Fixing my eyes whats available

[newnative]

    Thirteen years ago my spouse and I had lasik done at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya with Dr. Somchai.  I was 59.  I had explored doing lasik in the US but was told I would still need glasses--either for distance or for reading.  Since the whole point was to ditch glasses, I did not have it done in the US.

     I explained my US experience to Dr. Somchai and he told me he thought he could do my eyes with one stronger for distance and the other stronger for close vision.  Had the surgery done--we both did fine.  After several days, I was finding that my near vision was not as good as I thought it would be for reading. 

    Included in the surgery were follow-up appointments for several weeks.  At one of the first follow-ups I mentioned that my close vision wasn't too good.  The doctor said this was normal and please try not to use reading glasses to read.  Instead, wait and your close vision will improve.  I didn't say anything but I was thinking, 'yeah, right--when does anything get better.'  But, I did what he said and, lo and behold, my close vision did improve until it was quite good.  And, my distance vision was good, too.  No glasses needed for either.  Yaa!

    Thirteen years later and my distance vision is still great.  My close vision has gotten a little worse and I have trouble with very small print--especially if the light isn't too good.  My spouse's distance vision has gotten worse and he has been wearing glasses when he drives at night.  

    We went back to Dr. Somchai a week or so ago for eye check-ups and he recommended doing SuperSight for both of us, which involves an overnight hospital stay.  We are still debating whether to have it.  Curious if anybody has had it done and any pros and cons from it.  Thanks!

[noobexpat]

1 hour ago, newnative said:

    Thirteen years ago my spouse and I had lasik done at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya with Dr. Somchai.  I was 59.  I had explored doing lasik in the US but was told I would still need glasses--either for distance or for reading.  Since the whole point was to ditch glasses, I did not have it done in the US.

     I explained my US experience to Dr. Somchai and he told me he thought he could do my eyes with one stronger for distance and the other stronger for close vision.  Had the surgery done--we both did fine.  After several days, I was finding that my near vision was not as good as I thought it would be for reading. 

    Included in the surgery were follow-up appointments for several weeks.  At one of the first follow-ups I mentioned that my close vision wasn't too good.  The doctor said this was normal and please try not to use reading glasses to read.  Instead, wait and your close vision will improve.  I didn't say anything but I was thinking, 'yeah, right--when does anything get better.'  But, I did what he said and, lo and behold, my close vision did improve until it was quite good.  And, my distance vision was good, too.  No glasses needed for either.  Yaa!

    Thirteen years later and my distance vision is still great.  My close vision has gotten a little worse and I have trouble with very small print--especially if the light isn't too good.  My spouse's distance vision has gotten worse and he has been wearing glasses when he drives at night.  

    We went back to Dr. Somchai a week or so ago for eye check-ups and he recommended doing SuperSight for both of us, which involves an overnight hospital stay.  We are still debating whether to have it.  Curious if anybody has had it done and any pros and cons from it.  Thanks!

 

Sounds like you use monovision. One eye for near, the other for far.

I use it too - had 1 eye lasered in UK when i was in my 30's.

Great, no glasses ...hopefully forever

[Acharn]

On 3/12/2024 at 4:22 PM, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Pun intended?

 

Seriously though, I've been having vision issues too for the past couple of years. I've been wearing glasses/contacts for the past 30 years - always been fine both reading and far sight with glasses or contacts on, but now I can barely read anything with contacts on, and it's not optimal with glasses either. Far sight isn't what it used to be either. I had a couple of vision tests done and my prescription hasn't changed - doc had me try different close prescriptions too but they were even worse. So bottom line is I can ace a vision test, but I don't feel like my vision is what it used to be.

 

Anyway, might give Rutnin a try. 👍

When I served in the Air Force, from 1955-1958, I didn't need glasses. When I joined the Army in 1965, I needed glasses. When my wife took me to an ophthalmologist in 2008, she diagnosed cataracts. When I went to another ophthalmologist in 2021, I had astigmatism, along with nearsightedness. I wish I could afford lasik, but the prices I've been quoted are ฿80-100,000, which is far beyond my financial ability. I gather lasik only corrects astigmatism temporarily anyway.

[newnative]

9 hours ago, Acharn said:

When I served in the Air Force, from 1955-1958, I didn't need glasses. When I joined the Army in 1965, I needed glasses. When my wife took me to an ophthalmologist in 2008, she diagnosed cataracts. When I went to another ophthalmologist in 2021, I had astigmatism, along with nearsightedness. I wish I could afford lasik, but the prices I've been quoted are ฿80-100,000, which is far beyond my financial ability. I gather lasik only corrects astigmatism temporarily anyway.

