Lasik

[tuffy]

Thanks for all the replies on this subject.

I am getting the feeling that TRSC is the over welling favorite of the Thai Visa crowd. I was surprised to learn that TRSC is as expensive as it is, almost more expensive that in the US.

Everyone I know who has had the procedure done did not have any complications but I would hat to be that one guy all the horror stories are about since now I can still see perfectly fine with my glasses. This is something that I have wanted to do for years so now I am going to do it.

Keep the suggestions coming as I have about 1 month before I will schedule myself.

[Beardog]

Thanks for all the replies on this subject.

I am getting the feeling that TRSC is the over welling favorite of the Thai Visa crowd. I was surprised to learn that TRSC is as expensive as it is, almost more expensive that in the US.

Everyone I know who has had the procedure done did not have any complications but I would hat to be that one guy all the horror stories are about since now I can still see perfectly fine with my glasses. This is something that I have wanted to do for years so now I am going to do it.

Keep the suggestions coming as I have about 1 month before I will schedule myself.

Good for you, I am sure you won't be the one person out of who knows the odds anyway.

We all think about that before any major surgery. I would do it again in a moment. Enjoy your new to be sight. Contacts are a drag, I could just imagine how horrible the dust & debri has got to be on the eyes in Thailand & glasses are as much of a downer as well.

Now if they could just come up with a gradiant sunglass lens implant ..............!

Edited June 1, 2007 by Beardog

[Orangutan]

Also had LASIK performed at Bumrungrad. It was successful EXCEPT that I had dry eyes almost immediatly after the operation ) now 2 1/2 yrs. ago. Eyes are very sensitive to drying out because the tear ducts are afftected by the surgery. Plenty of threads on many forums about how misarable some people are....do a google search - LASIK dry eyes.

If I'd been made aware of it by the doctor probably would have taken a pass.

-O

[cooL_guY_corY]

i went in to TRSC this year for the first tests ( 1500 baht as said above), although i didnt qualify for surgery because of my corneas being to thin ( was so pissed off) i was very impressed by them. The first thing they do is set you up at a private computer, give you water, coffee, tea, and show you an hour presentation on Lasik surgery, and it is very informative about all the pros/cons risks and different scenarios for different eye types and situations. Then they will do a variety of (easy) tests on your eyes and then finally discuss the next step with you. I was very impressed with the place.

[Mighty Mouse]

i didnt qualify for surgery because of my corneas being to thin..........

You might qualify for SuperSight surgery.

[Gumballl]

Also had LASIK performed at Bumrungrad. It was successful EXCEPT that I had dry eyes almost immediatly after the operation ) now 2 1/2 yrs. ago. Eyes are very sensitive to drying out because the tear ducts are afftected by the surgery. Plenty of threads on many forums about how misarable some people are....do a google search - LASIK dry eyes.

If I'd been made aware of it by the doctor probably would have taken a pass.

-O

Aren't one's tear ducts located on the lower corner of the eye lids? How was yours affected by LASIK? I had LASIK 2-1/2 years ago (in the US) with no complications whatsoever. I can distinctly recall that my eye lids were held aside during the procedure with a special clamp-like device. The only portion of my eyes that was "touched" by the cutting device and the laser was the eye ball itself.

If you have (extremely) dry eyes, it may be due to another issue. I would consult with a different doctor to get a different opinion or options, or just consider using artificial tear drops from a bottle.

OP - Although a massage is helpful to relax, ask your doctor for a Valium tablet. Within 30 minutes you will be relaxed.

[abrown]

I just had Lasik done at TRSC on 6-03-07, and I don't think I could have made a better choice than TRSC. Everyone there was very Professional, from the Door Man up to the Doctor. It cost me 79500 Baht, no night vision problems, no dry eyes, no problems at all.

On the eye test the next day my vision was 20/20, two weeks later my vision was 20/15, just keeps getting better.

Nice cheep hotel you can walk to in 3 minutes is the Sunrise Residence.

Very clean, Internet access, A/C, and if you tell them you are going to TRSC the price is 1300 baht for a double or 1100 for a single.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRSC

[chokdeekrap]

has anyone has lasik that enjoys diving regularly? i think i know it shouldn't affect diving, we wear face masks (that are supposed to be waterproof afterall). but no matter what divers will get sea water in their eyes.

i would like to consider lasik but i am certainly nervous of the downsides.

