So I made a trip to a laser eye place today in San Diego for a consultation to see what kind of candidate I would be for PRK so I can hopefully fly. Bottom line is it doesn't look like I'm a very good candidate for laser surgery however I am a good candidate for a procedure called ICL, where they basically implant a permanent lens similar to a contact into your eye. I'm wondering if anyone on here has ever heard of it and know anything about it. Also, if it is approved at all in the military. Thanks a lot!
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My visit to the Laser Eye Center...
- Thread starter Adam25sc
- Start date
Whitingorbust
New Member
Get a second opinion about the PRK, preferably from your own personal eye doctor. A lot of these franchised places like TLC and stuff are very picky about who they select for certain procedures like PRK so they can keep their numbers looking good when they advertise on TV. PRK (and variances of it such as LASEK) are the only procedures waived by the Navy. Do a search throughout this site and you will find good amount of info on the regulations that come with it.
The main reason for them saying I am not a good candidate is because they said I have thin corneas, and when you have a surgery like PRK it makes them even thinner apparently. I did go to TLC for it. The Doc I talked to said that some of the problem could be from wearing contacts so much and I'm gonna go back in about a month and keep the contacts out for a few weeks. Also, when I go back the Doc I'm gonna talk to is apparently a big time guy at Balboa Naval Hospital and was a Flight Surgeon who has worked with all kinds of Naval Aviators, so I guess we'll see how it goes. I'm definitely gonna get some more opinions though.
My doc wouldn't even look at me until I hadn't worn contacts for 30 days straight. And make sure that you and he are on the same page - thin corneas will DQ you from LASIK, but I've never heard of it DQing you from LASEK (PRK=LASEK). If nothing else, go get a second opinion to see which doc you prefer and pricing. Usually the screenings are free.
Go see Dr. Steve Schallhorn (http://us.opticalexpress.com/LASIK/dr-steve-schallhorn.html). If you're anywhere near San Diego, it's pretty much a no-brainer.
Also look at the link for Dr. Mitch Brown (http://us.opticalexpress.com/laser-eye-surgery/dr-mitchell-c-brown.html).
I know them both fairly well (or at least I did a few years ago). Let me know if you have any questions.
For what it's worth, I've never heard of corneas being too thin for PRK/LASEK. I'd definitely get a second opinion.
Also look at the link for Dr. Mitch Brown (http://us.opticalexpress.com/laser-eye-surgery/dr-mitchell-c-brown.html).
I know them both fairly well (or at least I did a few years ago). Let me know if you have any questions.
For what it's worth, I've never heard of corneas being too thin for PRK/LASEK. I'd definitely get a second opinion.
My corneas are borderline for LASIK (note the "i"). Are you absolutely sure that's not what they were measuring you for? I have horrid vision (contacts ~7.5), which requires a thicker cornea, and thinish corneas to begin with. I was a candidate for LASIK, just barely, but I was told that LASEK/PRK would be no problem, so check and make sure you were told about the correct procedure.
Also, the permanent lenses are much more expensive than LASEK or PRK, so be aware that someone might try to push those to make a few extra bucks.
Also, the permanent lenses are much more expensive than LASEK or PRK, so be aware that someone might try to push those to make a few extra bucks.
Yea that is one thing, that procedure costs about twice as much as Laser surgery. I do think that my wearing contact definitely contributes cause I do wear them A LOT. Thanks for the links and for all the advice guys! I really appreciate it! I'm definitely gonna be getting multiple opinions