Lasik / flying?

I had it about 5 years ago. Initially I was disappointed because my vision
with glasses was very sharp. After the lasik, it was good enough to pass
driving and aviation tests, but not as sharp. This is particularly
noticeable at night, where my vision is rather blurry. On the other hand,
at the beach (where the pupils are "stopped down" in photographic terms) my
vision is nearly ideal (and where better to have great vision).

I got some prescription shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses, and a
nose bridge which allows the lenses to be raised a little. The optometrist
said that she would make them "a little in the green," which was trade talk
for better than 20/20. I usually use these for flying, although legally I
don't have to.

All in all, I would do it again, but it is not perfect (at least in my
case). Also, everyone told me it was essentially painless. The first night
hurt like hell. They told me sometimes they give medication to patients,
but they were sure I wouldn't need it. I wish I had their home numbers that
night. I just got a bottle of liquor and started doing shots.


"gatt" wrote in message
...

Anybody had lasik surgery?

My vision is stable, correctable to 20/20, but things like pollen or the
neighbor mowing his yard can bother my contact lenses. Glasses suck and
contacts aren't good for your eyes over time, so my wife is encouraging
lasik. The #1 facility in the region is half a block away from my
workplace and they have a deal with our company which is why I know so
many people who've had it, but I'm still undecided.

Everybody I've known personally who has had it done raves about it, no bad
experiences at all...but none of them fly.

Thoughts?
-c

LWG wrote:

I had it about 5 years ago. Initially I was disappointed because my vision
with glasses was very sharp. After the lasik, it was good enough to pass
driving and aviation tests, but not as sharp. This is particularly
noticeable at night, where my vision is rather blurry. On the other hand,
at the beach (where the pupils are "stopped down" in photographic terms) my
vision is nearly ideal (and where better to have great vision).

I got some prescription shooting glasses with interchangeable lenses, and a
nose bridge which allows the lenses to be raised a little. The optometrist
said that she would make them "a little in the green," which was trade talk
for better than 20/20. I usually use these for flying, although legally I
don't have to.

All in all, I would do it again, but it is not perfect (at least in my
case). Also, everyone told me it was essentially painless. The first night
hurt like hell. They told me sometimes they give medication to patients,
but they were sure I wouldn't need it. I wish I had their home numbers that
night. I just got a bottle of liquor and started doing shots.

And you wonder why your night vision is blurry. :-)


Matt