[Steve2UK]

has anyone has lasik that enjoys diving regularly? i think i know it shouldn't affect diving, we wear face masks (that are supposed to be waterproof afterall). but no matter what divers will get sea water in their eyes.

i would like to consider lasik but i am certainly nervous of the downsides.

Yes (well - reasonably regular diver) and no, there is no problem. I looked into this aspect at the time of deciding whether to get the Lasik done and was happy that there were no issues. After all, your tears are saline......... If you want to be "belt and braces", you could make it a practice to rinse your eyes with fresh water after each dive - much as we're advised to do for ears when diving in warm waters.

[tuffy]

Update on the Lasik process.

So anyway I conquered my fear and made an appointment at TRSC, the morning to have the exam and that same evening to have the surgery. During the exam the doctor said we would have to postpone the evening surgery as she wanted me to consult their retinal specialist first as she was concerned with something she had seen in the back of my eye. That evening the specialist confirmed that there were in fact a couple holes on the back of my retina that in the future could cause retinal detachment. So before I am able to have the surgery I need to go to Rutnin hospital and have laser surgery to close the holes. Then in 2 weeks if everything is good I can have Lasik done. I was definitely a little disappointed that i didn't walk out of there with a set of new peepers but I am glad that they found this problem early. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that I just had a checkup in the states about 3 months ago where they dilated my pupil and did the same check (although not as thoroughly apparently) and did not find this problem. I am going to have the laser work done this weekend and reschedule the Lasik in a month or so. Wish me luck!

[eek]

Best of Iuck!!

Tuffy, was the check in the USA for prospective Iasik surgery? If not, it is possibIy that the 'hoIes' were not Iooked for or considered an issue because it onIy is an issue if having surgery carried out...?

I think you made the best choice with TRSC. You are in good hands.

Wish you weII for this weekend and im sure you 'wont beIieve your eyes' (;P) in just over a month from now.

I am stiII in awe that i dont need anything to see with (for the first few months i wouId stiII reach my hand out in the morning automaticaIIy for my gIasses then kept thinking i had Ieft my Ienses in!)

Edited July 6, 2007 by eek

[tuffy]

Best of Iuck!!

Tuffy, was the check in the USA for prospective Iasik surgery? If not, it is possibIy that the 'hoIes' were not Iooked for or considered an issue because it onIy is an issue if having surgery carried out...?

I think you made the best choice with TRSC. You are in good hands.

Wish you weII for this weekend and im sure you 'wont beIieve your eyes' (;P) in just over a month from now.

I am stiII in awe that i dont need anything to see with (for the first few months i wouId stiII reach my hand out in the morning automaticaIIy for my gIasses then kept thinking i had Ieft my Ienses in!)

Thanks Eek!

I will post an update when I get this over with.

I was surprised at the price though nearly $2300 for the ultimate wavefront assisted lasik, which is what they suggested I need. That is nearly stateside prices for the same treatment.

[eek]

Yes, i paid top whack too. Cant remember the exact price, but as i had astigmatism and have very large retinas i needed to go for the highest priced laser.. but, for something as important as that, its worth it. And money well spent.

I wouldnt know about the comparison in the USA but when i looked into the price in the UK a while back, it was roughly similar from a budget company, but the top company charged a LOT more. Close to double if i recal correctly!

Edited July 6, 2007 by eek

[Lazy Sod]

Update on the Lasik process.

So anyway I conquered my fear and made an appointment at TRSC, the morning to have the exam and that same evening to have the surgery. During the exam the doctor said we would have to postpone the evening surgery as she wanted me to consult their retinal specialist first as she was concerned with something she had seen in the back of my eye. That evening the specialist confirmed that there were in fact a couple holes on the back of my retina that in the future could cause retinal detachment. So before I am able to have the surgery I need to go to Rutnin hospital and have laser surgery to close the holes. Then in 2 weeks if everything is good I can have Lasik done. I was definitely a little disappointed that i didn't walk out of there with a set of new peepers but I am glad that they found this problem early. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that I just had a checkup in the states about 3 months ago where they dilated my pupil and did the same check (although not as thoroughly apparently) and did not find this problem. I am going to have the laser work done this weekend and reschedule the Lasik in a month or so. Wish me luck!

