Riding after Lasik?

[TrekTheKaty]

I'm considering LASIK, but I'm trying to plan it around work and several long group rides. I'm an excellent candidate (I know they're honest-DH went first and he wasn't) and eligible for the top-tier waveless which is supposed to be the quickest recovery time. Anyone out there who can share their experiences or advice? We've got several nationally-ranked Dr.'s here. I know everyone is different, but trying to plan ahead anyway.

[kermit]

I had it done eight years ago and it was money well spent. I had really bad eyesight and am still 20/20. The procedure is a breeze, and the recovery was quick. A series of drops for a few days and these goggles to sleep in. Talk to the doc but sunglasses and probably most importantly keeping sweat and dirt, wind out of your eyes, it shouldn't take long. I am sure the new procedure is quicker than what I had, the only adjustment was starbursting with bright lights at night. That went away. Good luck.

[ginny]

I too was told I was a great candidate for LASIK, and the day I went in for the procedure, they discovered they couldn't fit the eyelid retractor things in my eyes (my head is really small), so my only option was PRK. I had it done. I'm glad I did, but it was TOUGH recovery. I understand PRK is very different from LASIK. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I hope for a more clear representation of what I was in for? YES! It sure is nice to have good vision now. I will say I will NOT ever have a touch up done if they have to do PRK. Does this answer your question? ... probably not. Other than saying, it's worth it, we are all individuals and recovery times vary. Sometimes being a great candidate doesn't ensure you will be able to get LASIK, but there are other options available. It's scary, but I think you should go for it!

[GLC1968]

My DH just had the laser wave-technology done two weeks ago. In less than a week, they told him he was healed, to stop with the medicated drops and that he could skip the sleeping goggles.

He asked about cycling right away (both doctors at this clinic were also cyclists) and they said he'd be fine after 24 hours if he wore good sunglasses. He did and he was fine. Surgery on Friday, first 40 mile ride on Sunday (mowed lawn on Saturday).

All smooth sailing!

Edited to add: I got to watch the surgery and it was amazing!

[Skierchickie]

This new procedure sounds wonderful! I had LASIK in 2002 (I think). It's the best decision I ever made. I do have a little problem with reflective surfaces at night (especially in the rain), but not too bad. DH had the same thing a couple of years later, and has a little more trouble, but I think it's more because of his age-related near-sightedness, which it doesn't correct for.

The people I've talked to who had it done at the cheaper places closer to home had much more difficulty with the recovery. My eye Dr. recommended a guy in Madison, WI, so that was where I went. I think some things are worth paying more for - eyesight is one of them.

It sounds like the recovery time is even better than when I had it, and I didn't have any problems.

My eyes were BAD (started wearing glasses in the 1st grade, contacts in the 6th), and now it's as if nothing was ever wrong. No more HEAVY glasses bouncing on my nose when I run, or siding down my nose when I sweat, no more excruciating pain when dust gets in my eyes with my contacts, no more groping around blindly at the pool, etc.

Good luck!

[kelownagirl]

I had PRK. Let me know if you want my experience.