Health & Wellness

[Merged] laser eye surgery

Poll: Mid twenties a good age to get it done?

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Yes
 
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No
 
84
16%
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160
31%
Jr. Member
Jan 16, 2009
117 posts
3 upvotes
Brampton
Hey everyone. So I ended up getting Custom Waverfront Lasik done at LasikMD Mississauga on May 13th. Just want to share my experience for some people interested in Lasik and provide a step-by-step scenario of what the whole process was like.

My surgery was on May 13th 2016 and I had taken Friday off from work and returned to work on Tuesday. I was asked to come at 8:45 on the day of the surgery and I got there right on time. Got to reception and they checked off that I came and told me to have a seat. There were about 5 other people already there waiting to get Lasik done as well.

I was called in around 9:15ish to see the first specialist who re-checked my current vision and then had me sit down take a mapping of my eye. After that was done I was told to sit back down and was called in by another specialist at 10ish. This specialist had me sign all the paperwork and explained the schedules for post-treatment drops I would have to take after the surgery. There were a total of 3 drops ($50 in total), which I will explain later on. The total for both eyes came out to $4280. I paid by credit card because their financing is about 8-9%, which is way to high. I also used the Perkopolis discount, which gave me $225 off.

I was told to sit back down and was called around 11:15ish to sit on some chairs between the resting air and the operating area. I was given a hairnet and was told that my turn was coming up and that if I had a cell phone, I should turn it off. After 10 mins I was taken to some chairs in front of the operating room and had to sit there for about 10 minutes. Then I was called into the operating room.

My surgeon was Dr. Keon Nia. He sat me down next to his computer and told me that according to the scans of eyes, the procedure would go well and that if I had any questions I should ask him. I told him that I am usually very sensitive to light and if that was a sign of dry eyes and what type of impact it would have post-surgery. He told me the scans tell him that my eyes are not dry and that I should have nothing to worry about. By the way there were about 2 other technicians in the room that I believe were operating the machinery and assisting the surgeon.

I was then told to lay down on this platform and was provided 2 stress balls. The machine slowly started moving towards the operating area. The lights that were above my head were so bright that my eyes were tearing up and I couldn't even open my eyes when I asked to. About 5 numbing drops were put into each after 10 second intervals. Tapes were then put on my lower and upper eye lids and then my left eye was taped shut so the doctor could start the operation on my right eye. A clamp was placed to keep my eye open and I was told to look at the flash green dot in the middle, which I did. Then it felt like a tiny magnifying glass was rested on top of my eye, which sort of made my vision a lit by clearer while I was looking at the flashing green dot. The surgeon told me to relax and that he was going to cut the flap with the microkeratome. It felt like someone turned on shaving trimmer and went across my eye. I didn't feel any pain, but vision went dark and I could only see flashing green dot and some other dots (probably the light bulbs of the other lights). The surgeon asked if I was alright. I said yes, but I was squeezing the stress balls fast and tried to stay calm. Then the surgeon told the technicians to start the laser and I could feel the machine running and the smell of something burning, but no pain. Then the flap was covered and the surgeon sprayed some liquid over it and told me to close my eye and taped.

He then told me that the surgery was successful in my right and did the same to my left eye. After the surgery was done, he told me to sit down and took the tapes off both eyes. He then used a machine with lights to check my eyes. He said everything looks good and I thanked him and the technicians. I was still seeing blurry and he told me to go into the dark room and keep my eyes closed in there. There were 2 other people in the room (the people who did their surgeries before me). Soon one of the employees came after 20 mins and he told put all 3 drops in my eyes after 5 minute intervals and told me to wear the glasses that they provided (I think it cost $10). I was then brought to the waiting area and it seemed like there were about 15 people waiting there. After 10 minutes, I was then brought to room where a specialist checked my eyes and put some drops in my eyes (Sustane Ultra).

After that I went home and I watched no TV until Monday. For the first 2 days I had to put Zymar drops in my eyes every 4 hours, Maxidex drops every 2 hours and Sustane Ultra every 2 hours. I had a follow up the next day after the surgery and had my eyes checked by specialist and was told my eyes were still a bit dry and was told to use only Maxidex and Sustane Ultra for every 2 hours until the next follow up on Saturday May 21st. On Monday (3 days after the surgery I could already begin seeing clear and noticed some halos around the pot-lights in my house. When I went for my 7 day follow up, I had 20/20 vision and that I would still be improving little by little and that I have another follow up after a month.

