Ortho-K
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>>There are many others such as the incidence of scleral and retinal detachments due to the high vacuums required for the micro-keratomes to cut the corneal flap.<<
I remember the vacuum used for mine was .5 psi, I couldn't even feel it. For a 1/2" corneal flap this would be less than 3 oz. of pull. It seem that any retinal detachments caused by the procedure would have to happen during the procedure rather than down the road several years. My brother is an airline mechanic instead of a pilot because of his keratokonis, I thought that was a childhood disease. It sure seems to me that the biggest risk is not following the exact post op instructions of the Dr. (Drop regimen, no pools or hottubs, washing the hands and care not to move the flap while healing) because of the risks associated with infection while healing. I visited my optometrist yesterday for my yearly thorough eye exam (2 yrs after the LASIK) Absolutely no problems, 20/20 or better in each and 20/15 in both, a hint of astigmatism in one but the topography was identical to 1 year ago. I'm not saying that it's impossible but I can't understand how my eyes today are any different than natural, healthy 20/20 eyes. How much greater are these occurrances than that of the general population?
I remember the vacuum used for mine was .5 psi, I couldn't even feel it. For a 1/2" corneal flap this would be less than 3 oz. of pull. It seem that any retinal detachments caused by the procedure would have to happen during the procedure rather than down the road several years. My brother is an airline mechanic instead of a pilot because of his keratokonis, I thought that was a childhood disease. It sure seems to me that the biggest risk is not following the exact post op instructions of the Dr. (Drop regimen, no pools or hottubs, washing the hands and care not to move the flap while healing) because of the risks associated with infection while healing. I visited my optometrist yesterday for my yearly thorough eye exam (2 yrs after the LASIK) Absolutely no problems, 20/20 or better in each and 20/15 in both, a hint of astigmatism in one but the topography was identical to 1 year ago. I'm not saying that it's impossible but I can't understand how my eyes today are any different than natural, healthy 20/20 eyes. How much greater are these occurrances than that of the general population?
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Blindside
Like Rogaine, I had lasik a couple of years ago and now have 6/6 vision. I passed initial Class 1 coming well inside required standards on all scores. I asked you for evidence of the research you refer to. Where is it? How about some links! I share your view that decisions to go for lasik should not be taken lightly. I certainly spent a great deal of time carrying out extensive research over a number of years before deciding to go ahead. I suspect Rogaine is no different. At the end of the day, no surgical procedure is totally without risk. The key point is to manage that risk by making oneself aware of exactly what is involved through study of technical papers, speaking to people who have undergone the procedure and AVOIDING PUTTING TOO MUCH CREDENCE ON UNSUBSTANTIATED HEARSAY. Bear the following in mind. The CAA now accept laser corrected vision for initial Class 1 and have been accepting it for renewals for a number of years. Do you not think they have carried out extensive research; of course they have. They are not going to agree to someone with some sort of latent visual defect taking charge of an aircraft are they? One final point; I discovered that the opthalmologist who was responsible for my Class 1 eyesight evaluation was in fact also a lasik practitioner. These people do not take the decision to practice such techniques any more lightly than those of us who entrust our eyesight and future career prospects to them.
Like Rogaine, I had lasik a couple of years ago and now have 6/6 vision. I passed initial Class 1 coming well inside required standards on all scores. I asked you for evidence of the research you refer to. Where is it? How about some links! I share your view that decisions to go for lasik should not be taken lightly. I certainly spent a great deal of time carrying out extensive research over a number of years before deciding to go ahead. I suspect Rogaine is no different. At the end of the day, no surgical procedure is totally without risk. The key point is to manage that risk by making oneself aware of exactly what is involved through study of technical papers, speaking to people who have undergone the procedure and AVOIDING PUTTING TOO MUCH CREDENCE ON UNSUBSTANTIATED HEARSAY. Bear the following in mind. The CAA now accept laser corrected vision for initial Class 1 and have been accepting it for renewals for a number of years. Do you not think they have carried out extensive research; of course they have. They are not going to agree to someone with some sort of latent visual defect taking charge of an aircraft are they? One final point; I discovered that the opthalmologist who was responsible for my Class 1 eyesight evaluation was in fact also a lasik practitioner. These people do not take the decision to practice such techniques any more lightly than those of us who entrust our eyesight and future career prospects to them.
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Fellas
My experiences and knowledge are based on almost ten years of selling ophthalmic products, including micro-keratomes and excimer lasers.
Luckily,I have never had a serious problem with my eyesight that has meant that I could not fulfil a dream, such as flying commercially. I have never woken up and been unable to see the alarm clock. You guys probably have. These are powerful motivators to having refractive surgery. It appears that you have all had excellent results and you are all extremely happy. Great.
