CLPEX Chat Board

A question has come up with an LPE friend considering Lasik eye surgery. What are the chances of irreversible damage that would end or hamper a career as a latent print examiner? If a nearsighted person does comparisons naked eye, would a glass be necessary and would it present problems after surgery?

Any personal experiences or anecdotal stories involving LPEs who have had Lasik surgery performed would be appreciated.

Although it's been a long time ago, this topic did come up once before:

http://clpex.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=73&start=0

I haven't had this done, but I remember taking a class with someone who had done it only a couple of days earlier. I was amazed she was in a comparison class right after. However, being nearsighted, I would assume that the procedure would accomplish the same thing that my glasses or contacts do - give me distance vision at the expense of my uncorrected near vision. However, with age, most people will go through Presbyopia and lose their near vision anyhow. So my time is coming - quicker every day.

That being said, I can't image doing comparison without some sort of magnification - either with a magnfier or a computer (or usually both).

As with any surgery, there's going to be a risk factor. For those who had problems, it may have been the worst choice ever. For those who didn't - likely the best.

Hi Pat,

I cannot answer the specific question as to risks. But, I will offer this suggestion: Obtain at least one, preferably two, independent opinions from ophthalmologists, (eye doctors/surgeons with the M.D. behind their name), who have no connection with the “industry.” If two or more of these practitioners can give you the same advice, and have nothing to gain by giving you advice, other than an office visit fee, then I would probably heed that advice, and consider it extra money well-spent. There are practitioners out there who I believe would be willing to evaluate a patient objectively for someone contemplating a procedure like this. However, no surgery is without risk, and they will tell you this. Your bread and butter rely on healthy eyesight.

I did have a coworker about 20 years ago in the AFIS/10-Print side that had Lasik done with success. Although, one may still need glasses for certain tasks. And as Steve just said, “I can't image doing comparison without some sort of magnification - either with a magnifier or a computer (or usually both).”

Hope this helps.

Bill

I had lasik surgery a few years ago. There was no real change in working latent print cases - I still use a magnifier and/or computer. I choose to do more on a computer to minimize future damage to my eyes from straining. I've experienced only benefits from my lasik - no drawbacks (for latents or in life).

I had radial keratotomy in 1992. Lasik was not approved yet in the US. Had the procedure done on a Friday and I was looking at latents on Monday. It was expensive back then. I paid $2,500 an eye. I got my first pair of glasses when I was 10. Best thing I ever did. If the cost was $10,000 an eye, I would do it again.

My situation was not lasik, it was cataract surgery, but the effect was somewhat similar. I was extremely near-sighted. With cataracts they remove the original lens from the eye and insert an artificial one. Nowadays they have artificial lenses that correct myopia, so instead of 20/1000 or so I'm about 20/40. But being of a certain age I have presbyopia, so I absolutely have to use a glass to do comparisons. I also wear glasses for reading and for long-distance activities like driving. The only real downside is that, since I no longer have to wear glasses every moment, I forget where they are sometimes!

Pat,

I had the Lasik surgery done on both eyes about 8 years ago now and have nothing but great things to say about it. Previously I wore contact lenses pretty much from the moment I got up to when I went to bed - so this was a great change for me. As a very short sighted person and with corrected surgery I've always done comparisons with the magnifier.

The only downside came the morning after I arrived home from the surgery and I woke up to the wife complaining that I could now see how ugly she looked 1st thing in the morning - go figure!

Regards, Mike

Mike Fletcher wrote: The only downside came the morning after I arrived home from the surgery and I woke up to the wife complaining that I could now see how ugly she looked 1st thing in the morning -

Thanks for the good report, I think. The fact that you're still alive after that first morning speaks volumes about your wife's even temperedness.

-- Pat

I was curious about having lasik surgery done. When I discussed my concerns with my optometrist, he told me it can affect grey scale clarity.
No lasik for me.

I have been doing latent comparisons for over 30 years. I wore contacts on a daily basis and always used a magnifier in comparison work. I had Lasik surgery several years ago, by a well known eye surgeon with years of experience with Lasik, and have nothing but good things to say about the results. I did elect to do mono-vision; one eye sees far and the other sees close. Your brain adapts easily to the input from each eye. I have no problems with depth perception either. I still do comparisons with a magnifier and/or computer! I did have to adjust the height on the magnifiers after my surgery, but that was the only difference. I am puzzled about the comment on a change in gray scale perception. I have not experienced any issues with that. I would have the surgery again in a heart beat. I don't need to correct my vision at all for reading or distance. I am very happy with the results.

Thanks, Diane. I appreciate you taking the time to register and reply.

Best regards,
Pat

I had Lasik Eye Surgery October 2007. I have to say it is one of the BEST investments ever!!

I have been a fulltime latent print examiner for 11 years and prior to my surgery I was wearing either contacts or eye glasses (mainly eye glasses.) I had astigmatism and was nearsighted. For the longest time my eye doctor actually would not allow me the procedure because my vision constantly kept changing (getting worse.) When the time came that he finally permitted me to have the surgery he referred me to lasik surgeon he trusted. The only thing they warned me about was even though I will have had lasik--I still will most likely have to wear reading glasses after the age of 40 (as most people do when they hit that age,) but that was about it.

At the time I thought it was a big risk in messing with my eyes---one screw up and this will end my career (yes I did have that thought enter my mind!!!) but I was so frustrated with primarily working under the glass and having the barrier of my eye glasses in the way...that I went ahead and did it.

Well it has been over four years and I haven't had any problems!! Working under the glass is great...no barriers...and I honestly think I am even a happier employee because of it!!!!

Good luck!!!