Diving after Lasik surgery

[Khaled Kurdi]

I have been contemplating undergoing Lasik surgery, but have been waiting for more time to pass on the global experience of the procedure. It has been 15 or so years since it was first introduced and although, I believe, it should take around 25 years for all potential clinical complications to show, I am wondering on the wisdom of doing it from a diving stand point. According to recent research I read it seems that the procedure is common among divers and the waiting period after the surgery is not more than one month.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[PeteM]

I have been contemplating undergoing Lasik surgery, but have been waiting for more time to pass on the global experience of the procedure. It has been 15 or so years since it was first introduced and although, I believe, it should take around 25 years for all potential clinical complications to show, I am wondering on the wisdom of doing it from a diving stand point. According to recent research I read it seems that the procedure is common among divers and the waiting period after the surgery is not more than one month.

I would not have thought there were any issues from a diving point of view providing everything has healed before you dive again, you just get to dump the perscription mask or contacts.

However for me the complication rates are still way to high to contemplate going through it myself

HTH

Pete

[derek perry]

I have been contemplating undergoing Lasik surgery, but have been waiting for more time to pass on the global experience of the procedure. It has been 15 or so years since it was first introduced and although, I believe, it should take around 25 years for all potential clinical complications to show, I am wondering on the wisdom of doing it from a diving stand point. According to recent research I read it seems that the procedure is common among divers and the waiting period after the surgery is not more than one month.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

It was in the news this week that 1 in 10 of these operations fail and result in people needing corrective surgery. This is a lot higher than clinics will admit, they say 1 in 100.
The risk seems too high for me to dip me toes in yet

Good luck Derek

[Paul Eldred]

Hi - I had Lasik surgery on 16 October 2002 at Boots in Regent Street London. Stayed out of the water for 5 weeks (they recommended 4 weeks). Very careful thereafter for a couple of months. From about Jan onwards I've been doing mask clearing with open eyes (before the contacts used to float away). Got rid of the optical mask with the beer bottle lenses too.

I've had no complications whatsoever. I may need a re-treatment as I am still slightly short sighted.

Boots offer a free consultation (takes about 2 hours). No obligation. (I don't work for Boots by the way!). If you've any other questions simply e-mail me ..

Bye for now