    If you saw my earlier post, I had lasik done 13 years ago; I also have astigmatism.  Today, at age 72, my eyesight is still very good, both distance and close-up, although I have noticed some deterioration with my close-up vision with very small print, especially if the light is not good.  I think 13 years and counting would be considered more than temporary. 

    Getting lasik was one of the best things I have done, healthwise, and I would recommend it.  Before having it done, I was struggling with trying to adapt to bifocals, which I hated.  I've loved being glasses-free for 13 years.  Well worth the money, I think--maybe do some more shopping around.

[Rampant Rabbit]

16 hours ago, Gilligan In Drag said:

I would not trust Thai doctors with my eyes, in fact my cataract is as a result of using medication prescribed

by a Thai government university hospital doctor/opthamologist. I was alerted to the problem and warned off the medication by a third party by a pharmacist in Bangkok who was aghast regarding the medication

I was asking to have refilled. He told me it was a ridiculously strong and dangerous medication to be using for my

problem, he asked me with visble concern in his tone,"Who asked you to take this medicine? is this your idea or something? I said no I was given it for blepharitis by an eye doctor and due to go back to see her in a few weeks. His widened, "how long have you been using it, two weeks, three weeks?" I said "Four months." he nearly jumped out of his skin, "Oh my god man! STOP! DO YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR EYESIGHT!"

He kept asking me, "Are you sure you are still under the doctor's care and advice  I said yes she keeps having me come back again and again, he

said sounds like shes running an experiment on you and you need to stop using this medication and never go back to her office, Stop now!"

 

My eyesight indeed was quickly degeneratingand I told him about it and he said surely its the medication. "That is the most disgusting thing i hjave heard all day, nobody uses that medication except for very serious conditions that won't clear up otherwise.

 

i went to check with another specialist a Bangkok Hospital opthamologist who told me I now had a cataract and that the medication was a good cadidate for what caused the cartaract. She did want to get involved I don;t think and said she had never heard of the medication I was given and recommended I get surgery.

 

The husband of a friend of my wife, has had his lenses in his eyes  replaced and advised me "Don't do it.

You'll be going in and out of the clinic to fix this fix that for the rest of your life, they trashed my eyes.

They did a terrible job with the surgery and there's has been on and off complications for years"

 

I think I'd rather go blind, utterly fed up with the medical profession.

Thanks for the report, I have to  look at  all sides and  it  appears  many have had  success, sorry to hear yours didnt work out.

[JimTripper]

On 3/13/2024 at 3:22 PM, Gilligan In Drag said:

I would not trust Thai doctors with my eyes, in fact my cataract is as a result of using medication prescribed

by a Thai government university hospital doctor/opthamologist. I was alerted to the problem and warned off the medication by a third party by a pharmacist in Bangkok who was aghast regarding the medication

I was asking to have refilled. He told me it was a ridiculously strong and dangerous medication to be using for my

problem, he asked me with visble concern in his tone,"Who asked you to take this medicine? is this your idea or something? I said no I was given it for blepharitis by an eye doctor and due to go back to see her in a few weeks. His widened, "how long have you been using it, two weeks, three weeks?" I said "Four months." he nearly jumped out of his skin, "Oh my god man! STOP! DO YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR EYESIGHT!"

He kept asking me, "Are you sure you are still under the doctor's care and advice  I said yes she keeps having me come back again and again, he

said sounds like shes running an experiment on you and you need to stop using this medication and never go back to her office, Stop now!"

 

My eyesight indeed was quickly degeneratingand I told him about it and he said surely its the medication. "That is the most disgusting thing i hjave heard all day, nobody uses that medication except for very serious conditions that won't clear up otherwise.

 

i went to check with another specialist a Bangkok Hospital opthamologist who told me I now had a cataract and that the medication was a good cadidate for what caused the cartaract. She did want to get involved I don;t think and said she had never heard of the medication I was given and recommended I get surgery.

 

The husband of a friend of my wife, has had his lenses in his eyes  replaced and advised me "Don't do it.

You'll be going in and out of the clinic to fix this fix that for the rest of your life, they trashed my eyes.

