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Comment by phantarch | Hacker News Reader

I went ahead and read his post about the actual process of getting the surgery and I think that's scared me off of it forever. It's not an invasive procedure, but just the thought of being strapped down and having my eyes mechanically restrained so a miniature band saw can slice pieces of them off is absolutely terrifying. I'm sure the doctors are all qualified for the most part and it's well within reasonable safety parameters, but even with sedation I would be incredibly anxious.

Is there a similar procedure to LASIK where they can put you completely under? Or can they do that with LASIK too?

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My LASIK was all laser, so the flap was cut with a laser instead of the microkeratome. My doctor gives you a Valium before the surgery.

Total time in the surgery chair was 6 minutes. First laser cuts, doctor opens the flap, second laser does the correction, doctor closes it up. Repeat for the other eye. Freakiest part is when they open the flap up and your vision goes completely hazy.

I was a long time contact wearer, so I was squeamish about having my eyes touched. I think it would be a lot more uncomfortable for someone who only wears glasses.

Best $4k I've ever spent. I had halos for a couple of days but no discomfort. For a couple of years, the reflective letters on highway signs seemed WAY TOO BRIGHT, but that's gone away now too.

I had it done about 6 years ago. While I wasn't completely under, I was given Valium beforehand and therefore didn't really give a shit about what they were doing. Also, because of the freezing, I didn't feel a thing. I just floated there, looking where they told me to look, and about 10 minutes later I was back out on the waiting room with my parents.

You can evaluate the risk and consider your anxiety separately. If you think the risk is worth it, then you can take care of the anxiety with medication. After enough diazepam, you won't be anxious anymore. You won't care. Not only does this help you feel better, but I'm sure a less anxious person is better for the surgery as well.

I don't think so. Perhaps you'd better stick with contact lenses.

(I had LASIK and the procedure is not bad at all and over very quickly).

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