Glasses and Laser eye surgery in ON

[Hanley]

Why do many fire departments these days still state that new firefighters may not wear glasses or have worse than 20/30 vision? there are a few departments out there that do hire aided or unaided such as Calgary Grande Praire and Burnaby. It seems to me with the technology in contacts and prescription lenses on scba masks this requirement should be dropped. If they do want to actually make the standards that apply to the position and the well being of the firefighter a no tobacco policy would be more beneficial.

[BMC22]

Hey folks, I'm thinking to pursue a career as a firefighter but have been held back by the fact that I wear glasses. Through some browsing I've come to learn that in Ontario one must have 20/30 vision to be eligeable. Was wondering if anyone you know has has laser eye surgery prior to joining and if it's frowned upon. Thanks!

[colin911]

I know a lot of guys on the department who have had their eyes corrected using lasers. It's rather expensive, but is not frowned upon by any department that I know of. As long as you're 20/30 uncorrected (no glasses or contacts) before you're hired, then you're good. After you're hired, if you need glasses, it's covered in your health plan! (go figure)

Colin

[cs_calgary]

Having LASIK or LASEK laser eye surgery preformed is not frowned upon. From my understanding though I think you have to wait a year after it's done to be eligable for hire.

~Cathy~

[infernobuster]

I had laser surgery done almost 5 years ago, and have had great results.
As for getting hired, there was only 2 departments that i can recall that stated that you had to have 6 months to a year after your surgery before you could apply to their department.

Hope this helps..

[Jay74]

I also had the laser correction done, about 6 years ago, my eyes were horrible, i think i was like 20/100, did the procedure, which is expensive but well worth it if this is what you really wanna do for a career, and within a few days my eyes were even better then 20/20 , they are to this day still 20/20. As for if its frowned on, not at all just as long as you have had it for over a year i think they say. But all and all im 100% pleased with my procedure and i recommend it to any one with depency on corrective lenses

[BMC22]

Awesome! Tha'ts good to hear. Was wondering where everyone got their surgery done. A friend of mine recommend LASIK here in Toronto. I'll have to look into it a little more. Thanks again!

[Jay74]

I went with the best, Bochner Eye Institute, I figured when it comes to your eyes, dont cheap out and always go with the cheapest, I had heard good things about Bochner and even though the price was expensive to this day im still pleased with my results, Bochner is downtown Toronto, you can go for a free consultation where they will take you throw the whole process, and take at look at your eyes and tell you if your a candidate for the whole procedure, you can even watch someone get theirs done! good luck!

[FClement]

Did anyone get laser Eye Surgery done?

[JGallagher]

Originally posted by FClement
Did anyone get laser Eye Surgery done?

I DID I DID!! It was AWSOME!! I would so do it again!! I went to TLC in Moncton NB. It stands for The Laser Center.

[dentedhead]

I would recommend it to anyone I was 20/400.Simply put, legally blind without correction.I had it done 3 years ago and I am still better than 20/20.If you are in the T.O area I would check out TLC they are at Yonge and York Mills, they are also a north american wide company.Dr Dean Smith was who I used he is also an opthamoligist so he really knows eyes.I have only seen 1 dept specify a 6 month waiting period after Lasik I think it was Vancouver.

I have heard of a couple of depts.taking candidates with corrective lenses but the vision standard is very high.I think it was Vaughan and Windsor that I saw job calls for where eyesight was not strictly 20/30 uncorrected.Maybe LT Blondie or hrecruit can clear that up.

If your eyes arent that bad it is not overly expensive 12-1500. but if they are really bad it can be as much as 6-7000 bucks, mine was around 3500.

Dentedhead

[hrecruit]

Hey everyone,

just wondering if any of you guys /gals have got the lazer eye surgery done or knows someone who has had it done I think I will getting it done in 2 weeks and was wondering how it worked out for you/them. In there words I am a ideal candidate for this procedure. very nervous any feedback would be great thanks

Hrecruit.

[smoke286]

My mother had it done a few years back, at the time they did noe eye at a time and told her it had to be repeated every few years

[dentedhead]

Hey everyone,

just wondering if any of you guys /gals have got the lazer eye surgery done or knows someone who has had it done I think I will getting it done in 2 weeks and was wondering how it worked out for you/them. In there words I am a ideal candidate for this procedure. very nervous any feedback would be great thanks

Hrecruit.