Same thing happened to me, had some retinal tears that needed sealing. It's nothing, get it done.

[tuffy]

Update on the Lasik process.

So anyway I conquered my fear and made an appointment at TRSC, the morning to have the exam and that same evening to have the surgery. During the exam the doctor said we would have to postpone the evening surgery as she wanted me to consult their retinal specialist first as she was concerned with something she had seen in the back of my eye. That evening the specialist confirmed that there were in fact a couple holes on the back of my retina that in the future could cause retinal detachment. So before I am able to have the surgery I need to go to Rutnin hospital and have laser surgery to close the holes. Then in 2 weeks if everything is good I can have Lasik done. I was definitely a little disappointed that i didn't walk out of there with a set of new peepers but I am glad that they found this problem early. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that I just had a checkup in the states about 3 months ago where they dilated my pupil and did the same check (although not as thoroughly apparently) and did not find this problem. I am going to have the laser work done this weekend and reschedule the Lasik in a month or so. Wish me luck!

Same thing happened to me, had some retinal tears that needed sealing. It's nothing, get it done.

At first I was thinking that sure as sht i was getting taken on some kind of scam, but then the more I thought about it for an extra 6000B (the cost of the retinal repair) they were chancing that I wouldn't be back for the lasik at all. I have to give TRSC credit for being thorough.

Sod...after doing the laser "repair" did you have the lasik done then? was it TRSC?

[Lazy Sod]

Update on the Lasik process.

So anyway I conquered my fear and made an appointment at TRSC, the morning to have the exam and that same evening to have the surgery. During the exam the doctor said we would have to postpone the evening surgery as she wanted me to consult their retinal specialist first as she was concerned with something she had seen in the back of my eye. That evening the specialist confirmed that there were in fact a couple holes on the back of my retina that in the future could cause retinal detachment. So before I am able to have the surgery I need to go to Rutnin hospital and have laser surgery to close the holes. Then in 2 weeks if everything is good I can have Lasik done. I was definitely a little disappointed that i didn't walk out of there with a set of new peepers but I am glad that they found this problem early. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that I just had a checkup in the states about 3 months ago where they dilated my pupil and did the same check (although not as thoroughly apparently) and did not find this problem. I am going to have the laser work done this weekend and reschedule the Lasik in a month or so. Wish me luck!

Same thing happened to me, had some retinal tears that needed sealing. It's nothing, get it done.

At first I was thinking that sure as sht i was getting taken on some kind of scam, but then the more I thought about it for an extra 6000B (the cost of the retinal repair) they were chancing that I wouldn't be back for the lasik at all. I have to give TRSC credit for being thorough.

Sod...after doing the laser "repair" did you have the lasik done then? was it TRSC?

To answer your question. Ater the laser "repair" I had the lasik done at TRSC about 4 weeks later, everything is fine now and I'm very very happy.

TRSC referred me to an eye clinic to get the retina's fixed (same as you), I went to the clinic for the diagnosis (they quoted 6,000 baht) but also wanted a 2nd opinion. So I also went to Bumrungrad and saw their US trained retina specialist. He confirmed that I had retinal tears and needed the laser treatment (whether or not I intended to have lasik). He did the treatment there and then, and it cost 23,000 Baht! I realise now that TRSC acted very professionally, and referred me to the smaller eye clinic in order to save me money. I'm sure TRSC would only refer you to Doctors they know and trust. Rutnin has an excellent reputation so I'd get the retina treatment done there if I was you. My advice is don't let this put you off, get the retinas fixed asap and then return to TRSC to get the lasik.

[dantilley]

What's the actual process for Lasik treatment? I'm kind of thinking about it myself, but am very squeamish about anything eye-related. Just would like to know exactly what they do to you and how long the process lasts. Thanks!

[tuffy]

What's the actual process for Lasik treatment? I'm kind of thinking about it myself, but am very squeamish about anything eye-related. Just would like to know exactly what they do to you and how long the process lasts. Thanks!

Thanks for the advise Sod, I am headed there this morning to have the procedure done (to Rutnin).

