Personal stories about laser surgery for nearsightedness

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Abby, age 38: I've decided to have LASIK surgery because I am tired of wearing corrective lenses all the time. I hate the way I look in glasses, and I've had lots of problems with contact lenses. I've worn corrective lenses all my life, but in the past I never really had a choice. I know there are a few risks involved with having LASIK surgery, but for me the possibility of being able to see pretty well without glasses or contacts is worth it.

Harry, age 44: I'm not going to have surgery. It would be nice to be able to see better without my glasses, but I'm not willing to risk the vision I have just so that I don't have to wear my glasses anymore. My doctor is pretty sure I would need to wear glasses some of the time anyway, even if I did have the surgery. I know people who have been very pleased with the results, but I am too afraid that one of those rare complications will happen to me.

Tomas, age 27: I'm going to have laser surgery so that I don't have to rely so heavily on my contact lenses. For the most part, I haven't really minded wearing contacts. But I do participate in a lot of sports and outdoor activities, and contacts can be a real hassle when I'm out mountain-biking or playing soccer or doing anything like that. Glasses aren't much better in those situations. Besides, it sure would be nice to be able to wake up in the morning and see things clearly without having to put in my contacts first.

Sally, age 28: I'm not going to have surgery right now. Some of the procedures are still fairly new, and the surgery is very expensive. I would like to wait until there is more information about the long-term results and until the doctors in my area become more experienced with the newer procedures. I will probably reconsider having surgery in a few years, but I'm not ready to have it at this point.