Wish I did it 20 years ago.I had to get it to get on.I was 20/400 prelaser,legally blind without corrective lens, 3.5 years later still 20/20.For my vision I thought it was reasonable as well, about $3500 all in.

My procedure took about 80 seconds an eye and it was painless.While being driven home I could start to read bill boards then road signs,by that night I could read the paper.They advise against it for 24 hrs but I had to try the new lookers!Next day at follow up vist 20/20 never looked back.

I had mine done at TLC Toronto.

Dentedhead

[hrecruit]

Wish I did it 20 years ago.I had to get it to get on.I was 20/400 prelaser,legally blind without corrective lens, 3.5 years later still 20/20.For my vision I thought it was reasonable as well, about $3500 all in.

My procedure took about 80 seconds an eye and it was painless.While being driven home I could start to read bill boards then road signs,by that night I could read the paper.They advise against it for 24 hrs but I had to try the new lookers!Next day at follow up vist 20/20 never looked back.

I had mine done at TLC Toronto.

Dentedhead

thanks man Just really nervous as you mite bet want to get it done so bad but got to get the jam to go ahead with it. So there was no pain? the sliceing of the eye and all.

[dentedhead]

thanks man Just really nervous as you mite bet want to get it done so bad but got to get the jam to go ahead with it. So there was no pain? the sliceing of the eye and all.

Absolutly painless before during and after.

Ill give the readers digest version show up 1.5 hrs before they put drops in to dialate yor eyes and start the numbing.Closer to the surgery more drops to numb eyes,prolly a lidocaine solution.On the table more freezing.Surgery is done just stay still and its over before you know it.Most places will offer mild sedation if requested usually ativan(valium).The only thing I remember being a little disconcerting was the mild smell of tissue burning when they laser cut.The doc tried to tell me it was the laser gas...Then he realized what I did and told me.Its NOT horrible.

You generally are free to go in about an hour post laser.come back the next day for follow up then as scheduled. Until its yearly. Bobs your uncle, fannies your aunt and Jehovahs your witness. You can see and get the job your after.

Dentedhead
P.S no needles are used at all

[dentedhead]

Dh I Went To Tlc Too, Very Good, Happy With The Results! I Would Also Recomend It To Anyone Considering Getting It Done.... Go There, They Are Good!


I know we arent supposed to push one company over another.But,if they are good enough for Tiger Woods they are good enough for me.

Hasnt helped my golf game any.But I got on a FD so thats way betterLOL!

Dentedhead

[iamvff]

Do they only fix near sighted, or far sighted, or can they fix either?

iamvff

[dentedhead]

Do they only fix near sighted, or far sighted, or can they fix either?

iamvff

All of the above.Cant fix hindsighted though I tried.

Looking back Dentedhead

[hrecruit]

well I paid my appointment fee today my surgery is next thurs at 2:00 and I am scare like a mofo. HHHHHHHHEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP MMMMEEE

[dentedhead]

well I paid my appointment fee today my surgery is next thurs at 2:00 and I am scare like a mofo. HHHHHHHHEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP MMMMEEE

Dont be ascared its painless. In two weeks youll be a happy happy guy.Bin there done that bought the t-shirt.Ask for sedation if its available you need a driver anyways so enjoy the ride.A mg of ativan goes a long way.Good luck and dont sweat it.

Dentedhead

[iamvff]

well I paid my appointment fee today my surgery is next thurs at 2:00 and I am scare like a mofo. HHHHHHHHEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP MMMMEEE
I wish you well my friend!! I am sure things will go as smooth as DH predicts!

iamvff

[hrecruit]

thanks bros

[hrecruit]

HOLY F got the call today to get my eyes done tomorrow week ahead of time.

[tr23]

I hope all goes well for you, I'm seriously considering getting it done myself. Hope to hear all about the new eyes soon!!

[dentedhead]

HOLY F got the call today to get my eyes done tomorrow week ahead of time.