Dantilley,

I have not had the actual procedure done yet but I have been through the introduction which explains the procedure. Basically they check your eyes to make sure that you meet all the requirements such as corneal thickness, pupil size type of vision correction etc. If you pass then basically they use a mechanical instrument to cut a flap off the top of your cornea then use a laser to reshape you eye, replace the flap and you are up and running then next day after they check your eyes. Then 2 weeks up to 6 months for all side effects such as halos around light, dry eyes etc. (which may or may not be permanent The process takes less than a 1/2 hour apparently.

[Mighty Mouse]

Then 2 weeks up to 6 months for all side effects such as halos around light, dry eyes etc. (which may or may not be permanent )

I wish you well with your lasik procedure and hope that the above mentioned side effects don't spoil your party.

I have never had the lasik procedure but previously had 12 months of dry eye. That can sometimes be quite painful, particular whist sleeping when your eyelid sticks to your eyeball.

Thankfully it was only in one eye and has now returned to normal.

I suppose you need to weigh up the good with the bad and restoring your eyesight to 20/20 vision has to be a bonus.

I'll look forward to your update report following the operation.

[dantilley]

Dantilley,

I have not had the actual procedure done yet but I have been through the introduction which explains the procedure. Basically they check your eyes to make sure that you meet all the requirements such as corneal thickness, pupil size type of vision correction etc. If you pass then basically they use a mechanical instrument to cut a flap off the top of your cornea then use a laser to reshape you eye, replace the flap and you are up and running then next day after they check your eyes. Then 2 weeks up to 6 months for all side effects such as halos around light, dry eyes etc. (which may or may not be permanent The process takes less than a 1/2 hour apparently.

Sounds pretty grim to me. That must be a very uncomfortable half hour...

[wpcoe]

Sounds pretty grim to me. That must be a very uncomfortable half hour...

Unless it's like my RK (radial keratotomy ... old-fashioned cutting of the cornea with a knife) some 20+ years ago when they doped me up pretty good with valium. If it were physically uncomfortable, I sure didn't care. :-)

[Lazy Sod]

Sounds pretty grim to me. That must be a very uncomfortable half hour...

Unless it's like my RK (radial keratotomy ... old-fashioned cutting of the cornea with a knife) some 20+ years ago when they doped me up pretty good with valium. If it were physically uncomfortable, I sure didn't care. :-)

TRSC also give you a valium tablet before the procedure, I think it took the edge of my nerves. They also give you some more valium tablets to take home for the first night so you can sleep well and rest your eyes.

[Lazy Sod]

What's the actual process for Lasik treatment? I'm kind of thinking about it myself, but am very squeamish about anything eye-related. Just would like to know exactly what they do to you and how long the process lasts. Thanks!

Thanks for the advise Sod, I am headed there this morning to have the procedure done (to Rutnin).

How did it go? Did they apply the laser around the whole retinal circumference or just around the holes? I forgot to mention, the Doc at the clinic was gonna zap the whole circumference of the retinas, but the Doc at Bumrungrad said he normally only zaps around holes (which of course is much quicker). I should add that the Doc at Bumrungrad said there are no strong opinions either way and there is nothing wrong with what the clinic were gonna do, he said, "some Doctors think why not, do the whole circumference of the retina", but in the States they generally just zap around the holes (probably because it's quicker and saves Doctors time). The Doc at the clinic said it would take about 200-300 zaps for the whole circumference of the retina , but at Bumrungrad it only took about 30 Zaps to seal just around the holes.

To those reading this, quite a lot of people have "retinal degeneration", especially people who are short sighted. It means the back of your retina is a bit thin and stretched and vulnerable to tearing, which can cause a detached retina. The treatment is a laser which slightly burns (photo coagulates) the weak parts of your retina in order to seal and strengthen it and reduce the possibility of ever having a detached retina (which is pretty serious). It has nothing to do with Lasik, but reputable Lasik Doctors prefer that you get it fixed before Lasik in case you ever have a detached retina later and (wrongly) blame it on the Lasik.

[eek]

Sounds pretty grim to me. That must be a very uncomfortable half hour...

Depends on how much you want it i guess. I was a very nervous patient, although calm outwardly, i was shaking like a leaf and my heart was beating ten-a-penny, even after the valium.

TRSC were so gentle and reassuring with me and that helped so much. Was assigned a staff member from start to finish and she asked if i would like a 'hand-holder' with me to help. Was so sweet!

Every step was explained prior to the process and during the process, and every care was taken to make sure i felt ok.

