eye surgery?

[opus88]

I was wondering if anyone could share their experience (or that of a family member of close friend) with corrective vision surgery. I am toying with just going for a consultation to improve my worsening eyesight, but naturally I'm concerned about possible complications.

Does dysautonomia in any way make this a more complicated or dangerous procedure, or any less effective? My symptoms include dry mouth and eyes. Could that pose a problem with this type of surgery?

I'd love to hear any feedback. Thanks!

[Gena]

Hi Opus,

My husband had lasik surgery a couple of years ago. It made a huge difference in his vision even after just the first day. The surgery only took about 10 mins. and then a couple weeks of putting drops in his eyes to help them heal. He was basically functioning normally the day after the surgery. His eyes were excessively tearing before the surgery and his doctor put little plugs in his tear ducts for a few months to help alleviate this problem and then removed them (the plugs, not his eyes! ).

Ask your opthamologist if it would cause a problem since you have dry eyes.

As far as having surgery with dysatuonomia, I wouldn't think it would be a problem, since it's local anesthesia in the eyes only and not in your body. Although if you're prone to tachycardia when your're anxious (like , I am) you might experience some of that. My hubby said it was completely painless though. I watched a video of his surgery. Pretty amazing. He loves the freedom of not having to wear glasses or contacts anymore.

Good luck with it and make sure you get a good doctor who's very experienced!

[Nicole's Mom]

Opus,

I've read your question a few times and have thought each time about whether I should put my 2 cents in or not. But since eyes are very important I came to the conclusion that I would not hold back my "view" on this.

I remember someone telling me a few years ago that someone they knew had this done and began to experience terrible light sensitvity and had to begin wearing sun glasses all the time. (I honestly can't even remember who told me this which is why I almost refrained from writing this). Perhaps there was inexperienced doctor in that case or perhaps this is rare and that person just happened to be unfortunate - like had the wrong kind of eyes for such a procedure. I do, however, also have a vague recollection of reading something back when the first procedures were done that there were instances where things didn't go right.

Perhaps the technique and skill level may have greatly improved over the past few years. In general it's claimed to be a pretty safe procedure (but who is claiming this?). So I guess what I'm driving at is- maybe it would be a good idea to research it on the web or go to medical sites to learn of the risks.

One other thing - if we are talking POTS- and you already having dry eyes. I know Nicole's eyes vary in dryness according to how she is feeling. When she is in a flare-up and her eyes are dry she cannot wear her contacts and must wear her glasses which for some might be reason one might choose to do this procedure. To eliminate the hassle of switching over to glasses, etc.

But something cautious in me tells me that this would be a GOOD reason maybe to NOT do the procedure. Because dry, POTS eyes are not like the average, healthy person's' eyes and thus might possibly be a little more prone to problems from such a procedure.

Anyway sorry to sound so negative. Still if you decide to go ahead and do it, I agree with Gena that you should definately go to someone experienced.

Beverly

[opus88]

Thanks to both of you gals! It's always good to hear both sides.

I was afraid of the procedure a few years ago, but I feel that now enough people have had it by area doctors that I could do some checking. I do intend to see my regular ophthalmologist to ask about it before I do anything else. (She was - surprise - aware of dysautonomia, and asked if I had dry mouth too!) I won't be doing anything right away. I'm just starting to think seriously about it for sometime down the road.

Would love to hear anybody else's feedback!

[Jillybeanbme]

Dear Opus,

I have worked in eye care for 11 years, 8 of those years with a multispecailty group of Ophthalmologists including a Corneal Specialist who performs LASIK. I can tell you from my experience in doing the diagnostics test on the patient?s pre & post opporative that as Nicole's Mom said some people do have some light sensitivity. However, I have never seen someone who had that much. Dry eyes (even without POTS) are sometimes common after surgery. A good Ophthalmologist will load you down with plenty of samples of artificial tears after LASIK. And like Gina said, there is also the option of Punctum Plugs. They are inserted in the office and are used a lot in people with Sjogrens. As for the pre opporative anxiety...most doctors will give you a Valium before hand. Most doctors who perform LASIK will give you a free screening to see if you are even a candidate. The screening should include a Corneal Topography and ask for a Schirmer's Test. The Schirmer's will measure the amount of tear flow in your eyes.