The best part is you are told to go home and sleep.Best way to help the healing in the first 12 hrs.Dont be shy ask for the valium.I took it afterwards to help me sleep.MMMvalium.

Dentedhead

[hrecruit]

I hope all goes well for you, I'm seriously considering getting it done myself. Hope to hear all about the new eyes soon!!

wish it did too but they canceled on me thurs beacause of machine problems and also today so now I have to wait 2 more weeks. well thats life I guess but this is also the third time thay canceled on me and now I wondering if this is a sign not to get it done. lol.

[hrecruit]

after they have cancel me for a forth time it is going to happen today My lasik surgery scared like a girl still but happy it is finally going to happen. take care all now I must go throw up.

[dentedhead]

after they have cancel me for a forth time it is going to happen today My lasik surgery scared like a girl still but happy it is finally going to happen. take care all now I must go throw up.

When scared like one dress like one.Sues gonna get you Sues gonna get youLOL.

Tomorrow you will be telling us about how you wished you did it years ago.Relax it will be over before the Keets is warm.

Dentedhead

[iamvff]

after they have cancel me for a forth time it is going to happen today My lasik surgery scared like a girl still but happy it is finally going to happen. take care all now I must go throw up.
Once again...good luck my friend!

Sincerely,
iamvff

[firemedicbern]

I had PKR Surgery done 1.5 weeks after I was told that I could not go any further in my application to Manatoba Emergency Services College. It was extremly painful for the first 2 days. I wore sunglasses with the shades closed and the lights off at night. My eyes were very sensitive to light. PRK is much more evasive than the other surgeries out there, so don't hold back because of my story. I am glad I did it. I love the fact that I do not need to put contacts in any more or wear glasses. And really 2 days of pain is worth a life time of a career that you dream of. I would suggest eye surgery to anyone. I have since been accepeted into MESC.

[CanadianFF31]

Good luck hrerecruit, hopefully your peepers are good as new. I'm interested in hearing how it all went, as I've been frustrated over the last couple years as my eyes have slipped from 20/20 to 20/30, and now to 20/40...but what's one more obstacle on the path to the best job in the world!?

Good luck.

[hrecruit]

yloh tihs I nac ees nam dna I saw deyrrow sknaht sorb.

tiurcerh

[FClement]

Hrecruit, I have had eye surgery end of March at Focus Eye in Ottawa. my right eye is now 20/20, left eye 20/30. You know that you have 2 option, LASIK or PRK. Eye Specialist told me PRK was better for Firefighters because it is permanent BUT recovery is longer...PRK is done on the surface of your cornea...LASIK, they cut your cornea(flap)correct your vision inside and then put the flap back. If you get hit in the eye by your kids, or on the job, this flap can be moved...causing temporary blindness....
Go for it, it is wonderful...I do not regret at all...

[iamvff]

yloh tihs I nac ees nam dna I saw deyrrow sknaht sorb.

tiurcerh

You spelt worried wrong.....hehehe...to freakin funny!!

Good for you buddy...on with your career!

iamvff

[hrecruit]

well I can see thanks for the support there dentedhead and iamvff
it is great to be able to see my vision is 20/20 now I can read stuff better then people I know with glasses. Had lasik told that it needs at least couple of months to completely heal very happy with the results still a bit hazy but also can go back better then 20/20 which could be cool,

[hrecruit]

Hrecruit, I have had eye surgery end of March at Focus Eye in Ottawa. my right eye is now 20/20, left eye 20/30. You know that you have 2 option, LASIK or PRK. Eye Specialist told me PRK was better for Firefighters because it is permanent BUT recovery is longer...PRK is done on the surface of your cornea...LASIK, they cut your cornea(flap)correct your vision inside and then put the flap back. If you get hit in the eye by your kids, or on the job, this flap can be moved...causing temporary blindness....
Go for it, it is wonderful...I do not regret at all...


so what way did you go with it lasik or prk

[bestcoast]

well I can see thanks for the support there dentedhead and iamvff
it is great to be able to see my vision is 20/20 now I can read stuff better then people I know with glasses. Had lasik told that it needs at least couple of months to completely heal very happy with the results still a bit hazy but also can go back better then 20/20 which could be cool,
How many finger's am I holding up????...lol...j/k.....BC....

