LASIK and AIKIDO

[Please visit our sponsor:]

[fullerfury]

I am contemplating LASIK surgery and have met with my eye doctor for an initial consultation. He mentioned that I fall into the 'perfect' category for the procedure - the right age, the right perscription, little to no stigmatism, etc. My understanding of the surgery involves an incision producing a flap over the eye. This is done in order for the laser to perform its task of shaving away the cornea to form the eye for correction. The flap is then put back into place and takes up to 6 months to fully heal. I am guessing that many of the forum readers are familiar with the procedure and some have undergone it. Literature on LASIK highly recommends that those who box not get the procedure done. Boxing is alot different than Aikido, I recognize this. However the readings suggest that the post LASIK eye is not as tolerant to incidental contact as it would be prior to the procedure(although a blow to the eye with or without LASIK is not fun!).

I am interested in hearing from folks who have had the procedure done. Has anyone had problems resulting from training (being poked in the eye) after the LASIK?

Thanks,
Garrett

[BWells]

Well I had the LASIK surgery 6 weeks ago. Been slightly poked in the eye since. Dint' remember being poked when I had glasses but then the glasses were in the way. Assuming you have no problems from the surgery (I had none) then you can start training in a few days. I did let everyone in my dojo know to try to protect my eyes. Not sure it that unintentionally drew attacks or not:-)

Anyway if you just be reasonably careful, I think you'll be fine.

Good luck with the surgery
Bruce Wells

[Janet Rosen]

congrats, Bruce!

[jim312uav]

Hey Garret;
I had it done awhile (I am thinking like 7 years?) back and my doctor had me get eye protection (I think I used raquetball glasses) to prevent being poked in the eye.

You're coming down the 23rd right?

[BWells]

Janet, thanks. How you doing? Will say that after 52 years of wearing glasses, is still a bit strange to be without. But I like it:-)

Take care,
Bruce

[fullerfury]

Yes indeed James... the 23rd. I can't promise that I will be taking any ukemi :). In fact I have sworn off taking ukemi at udansha tests. I always seem to crawl away injured from those exchanges!

BTW. how long did you wear the protective goggles post procedure?

Garrett

[Shipley]

I took about 2-3 weeks off after, and wore eye protection for a couple of months, but have trained about six years since then with no problems whatsoever. It was a huge change in my life, and I sure break fewer pairs of glasses training now...

Enjoy,

Paul

[Jonathan Han]

Hi Garrett,

I had the procedure done about three years ago. After the first month, I was able to take breakfalls and train without any problems. The eyes are still doing well even after a few hits and a tanto jab during training. I think the benefit is worth the minimal risk. Eugene, Don, MIke S. and Elaine from the DC dojo also had the procedure done. They're also very happy with it.

I say it's worth it.

Jonathan

[jim312uav]

Garret, I wore them for about 4 or 5 weeks. It is really just more a precaution, as knowing me that would have been when I would have caught a finger to the eye or something.

[MM]

Had the LASIK done years ago (6-7 maybe?) I remember taking a month or two off to make sure everything healed and I received an OK to go back to martial arts from my doctor.

So far, I haven't had any problems. Not wearing glasses is great!

Mark

[Janet Rosen]

I have a friend who had Lasik done after several folks more senior to her had done so successfully and she's been happy w/ results.