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Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 16:14:10 -0500
To: freeattic@co*.ci*.uf*.ed*, cavers@cavers.com
From: Nanci LeVake <nlevake@pi*.co*>
Subject: Laser Eye Poll
Hi,

Here is what I learned  about divers' experiences with laser eye surgery.
The surgery I was specifically asking about is a procedure called LASIK,
where a small flap is cut form the cornea, the eye is lasered into the
right shape to see 20/20, and the flap is returned to cover the site, thus
protecting it and causing the patient less discomfort.  No one reported any
dive-related  or deco-related problems.  Two people warned me about the doc
from Texas who climbed Everest and went blind, but I don't _think_ I have
to worry about that.... (Didn't he have RK, anyway?  I tried to find it in
the book, but couldn't...) 

I did meet one person who was extremely unhappy with the results, who would
give anything not to have done it, who directed me to a website concerning
problems after the surgery.

 http://www.surgicaleyes.com  

I feel anyone contemplating the surgery should take a look at this.  These
complications were either not mentioned or severely down-played when I went
to the informational meeting and during my pre-surgical counseling.  I very
much doubt, after reading  about these people's experiences, that I will be
comfortable having the surgery, even though so many have told me of their
wonderful results.....

Had LASIK or PRK, happy with result:  4

Dive Buddy/friend/wife had, happy:  7

Had RK, happy:  1

Physician, had LASIK:  1

Physician, won't have LASIK:  1

Had LASIK, ok results with a couple small problems:  1

Friend had LASIK, questionable results:  2

Had LASIK, horrible results:  1

Don't know, be careful:  5

Like contacts:  2

Interested, send info:  4

So that's what I know.  I curious as to why the Surgical Eyes site didn't
come up when I was doing a web search on the subject.  All I could find
were glowing reviews from the different surgical centers around the country.

Thanks to everyone who told me about their/their friends' experiences.

Nanci


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http://www.pipeline.com/~nlevake/ 

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