Apr 8, 2016

between -4.00 and -4.25 in both eyes before. i had the procedure, took an ambien (they wanted me to sleep after), took a 2-3 hour nap, and when i woke up i could see ~95% of what i was seeing with contacts beforehand...i go back tomorrow morning to do a follow-up & vision test, but i'd say i'm already pretty close to 20/20. i just have some glowing around light bulbs, which they say is typical and will last a couple weeks.

 

Apr 8, 2016

$3800 usd out the door
...included both eyes, with a lifetime guarantee (if adjustments are needed years from now, they'll do it free of charge), plus meds, follow-ups, etc.

other places i went to had their pricing as high as $5600-$6400. worth shopping around.

 

Apr 8, 2016

edit: spoiler, cuz i don't even like looking at that s---

Spoiler: gif

 

Apr 8, 2016

...the laser creates a burnt-hair smell... that's not smell from your eyes melting away -- it's just a byproduct of the laser's fumes itself and would smell like that even if no tissue were underneath it.

laser 1 lasts for 15 seconds. laser 2 lasts for 20 seconds. hold your breath if ya gotta, but it was barely noticeable.

 

Apr 13, 2016

I went through LasikPlus. I was pretty hesitant to go through a "chain", but after doing my homework I actually preferred going through an established chain than to go to a specific physician who specializes in it at their own practice.. some a lot more detail in the spoiler:

Spoiler: details n s---

i consulted at LasikPlus, Dr.Kraff Eye Institute, & Vision One Lasik Center.

1. Vision One didn't offer intralased (non-bladed method), so i was f---ing out.
2. Dr. Kraff seemed legit, well respected, great resume, and the entire staff of the initial optometrist office I went to for them was full of cute females. They were, however, difficult to book a follow-up consultation with (booked a few weeks in advance), didn't offer a lifetime guarantee, and were much more expensive than LasikPlus (they estimated $2800-$3200 per eye)
3. LasikPlus was super professional, and after researching the surgeon more, I felt more and more comfortable with them. The surgeon who did my eyes (the only one at the Lincoln Park location, where I went) is Dr. Aymond and he's done over 55,000 eye correction procedures now, was the first one to do both lasik & prk in the entire state of wisconsin, and I had my mother follow-up with her og optometrist back home in detroit, as he knows a lot about the surgeons in the chicago area, and he confirmed that he was a solid choice. Offers a lifetime guarantee (if in 10 years from now, my vision sways, they'll correct it for free), was $3800 out the door, were super easy to get ahold of & friendly, and a solid facility that I felt comfortable with.

...the only thing that was slightly strange (i disliked it at first, but in retrospect, i really kinda liked it) is that on the day of my procedure, the surgeon had 27 other procedures as well... it was basically an assembly line. felt strange at first, but then i could see a.) exactly how the procedure took place (the operating room is a glass wall where you can very clearly see right in), and b.) that they were comfortable enough to present it like this as to where they clearly weren't expecting any complications...it was clockwork. so by the time i had my number (not literally) called, i already knew exactly what was going to take place, how long it would take, what my expectations were, and i felt relaxed knowing that i literally just saw 5 other people go into the procedure and walk themselves right out without problem.

pm if you have more questions.

 

Apr 13, 2016

f--- you, @Charlie