I had LASIK done about three years ago by a doc in NYC. I've had glasses since i was 5 years old, got the procedure done when i was 23 and it was the best thing i've ever done. I was legally blind without glasses or contacts. Couldn't read anything unless it was two inches in front of my face.
I worked with someone who had the procedure done and he recommended this doc in the city so i figured what the hell. I went for the consult and he told me he could do it no problems. It cost $4000 total. He said i could come in less then a week later. No contacts for 5 days before surgery.
the day of the procedure, i went to work in the AM and then went into the city. When i got to the office they had me sign some papers and pay. Then they gave me some valium. Gave me 15 minutes for that to set in and were putting drops in my eyes every few minutes. When it was time they took me into one room where they sliced open my corneas. Couldn't feel a thing and everything went really really blurry, like i was in a cloud. Then we went into another room where I laid down and they put the laser machine above me. I had to stare at a green light or red light for probably a minute or two, but it felt like longer because i couldn't blink and my eyes are sensitive to light. After the laser was finished they flipped my corneas back down and "glued" them in place. Back into the exam room where i sat for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes i could read the second to last line on the chart, something i have NEVER been able to do before. heck i couldn't even see the huge E at the top before.
Doc gave me some eye drops, plastic eye guards for my eyes at night so i wouldn't poke myself, and big sunglasses. Told me to go home and keep my eyes closed for 6 hours. He also gave me some more valium and some tylenol 500s. Shortly after getting to the car to drive home my eyes started to burn because of the light outside. I sat there with my sunglasses on and my hood pulled up over my face. My eyes burned for a few hours after i got home too. The tears would build up and then i would have to blink alot. I thought my eyes were going to fall out, seriously. finally i fell asleep. When i woke up my eyes stopped hurting and i could see!!! it was amazing.
i highly recommend it even tho mine hurt a little. my sister had it done last year and she said her eyes didn't burn at all. I guess it depends on how blind you are to begin with.
good luck with your consult!