laser eye correction and diving

[ktomlinson]

I had PRK done 10 years ago and it was one hell of a week! (sensitivity to light, eye pain) With that said I would do it again in a second, I used to have -4.75 vision in each eye and now I have 20/15 vision. I wasnt a candidate for LASIK because my corneas were slightly too thin, so I had to opt for the more painful procedure. Your gonna love it!

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

One of our attending physicians who's also an anesthesiologist in the Duke Eye Center recommends waiting four weeks after uncomplicated refractive surgery. Your ophthalmologist may have more specific instructions.

 

[Paco II]

I had lasik done about 5 years ago. Wow, really a life changer. I am able to enjoy diving so much more without having to worry about glasses or contacts. Regarding the 'don't swim time', my one suggestion is not to rush it. It's simply not worth it. You've got your whole life to enjoy diving. I took my doctors recommendation and added two weeks. I was probably being extra cautious, but why not - it's one's vision.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi sunkmail,

Here's some prior postings on the topic --> ScubaBoard - Search Results

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[sunkmail]

I had PRK done 10 years ago and it was one hell of a week! (sensitivity to light, eye pain) With that said I would do it again in a second, I used to have -4.75 vision in each eye and now I have 20/15 vision. I wasnt a candidate for LASIK because my corneas were slightly too thin, so I had to opt for the more painful procedure. Your gonna love it!

Seems I have the same problem .... Thin corneas and an awkward astigmatism.

I'm scheduled for PRK on Mid November. Should be an interesting experience, to say the least.

The Surgeon suggests at least 2 weeks before returning to diving. I'll probably take more, just to be sure.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[GoAnywherePhoto]

I had PRK done back in 2005 and have loved it. Yes, you will be a bit more sore than lasik, and it will take longer to adjust to bright light for a few weeks, but as long as I was off work, I managed to get out fishing the next day just fine with dark glasses. My vision improved immediately and by 6 months later, I was 20/10 and am still there. After the first few weeks, your only issue will probably be dry eyes, which is no big deal. I had to keep drops around for a few months to be used now and then - a couple times a week.

PRK is the only procedure the Navy will allow for divers/piolots and special forces. Aparenty because it heals with more integrity than the incision used for Lasik. I have had no problems since and no issues with halos around lights at night.

 

[Jax]

A picture paints a thousand words.

lasik halo - Google Search

 

[sunkmail]

A picture paints a thousand words.

lasik halo - Google Search

From my understanding of the proceedure:

Older laser systems had a much smaller area of effect. If your pupil dialates beyound the diameter of the area that has been adjusted, there will be a transitionary area where the cornea is definetly the wrong shape for sharp images.

'Newer' lasers correct the cornea shape over a wider area, and have virtually eliminated the halo effect.


On a seperate note, I looked at the link, and there was one picture that was just too much to resist clicking on:

 

[DCM]

I went to the same picture, we may be a slightly disturbed bunch... check the full site.

LASIK@Home

 

[Zafeer]

Just did Lasik less than a week ago, my doctor is not very good with diving issues and he seemed confused about my no dive time. First he said at least 2 months and then he said 3 months. My surgery was a normal custom Lasik surgery with no complication. DAN wrote around 4 weeks tops, including 2 weeks contingency.
I am not sure what to do and certainly I don’t want to stay for 3 months!!!
Zaff