LASIK Surgery for Cave Divers?

[prov3125]

So, quick question: Have any of you had LASIK surgery, and, if so, what type of surgery did you have (LASIK, LASEK, or PRK)? I initially thought I should undergo the PRK surgery, so the pressure change from diving wouldn't interfere with the healed corneal flap, but my ophthalmologist said that normal LASIK should be fine. Thanks, and Happy New Year!

[derek]

I had PRK about two years ago and I have not had any problems. A divemaster friend of mine just had LASIK and he waited about 3 months before diving, he had no problems either. I think if you give your eyes the proper amount of time to heal correctly there is no issue at all.

[t0by]

I had lazik a few years ago. Was diving again after the statutory out of the water time - I forget how long. No more contact lenses = joy.

[harmstrong]

Had Lasik in 2002, was diving 10 days post op. No problems- highly recommended. Went for an eye exam just a few weeks ago, and was told by my Dr. " Your corneal flap has healed so well that if I hadn't done the Lasik procedure on you I almost wouldn't know it had been done."

[bullfrog]

I had lasik in 2003.It is great. Just do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chicken]

I had my LASIK last year, I chose the SBK procedure and my only regret is waiting so long to do it. The doctor recommended two weeks out of the water. I have been to Hendley's Castle and Lower Orange since my surgery and had no issues.

[prov3125]

Great, thanks so much for sharing your experiences! I just booked my surgery- can't wait to stop losing contacts mid-dive!

[Wizard]

The only hobby that I'm aware of the is not friendly to LASIK is astronomy.

[FW]

The only hobby that I'm aware of the is not friendly to LASIK is astronomy.

And aviation

[divindoc]

Had LASIK in 2004. Had a monovision correction (dominant eye for distance, nondominant eye for near-vision). Recommended by my surgeon as I was needing "readers" to read. No problems since, can read fine print no problem. Only have to wear readers to read extremely fine print in dim light, and wear corrective lenses to drive long distances at night only - like coming home from a cave trip. No sweat reading gages underwater. A couple caveats - be sure your vision is stable and not changing. You look like a "spring chicken" so you probably don't need the gomer correction I did. Lasik saves me an incredible amount of time daily in eliminating the hassle of contacts.

Nothing lost however if you decide to wait, as the technology for this procedure seems to improve on a yearly basis. I forgot to add - it's the best thing I ever did concerning my vision!