[MFDFF33]

That's awesome for you Hrecruit, I went to go get Lasik done a few years back and they had to disqualify me because of me retinas... Damn eyes... But the dept. I'm with has no problem with having Contacts, and most of New Brunswick Career departments seem to be going that way as well... except Saint John, I guess they just need to get with the times lol. So I've been trying to find out if there is any other type of surgery that could be done. The doctor I went to see said they were researching another possible surgery but I haven't heard anything on it. If anyone knows of anything besides Lasik that would get rid of Glasses and contacts I'd love to hear about it. And I'll leave this with a quote "Eyes, I politely asked you to work for me, just for once" - Bubbles.

[tr23]

I am a candidate for LASIK and PRK, so I didn't do much research on other methods, however there is one that doesn't involve lasers, they use multiple knife slices one your eyeball to accomplish the same thing. I was told it was painful, with a moderate healing time, and fairly successful. The upside was that the successful operations were very durable, moreso then LASIK or PRK. I had this conversation about 6 months ago with my eye doctor, so I hope I remembered the details right.

[dentedhead]

Im not sure if I know exactly what PRK is.I am presuming the RK stands for radial keritotomy,that is the manual slicing of the eye to reshape the lens.It is more painful and you cant have both eyes done on the same day.

For the dude who is not a lasik candidate,there is another method involving hard contact lenses to reshape the eye which corrects the vision.This is not a permant fix but it does allow you to go glasses/contact free for days at a time and you wear the lenses for X number of hours to maitain your vision.I forget the name of the procedure I think someone may have posted about it here.I only know one person who went this route,I used to work EMS with her she did it to become a copper.She was not a candidate for laser surgery.All I remember was the guy she went to was called Ned Paige,I think hes dead now though.

Anyone familiar with this procedure?

Dentedhead

[MFDFF33]

I am a candidate for LASIK and PRK, so I didn't do much research on other methods, however there is one that doesn't involve lasers, they use multiple knife slices one your eyeball to accomplish the same thing. I was told it was painful, with a moderate healing time, and fairly successful. The upside was that the successful operations were very durable, moreso then LASIK or PRK. I had this conversation about 6 months ago with my eye doctor, so I hope I remembered the details right.
Cool thx TR, I think I heard something similar, it was more that they were actually looking at putting a lense inside your eye... kind of a permanent one and then your eye heal over it, now I don't know if anything became of that or what? If you didn't get your LASIK done yet Good Luck. I wasn't worried about the surgery more the recovery time because I wanted it done so I could get back to competing in Taekwondo again. But I won't have to go through it now LOL... everything happens for a reason.

[FClement]

HR, I had PRK done...vision is awsome! I should have done it a long time ago...
Happy to hear everything went well for you...

[MFDFF33]

HR, I had PRK done...vision is awsome! I should have done it a long time ago...
Happy to hear everything went well for you...

FClement do you remember roughly how much it cost and how long the recovery time was? I would just like to know all the options I have... I don't mind using contacts, hell I've had them since I was 14 or so... so I'm used to them now. But to get rid of them and my glasses would be awesome.

[FClement]

MFDFF, cost was $4,700 for both eyes; include PRK, wavefront(map of your eyes, reducing glares at night)
PRK is a longer healing process compared to LASIK...it took me 2 weeks before my vision was pretty much back to normal! Now I see better then when I had my contacts!
I would say go for it!

[MFDFF33]

MFDFF, cost was $4,700 for both eyes; include PRK, wavefront(map of your eyes, reducing glares at night)
PRK is a longer healing process compared to LASIK...it took me 2 weeks before my vision was pretty much back to normal! Now I see better then when I had my contacts!
I would say go for it!

Cool thanks for the info FClement. I just booked an appointment with my eye doctor to see if I can qualify for it. Here's hoping!

[tr23]

Has anyone experienced night vision problems? Did you have/not have Wavefront? Thx for any experiences.

[MFDFF33]

Has anyone experienced night vision problems? Did you have/not have Wavefront? Thx for any experiences.

I know a couple people who had Lasik and have a hard time driving at night but other then that nothing really... then again they got the surgery when it first came out, and there have been some improvements since.