Overall, I would say that I love my current vision and the fact I don't need to wear glasses anymore. The staff was really friendly at LasikMD and so was the surgeon. I still use the Sustane Ultra's twice a day (Morning and Night), but overall I don't feel my drying up or any other issues. Hopefully my vision will continue to improve in the next coming months as I was told that the first week is like wearing dirty classes and that my eyes can take about 3-6 months to fully recover.

FYI this was a pretty lengthy post, so there may be some errors :P
Member
Aug 31, 2014
379 posts
200 upvotes
Toronto, ON
Thanks for the lengthy post jattunit!!!
I've been on the fence for years and finally booked an appointment for June 15 at the downtown lasik location. I think your post put me at ease a bit.

You mentioned that you saw halos around pot lights - is that still happening? (3 weeks post surgery) anything else bothering you? Did they give you valium? One the reasons why I've been hesitant is that I'm very nervous about surgeries and pain in general...
Deal Addict
Dec 12, 2010
1048 posts
784 upvotes
jattunit wrote: Hey everyone. So I ended up getting Custom Waverfront Lasik done at LasikMD Mississauga on May 13th. Just want to share my experience for some people interested in Lasik and provide a step-by-step scenario of what the whole process was like.
thanks for the post, I actually have advanced customer all laser lasik surgery scheduled in 2 weeks at lasikMD downtown toronto. I was given a quote of $4630 + $50 drops, which I will use the perkopolis to save another $225. I am pretty confident I want to do this asap but wondering if you or anyone has any tips to use the Price match to get the quote down any further.
Jr. Member
Jan 16, 2009
117 posts
3 upvotes
Brampton
chaugh wrote: thanks for the post, I actually have advanced customer all laser lasik surgery scheduled in 2 weeks at lasikMD downtown toronto. I was given a quote of $4630 + $50 drops, which I will use the perkopolis to save another $225. I am pretty confident I want to do this asap but wondering if you or anyone has any tips to use the Price match to get the quote down any further.
As I mentioned I was charged $4280 (my vision was -4 in the left and -3.50 in the right). Since your getting it downtown, just be prepared to pay higher since leases downtown are probably higher and that might affect cost.

LasikMD website states:

1) The competitor offering the lowest price must be located in the same city (I bet Herzeig and Bochner will charge way more, so hard to price match)
2) Cannot be combined with any other offer (So no Perkopolis coupon)
Newbie
Feb 24, 2008
46 posts
2 upvotes
Hello, I went in for LASIK consultations at Bochner, Herzig and LasikMD. I'm trying to decide between Herzig and LasikMD, the difference in cost is not that much, as I have a pretty high prescription. I'm wondering how the post-op care is in Herzig, I've read a lot of people's experience in LasikMD and not much on Herzig. Is there anyone here who would like to share their post-op experience in Herzig?

Thanks in advance!
Newbie
Jun 2, 2016
1 posts
i just had consultation done on both TLC and LasikMD (downtown) - both quoted me exactly the same price. I am torn between the two - TLC seems to care more but I dont know much about the surgeon while LasikMD is more a revolving door type clinic but I have the co-founder as the surgeon.

what is the word on the street comparing the two?
Newbie
Feb 24, 2008
46 posts
2 upvotes
ktang4212 wrote: i just had consultation done on both TLC and LasikMD (downtown) - both quoted me exactly the same price. I am torn between the two - TLC seems to care more but I dont know much about the surgeon while LasikMD is more a revolving door type clinic but I have the co-founder as the surgeon.

what is the word on the street comparing the two?
I was told and after some research, the top three for lasik are Bochner, Herzig and LasikMD. That's why I went for consultation to those three.
Deal Addict
Dec 12, 2010
1048 posts
784 upvotes
OK guys I am going to share my experience, I am sure this will be useful for people who are thinking of doing it and/or shopping around.

