Lasik in OKC

[BoomerThunder1]

Any recommendations or experiences?

[OkiePoke]

I highly recommend Clear Sight off of Rockwell and Expressway. Clearsight

I had it done back in January. It did cost a bit more, but it seemed like they had the better technology and the shortest recovery time. They also provided the prescription eye drops. I figured it was worth the cost difference (about $700) to not have to medicate for more than a week.

I also went to LASIK Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | LASIK Vision Institute

This was a cheaper place where they made the flap cut with a blade. Clearsight is bladeless which is why it is a shorter recovery. I really didn't like the pople at Lasik Institution. I went in around October. I was planning on using my FlexPlan for additional savings (highly recommend). I felt they were really pushy trying to get me to schedule less than 2 weeks out from my first appointment.

Overall, it came out to be about the same after using my FlexPlan and getting a discount from Lasik Institution for doing it in October. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[oklip955]

If you have large pupils DONT DO IT!!! You will have life time glare issues. I had cataract surgery on one eye that did not have a cataract ( I was lied to) the doctor also did some kind of a vision enhasment that really mesed up my eye. I had to go to the doc that wrote the book on eye surgery to get my eye fixed but I stil have bad glare issues at night and if light hits the side of my eye. I would highly recommend not to do any lasik and if you do have it done by the latest technology out there.I would not recommend anyone in OKC but would recommend going to a doctor in Kansas City who is 1# in the world in laser eye surgery. He doesn't take insurance, cash only but he is the best in the world and trained under my eye doctor. He is on College blvd in Overland Park.

[kevinpate]

I've considered this off and on but either talk myself out of it, or have been actively encouraged to not do it. My eyes are fairly bad however, and that is a big factor for not doing it.

[Urbanized]

If you have large pupils DONT DO IT!!! You will have life time glare issues...

I'm sorry you had those problems, oklip955, but I too was diagnosed with larger than average pupils, and don't have these issues at all, because mine was done with the right technology from the outset. This completely depends upon the laser used. I did a huge amount of research before committing to a doctor or to a technology, and paid twice what most surgeons charge, because, well...they are MY EYES. Most surgeons (even excellent ones) are still using first-generation laser equipment, with technology that is well over 20 years old. There have been improvements made since, which specifically address the issue you describe. At the time that I had mine done (10 years ago), only two places offered the newer techonology; Weir Laser Center or the Dean A. McGee Eye institute. There might be more now, but I highly recommend Dr. Weir from experience. He in turn was recommended to me by my optometrist, who in fact had HIS laser surgery done at Weir, which told me an awful lot.

The newer technology is from Bausch and Lomb, and is known as Zyoptix. While traditional lasers are 6mm and burn your cornea in a grid pattern, Zyoptix uses a 2mm laser, and darts around the corneal surface in a seemingly random pattern. This creates a smoother "blend zone" on the edge of the surgery area, so that if your pupil dilates beyond the edge of the area light still comes through a smooth layer of corneal tissue. The traditional laser creates a "shoulder"; a hard edge along the blend zone, and THIS is what causes the halo. My eyes were of particular concern to all of the doctors that I saw, because not only did I have large pupils, but I had a terrible astigmatism (-6.0 cylinder in one eye. -5.75 in the other), which meant much more corneal tissue had to removed than the average surgery, which would create an even more pronounced shoulder at the blend zone with a traditional laser. The "burn" for most people is around 10 seconds per eye. Mine was around 90 seconds per eye. It was the worst astigmatism Dr. Weir had ever treated.

I came through with flying colors. I had the halo effect for about a week (which is expected and which I was warned about), so I know exactly what it looks like. It would indeed be awful to live with. But after my eyes settled it completely went away, and the results have been personally incredibly liberating. I can't recommend the surgery or Dr. Weir enough to do them justice.

For more explanation of the difference between most lasers and what Zyoptix offers, here is an explanation from Weir Laser Center's website:

All Lasers Are Not Created Equal

There are three main reasons why the Bausch and Lomb Laser is superior to other lasers in the market.

First, the Bausch and Lomb laser is specifically designed for the LASIK procedure. Other lasers have been adapted from older technology to incorporate LASIK procedures and they don’t offer the same advancements as the Technolas Laser.

Second, the Technolas allows a greater treatment area. Bausch and Lomb realized that some patient results are affected by the direct relationship of the treatment area and the patient’s pupil size. This relationship is especially important during low light conditions such as driving at night. Bausch and Lomb’s larger treatment area allows the laser to smooth and blend beyond the required treatment area, minimizing the risk of glare and halos.

Lastly, the Bausch and Lomb Laser offers the dancing light difference. The Technolas Laser uses a narrow 2mm beam that literally dances across the cornea blending the larger treatment area smoothly into the surrounding corneal tissue for an unmatched final result. Other excimer lasers use a large 6-8mm broad beam or use a broad beam that has been split into several smaller beams that are rotated around the cornea. These other lasers leave behind steep, angular edges and an increased occurrence of adverse effects. The Bausch and Lomb Laser features advancements that greatly reduce poor night vision, glare, and halos while significantly improving daylight vision.

