After over 1 year of research, I decided to have lasik done on my 8.5 diopter nearsightedness in July of 1999. My surgeon, who performed thousands of lasik procedures, told me I was a good candidate and predicted wonderful eyesight. Immediately after the procedure was over, I was asked to read the clock on the wall, a mere 20 feet away and it was very blurry. Not a good sign. I was assured that was only temporary due to swelling and would improve gradually. I probably would have been more upset, but I was still under the effects of the vallium.

It has been almost 4 years now and my vision has not improved at all. I see ghose images all the time. In bright sunlight they are much less noticeable, but still there. My night vision is terrible, with starburst effects and magnified ghost images (due to the dilation of the pupil using the uneven edges of the ablated cornea). My eyes are constantly dry. I use reading glasses and my surgeon prescribed glasses to correct the farsightedness due to overcorrection. They allow me to watch TV in the evening without headaches, but do absolutely nothing for the ghost images. On one of my post-op visits, I told my surgeon that I regretted having the procedure done. It dented his ego and after that he would not meet me face-to-face, he communicated with me via one of his technicians, continually offering me an "enhancement". I sought a second opinion from another surgeon who advised that if I could still function, leave it alone. A botched attempt to correct my farsightedness now could cost me my corneas.

I wish I could turn back time and have my old thick glasses back. At least my vision could be corrected to 20/20. Several of my friends have had lasik performed and are thrilled with the results. I am happy for them, but as for me, I'm very disappointed.