LasikMD: First one I went to. they were fast but thorough, tons of people in the seating area. Recommended lasik with the price in the mid 4k. Also had the option to do it with the co-founder for the same price. Honestly the place gave a efficient, good value vibe, currently my first choice. There is $225 off perkopolis or you can price match with competitor.

Bochner: asked for appointment, gave me one a month away. I declined because 1. I dont want to wait a month. 2. they used the same technology as everyone else. 3. I already know it would be more expensive than lasikMD even with venngo $700 off.

YELC (now TLC): they were very thorough, met with the surgeon and explained everything in depth. Said I am on the verge on lasik / PRK and explained the risks of lasik over PRK and even showed me the surgery room. Again in the mid 4Ks. Only thing was the counselor was kinda pushy scheduling a surgery, but honestly it felt like this place cares alot about your eyes and want to do their due diligence. If you didn't like lasikMD for whatever reason this would be my other choice.

Herzig: place was very nice and big but their equipment was in the hallway which I thought was kinda weird. I was really interested in their SMILE technology as its the "4th gen" lasik, but they said I wasn't even eligible for that, let alone lasik / prk. Wanted me to do implantable lens for 4k per eye (yes 8k+ in total). I threw away the brochure after I walked out the building.

Clearview Vision Institute: after consultation, this was the winner and I will be going with them this Thursday with SMILE technique. Clinic took a little while to find but it was very new. Service was pretty slow but good. I was given free eye drops and told to be a great candidate for SMILE. Cost is also mid 4k and you get dr Kranneman as the surgeon, who is apparently world renowned. In addition, this place has all the latest technology, including something called lasik xtra which seems to make your eye stronger. I dont think LasikMD has this. So for the same low cost as LasikMD, you are guaranteed to have a good surgeon (not hit and miss) and have the latest technology!

Note this was all based on my experiences, if yours was different, please feel free to add.
Member
Aug 31, 2014
379 posts
200 upvotes
Toronto, ON
Just got Lasik Custom Wavefront done Jun 15 at Lasik MD, here's my experience.

I went to Lasik Downtown Toronto for a consultation a few years ago, but was too nervous to get this done.
Fast forward to a few months ago, I was thinking about it again, and went to the North York location for consultation. The eye care professional was very nice and gentle, and explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. The quotation/finance person was a lot more pushy (but so was my husband), and we ended up booking an appointment with Dr Wallerstein at the first Canadian place location because his schedule is quite busy.

Surgery day came, I was one of the earliest appointments (note that they don't tell you the time of the appointment until 24-48hrs before), and Jonathan - my eye care professional - checked my eyes again. He was great!!!!! Very patient and gentle, offered answers even though I couldn't think of any questions, shared his own experience (yes he did get LASIK himself), even though it's 8:15 in the morning.

Next we had to pay, and Carly (sp?) was also very nice in going through everything, including the eye drops schedule and post-op care.

Then I met Dr Wallerstein and he was clear in explaining everything as well. Because I requested Xanax, I had to wait another 30min before my surgery.

Surgery itself was way faster than expected, and was not painful even though I was super nervous. The doctor and the OR staff were all very nice. I was in and out in 10 min for a -8 prescription. And Jonathan was right, I am one of the few people who's vision is instantly better than before without glasses/contacts (though it's a bit blurry at this moment due to the flap).

Other staff helped with putting in eye drops and a few of us that were resting were chatting in the darkened area a bit, then Jonathan checked my eyes again and i was all good to go. I was super tired and drowsy all afternoon so I just went home and slept all day.

The next day everything is clear and I tell people LASIK = magic.

Currently on Day 7 since the surgery, and i'm back at work. Not experiencing much symptoms except a bit of dry eyes (I'm supposed to put eye drops 4 times/day, but realistically I drop closer to 6 -7 times/day), and some halos at night around lights - but this is already getting better day by day, and nothing a pair of sunglasses won't fix.

Feel free to ask me more questions
Deal Addict
Feb 12, 2010
4578 posts
1999 upvotes
AB
Tsanger wrote: Just got Lasik Custom Wavefront done Jun 15 at Lasik MD, here's my experience.