[Filthy]

One of the issues of asking such a question on an open "public" forum, is that you will get a lot of opinions based on personal experience, and more times than not, those opinions are based more on emotion than informational facts. In the very few posts that have been made, there has already been a lot of misinformation shared. (As in.....there are a few opinions being shared, that are being championed to you, as being a "fact.")

Each case is different, just as the different laser technologies provide different results. Often times, an optometrist will recommend a certain laser center, because that's the one that they signed a contract with. As in, there are often times that a different type of laser technology might actually give you better results, but because said doctor is being paid $400+ per referral to a certain laser center, they will recommend that a laser/treatment center . So, you might very well get good results, even though there might be an option available that could get you BETTER/BEST results.

But the key fact being, that the different laser technologies treat different types of vision issues. Biggest problem in asking such a question, is that there are countless types "laser eye surgeries." So, most people lump them all together, and call them all Lasik when in fact there are so many different types of procedures being performed, with said "laser." Obviously results very. That's why it is very important to have a good optometrist, that is familiar with your vision history.

In regards to the Optometrists/Ophthalmologists themselves, here in Oklahoma City...and Oklahoma as a whole.....

Oklahoma eye doctors, both Optometrists, and Opthalmologists (MDs, and O.D.) are considered some of the best around the entire Country. As in..if you are in the eye doctor in NYC, NY.....or Los Angeles, CA.....you are very aware of the schooling that is provided in Oklahoma. The optometry school in Tahlequah, OK is considered the Princeton/Yale of the Optometry field. Literally the best optometry school in the Country. Optometrists in the State of Oklahoma are the only optometrists in the entire Country, where it is legal for them to perform certain procedures." As in, the schooling they have been provided, allows them to do procedures that optometrists in the 49 other states.....cannot "by law" perfom. Moreso, the first lasik procedure to ever be performed in the United States was here in Oklahoma. Tulsa to be exact.

Either way, I'm not trying to bore you with some of these facts. I would recommend doing as much research you can, and then research some more. I would hope that you have a regular optometrist you see on a regular basis, and that they have a good history of your personal eye health. There are a ton of doctors around the Country who will tell you that they're the #1 laser surgeon in the World...or that they have performed the most procedures in the entire World. As in..this is their way of advertising, and bringing in business. They are typically stating that they have been doing this a long time, and have a ton of experience (number of surgeries) under their belt. So, their #1 claim...typically means most quantity...But that doesn't necessarily mean, that they are #1 in the World/Country/State in getting the #1 best results. Those results, as far as a numbered ratio of patients that are 100% completely happy, or patients that claim 100% that their vision is 20/20 aren't released to the public, as it would be a HIPPA violation. But either way, you should be 100 % confident in having the procedure in Oklahoma, as the eye care professionals here in Oklahoma are second none.

[okatty]

I had mine done years ago and have to say it was a life changing event for the positive. I had gotten intolerant to my contacts and had pretty bad near-sightednesss and astigmatism. I agree this is a very individual thing and everyone has different situations on lots of different fronts. But just in terms of it making a positive impact in my life, I cannot say enough good about it - for me anyway. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

I had mine done at Dean McGee by Tom Wolfe - he is no longer there but I'm sure they have other capable people.

[turnpup]

Same with me regarding Dean A. McGee. I believe it was David Jackson who did mine, about 15-ish years ago.

The only bad thing was that I didn't realize I would eventually still need reading glasses! And apparently there's no way to fix that (unless/until one has cataract surgery, I think).

[Homegirl08]

Yup. Oklahoma eye docs are among the best of the best. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists receive phenomenal training here.

[oklip955]

Dr. Weir was trained by my doctor in KC. I did not have lasic. We really don't know what was done to my eye other then have cataract surgery for a none existant cataract. I could not get my medical records. Doctor in KC had to just figure out how to fix the damage.

[ctchandler]

Same with me regarding Dean A. McGee. I believe it was David Jackson who did mine, about 15-ish years ago.

The only bad thing was that I didn't realize I would eventually still need reading glasses! And apparently there's no way to fix that (unless/until one has cataract surgery, I think).

Terri,
I have had cataract surgery in both eyes and it doesn't change your vision, so my bi-focal glasses were still necessary. I had no correction in my left lens and 20/25 in my right lens before and after the surgery and seldom put my glasses on. If the print is really small, or the lighting is not good, I use my bi-focals
C. T.

[mugofbeer]

I had lasic 7 years ago at 48. Only thing negative it did was bring on my need for reading glasses. Can see 20-20 at a distance but need glasses within 15 feet. Had baaaad vision before. Love it even with need for readers. No surgery is perfect but if you are active at all, i highly recommend it. Its painless and very easy.

[Bellaboo]

Had mine done in 2003. The only thing they don't tell you is that when the laser is cutting the eye, there is a rancid smell from the burn that it does. They didn't warn me about that and it's my only complaint. Well worth it and have great vision compared to before, 20/25.

