I know this is long, but I would really appreciate anyone reading and giving opinions!
I ride horses, and would like to be free of glasses/contacts when riding. I have been to different doctors and have received conflicting opinions.
I am a 39 yo female. Some exam stats:
Manifest Refraction Spectacle Plane:
OD: -9.25 -1.50 x 92 (Wavescan OD: -7.36 -1.37 x 10)
OS: -8.50 -1.75 x 80 (Wavescan OS: -6.61 -1.46 x 177)
Pupil: 8.2mm per Wavescan
Pachymetry (Pentacam) 490 microns OD, 499 microns OS
Schirmers: 13 OD, 14 OS
Opinion #1
Local reputable eye center, free evaluation performed by a tech. After the tech consulted with the doctor it was recommended that I would be a candidate for ICL's, but must wait for FDA toric approval. The tech stated that Lasik would result in corneal transplants down the road.
Opinion #2
Local reputable university eye center.
After a 1 hour comprehensive exam, the surgeon felt I would be a suitable candidate for either LASIK or PRK, my choice. Surgery was actually scheduled for 3-4-10, and they said I could let them know when I got there which procedure I would prefer. I told him that opinion #1 had said my corneas were too thin, and he seemed unconcerned.
Opinion #3
Another reputable university eye center.
After a 2 hour comprehensive exam the surgeon needed the Pentacam scan from their main campus before making approval for LASEK. After receiving the scan results, the surgeon did not feel that I would be a good candidate, stating that I would have good initial results, but 6 to 12 months out I would probably regress and would then only be a candidate for hard contacts. It sounds like he actually means that I would develop ectasia? I told the tech who called me back about opinion #2, not mentioning who/where it was. Before the conversation was over she actually suggested I get another opinion, and recommended opinion #2! I told her that is where I went. After talking with the surgeon again, the recommendation was that if I still want to pursue correction there were other options, and that I should have a comprehensive corneal consult with the chief surgeon at their main campus to be evaluated for ICL's. When I questioned the receptionist about my astigmatism she seemed to think it would not be an issue in regards to needing an additional laser procedure or waiting for toric ICL approval (of course pending evaluation by the surgeon.)
I went for the consult with the chief of the department. I thought I was there for a P-IOL (ICL) consultation. They repeated every measurement that their branch campus office did, with the exception of dilating my eyes. I brought the records from the first university, and of course they had the records from their branch campus office. Then the surgeon came in with his resident entourage and asked me a series of questions: Family history of sleep apnea? CPAP usage? Do *I* have sleep apnea? Do I rub my eyes, and demonstrate how?
After this the surgeon, talking to the residents, explained how giving the patient the choice of procedures confused them. I am thinking that no, what FREAKED ME OUT was one surgeon approving me, and another declining me stating that serious complications would occur.
Next the surgeon told me I was a good candidate for thin flap lasik! I was SO not expecting that! He is very confidante, and very qualified, but I was not expecting that based upon what the other surgeon at the same university had said!
I really want vision correction surgery, but of course I want a good long term outcome. It is still stressing me some that three reputable university surgeons are giving me differing opinions.
Am I crazy for continuing to surgery? I am scheduled for next Tuesday, March 16, 2010 with the chief surgeon at the main campus of the second university.
Thanks in advance for any input!