OMG my eyes, you guys

[jedishampoo]

So I went back to the eye clinic to see the surgeon for an evaluation of my cataracts. They do want me to have surgery because my vision is obviously impaired. BUT...

The least I will pay, for surgery and "standard" replacement lenses, is my insurance deductible, $3,000. I need to add $1,500 if I'd like them to fix my astigmatism while they're in there. And chances are I'll still have to wear corrective lenses of some kind, such as contacts or glasses, to be able to see.

Now, if I want the latest technology they have available and the nicest lenses -- the new "Crystalens" -- and have a good chance of never having to wear corrective lenses again (except for maybe reading glasses), I will have to pay my $3,000 deductible plus $2,900 per lens, or about $9,000. EEEEEEK! That's like half a new car!

Anyway, the insurance will not cover the newer lenses because having to go without glasses and such is considered cosmetic. Whimper! That or the technology is still too new and expensive. Either way, I really have no choice but to have SOMETHING done. I have three weeks to decide, while I go without contacts for three weeks so they can take accurate measurements of my eyeballs.

I told mom I was going to sell my body on the street. I'll do like they did in Blackadder and have a sign made that says "Get It Here." Snork.

Comments

[samsarapine]

Damn! It would be cheaper for you to book the surgery here and fly up to stay with me for a week or two.

I paid $3,000 per eye, AND I got the multi-distance Crystalens lenses. $6,000 still sucks, but the clinic up here was one of the research clinics that developed the technique and lens, so maybe that's the reason for the difference in price. O__o

[samsarapine]

Here's a link to info about the fellow who was my surgeon: http://www.opticalexpress.us/lasik/dr-john-vukich.html

[jedishampoo]

Haha, want a houseguest? ;) I appreciate the thought but man, I'll have to be sure I'm working constantly to get these puppies paid for. That's awesome that the doc you had was at the research center. My doc is a nice guy, but I think that's just the going price no matter where I'd go in town.

Are you happy with the Crystalens? My mom has them and only needs glasses for reading. She wore glasses her entire life so she's automatically thrilled.

And did you have cataracts, too? What's with us young chippies getting cataracts??

:hug:

[samsarapine]

I love the Crystalens to death. They work perfectly - I'm 20/20 in my right eye and 20/30 in my left. I could gush on and on, but basically, there's no comparison between seeing using corrective lenses and seeing with your own eyes. It has to be experienced to be believed. (Btw, prepare yourself for pretty bad headaches the first week or two - your brain has to learn how to interpret all of the information that it has to process with the new sight. I couldn't look at carpeting or woodwork for about ten days, because I could see each individual strand or grain and my brain still hadn't learned 'not to see' them.)

I didn't have cataracts, but my vision had reached the point where I couldn't use corrective aids like contacts or glasses anymore. I went in to see if I was a candidate for the intra-ocular lens (the implantable contact), but I wasn't. But the doctor told me that he'd just finished testing the Chrystalens for the FDA, and offered me that, instead.

[jedishampoo]

Wow, that's a fascinating reply, 'Pine! I was mostly excited to see how bright things are actually supposed to be (I can't see in the dark at all) but I'm really looking forward to seeing what new vision is like. I have had terrible myopia my whole life, heh, but have worn contacts since I was 12 so they've pretty much become a part of me. It'll be nice not to have to deal with them. Thank you!!

[samsarapine]

$9,000 is a hell of a lot of money. I was lucky - I had a 401(k) plan that I took an early medical disbursement from. I really hope you can find a way to get the money, because it's so worth it.

[ditch_gospel]

That is a scary amount of money. But what a very worthwhile expense it would be!

[jedishampoo]

I know! I only have one pair of eyes. But sheesh, I wish it just wasn't mandatory, heh. :)

[despina_moon]

Dude -- a car wears out and you don't use it every moment of everyday. If some things (like trips and such) have to be sacrifice, so be it! Seeing is way more important.

[jedishampoo]

Argh! You and your adult logic and stuff! ;) Yeah, you're absolutely right -- I'm just whining. I'll get the good stuff and pay for it, somehow. Might still think of selling myself to do something, though. ♥

[despina_moon]

*snort* Well, I know you'd have a better chance of actually making money than the Blackadder bunch. :)

Curse you, now I need to re-watch Blackadder.