[hrecruit]

I know a couple people who had Lasik and have a hard time driving at night but other then that nothing really... then again they got the surgery when it first came out, and there have been some improvements since.

got my laser surgery done last week and I am back to 20/20 vision
my doctor was inpressed cause my eye site in my left eye is better then 20/20 from the surgery. not having any trouble driving at night just street lights and headlights of cars are a little bit fuzzy but will go away in time so I am told.

[MFDFF33]

got my laser surgery done last week and I am back to 20/20 vision
my doctor was inpressed cause my eye site in my left eye is better then 20/20 from the surgery. not having any trouble driving at night just street lights and headlights of cars are a little bit fuzzy but will go away in time so I am told.

Awesome Hrecruit. Congrats too... I've got an eye appointment on the 6th to see about PRK, so here's hoping.

[hrecruit]

Awesome Hrecruit. Congrats too... I've got an eye appointment on the 6th to see about PRK, so here's hoping.

is that a contact that they put in your eye

[MFDFF33]

is that a contact that they put in your eye

From what I've been told, loosely put yes... I guess what they do is cut your natural lense and place a contact or something like it in your eye, then shape it with a laser (or something like that) and then let your eye heal over it... Someone else had it done and said it was like 2 to 3 week healing process and cost approx $4700 for both eyes... which was like double what I was going to pay for Lasik. But hey if it gets rid of contacts and glasses well worth it if you think in the long run of things.

[firemedicbern]

I had PRK done 1.5 yrs ago. The prosses took less then a minute per eye. What they do is, they freeze the eye, scrap the first layer of skin off, then shape your retna with a laser. They put the contact on for the first week. This is like a bandage, it helps your eye heal, but it comes off after the week is over. This cost me $2600 for both eyes including first assesment and follow ups for the next year. I am very satisfied with the outcome and would suggest it to anyone "looking" into eye sugery.

[CanadianFF31]

For those of you that had eye surgery...do the departments you're looking at joining have a policy that you must have had the surgery over a year ago to apply? I know many departments in BC have that requirement. I'm weighing my options right now between laser surgery and those hard contacts that you wear at night.

[fire15chick]

Just another hoop to see who is willing to fork out money for laser surgery. To some depts. it is one way of them seeing how serious and how badly you want the job.

[FFWannabe]

Just to play the devil's advocate, wouldn't there be other instances where scba was not utilized, such as a medic or extrication call? Maybe they're assuming they would like you to have unaided vision at all times, to minimize risk to yourself and others. And they would likely use the same arguement... with all the new technology, why wouldn't you get laser eye surgery?

I really feel for those who don't meet vision requirements, it's not an expense I would be able to cover, no matter how much I want the job, that would be a huge obstacle for me. I don't think they're out to see who is willing to spend the most money, I think they just need some guidelines to shorten the lists.

Just a thought...

sue :)

[tr23]

Personally, as a candidate requiring the procedure, I have one issue with this procedure.....if it goes wrong....you can be really messed up. There are many 'fly by night' and discount clinics performing this procedure....it's hard to pick the one you want. Night vision problems, or even night blindness are my greatest fears, and something that has been a problem for some. Granted, the technology has continued to develope. I would hate to see a candidate rush into this procedure, without doing the homework, and developing worse vision then before.

I understand that departments have concerns,(what happens if you get hit in the head and your glasses get damaged?) and personally I think I would have the procedure anyway....but why do some departments allow glasses, and some not?

And it most definetely adds to recruitment costs! No $499 "afternoon special - have your eyes done, get a free toaster" clinic will be working on my eyes!

[TalonJK]

Laser surgury is not the only procedure available. Not all eye doctors will tell you about it either. It is less expensive($500 vs $3500) It is called orthokeretology. Basically, you wear these contact lenses at night(or while you sleep) and they help correct your vision. It is not permanent. If you stop wearing them, your eyes will return to there original perscription. I was 20/50 originally, and now I am 20/15-20/20 for about one to two days. I still have a slight perscription of -0.25. It is something that I will have to continue to do and maybe later on get it the laser surgery done, but with a wife, kids, school, mortgage.... who has a spare 3500 bucks kicking around for this procedure? I felt it was really my only option and I am happy with the results.