Feel free to ask me more questions
How much did it cost?
Member
Aug 31, 2014
379 posts
200 upvotes
Toronto, ON
ciuvak wrote: How much did it cost?
just over $4000. i used a work perks discount and they had some in-month discount, which totalled around $300.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Apr 7, 2005
1749 posts
1361 upvotes
Tsanger wrote: just over $4000. i used a work perks discount and they had some in-month discount, which totalled around $300.
I'm interested in possibly booking a consultation to see if this is right for me but the cost of such a procedure could well exceed my budget I've been saving up. Are you able to refer people to LASIKMD in another city? Don't referrals receive a discount off the procedure and the referree a bonus or something for bringing in extra business?
Always hungry ;)
Banned
Mar 11, 2016
2081 posts
893 upvotes
chaugh wrote: OK guys I am going to share my experience, I am sure this will be useful for people who are thinking of doing it and/or shopping around.

LasikMD: First one I went to. they were fast but thorough, tons of people in the seating area. Recommended lasik with the price in the mid 4k. Also had the option to do it with the co-founder for the same price. Honestly the place gave a efficient, good value vibe, currently my first choice. There is $225 off perkopolis or you can price match with competitor.

Bochner: asked for appointment, gave me one a month away. I declined because 1. I dont want to wait a month. 2. they used the same technology as everyone else. 3. I already know it would be more expensive than lasikMD even with venngo $700 off.

YELC (now TLC): they were very thorough, met with the surgeon and explained everything in depth. Said I am on the verge on lasik / PRK and explained the risks of lasik over PRK and even showed me the surgery room. Again in the mid 4Ks. Only thing was the counselor was kinda pushy scheduling a surgery, but honestly it felt like this place cares alot about your eyes and want to do their due diligence. If you didn't like lasikMD for whatever reason this would be my other choice.

Herzig: place was very nice and big but their equipment was in the hallway which I thought was kinda weird. I was really interested in their SMILE technology as its the "4th gen" lasik, but they said I wasn't even eligible for that, let alone lasik / prk. Wanted me to do implantable lens for 4k per eye (yes 8k+ in total). I threw away the brochure after I walked out the building.

Clearview Vision Institute: after consultation, this was the winner and I will be going with them this Thursday with SMILE technique. Clinic took a little while to find but it was very new. Service was pretty slow but good. I was given free eye drops and told to be a great candidate for SMILE. Cost is also mid 4k and you get dr Kranneman as the surgeon, who is apparently world renowned. In addition, this place has all the latest technology, including something called lasik xtra which seems to make your eye stronger. I dont think LasikMD has this. So for the same low cost as LasikMD, you are guaranteed to have a good surgeon (not hit and miss) and have the latest technology!

Note this was all based on my experiences, if yours was different, please feel free to add.

great post..thanks!
Banned
Mar 11, 2016
2081 posts
893 upvotes
is it true that a percentage of patients end up losing their ability to drive at night ?
Deal Addict
User avatar
Apr 7, 2005
1749 posts
1361 upvotes
Tsanger wrote: Just got Lasik Custom Wavefront done Jun 15 at Lasik MD, here's my experience.

I went to Lasik Downtown Toronto for a consultation a few years ago, but was too nervous to get this done.
Fast forward to a few months ago, I was thinking about it again, and went to the North York location for consultation. The eye care professional was very nice and gentle, and explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. The quotation/finance person was a lot more pushy (but so was my husband), and we ended up booking an appointment with Dr Wallerstein at the first Canadian place location because his schedule is quite busy.

Surgery day came, I was one of the earliest appointments (note that they don't tell you the time of the appointment until 24-48hrs before), and Jonathan - my eye care professional - checked my eyes again. He was great!!!!! Very patient and gentle, offered answers even though I couldn't think of any questions, shared his own experience (yes he did get LASIK himself), even though it's 8:15 in the morning.

Next we had to pay, and Carly (sp?) was also very nice in going through everything, including the eye drops schedule and post-op care.

Then I met Dr Wallerstein and he was clear in explaining everything as well. Because I requested Xanax, I had to wait another 30min before my surgery.

