Concerns about Lasik

[tack77]

I am extremely nearsighted and am interested in having a lasik procedure.  Last Friday, I had a consultation with a local reputable laser center.  After an eye exam, the tech told me that he thought I was in no way eligible due to my prescription but the Dr said I had enough corneal thickness to proceed.  After researching more on the net and discovering what some of the numbers mean, I called back yesterday to find out what prescription they had come up with.  Here is what they told me:

R -5.0 + 1.75 X 085
L -8.25 + 1.25X 085

Concerned that I thought I had the same bad vision in both eyes, today I contacted the optometrist that gave me my last regular eye exam for glasses back in September.  Here is what they told me:  


r -7.50 -1.50 X 180
l -7.50 -1.00 X 005

Now I understand that there is a different formula for these two Rx's, it just really odd to me that there is such a difference between them.

That being said, and considering my eyeglass script, is lasik typically performed on people with my Rx? The Dr. told me that the biggest worry i would have is to be undercorrected and need an enhancement.   I plan on going to a different laser center for another consultation so I can see what kind of input I get from them.  

Any help, suggestions, or guidance would be appreciated.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes,  However,  the key piece of information need is your corneal thickness.  Since laser thins you cornea and a higher prescription thins your cornea more.  You need to have enough cornea for the laser treatment.  Higher prescriptions have a higher incidence of enhancements.

Dr. O.

[tack77]

Than you for your response.  I went today for another consultation at another reputable clinic.   I didnt get any exact numbers but i did notice that thinnest cornea measurement of either eye was like 540. I told both clinics about some ulcers i had in my right eye back in 2008. At my last regular eye exam at my optometrist back in September, he said "you have some scars from those ulcers." Today when i informed the Lasik suregon of this, he took a look with that super bright light and said "no, your good, no scars. So that has me just a little concerned.  My optometrist also told me I have dry eyes, but i never even noticed this until he told me.  WHen i brought it up to the surgeon today he said I was good.  I'm very interested in having this done, just a little scared.