Hope it helps.

Andrew

[hrecruit]

had my 3 month check up today and everything is gggreeaaatt
my night vision is almost completely gone and I love it one good thing though is and I don't know if you guys are aware but the cost is 100 percent tax write off so that is a good thing 3500 I can claim now and what I get back will pay what I owe to them. ha ha ha suckers but really did my homework on it and it really comes down too do you have the jam or not to do it yes you are taking a risk but very very small or thats what they told me lol
drugs are good too before hand. I say do it. hey dentedhead do it

[Scuba]

Great to read about all the new alternatives......

currently I'm 15/20 - 20/20 depending on the day....both my folks and all their folks had crappy eyes....so I'm sure some day I'll be trying to deal with'em

[dentedhead]

had my 3 month check up today and everything is gggreeaaatt
my night vision is almost completely gone and I love it one good thing though is and I don't know if you guys are aware but the cost is 100 percent tax write off so that is a good thing 3500 I can claim now and what I get back will pay what I owe to them. ha ha ha suckers but really did my homework on it and it really comes down too do you have the jam or not to do it yes you are taking a risk but very very small or thats what they told me lol
drugs are good too before hand. I say do it. hey dentedhead do it

I already done it. I told you to do it ya hammerheadLOL.

Great aint it.My next hurdle is in feb I will be 44 thats apparently when the ravages of time start making you hold things further away to read them.They cant fix that, but they will touch up distance issues for free at TLC lifetime gaurantee.Hey that all rhymes.

I am almost at 4 years and still 20/20.

The writeoff is a bonus too.

Dentedhead

[DFCSmash]

I am really interested in getting this done, but there are 2 issues. 1) I am EXTREMELY myopic. If I remember right, about -10 diopters for correction. At least 20/400, so i'm not sure there is enough material to shave out to reshape the eyeball successfully. My optometrist mentioned the lens implantation option but also said he would reccommend waiting a couple of years to see how it was working as it was still in the early experimentation stages.
2) you only get issued one set of eyes. I would rather put up with glasses/contacts than have no vision.

I have never met anyone who had it done who said they were sorry they did it though.

Guess I should go and find out if I would be a candidate. Would love to be able to read without the bi-focals/ cheaters again! :rolleyes:

[cdnbacon]

Another technology I just learned about at my last eye appointment was wavefront LASIK technology. It might be worth while to ask your opthamologist about.

Here is one site I found on it.

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=5291

[dentedhead]

I am really interested in getting this done, but there are 2 issues. 1) I am EXTREMELY myopic. If I remember right, about -10 diopters for correction. At least 20/400, so i'm not sure there is enough material to shave out to reshape the eyeball successfully. My optometrist mentioned the lens implantation option but also said he would reccommend waiting a couple of years to see how it was working as it was still in the early experimentation stages.
2) you only get issued one set of eyes. I would rather put up with glasses/contacts than have no vision.

I have never met anyone who had it done who said they were sorry they did it though.

Guess I should go and find out if I would be a candidate. Would love to be able to read without the bi-focals/ cheaters again! :rolleyes:

Smash dont let your level of blindness hold you back.I too was about 20/400 with some slight astigmatism, they told me I was only a moderate procedure.Huh?I do know a women I used to work with was far worse than I was and she had it successfully done.

Unfortunatly I dont think they will help rid you of the bi-focals they are only able to correct distance issues.Most of the reputable shops will do a free consultation.Thats where you should start.They will tell you right then and there if you are a candidate cost etc. Did I mention that part is free?

As far as regrets my only one is I didnt do it years ago.

Dentedhead

[tr23]

I'm 20/400 and my doc told me that it wasn't even a consideration for making the procedure more difficult, at least in my case. No problem to have the procedure. After going through several eye doctors, I have arrived at one in whom I have great faith. We have had several conversations at length, and he has provided a tremendous amount of published information and brochures. He has taken the position that he supports laser eye surgery, but will not push it on anyone - and he will only work with one surgeon in the Ottawa region. He has taken courses with this doctor, attended procedures, and done tons of work to stay up to date with all the possible procedures. His educational approach has made me much more comfortable then the approach taken by two others doctors, both of whom pushed my towards the procedure, had little in depth information for me, and worked with cheaper outfits. Although I haven't yet had the procedure, I would advise someone to perhaps get a second opinion to improve their comfort level.