I agree with you, the vast majority of LASIK procedures result in happy patients. However, you do not get patients shopping around for low cost heart surgery in the same way that some do for refractive surgery, this driving down of prices cannot be good for the patient. It is a serious game and should be treated as such. It sounds as if you guys gave it the respect that it deserves and I am sure that your attitude contributed to your successful outcomes.
If I had to have it done, I would have the benefit of knowing who to go to and perhaps more importantly who to avoid. In the correct hands a micro-keratome and excimer laser can produce wonderful results. In the wrong hands, it is a disaster waiting to happen.
I would also suggest that the reason that some consultants are getting involved in refractive procedures is primarily financial. They are adding to their portfolio in order to create another revenue stream from private patients with gross refractive error. If they do not perform the procedure then the patient will go down the road to the surgeon who will.
I am not saying that the majority of patients are not experiencing fantastic results. My point is that there are worrying signs from earlier patients that are returning with unforeseen problems that are leading to some doctors asking whether the procedure is flawed. Now undoubtedly a proportion of these returning patients are due to doctors honing their skills, previously poor patient selection criteria, and the rapid development of the procedure. A number are being attributed to the procedure itself.
This is information I have gleaned from conversations with consultants, the trade and from doctor’s presentations at meetings. I hope I am wrong. The consequences of a serious flaw in the procedure will include a large number of unhappy patients and a huge increase in corneal transplants. A situation which none of us would like to witness.
Regards
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Half man, Half jalfrezi.
My experiences and knowledge are based on almost ten years of selling ophthalmic products, including micro-keratomes and excimer lasers.
Luckily,I have never had a serious problem with my eyesight that has meant that I could not fulfil a dream, such as flying commercially. I have never woken up and been unable to see the alarm clock. You guys probably have. These are powerful motivators to having refractive surgery. It appears that you have all had excellent results and you are all extremely happy. Great.
I agree with you, the vast majority of LASIK procedures result in happy patients. However, you do not get patients shopping around for low cost heart surgery in the same way that some do for refractive surgery, this driving down of prices cannot be good for the patient. It is a serious game and should be treated as such. It sounds as if you guys gave it the respect that it deserves and I am sure that your attitude contributed to your successful outcomes.
If I had to have it done, I would have the benefit of knowing who to go to and perhaps more importantly who to avoid. In the correct hands a micro-keratome and excimer laser can produce wonderful results. In the wrong hands, it is a disaster waiting to happen.
I would also suggest that the reason that some consultants are getting involved in refractive procedures is primarily financial. They are adding to their portfolio in order to create another revenue stream from private patients with gross refractive error. If they do not perform the procedure then the patient will go down the road to the surgeon who will.
I am not saying that the majority of patients are not experiencing fantastic results. My point is that there are worrying signs from earlier patients that are returning with unforeseen problems that are leading to some doctors asking whether the procedure is flawed. Now undoubtedly a proportion of these returning patients are due to doctors honing their skills, previously poor patient selection criteria, and the rapid development of the procedure. A number are being attributed to the procedure itself.
This is information I have gleaned from conversations with consultants, the trade and from doctor’s presentations at meetings. I hope I am wrong. The consequences of a serious flaw in the procedure will include a large number of unhappy patients and a huge increase in corneal transplants. A situation which none of us would like to witness.
Regards
------------------
Half man, Half jalfrezi.
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Blindside
thanks for that. I think you have raised a serious issue. As in any profession, people are sadly often motivated by greed rather than the good of their patient or indeed their profession. I paid dear (financially)for my lasik. However, I was totally convinced of the professionalism of the surgeon. His reluctance, indeed refusal to perform the surgery bilaterally, his use of what, at the time was the best microkeratome and laser equipment available (according to my research at that time), his practice of using a new blade each time he performed the surgery etc., all helped persuade me that the risks would be as low as possible. I was fortunate. I know that some people, thankfully a small minority, have suffered complications. I was made aware of these by the surgeon at the outset. Unfortunately people do go into this with their eyes closed sometimes so it is important to keep the debate alive and give good advice to those for whom lasik and similar procedures perhaps offer the only opportunity for many people to progress to careers in aviation.
thanks for that. I think you have raised a serious issue. As in any profession, people are sadly often motivated by greed rather than the good of their patient or indeed their profession. I paid dear (financially)for my lasik. However, I was totally convinced of the professionalism of the surgeon. His reluctance, indeed refusal to perform the surgery bilaterally, his use of what, at the time was the best microkeratome and laser equipment available (according to my research at that time), his practice of using a new blade each time he performed the surgery etc., all helped persuade me that the risks would be as low as possible. I was fortunate. I know that some people, thankfully a small minority, have suffered complications. I was made aware of these by the surgeon at the outset. Unfortunately people do go into this with their eyes closed sometimes so it is important to keep the debate alive and give good advice to those for whom lasik and similar procedures perhaps offer the only opportunity for many people to progress to careers in aviation.
