3 Years post lasik. My doctor tells me the procedure was perfect, that i healed properly, but three years later I wake up every morning with stinging, burning eyes that get worse throughout the day.
My vision is ruined, I can't see anything close up.
All colors look faded.
At night I see massive halo, glare and starburts around all bright lights.
Nothing looks natural.

But the pain from the dry eyes is unbearable. My eyes sting and burn all day and night!!
I get headaces every day from the eye pain. I've been back to my eye doctor and nine other doctors.
None can tell me why this happened and none can offer advice to deal with the symptoms.
I'm despondent and suicidal. I feel isolated and misunderstood. Nobody knows what I'm going through.

I'm not looking for any advice anymore. I've tried everything. I just want to warn any readers, that Lasik is not safe!!!!!!!!
Don't make my mistake. Please.

originally posted by ScottJ:

quote:

I'm despondent and suicidal. I feel isolated and misunderstood. Nobody knows what I'm going through.

I'm not looking for any advice anymore. I've tried everything. I just want to warn any readers, that Lasik is not safe!!!!!!!!
Don't make my mistake. Please.

Suicide is an alarming word. I hope you are having a better day today but, if not, please seek professional help. I don't know a lot, but I know enough to not ignore someone who feels suicidal.

You are not alone. And on this bulletin board, you are not misunderstood. Many of us know, if not exactly, at least partially through our own experiences, what you are going through. Read my posts. Read the posts of other dry eyed, visually mucked up members. At the risk of repeating myself, you are not alone.

You aren't looking for advice so I will not offer any. I want you to know that I read your post and that I care.

I'm not the first and I'm not the worst of post-LASIK dry eye people but I have been able to find ways to be comfortable and truly enjoy my life. My surgery was 5/10/01. I've worked my ass off getting better and I am now a million miles ahead of what I was then. I'm glad I didn't give up.

Tron

Dear ScottJ,

I hope you find strength to battle your challenges. I certainly am at the beginning of mine and I struggle with the thoughts of enduring the under-represented side effects that I am living with. I go through fluctuations in the clarity of my emotions as often as the clarity of my vision itself. Sometimes I think "How can I live the rest of my life like this?". Then, I sometimes think that one good thing is that living out a full natural life is indeed short in itself, and this won't last an eternity. That's when I realize that people who struggle with abnormalities (voluntary or involuntary) must build their character and change their coping skills. I have not mastered this yet. I am just about 3 months post lasik, and my gut very much tells me I'm in the unfortunate few. But, I know that I will ulitmately have to find my way.

Life has too many positive things to offer beyond our challenges. This doesn't mean that I'm not going to have my bad days, complain, worry, warn, or help others. I just won't give up.

I am trying to imagine being in your shoes, but it's difficult. I am experiencing most of what you describe at my 3 month marker and to think that this may continue on indefinitely is worrisome. However, I am making it known to myself that the words "suicide and "suicidal" are not in my options. I hope you'll find the means to do the same.

As Tron said....You are not alone.

On a technical note...I'm wondering if you've looked into Barbara's suggestions on the RGP lenses yet. I've been waiting for my 3 month marker to begin serious consideration, but I'd be curious in your situation.

All the best,

Halorob

have you tried punctal plugs? RGP's?

hang in there - i've lasted 7.5 years! never give up. i believe suicide ideation is common among us but nonetheless you should probably get some kind of help immediately.

technology will only get better.

i have an idea of what you are going through, like most people on this board.

we've been exposed to the worst in human nature-can't wait for the polar ice caps to melt!


-h