And as I heard on the radio today "I won't have any medical procedure for which I can use a coupon"

TR23

[dentedhead]

TR23 a wise man does his homework.I too did a ton of research,like some smart guy says you are only issued one pair of eyes.I went through TLC Toronto and its sounds similar to the company your dealing with.They have a network of optometrists that they work with to do assessments and follow up checks.

What solidified my choice was the surgeon,he happened to also be the chief of opthamology at the hospital my wife worked at.She heard nothing but praise from both colleagues and patients.

My understanding of TLC is they can do anyone with just about any eye anomoly.The downside is that it is the most expensive procedure they offer,but it is not the only option with them.

On the whole I was very happy with all facets of my dealings with them.

Dentedhead

[tr23]

Nice to have a recommendation on the surgeon like that!

[Punctualdeer]

I hearded some guy's had the operation and they had good result. One of then work whit me and his eye was -50 and -75 and it cost 1,100$ and he's very satisfy. I am thinking to have the operation next year for one eye -75, the other one his ok. It will be good for my archery competition.

[dentedhead]

I hearded some guy's had the operation and they had good result. One of then work whit me and his eye was -50 and -75 and it cost 1,100$ and he's very satisfy. I am thinking to have the operation next year for one eye -75, the other one his ok. It will be good for my archery competition.

It can be done PD mon ami.They can do one or both eyes as required.The stronger the eye the lower the cost.

Dentedhead

[MrsSmash]

...My next hurdle is in feb I will be 44 thats apparently when the ravages of time start making you hold things further away to read them...The writeoff is a bonus too.

Dentedhead

:D 43-1/2 is EXACTLY when I started having to take the glasses off to read fine print.

We saw the optometrist yesterday, she said it was rare to see two people so blind (she was more diplomatic!) married to each other. And yes, the offspring are her patients, too. The nuts don't fall too far from the tree. :p

Tax write-off?! WOOT!

[dentedhead]

:D 43-1/2 is EXACTLY when I started having to take the glasses off to read fine print.

We saw the optometrist yesterday, she said it was rare to see two people so blind (she was more diplomatic!) married to each other. And yes, the offspring are her patients, too. The nuts don't fall too far from the tree. :p

Tax write-off?! WOOT!

I guess its all balancing out.Mrs DH started using readers just after 40 Im now 44.5 still okay.

I meant the laser surgery being the tax write off,it was about fiddy percent.

Dentedhead

[Shane54]

Get mine done on the 16th of Aug. Wavefront Lasik.... shitting bricks about it. Every single person I have spoken to says don’t think twice about it, anyone got any negative feedback???

Thanks
Shane

[ABFF37]

Get mine done on the 16th of Aug. Wavefront Lasik.... shitting bricks about it. Every single person I have spoken to says don’t think twice about it, anyone got any negative feedback???

Thanks
Shane


Never had the surgery myself...
But a close family friend had it done a few years back. He went from having a significant loss of vision to having 20/20. The guy had worn thick glasses all his life, and now he can read the small print in the classifieds in the paper without any visual aids. He swears by the procedure. I've really only heard good things about the procedure...so I'd say don't worry about it!

AB;):)

[MRWJ]

Shane54, the only negative feed back I have for laser eye surgery is that I waited so long to get it done! You have nothing to worry about. Hands down it was the best investment I have ever made. It was worth every penny it cost!

Mike.

[alilcntrygal]

um....I worked in ophthalmology for 9 yrs...worked with a couple of the docs that do the laser....I've heard the true scoop...and most of it is good...there is nothing I can say bad about the laser...it is great and has given many a person their sight back...if you have any doubts...don't...just go for it

Cindy

[alilcntrygal]

I guess its all balancing out.Mrs DH started using readers just after 40 Im now 44.5 still okay.



