Went to a LASIK consultation at an ophthalmologist yesterday, doctor said I would be a solid candidate for LASIK but I am a bit on the fence due to some of the potential side effects such as dry eye. Wondering if anyone here has had it done and had any input to give?

I'm 37 and had it done when I was 30. I have an astigmatism.

Seven years in and I'm still essentially 20/20. The dry eye phase sucks but only lasted about 5 months. It's absolutely been worth it in my opinion despite the annoying parts at the beginning.

I had it done four or five years ago in my early forties. There was definitely dry eye, but if you carry enough eye drops it's not a huge deal.

There's been a little degradation - I need to wear readers if the text is too small - but I still think it was worth it, especially after thirty years of glasses.

I'm curious about the full lens replacement stuff I have been hearing about. I'm 51 and started wearing readers a few years ago and wouldn't mind not having to bother with anything. I've worn glasses/contact since 4th grade and am officially over it.

Claude! said:

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I had it done four or five years ago in my early forties. There was definitely dry eye, but if you carry enough eye drops it's not a huge deal.

There's been a little degradation - I need to wear readers if the text is too small - but I still think it was worth it, especially after thirty years of glasses.

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The need for reading glasses is not related to your corneas or anything to do with what was done with LASIK. As you get into your mid-40s, the lens inside your eye loses its flexibility and thus the ability to accommodate for near vision. This happens to essentially everyone. If you had not had LASIK and were still wearing glasses, you would be moving to bifocals at this point either way.

Had mine done in mid twenties and now I'm 40 still 20/20-20/30. Best thing I ever did. Dry eyes was temporary.

Had the full lens replacement, $7k+ per eye. Dry eyes were an issue the first year due to the nerve damage. Halos were bad at first, but almost unnoticeable now. Perfect 20/20. One eye had vision issues that slowly developed over years and even with perfect vision in both eyes, it takes a while for the brain to adjust to both eyes with perfect vision. You also need to learn you don't have to focus because everything is in focus always. Had mine done 7/19/24. After a lifetime of extreme nearsightedness, it's awesome. I still feel like I need to take out contact lenses at night. I used Dr. Wong at Austin Eye. He was recommended by a neighbor who opted for the minimum lenses and is happy wearing glasses. I would look into lens replacement if you have eyes that are cataract susceptible.

I have severe myopia and astigmatism with -4.5 diopter so legally blind without glasses. Had lasik done in late 20s and now almost 30 years later still have 20/20 distance vision. Like everyone else I need readers for small text and close detail work but still worth it for sure.

I had PRK a few years ago (similar to LASIK but a more brutal recovery process) and would absolutely do it again.

My eyes can get dry, but I use eye drops in the morning/evening and haven't had a problem. Outside of eye dryness, I have noticed oncoming traffic headlights to be more noticeable, but it's manageable.

Totally worth it. Had it done 20 years ago and would do it again tomorrow. No pain, quick and easy. Obviously there are some risks but after 20 years only issue is as I have aged, night vision is not good. Started after Lasik. Got it for my wife on 1 yr anniversary (so 19 years) and she never had any issues to this day. A blessing for allergy suffers/contact wearing. Had a stigmatism and was in a -4.5 contact in both eyes at the time.

I did a 20 years ago. I can't imagine still having to wear glasses. It's been great.

Had mine done a few years ago. One of best decisions I have done, especially after wearing contacts for so long. I have not really had any issues with dry eye.

Had it done about 25 years ago. One of the best medical decisions of my life. Absolutely zero regrets or side effects and I imagine the tech is much better now.

KidDoc said:

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I have severe myopia and astigmatism with -4.5 diopter so legally blind without glasses. Had lasik done in late 20s and now almost 30 years later still have 20/20 distance vision. Like everyone else I need readers for small text and close detail work but still worth it for sure.

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This was essentially me as well. Had mine done at 29, now almost 46. Best decision.
Some downsides but minor. Dry eyes, sensitive eyes at night driving against headlights of oncoming cars, but still get to wake up every morning, see the alarm clock and NOT put in contacts or wear glasses!

Did mine in mid 30's and was pissed I didn't do it sooner. Mid 40's my eyes changed so I'm in glasses again. If next year my rx is still the same (3 years in a row) I'll get it again since my eyes have stabilized. I'll be 50.

10000% worth it. I was on the very edge of not being eligible with how bad my eyesight was. Was told that I might not be able to get to 20/20. Did not care. Anything would have been better.

Got 20/20. Only get dry eye when I am super dehydrated. The only con I got from it was I did get night halos around bright lights which was explained to me before the procedure as likely to develop. Again, I accepted that risk and again, well worth it.

Nothing beats waking up in the morning, opening my eyes and SEEING without having to put in contacts or glasses.

That being said, so much shaping had to be done due to my severity that I was a one and done procedure. Meaning no more can be done in the future which again was explained to me prior to surgery. Had it done about 15 years ago and I am starting to notice some degradation over the last year or so. So I imagine I will end up with readers in the next few years. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, it was absolutely worth it even with that and again, I was told that this was the likely future ahead. Totally cool and totally worth it.

Did I mention it is worth it?