Some thing's to ask the doctor...are they Board Certified....how many LASIK procedures have they done...does the price include follow up care and enhancements and if so for how long after the surgery and have they or anyone in their office had the procedure. You would be surprised at the number of physicians who have had LASIK done themselves, not just Ophthalmologist, I know of Gastroenterologist, Allergist, Anesthesiologist, Oncologist, RN's and physician's spouses. The best advice I can give you is do your homework about the physician and the procedure so that you can make an informed decision. Good luck!!!

Jill

[opus88]

Hey, Jill!

Thanks for the good info! Didn't know we had an eye expert on the board!

The only thing I could/would take before the procedure would be a beta-blocker - don't know how I would react to a Valium. But I used to wear contacts and never had any trouble putting the lenses in, so I don't think I'd be too freaked out by the procedure. (Hope not, anyway.) Besides, just about anything has to be better than the dentist, right?

Your advice on questions to ask is great - I very much appreciate those suggestions.

Can you recall from your work with patients if there were any people who had complications and/or regretted having the procedure done?

[Jillybeanbme]

Oppus,

I just spoke with my Ophthalmologist that performs LASIK. Surprise, Surprise..she is aware of Dysautonomia and said that LASIK would NOT be good for someone suffering from it especially if they suffered from dry eyes as it would only make matters worse.

Everyone I ever encountered loved having LASIK done. No regrets, even the few who had to have enhancements.

Oh yeah, I wouldn't exactly call me an eye expert...just knowledgeable.

[opus88]

Jill,

Many thanks for going the extra mile to look into this!!!

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. But it's better to know now than to find out too late. Maybe they will find another way to do a similar procedure that wouldn't be a problem for us. I'll keep hoping . . .

[goldicedance]

Jill,

Many thanks for going the extra mile to look into this!!!

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. But it's better to know now than to find out too late. Maybe they will find another way to do a similar procedure that wouldn't be a problem for us. I'll keep hoping . . .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I had lasik surgery about 4 years ago even with POTS. Let me tell you that it was a miracle for me! What a boost it had and continuesto have on my well being. How great it is to be able to see the alarm clock, brush my teeth, take a shower and SEE! I have never had a problem with light sensitivity, halos, etc. I am grateful for that!

What a miracle it was, after the surgeon had finished, to sit up on the table and see the wall clock and see trees out the window without contacts/glasses. My eyesight was really bad before the surgery. So bad, that the hinges of my glasses wouldn't close. They had to file away part of the lens. I did wear contacts and would occasionally experience problems.

Even now (I'm in my 50's - ugghhh) I do not need glasses for distance nor for reading. Occasionally, I confess, I put a pair on when looking at really small print like the telephone book, classified newspaper ads, etc.

My big advice is to be sure that you go to an opthamologist that has done the procedure numerous times with good results. I would also avoid going to the bargain Lasik centers. I went to the center that did Tiger Woods' eyes and others.

In summary, I think that you have to be comfortable in the decision to have Lasik, confidence in your surgeon, and getting the go ahead from your POTS doctor. (Mine had no objection). The recovery from the surgery was nothing--the first day, rest with you eyes closed to ensure that the flap seals well, and the next day you can drive, work, etc. The discomfort was much less than I was feeling with contact lens. The procedure takes about a half hour or so. Afterwards, when my husband drove me home. I did have light sensitivity and wore sunglasses.

For me, it has been a miracle. If tomorrow I would need to go back to my previous sight, I would say it has been a good run.

Good luck in your decision-making process!

[opus88]

Wow - such a positive experience, Goldicedance! Thanks for sharing it!

What was it like to get a shot right in your eye? Did you have any trouble with heart rate or anxiety during the procedure?

It sounds like you did both eyes at the same time. Is that typically the way it's done?