They did a terrible job with the surgery and there's has been on and off complications for years"

 

I think I'd rather go blind, utterly fed up with the medical profession.

I get that feeling also. People are being fooled by fake reviews around medical tourism in Thailand. Many places now offer discounts at check out for 5 star reviews. I have had several experiences with places I researched and looked great, mostly dental related. Then when I had work done it was shoddy. The quality is not there, it's just an outer window dressing and a clean lobby.

 

My suggestion, a quality place in the Usa (if you can afford it).

Edited March 30 by JimTripper

[oxo1947]

On 3/12/2024 at 5:03 PM, Tropicalevo said:

I used to wear glasses for short and mid distances.

Then cataracts happened.

Went to Bangkok Phuket and had tri focal lenses fitted. Brilliant.

No need for glasses any more.

The tri focal lenses give me short, middle and long distance vision.

A tad pricey but worth every baht.

I am not an eye specialist but it might be an option.

https://www.brightviewcenter.com/

I also had  tri focal lenses put in, 16 years ago -- never needed Glasses since I am now 77 -- I think you have to be over 55 to have that Opp. If you can afford it , its such a simple opp, done in about an hour--although they like you to stay overnight in case of any infection.

Over the 16 years really very happy about it.

[Rampant Rabbit]

On 3/30/2024 at 3:41 PM, oxo1947 said:

I also had  tri focal lenses put in, 16 years ago -- never needed Glasses since I am now 77 -- I think you have to be over 55 to have that Opp. If you can afford it , its such a simple opp, done in about an hour--although they like you to stay overnight in case of any infection.

Over the 16 years really very happy about it.

Thanks I think this is the route I want to go down, no glasses  perfect, how is it for night driving? Even better that you had this done when you were  about 60 which is what I have just turned. 

Edited April 2 by Rampant Rabbit

[Peabody]

On 3/13/2024 at 3:22 PM, Gilligan In Drag said:

I would not trust Thai doctors with my eyes, in fact my cataract is as a result of using medication prescribed

by a Thai government university hospital doctor/opthamologist. I was alerted to the problem and warned off the medication by a third party by a pharmacist in Bangkok who was aghast regarding the medication

I was asking to have refilled. He told me it was a ridiculously strong and dangerous medication to be using for my

problem, he asked me with visble concern in his tone,"Who asked you to take this medicine? is this your idea or something? I said no I was given it for blepharitis by an eye doctor and due to go back to see her in a few weeks. His widened, "how long have you been using it, two weeks, three weeks?" I said "Four months." he nearly jumped out of his skin, "Oh my god man! STOP! DO YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR EYESIGHT!"

He kept asking me, "Are you sure you are still under the doctor's care and advice  I said yes she keeps having me come back again and again, he

said sounds like shes running an experiment on you and you need to stop using this medication and never go back to her office, Stop now!"

 

My eyesight indeed was quickly degeneratingand I told him about it and he said surely its the medication. "That is the most disgusting thing i hjave heard all day, nobody uses that medication except for very serious conditions that won't clear up otherwise.

 

i went to check with another specialist a Bangkok Hospital opthamologist who told me I now had a cataract and that the medication was a good cadidate for what caused the cartaract. She did want to get involved I don;t think and said she had never heard of the medication I was given and recommended I get surgery.

 

The husband of a friend of my wife, has had his lenses in his eyes  replaced and advised me "Don't do it.

You'll be going in and out of the clinic to fix this fix that for the rest of your life, they trashed my eyes.

They did a terrible job with the surgery and there's has been on and off complications for years"

 

I think I'd rather go blind, utterly fed up with the medical profession.

What's the medication?

 

[charleskerins]

On 3/13/2024 at 3:22 PM, Gilligan In Drag said:

I would not trust Thai doctors with my eyes, in fact my cataract is as a result of using medication prescribed

by a Thai government university hospital doctor/opthamologist. I was alerted to the problem and warned off the medication by a third party by a pharmacist in Bangkok who was aghast regarding the medication

I was asking to have refilled. He told me it was a ridiculously strong and dangerous medication to be using for my

problem, he asked me with visble concern in his tone,"Who asked you to take this medicine? is this your idea or something? I said no I was given it for blepharitis by an eye doctor and due to go back to see her in a few weeks. His widened, "how long have you been using it, two weeks, three weeks?" I said "Four months." he nearly jumped out of his skin, "Oh my god man! STOP! DO YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR EYESIGHT!"

