say a few days, others weeks or even months. Personally, I like soft contact lenses out 3 days before surgery, hard or gas perms out 3 weeks before surgery. This allows the cornea to return to its natural state before having Lasik or any similar surgery. Wearing your lenses for 2 hours 2 days before the surgery will probably not have a big impact on the results. There may be a slight increased risk of needing an enhancement or getting a corneal abrasion during the procedure. My advice to you would be to discusse this with your surgeon and follow his guidelines.
