Is there anywhere on the net that I can obtain an eye chart to print out in actual size to use for checking my vision myself? (or is this a stupid question? _

Not that I know of

Bill Trattler MD
Miami, FL

>Is there anywhere on the net that
>I can obtain an eye chart
>to print out in actual size
>to use for checking my vision
>myself? (or is this a stupid
>question? _

Hello Tom. First I wish to clarify that I am not Dr. Lomas, he is not in the office today. I work for him and part of my job is to monitor this forum for any questions he might be interested in answering. Today I am contributing on my own behalf. I have been following the dialogue that happens here, and I'm disappointed in the level some participants have stooped to. In fact I nearly missed your quite valid question in the midst of all the bickering and name-calling others have been engaging in. It's a shame this helpful forum has degenerated to an exchange of personal slights when it could be a real benefit to those who try to use it as it was intended-to gather the knowledge they need to make a good choice for themselves.
That said, allow me to try and help you:
For an eye chart, Tom, you may wish to go to VisionRx.com...they offer online vision testing. Don't know how it compares to an exam lane, but it will give you something to compare from week to week. That said, I would urge you not panic if your vision doesn't seem "perfect"...20/20 or 20/25 is very good vision, and I think you may be wiser to compare what you are able to do without correction now to what you could do without correction before LASIK. Can you read? Swim? Walk in the rain? See the alarm clock? What about sports? Driving a car? Isn't it wonderful not to have to reach for glasses the moment you wake? Isn't it nice to open the dishwasher and not steam up? What a pleasure (or maybe not!) to see clearly in the shower! You live in the Seattle area...isn't it great to go from house to car to office without having to stop and search for something to wipe the rain off your glasses with?
I wish to address in general the posts I've been observing here recently. Dr. Trattler will forgive me for jumping in I hope. Those of you who are still thinking about LASIK, please pay attention!
Many people seem to forget that LASIK is not offered as the magic key to "perfect" vision, but as a way to become less dependant on glasses or contact lenses. Key words there: "Less dependant"! It seems too often this fact is forgotten. I know of no doctor anywhere who promises "perfect" vision as an outcome. In fact we specifically tell our own patients that while most will get "20/20", LASIK is not a good choice for those who can't be happy with less than perfect vision, since complications are also a small but real possibility.
It is interesting to note that people who have not had eye surgery do not spend time covering first one eye eye and then the other to constantly compare and analyze their vision. You may not be aware that it is normal for one eye to see somewhat better or worse-we have dominant eyes, just as we are right or left-handed. Those who have not had surgery also tend not to notice the normal fluctuations in vision that every human has from day to day, and even during the course of a single day. Did you know studies show that humans typically see best mid morning, and poorest late afternoon? Our vision is adversly affected if we are ill, tired, stressed or when we have fluctuations of hormones.
It is human nature to focus on that which is new or different...so someone who has had LASIK (or who has gotten contacts for the first time) is far more likely to be attentive to their vision, and constantly testing themselves. Fluctuations that were never noticed prior to LASIK now become significant. This behavior is normal, but not very productive. For Millions of people LASIK is like a miracle. As with any other surgery (or service or product) there will always be some who are unhappy, but the overwhelming majority would do it again. If you are someone reading this forum who is currently considering LASIK surgery, I urge you to use common sense...the keys to a happy outcome are 1. an excellent surgeon 2. realistic expectations 3. realistic expectations and 4. realistic expectations! Take the time to do your homework. Save the bargain shopping for a trip to Walmart...these are your only eyes, you want a doctor who has reputation for excellence rather than the cheapest to be had.
Aside from working for a refractive specialist for more than a decade, I too am a LASIK patient, I had the procedure three years ago. (yes, afterward I too covered one eye and the other to compare, and was horrified the first time I looked down in the shower and saw clearly!) My previous Rx was greater than -6.00, with astigmatism. Is my vision absolutely perfect? No. In fact because I was in my early 40's I requested to remain slightly nearsighted so I don't need reading glasses. Am I disappointed? Not at all, I knew what to expect! Would I trade my slightly less than perfect distance, or a bit of night glare for my thick (but perfect acuity) minus six glasses? Or my too dry, can't correct the astigmatism contact lenses? Not on your life! I would much rather use glasses occasionally and be able to swim, read in bed, see my husband's face when I kiss him, and most importantly, not be helpless without correction. For me, and millions of others (including thousands of our own patients) LASIK is life-changing miracle.
For those few who come here to complain about your poor outcomes, remember that you too had access to the information that others use to do their homework and form realistic expectations.
There is no reason not to know what you're getting into with all the internet sites, TV "Expose'" shows, Magazine articles and Library resources available to research the pros and cons. You'd have to be a hermit not to know that complications are a possibility.
Millions of hapless people suffer severe vision loss from disease or accidents that they had no control over...you who suffer an inconvenience or discomfort of vision from something that you chose to do need to realize that your situation could be much worse. It's sad that you didn't get perfect vision, but chances are you'd be happier if you devoted less time to complaining and more time to considering that which is good in your lives!
Toni Powell,
Community Outreach Coordinator
Lomas Eye Care Center

Toni,

I am not spending my time complaining. Waaaah, I can't see. Waaaah, my doc don't care. Waaah, my head hurts because my vision is ruined. That is complaining.

Instead, I am spending my time trying to warn people of the dangers of LASIK.

Read this thread:

http://www.chicagolasercenter.com/cgi-bin/lasik.pl?read=26922

I was a little whimpery because it seemed as though my monitor looked fuzzy and I didn't remember it being that bad before LASIK. It was a little, but now almost intolerable. But with my penchant for taking things apart, I just opened it up and fiddled with anything adjustable. WOW! What a difference. Have you tried that yet Daniel? :::ducking the swing::: ;)

Dan, instead of being vindictive you should be trying to help yourself. Anger is a powerful motivator...use it to help yourself gain some peace within yourself.

I haven't actually tried this but I found this software to print eye charts. It is for Windows95/98.

See:
http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/academy/software.htm