Oregon-@cs.com
Dave
I had Lasik surgery at OHSU's Casey Eye Clinic about 4 years ago. I have (had) nearsightedness and astigmatism, enough so I was legally blind without glasses. I chose OHSU because of their attention to detail and as they were not a "factory." I was about 56 at the time and am completely satisfied - though, due to age, presbiopia has increased in one eye. Still, no glasses or contacts.
As to your questtions, from my experience:
- Yes, the flap does not complete cement for a long time. I understand that opthomologists have been able to lift the flap as long as 60 months after surgery. Sounds frightening but it isn't and the consequences are, well, non-existant. Downhill speed is not a problem (nor are wind gusts fo any type). I do suggest wearing protective eyewear anytime on a bike whether you've had Lasik or not. Just common sense.
- I have had a slight problem with dryness. Not significant, though. It was more noticeable post-surgery and seems to recur when the humidity gets real low or when I've been riding for a long time (5 hours +). For me, not an issue.
- As I mentioned, my eyes are not as perfect as they were just post-surgery. Prespiopia (farsightedness that comes with ageing) has increased in my left eye. It has slightly altered my distant vision but, and this seems wierd, it has slightly improved my near vision. I have thought of having the eye done a second time (lifting that flap, you know) but have decided not to for now. There is a benefit - I can read some stuff without having to put on reading glasses. This includes my cyclometer. No problem whatsoever while riding to see speed plus miles, cadence - all that second row stuff on most cyclometers.
Net: for a cyclist, Lasik should be a benefit much more than a problem. Just chose a good opthomologist - I was very pleased with OHSU but some friends did the Canada trip and were very pleased, as well.
Best wishes
Peter LaPorte
Dave Whitlinger <david.l.w-@intel.com> wrote:
OBRA,
As a marginally related cycling topic, I'm looking for some guidance on
LASIK. ?I'm very tired of dealing with glasses and prescription
sunglasses/goggles for cycling as well as other sports and contacts
aren't an option. ?I've done research, I've gone to a couple of doctors
to find one that I trust and I'm on the edge of making the decision.
Although I trust the doctor I've selected to perform the procedure
correctly (wavefront/interlase) and I have a high confidence in getting
excellent vision following the procedure, I'm a little worried about the
long term implications. ?The doctors all have disclaimers due to the
lack of long term data, but they say that there haven't been any issues
so far. ?Here are my questions:
+ They say that the flap never completely heals and that it can be
peeled up for touch up surgery if necessary - even years after the
initial LASIK. ?I was also told that although the flap doesn't
completely heal, the force necessary to dislodge it would also have
caused serious injury to a non-LASIK eye so it isn't any greater risk.
Do any LASIK racers have any experience here? ?How do you feel on
40-50mph descents - any fears of the flap opening up?
+ Since the nerves don't completely heal on the flap, some people end up
with "dry eyes" because their eye can't tell when it's dried out.
Anyone have any experience here?
+ Lastly, it is expected that a LASIK enhanced eye will prematurely
require corrective reading glasses. ?One website that I read suggested
that this caused complications for a cyclist who could no longer read
their cycle computer because of the small print. ?Any experience here?
Thanks for any advice.
Dave
To respond to the whole group send to ob-@topica.com.
To respond to the list manager send to cmur-@obra.org
To unsubscribe send to obra-uns-@topica.com