At one point during the surgery I closed my eye, and the doctor quietly stressed that i should open it, was really worried i had caused myself harm with that. But, if you move your eye or close it the laser automatically shuts off. The experience was indeed uncomfortable, but not painful. Im not great with hospitals etc in any case, so considering that, it really isnt such a bad experience really.

Afterwards, for around 2 months (first month being the worse) I had quite bad dry eyes. Used a lot of artificial tears, but now no problems. I have a little bit of night starbursts/halos, but i can live with it. My sever short sight and astigmatism is gone..and it still feels like a miracle.

p.s: if you were glasses rather than contact lenses, you may find the eye 'itchyness' from dry eyes a little more difficult to deal with. Most contact lense wearers build up some kind of tolerance i think because we could often get dry eyes.

[tuffy]

Dantilley,

I have not had the actual procedure done yet but I have been through the introduction which explains the procedure. Basically they check your eyes to make sure that you meet all the requirements such as corneal thickness, pupil size type of vision correction etc. If you pass then basically they use a mechanical instrument to cut a flap off the top of your cornea then use a laser to reshape you eye, replace the flap and you are up and running then next day after they check your eyes. Then 2 weeks up to 6 months for all side effects such as halos around light, dry eyes etc. (which may or may not be permanent The process takes less than a 1/2 hour apparently.

Sounds pretty grim to me. That must be a very uncomfortable half hour...

I hope it is nothing like the procedure today, (laser "repair" for a hole on the back side of my retina). It wasn't that it was painful so much as at the limit of comfort zone! I tried to get a couple Valium from several of the nurses there but the best they came up with were a couple muscle relaxers that didn't do a thing for me. Fist they suction cupped a large lens onto my eye ball then began pulsing a bright green light (the laser) into my eye, i felt a sharp pain in the back of my head on several occasions but overall the pain was minimal. It seemed like it took forever but I think it was only about 10 minutes and the procedure was over including when the suction cup fell off my eyeball and they had to redo that.

After reading LAzy Sods post I think mine must have just been around the tears it must have been less than 50 "zaps", I don't think I could have handled 200-300

The whole experience was pretty unpleasant, but there doesn't seem to be any side effects so far other than my eye is a bit sore. Hopefully this will be the end of it. I would DEFINITELY suggest a Valium or two before anything like this in the future.Next will be the Lasik procedure....I might just wait until the new year for that though....

Edited July 8, 2007 by tuffy

[eek]

tuffy, the vallium does help, its too bad they didnt give you some.

Yes the proceedure for lasik is uncomfortable also, but remember, as you said, its around 10 mins more or less (even if it does feel like ages), not really so bad when you think of the benifits. For me (even though when sitting in the chair having it done I was asking myself 'oh God, what am i doing...why did i decide to do this..make it stop!" ), the few minutes discomfort has by far outweighed the constant irritation with glasses and specs. No regrets.

Give your nerves a chance to calm down if your feeling frayed, and remember it was a good thing you got those holes fixed up anyway.

[Lazy Sod]

Give your nerves a chance to calm down if your feeling frayed, and remember it was a good thing you got those holes fixed up anyway.

Good advice. If your eye is sore take a couple of paracetamol and sleep, you'll probably wake up tomorrow feeling fine. I had all the same doubts as you at this stage, but now I have crystal clear vision and it's worth a million dollars. Today you have had a very important repair performed on your retina. Without it a heavy jolt, like a car accident, could result in a detached retina and lost sight in one or both eyes. Even if you don't go ahead with lasik now you are better off than before.

[JSixpack]

LASIK was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

You were lucky. See lasikdisaster.com.

This translated to sleeping in my contacts so that I could see what I was doing when I had to check on my kids; after 20 years, it was starting to take a toll on the health of my eyes.

Were you worried what your kids would think to see you in glasses? Were they not in fact asleep anyway? 'Twas just an excuse.

[Ceedee]

After I had LASIK done here in Bangkok I published my experience at http://www.medithai.net/lasik/ and since then I have had countless people sending me emails and telling me how LASIK had improved their life. What a coincidence that we live in the best city for LASIK surgery!!! I have had people from Singapore, the US, Japan and almost every country in Europe tell me how impressed they were with the standard of service here. Would I do it again? You bet!

[zaza]

But you should go for the trusted specialized hospitals and not the street (clinic booths).