Surgery itself was way faster than expected, and was not painful even though I was super nervous. The doctor and the OR staff were all very nice. I was in and out in 10 min for a -8 prescription. And Jonathan was right, I am one of the few people who's vision is instantly better than before without glasses/contacts (though it's a bit blurry at this moment due to the flap).

Other staff helped with putting in eye drops and a few of us that were resting were chatting in the darkened area a bit, then Jonathan checked my eyes again and i was all good to go. I was super tired and drowsy all afternoon so I just went home and slept all day.

The next day everything is clear and I tell people LASIK = magic.

Currently on Day 7 since the surgery, and i'm back at work. Not experiencing much symptoms except a bit of dry eyes (I'm supposed to put eye drops 4 times/day, but realistically I drop closer to 6 -7 times/day), and some halos at night around lights - but this is already getting better day by day, and nothing a pair of sunglasses won't fix.

Feel free to ask me more questions

Thanks for sharing your experience. This is the bladeless procedure right? Was there a specific reason why you chose this over bladed?

Does your quote include the lifetime warranty? If so do you know the exact details of that?

Also did you have myopia? If so do you now notice any difficulty focusing on very close objects (ie. a few inches away from you eye) after the surgery?
Always hungry ;)
Member
Aug 31, 2014
379 posts
200 upvotes
Toronto, ON
nintendo wrote: Thanks for sharing your experience. This is the bladeless procedure right? Was there a specific reason why you chose this over bladed?
One of the reason I booked the downtown location was because they offered bladeless (the other was the surgeon), but I ended up opting for the blade because it's supposed to be exactly the same for risk/ side effects, but the duration was shorter - I was super nervous already so I didn't want to prolong anything.
nintendo wrote: Does your quote include the lifetime warranty? If so do you know the exact details of that?
Yes. I think the custom wavefront includes a 3 year warranty, but I opted for the lifetime since my prescription is on the higher side, for the low low price of $150/eye (j/k. I figured I have the other discounts to offset it)
nintendo wrote: Also did you have myopia? If so do you now notice any difficulty focusing on very close objects (ie. a few inches away from you eye) after the surgery?
Yes nearsightedness; no, no issues at all. Just need to get used to it. For example, before the surgery, to see my phone without glasses, it'll literally be at my nose, but now I hold my phone at normal people's distance :P
Deal Addict
User avatar
Nov 5, 2006
2397 posts
575 upvotes
PM - VK3Q69
Day 3, Lasik Standard at Downtown. Paid 1900, my prescription was -1.25, very happy so far
.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Apr 7, 2005
1749 posts
1361 upvotes
Tsanger wrote: One of the reason I booked the downtown location was because they offered bladeless (the other was the surgeon), but I ended up opting for the blade because it's supposed to be exactly the same for risk/ side effects, but the duration was shorter - I was super nervous already so I didn't want to prolong anything.
I think if I end up going for this, it may be the same procedure as you. Just so there's no confusion, is this the one you got? http://www.lasikmd.com/toronto/procedur ... -wavefront

Tsanger wrote: Yes nearsightedness; no, no issues at all. Just need to get used to it. For example, before the surgery, to see my phone without glasses, it'll literally be at my nose, but now I hold my phone at normal people's distance :P
Are you still able to see your phone up to your nose? Or does the phone appear blurry now at this distance after the surgery?


Btw, have the doctors mentioned anything about not being able to rub your eyes for a while, and any sort of physical activity and how long you are supposed to wear the shades for?
Always hungry ;)
Deal Addict
User avatar
Jan 22, 2008
4175 posts
1483 upvotes
Calgary
Anybody here that has done the laser eye surgery with King Lasik, especially in Edmonton area?

I got a quote of around $3700 for Advanced Custom Wavefront and $4200 for bladeless at LasikMD. I am curious how much is the going price at King Lasik
Deal Addict
Jun 17, 2012
1176 posts
84 upvotes
STONEY CREEK
nintendo wrote:
Also did you have myopia? If so do you now notice any difficulty focusing on very close objects (ie. a few inches away from you eye) after the surgery?
What you're wondering about is something called Presbyopia, you may be a bit older than the person you're asking so that's why there could be a difference. Or a slight over correction (purposely done for healing/great distance vision)

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