Does this sound right?

[lilsmileybug]

I went for a Lasik consultation today and feel like I barely escaped from a used car salesman. Although what I'm reading on this board seems to be consistent with what they said.

I am 34 years old, around -14 (don't have my rx in front of me) and have astigmatism.

They said with such bad vision that ICL is my only option, with PRK afterwards to correct the astigmatism.

Is it true that there are no Lasik procedures available for me with vision that bad?

They didn't check my corneas or anything, which is what I expected to happen today. I went ahead and made an appointment for an evaluation at another place for a second opinion and they said I had to keep my contacts out for a minimum of three days ahead of time, and the clinic I just went to told me I didn't have to go without my contacts (and at the time they had no idea what my prescription was).

So, is it worth even going to get a second opinion on Lasik? It sounds like ICL really is my only option, but the place I went to left me with such a bad feeling that I don't believe anything they told me.

Thanks for any information/advice!

[LasikExpert]

Is it true that there are no Lasik procedures available for me with vision that bad?

Absolutely true. Lasik for a 14.00 diopter myope (nearsighted, shortsighted) patient would have a relatively low probability of success and would require very thick corneas.

So, is it worth even going to get a second opinion on Lasik?

Absolutely, and you should seek a third from a corneal specialist at a university affiliated teaching hospital.

It sounds like ICL really is my only option...

While you may experience significant improvement in uncorrected vision, with such a high refractive error you are at an elevated risk of a poor outcome on many levels. This is why you need multiple opinions.

...but the place I went to left me with such a bad feeling that I don't believe anything they told me.

Then this is not the place for you. The surgeon may be excellent, but you need staff and doctors you trust. Seek a place where you are comfortable.