Laser eye surgery--good or bad for fishing

[Gizmo Man]

Considering after 40+ yrs of glasses to go for the procedure. Had my eyes examined and was advised that surgery would correct my near sightness but would cause me to have to wear reading glasses. So for the heck or it, I had the Dr. fit me with a throw away pair of contacts to see what it would be like to change where my eyes focus. I find that I have to wear reading glasses to tie leaders and to see the computer. Tried tying a few flies last night and could not see anything without the reading glasses. My vision is ok from about 2 1/2 feet out without the reading glasses.

I now wear bifocals and have the glasses on full time.

So my question to any of you out there who might have gone through the procedure is it worth it? Trading the ability to see near without glasses (current lifelong situation) for the ability to see far without glasses but the need for reading glasses.

What do you think after the surgery on your fishing related vision needs, (tying hooks, leaders, fly tieing spinner making, etc.)
Also what, if any experience for dry eyes, or light sensativity.

thanks for sharing any experiences.

Giz...



[This message has been edited by Gizmo Man (edited 11-05-2000).]

[Fish4Fun]

Giz,
I did the LASIK last December, I was very nearsided. My glasses were about a 1/4" thick, they got me to 20/70 on the first shot and then to 20/20 with an enhancement. I have had no trouble with the up close stuff, but then again I just turned 40 and I know that reading glasses will be needed in 8 to 10 years. Thats just part of nature and our eyes from what the doc said. You asked about dry eyes, I didn't have a problem with that. Light sensitivity, is a different story. Don't skimp on the sun glasses is all I can say. I went with Maui Jim's for being on the water and for driving. This was my first hunting season without glasses and no trouble there either. The scope was nice and bright. I had the surgery here in the Renton area, in fact 4 of my friends have used the same doc and they all have come out with 20/20 and no adverse effects. Am I glad that I did this, YES. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif Sure is nice not having water and fogged up lenses out in the boat.
If you need more info go ahead and e-mail me I would be glad to help with any questions you have.

Fish 4 Fun

[Fishaholic]

do it, you will wonder why you waited so long. I had mine done two years ago, you will find that carying a pair of cheep reading glases is not a problem. in fact I have three pair, one for the fishing vest, one for around the house, & one work, you can always get your hands on a pair when you need them.

[smilesforu]

Giz
I just had mine done in Canada this year. I got corrected to 10/20 vision with out glasses. The dry eye syndrome is common for the eyes but is really not a big deal and my dr said it always goes away. I had plugs put in for my eyes so they would hold the extra tears in longer. My eyes fluctuated for the first several weeks (stigmasm sp?) so computing was not easy on the eyes.
I also used the maui Jim sunglasses....Nice shades!! Polarized too. After a long day at work my eyes dry out some from the flourescent lights but isn't a big deal.

Got both eyes with plugs($100 extra/eye) done for under 1500 bucks in Canada. The guy I went to only does 6-7 a day and came highly recommended by my eye dr who visited the clinic. My brother and his wife also had the surgery done and are very happy also. I am only 36 so I haven't needed the reading glasses as of yet. I still have the plugs in and my eye. Dr said if I get a watery eye problem he could take them out in a couple minutes.

Tight Lines

------------------
Marty M
Steelheader.net (http://www.steelheader.net/)

[Trick]

Were all of you also near-sighted? I've been near-sighted for about 5 years and have gotten glasses for extended road driving, can't read the signs until I'm past them driving. Within 15' I've got excellent vision, can read super small print, tie knots, and all the other important stuff. But when I'm hunting in Eastern Oregon it drives me crazy, I'm still trying to find a way to permantly attach my binoculars to my face. I was told that being near-sighted is caused by over-compensating muscles in the eyes and that as I age and the muscles weaken my condition will reverse and begin to swing the other way. Problem is my optometrist said it was about 30 years out. I've thought about the procedure but I don't want to end up having to wear glasses to read, write, fish, etc....Messing with my eyes scares me, not much of a gambler, but with my luck I'd come out blind? If enough of you that were near-sighted before recommend it, I too will reconsider it. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Fish4Fun]

tshickam,

I couldn't see far or near without my glasses. In fact without them suckers I was nearly blind. It took me 2 years of research before I could get the never to do the surgery. Now I wish I would have done it sooner. You mention hunting, I was so happy this year hunting without glasses. The field of view you get without glasses in your binos was excellent. You are right about the vision getting better as we get older. Only thing is we lose the up close vision.

Fish 4 Fun

[smilesforu]

I was near sighted and could see very well with my glasses. Now I can see great far away and still see great up close to about 8 inches. That close vision will change as I age though. Just make sure you go to a clinic that takes the time to clean (flush) thoroughly after the laser before turning the flap back down. The biggest threat is the skin wanting to grow under the flap when they put it back down. Also make sure you understand the directions for the medicine drops before you go in since you can't really read them afterwards for awhile. I was really apprehensive to have mine done, since I could have done fine with out any risk. Glad I took the risk...hated the fogged up glasses and rain drops

------------------
Marty M
Steelheader.net (http://www.steelheader.net/)

[corrirod]

Get it done, especially if you live in the Northwest! All you have to do is imagine not having to find something dry to wipe your glasses off with while your sitting in the rain fishing or hunting, and not having them fog up in the winter time. For that purpose alone it's worth it. I'm at 20/15, no light sensitivity, and no dryness. This was the most enjoyable hunting season I've ever had!

[Gizmo Man]

Thanks for all your responses. I do appreciate hearing from you.

After posting this topic, I went ff (and did have a strike but was looking the other way when the s/h took the fly). I had those contacts in that the dr. gave me.

Can any of you comment if your wore contacts before your surgery (and probably you older folks as I was told as we get older we need reading glasses) if your close up vision increased or decreased after the surgery.

It did rain and it was great not to have the glasses wet or foggy. But reaching for the reading glasses to tie on flies and take untangle the line was a strain.

I will not have to travel to have an affordable procedure. My wife finally won a raffle and for all things, if was for 75% off the procedure from one of the recommended Dr.'s in my area.

But as several of you mentioned, it took a few yrs of reseach and to get the courage to let them play with your eyes.

I did like not having to wear my glasses and I guess what I am trying to determine is how close the temporary contacts really are compared to how my eyes will turn out after the procedure.

Giz...