[jn1780]

Dr. Weir was trained by my doctor in KC. I did not have lasic. We really don't know what was done to my eye other then have cataract surgery for a none existant cataract. I could not get my medical records. Doctor in KC had to just figure out how to fix the damage.

I wonder how the KC doctor knew you had a non existent cataract after the surgery was already completed. I thought the whole point was to remove the cataracts.

[ctchandler]

I wonder how the KC doctor knew you had a non existent cataract after the surgery was already completed. I thought the whole point was to remove the cataracts.

Jn,
Actually, they remove the lens and replace it with plastic. As far as I know, the cataract can't be removed. Maybe the KC doctor or the lab examined the lens after removal and realized it didn't have cataracts. Actually, I find it difficult to believe that a doctor would make that kind of mistake. Cataracts aren't that difficult to detect. Ha, easy for me to say, I'm like a back seat driver.
C. T.

[turnpup]

Terri,
I have had cataract surgery in both eyes and it doesn't change your vision, so my bi-focal glasses were still necessary. I had no correction in my left lens and 20/25 in my right lens before and after the surgery and seldom put my glasses on. If the print is really small, or the lighting is not good, I use my bi-focals
C. T.

Ah...I could've sworn that somebody said now they can do some sort of thingy with the new lens that would improve the need for reading glasses. Drat! At this point I'm still fighting the urge to use readers, but I know the day is coming.

[soonermike81]

Dr Wilson at clear sight did mine right at 10 years ago, and I'm loving it. Still see great with no issues. However, my buddy did his with Dr Wilson about 15-16 years ago, and he says his is going bad. Not sure of the technology difference between those two timeframes, though. Just throwing in my experience. GL!

[ctchandler]

Ah...I could've sworn that somebody said now they can do some sort of thingy with the new lens that would improve the need for reading glasses. Drat! At this point I'm still fighting the urge to use readers, but I know the day is coming.

The muscles that adjust your focus for reading/distance don't change with cataract surgery. The muscles get weak as we get older, that's why we end up with reading glasses/bifocals. The cataract surgery involves replacement of the human lens with plastic (new lenses), and is clear, no correction, and even if there was correction, it has no impact on the focusing capability of your eyes.
C. T.

[turnpup]

^^^^^

Thanks for explaining that, CT. Sounds like you know the process backward and forward!

[mugofbeer]

The muscles that adjust your focus for reading/distance don't change with cataract surgery. The muscles get weak as we get older, that's why we end up with reading glasses/bifocals. The cataract surgery involves replacement of the human lens with plastic (new lenses), and is clear, no correction, and even if there was correction, it has no impact on the focusing capability of your eyes.
C. T.

Mine wasn't cataract-related but it absolutely brought on my need for readers. I was at the age when it happens anyway but i can tell you first-hand i didnt need them before, but i did after. May have been the timing. LOVE the surgery, though.

[flintysooner]

Terri,
I have had cataract surgery in both eyes and it doesn't change your vision, so my bi-focal glasses were still necessary. I had no correction in my left lens and 20/25 in my right lens before and after the surgery and seldom put my glasses on. If the print is really small, or the lighting is not good, I use my bi-focals
C. T.

Just had cataract surgery and chose Toric lenses that eliminated my astigmatism to the point I no longer require glasses for driving or normal work. I do need glasses for reading although I can read most things unless very small. My old prescription doesn't work at all for me. I am very pleased although becoming accustomed to no glasses after wearing glasses for 45 years is more of an adjustment than I anticipated.

[oklip955]

One of the things that sent up the red flag was the first doctor refusing to release my medical records to either me or the doctor in KC which I understand is not legal. Anyway the doctor in KC is very highly regarded in the eye world. I did try to write a more complete explaination and this site would not let me post it. It gave me a message to log in again. Seems that happens about half the time I try to post.

[ShadowStrings]

I'm having my consultation at LasikPlus next Tuesday. It's the only place nearby that my eye insurance covers. I'm still pretty young (24), but I figure the sooner I do it, the more worthwhile the investment!

[Bellaboo]

One of the things that sent up the red flag was the first doctor refusing to release my medical records to either me or the doctor in KC which I understand is not legal. Anyway the doctor in KC is very highly regarded in the eye world. I did try to write a more complete explaination and this site would not let me post it. It gave me a message to log in again. Seems that happens about half the time I try to post.

Sounds like you didn't save your profile maybe ?

[ctchandler]

Just had cataract surgery and chose Toric lenses that eliminated my astigmatism to the point I no longer require glasses for driving or normal work. I do need glasses for reading although I can read most things unless very small. My old prescription doesn't work at all for me. I am very pleased although becoming accustomed to no glasses after wearing glasses for 45 years is more of an adjustment than I anticipated.

Flintysooner,
I have not heard of any improvement of normal eyesight because of cataract surgery, but of course, new plastic means clean lenses, so all the problems related to cataracts are gone after surgery. Keep in mind, I had my surgery(s) in 1993 and early 1994, so I'm not aware of any new procedures. No reason to keep up with it since I can never have cataracts again. Cataracts are a growth and nothing grows on plastic.
C. T.