That means that you were probably slightly nearsighted without realizing it...the general age for needing readers is about 40...if you were slightly farsighted, you may need them sooner...nearsighted somewhat later....it also has something to do with how well you adapt. Some people can adapt a lot easier than others. I am now 43.5 and just starting to wear them for very fine needlepoint...but in general don't wear them either.

Cindy

[MrsSmash]

I guess its all balancing out.Mrs DH started using readers just after 40 Im now 44.5 still okay.

I meant the laser surgery being the tax write off,it was about fiddy percent.

Dentedhead

Fifty percent is better than nothin!

[Pumper99]

I got it done about 2.5 yrs ago.........and it's still works like a charm 20/20 both eyes. The only drawback I experience is dryness of my eyes every once in a while........I just deal with it and use eye drops in extreme cases.
I got mine done at the Hamilton Laser Eye Clinic...........one of the better clinics in the province and the price is a little less than what you'd pay in Toronto.........The main Doctor is also the head of opthamology at MacMaster Hospital.

Good luck.

P99

[DFCSmash]

Just can't quit thinking about this idea. But since I believe that I am not a candidate for laser surgery, has anyone here had, or do you know someone who has had "lens implants" done.

[dentedhead]

Just can't quit thinking about this idea. But since I believe that I am not a candidate for laser surgery, has anyone here had, or do you know someone who has had "lens implants" done.

Smasher,when were you last assessed for the laserin?They have made so many technological advances there are very few people exempt now.

Twenty plus years ago I was told flat out that I was not a candidate due to astigmatism.Almost 6 years ago I was done I thought I was quite a severe case being 20/600..... legally blind w/out correction basically,their words "oh no you are just a moderate case".They said astigmatism is not even an issue anymore.The main reason now is corneal thickness I think.

I got done at TLC they have offices all over N-America and do free consults.

Dentedhead

[DFCSmash]

Actually, it wasn't the eye surgery people at all. It was my optometrist who told me my correction would be too severe for surgery. And it was at that same time (about 4 years ago) that he mentioned that a new "implanted lens" was coming which would work for people in my situation. He di however caution me that it was still very early in the trial period for Phasik implants (the technical term) but said that it could well be a viable method. on edit Phasik

What I better do is get off my procrastinating butt, and go see the surgery folks.

I'm thinking Gimbel in Calgary, or perhaps Boechner (sp?) in Toronto. But the folks in Winnipeg could tell me if I was actually a suitable candidate.

Damn I wish I had a spare set of eyes. This wouldn't be nearly so threatening. I'd hate to lose what vision I have. Yeah I know. Wimp.:D

[dentedhead]

Actually, it wasn't the eye surgery people at all. It was my optometrist who told me my correction would be too severe for surgery. And it was at that same time (about 4 years ago) that he mentioned that a new "implanted lens" was coming which would work for people in my situation. He di however caution me that it was still very early in the trial period for Phakic implants (the technical term) but said that it could well be a viable method.

What I better do is get off my procrastinating butt, and go see the surgery folks.

I'm thinking Gimbel in Calgary, or perhaps Boechner (sp?) in Toronto. But the folks in Winnipeg could tell me if I was actually a suitable candidate.

Damn I wish I had a spare set of eyes. This wouldn't be nearly so threatening. I'd hate to lose what vision I have. Yeah I know. Wimp.:D

I would definatley check out the surgery places.Bochner has a very good name.I believe they were one of the first shops in Canada Gimble I have also heard of but dont no much about.

DICLAIMER I am not a shill for TLC but based on my experience and that of others I would not hesitate to reccomend them.I went to Toronto. A fella on my shift just had his done in Kitchener. I know others that have been to Hamilton, London and I think they have a place in just about every medium to large Canadian city.The big thing is you are comfy with not just the entity but the more importanly the doctor.

To answer your origional question I am not familiar with implants... well at area of the body anyways:D

Dentedhead

[DFCSmash]

Well, I'm gonna go check out laser surgery in the next while. Lens implants are $3600.00 per eye. $7200 total. Not sure I can afford THAT! So if I can get the laser surgery at a more reasonable cost, that's the likely course of action.

[r_v_d110]

Im getting Bladeless Lasik done soon by Dr. Tayfour in Windsor. 4500 bucks
Has anyone else got it done by him? any good?