There are so much complications associated to lasik and prk as glare,halos,loss of contrast sensibility,the doctors use to not let you know about that,i would go with ICL if it is an option.
I think the risks of Staar's ICL are not as bad now, although very dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon.
I had Lasik 12 yrs ago. My power was -8. Lasik was still new then so my doctor (now a professor and prominent reseacher) made my eyes slightly under-corrected to -0.5. Throughout the years my power regresses a bit and am now about -1.75. Which is fine, now that I am at the age mentioned by Dr Hagan. I had some side effects but they diminish with time. I had retinal tear few years ago but that has been taken care of. I am an active person who likes to swim so I can emphatise with you. Yes go for it. Lasik technologies have improved tremendously since then that you are spoilt for choice now.
As per your recommendation, I have eliminated the option of ICL. After reading about other options, I have some more questions:
a) Which is preferred - Allegretto Eye Q Laser System with mechanical MicroKeratome or Visx S4 Custom Vue Laser System with IntraLase
b) Which is preferred - Lasik (with the better option from a) vs Advance Surface Ablation (either LASEK or Epi-Lasek)
b) Is SBK (sub-Bowmans keratomileusis) same as using any Femtosec laser for the flap like IntraLase laser, VisuMax etc which keeps the flap to around 110 microns?
No I do not have a specific surgeon to recommend, do your own due diligence.
If you had lasik and it corrected you to "Plano" 0.00 no need for glasses at all for distance your progression through presbyopia would be like any other person the same age that was blessed with no need for glasses at distance.
Now many of the happiest myopes are people like me, in my 60's but with -2.50 myopia I can read and use my computer without glasses. Some high myopes opt to leave one eye in the area of -1.50 to -2.00 if they are near 40.
That is a form of "monovision"
JCH MD
Dr. Hagen - appreciate your advice. Would you recommend a specific doctor in Atlanta? I am aware that eventually I would have presbyopia and would need reading glasses. Does having Lasik would have any adverse affect on presbyopia? What I mean by that is when you have glasses, the power starts small and increases (w/ age and straining of eyes till it stablilizes around ~30). However, due to my eye history and then lasik, would it happen that I would need a high power reading glasses to begin with or a small power to start with just like others.
des900 - I agree with you on these side effects of lasik. But I have talked with 10 different acquaintances who have had lasik and even though some of them have had the problems you listed, none have repented their decision about lasik. The problem (like dry eyes etc) do exist but are minor. However, after reading various forums, the effect of Iridotomy are quite severe where patients are repenting their decision to get ICL and had to undergo subsequent procedures from a highly skilled opthomologist to get sutures or a colored tattoo. Some people have quit working because their vision has gone really bad. That has made me panic and lean towards lasik.
Lasik undergone people often complain about quality of vision which include poor night vision, seeing halos, glare, sometimes even dry eyes & increased no of floater's also may of them still need glasses.
So you should properly decide before undergoing any surgery as its effects are mostly irreversible.
I trained at Emory and I know Dr. Woodhams. I would recommend lasik. I would not have an ICL put in my eye or any family member. I never recommend it to my patients. However lasik is something I would allow any of my family to have.
Realize if it works perfect you will still need reading glasses about age 41-43 and as you get older your near vision will deteriorate and you will also need glasses for shopping, computers, reading, etc.
JCH MD