Laser Eye Surgery - Pros/Cons for hunters

[Bluebulldog]

Hey all,

My work just circulated a notice that our group benefits provider is offering a 3 month promotion for increased discounts/coverage on Laser Eye Surgery.

What i'm looking for here, is feedback from anyone who's had the procedure (or similar procedures) or stories of hunters you know about the less discussed results and side effects, particularly for folks who hunt or do lots outdoors.

Obviously, i'd like to be free of the PITA that glasses are. I'd like to be able to put on atv/motorcycle helmets easily, i'd like to be able to put on my turkey hunting facemask without fighting with the damn glasses every time, i'd like to be able to wear a chainsaw helmet & earmuffs without crushing arms of glasses into the side of my head and getting a headache. You get the picture.

However, I've heard that there are side affects that often effect outdoors people more than the typical patient.

Things like:

• Messed up depth of field - makes focusing down rear sight, front sight & target very difficult
• Constant tearing/eye leaking from wind, even just soft steady breezes
• Often very poor/blurry/foggy vision in dawn/dusk light
• Severe glare and 'spots' in direct sunlight

If you've got any info or experience to share, i'd appreciate hearing it!

I had Lasik done in 2005 in Mississauga by Lasik MD.

No issues whatsoever, nor with iron sights or night vision.

I do have a pair of glasses that I occasionally use when I've been getting too much screen time eg contracts at work, video games etc. But the optometrist said I have a slight astigmatism, and it's because my one eye gets tired.....I don't need them except once in a blue moon.

Otherwise I paid $1800 for both eyes plus $400 for lifetime vision care.....I'd pay it again tomorrow if I had to.

[one shot scott]

I had it done 20 years ago. I have the halo effect but nothing other than that, and it doesn't really bother me too much anymore. I love not having to mess around with glasses or contacts anymore. No hunting related issues at all

[Fisherman]

No personal experience, although everyone I've talked to in the last couple years say that most of the halo effect has been eliminated along with using iron sights. The one fellow is a bona fide sharp shooter and doesn't wear glasses other than sun glasses in bright sun. I only need the surgery for close up, 2-3 feet and I have problems with iron sights now. I'm just too chicken to have someone screwing with my eyes.

[Oddmott]

Man... i was really expecting a couple horror stories, or at least one or two semi-negative responses, to help talk me out of this pretty expensive undertaking.

But all i'm hearing from anyone is that it's great and i shouldn't put it off if i can help it.

I was hoping to spend those funds on motorcycle insurance this year... but it looks like i'm getting new eyes instead.

Thanks for all the feedback.

[Bluebulldog]

Man... i was really expecting a couple horror stories, or at least one or two semi-negative responses, to help talk me out of this pretty expensive undertaking.

But all i'm hearing from anyone is that it's great and i shouldn't put it off if i can help it.

I was hoping to spend those funds on motorcycle insurance this year... but it looks like i'm getting new eyes instead.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Do it. Period, full stop. You will never regret it.

[3Wheelerdude]

I had it done 12 years ago.
Only issues is I get dry eyes if hot air is circulated in my direction. Example : Vents directed towards me in a car or sitting under a ceiling vent in the office.

Otherwise, never had any issue. Cant imagine wearing glasses again.

[scarkner]

Man... i was really expecting a couple horror stories, or at least one or two semi-negative responses, to help talk me out of this pretty expensive undertaking.

But all i'm hearing from anyone is that it's great and i shouldn't put it off if i can help it.

I was hoping to spend those funds on motorcycle insurance this year... but it looks like i'm getting new eyes instead.

Thanks for all the feedback.

I read this thread with great interest as I am also on the edge. I worry so much about screwing up my vision... but as you said the responses are almost all positive.

Can you please post back when you have the surgery done and how it went, I would appreciate it!

[Fishy Wishy]

I read this thread with great interest as I am also on the edge. I worry so much about screwing up my vision... but as you said the responses are almost all positive.

Can you please post back when you have the surgery done and how it went, I would appreciate it!

When my wife had hers done she sat up after the, zap, zap, smell of burnt flesh, and was able to see me cross the room (where I was standing outside a picture window watching it close up on the TV monitor). Improved vision was immediate!

[buckchaser]

I had the surgery done at the Focus Eye Center in Ottawa in 2008 (I was 30). I opted for the latest, best, and most expensive package they offered rationalizing that I only have one pair of eyes. I think it was about $5000 at the time.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Freedom from contact lenses and glasses is awesome for my lifestyle. I've had no significant side effects and my vision is still pretty much 20/20 as of my last optometrist appointment a few months ago.

As with most things, you get what you pay for. Do your research and buy the best you can afford.

[patvetzal]

Been wearing glasses for almost 60 years now. Bought contacts as an apprentice then got transferred to a job where I had to wear safety glasses. Still spend a lot of time in a workshop environment so I should have them on anyway.
My wife hates wearing glasses but is not a candidate for the laser. I am told that I am an ideal candidate but would have to choose which I wanted .....perfect distance, close-up, or an average in-between. One can not have both extremes.....
I just wish I did not need glasses for scuba diving, the rest of my life I can compensate...