He kept asking me, "Are you sure you are still under the doctor's care and advice  I said yes she keeps having me come back again and again, he

said sounds like shes running an experiment on you and you need to stop using this medication and never go back to her office, Stop now!"

 

My eyesight indeed was quickly degeneratingand I told him about it and he said surely its the medication. "That is the most disgusting thing i hjave heard all day, nobody uses that medication except for very serious conditions that won't clear up otherwise.

 

i went to check with another specialist a Bangkok Hospital opthamologist who told me I now had a cataract and that the medication was a good cadidate for what caused the cartaract. She did want to get involved I don;t think and said she had never heard of the medication I was given and recommended I get surgery.

 

The husband of a friend of my wife, has had his lenses in his eyes  replaced and advised me "Don't do it.

You'll be going in and out of the clinic to fix this fix that for the rest of your life, they trashed my eyes.

They did a terrible job with the surgery and there's has been on and off complications for years"

 

I think I'd rather go blind, utterly fed up with the medical profession.

May I inquire as to what medicine the doctor prescribed?

[No Forwarding Address]

On 3/11/2024 at 8:59 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

Rutnin Clinic in Bangkok... used to be one of the best eye clinics in the world... 

I second Rutnin Eye Clinic in Bangkok, had both eyes done in  summer 2000, went back for a "tuneup" in 2010 was told by the doctor after exam that I didn't need it.........now 24 years later I still see 20/20.  Before lazik, I couldn't see the fingerprints on my hands when they were outstretched, after procedure, and a couple weeks healing, I could read the tiniest words...........Higly recommended..........Cheers

[Sheryl]

7 hours ago, Peabody said:

What's the medication?

 

From the sounds of it, a steroid.

 

Steroid eye drops should not be used long term.

 

And should not be used at all except under close medical supervision.

 

"Steroid eye drops may cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) or posterior subcapsular cataracts (a rare type of cataract) if used too long"

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisolone-ophthalmic-route/precautions/drg-20406320

[ravip]

On 3/30/2024 at 2:11 PM, oxo1947 said:

I also had  tri focal lenses put in, 16 years ago -- never needed Glasses since I am now 77 -- I think you have to be over 55 to have that Opp. If you can afford it , its such a simple opp, done in about an hour--although they like you to stay overnight in case of any infection.

Over the 16 years really very happy about it.

After the tri-focal lenses, what is your experience with night driving, lights etc.

[ravip]

On 3/13/2024 at 7:46 AM, Presnock said:

Well, I began needing reading glasses at 47 years of age.  Near vision (for distances) no problem at all.  Did ghe tests in the US and got the glasses.  Then one day I was reading about Lutien, a chemical(supplement) that is found supposedly in the retina.  As we age, we are told that the eyes begin to lose some power - macular degeneration and supposedly we all suffer from that.  At 65 I read about lutien supplements - I began to take the same and had better results than were mentioned.  After about 4 months, I no longer needed to wear my reading glasses.  Today at 77 years of age I can still read books, newspapers (even Thai script) and have not lost any of my distance vision without wearing glasses of any type.  On some of the small bottles, I can even sometimes read without the glasses some fairly small print.  I still daily take my lutien+ supplement.  I am not telling everyone that this is the sole reason that I  have been lucky enough to lose the glasses but I am not going to stop taking the supplement.  If one decides to try it, read up on the supplement first, see the time line for seeing effects and ages of the individual.  Also ensure that one is not getting a "fake" supplement as I also have read a lot about fake vitamins, supplements, medicines abound nowadays.  

 I still daily take my lutien+ supplement

• Is a Lutien+ supplement safe to take without a Doctors recommendation?
• From where do you buy it and any particular brand?

Thank you.

[Presnock]

23 minutes ago, ravip said:

 I still daily take my lutien+ supplement

• Is a Lutien+ supplement safe to take without a Doctors recommendation?
• From where do you buy it and any particular brand?

Thank you.

Dr. William Li, (currently 2 best sellers on the market ) talks about Lutien naturally occurring in certain plants but I still take the supplements - no side effects except helps fight macular degeneration - I buy them at  a pharmacy - usually in a mixed supplement with zeaxanthin (which the body also generates...) sometimes the lutien is mixed with Bilberry which is also good for the eyes.  Any pharmacy will carry the lutien...try to get 20 mg per tablet for best results...some are just 10mg per tablet.   I try to stay with a US brand if I can find it...Good luck!