Laser eye surgery review. The LASIK Vision Institute LVI

[@thejoki04]

UPDATE! It’s been 5 years since positing this review & my eyesight is still perfect. My wife just went in to LVI with a friend & I received 2 referral bonuses in the mail. She had an excellent experience & is seeing perfectly as well.

[@thejoki04]

Another update!! I'm coming up on a year in April since my surgery & my eyes continue to get even better! I noticed that having a dry feeling in my eyes gradually went away over the months, and before I knew it, I realized that I did not have to use eye drops anymore. For the first few months, my vision felt like it was a little blurry when I looked at certain things, but that completely healed and I've been seeing completely perfect for the last few months. Enjoy your surgery!

[@angelasanchez590]

it´s amazing to have the whole info before my surgery, will be on Friday hopefully will be same like you!

[@marlenzelaya9157]

@@angelasanchez590 hi Angyyy me puedes decir por favor cono te a ido con tu cirugía?? Estoy a punto de hacermelo por favor Dime tu experiencia te lo agradeceré en el Alma

[@angelasanchez590]

@@marlenzelaya9157 Hi, if I can be honest for me was the best decision ever. Life change completely surgery was couple years ago and my vision is pretty good I'm really glad that I did it! The first three days are the hard ones due the anesthesia and recover but you will be fine! Good luck

[@angelasanchez590]

@@marlenzelaya9157 te escribí en inglés ni se porque, para mí fue la mejor decisión que tomé, ya han pasado un par de años y todavía veo perfecto es la mejor decisión que he tomado. Los tres primeros días las después de la anestesia es lo más difícil pero después te vas a sentir genial. Mucha suerte vale mucho la pena!

[@marlenzelaya9157]

@@angelasanchez590 Gracias no sabes como te lo agradezco mañana es mi cirugía y tengo mucho miedo Dios te bendiga a ti y tu familia

[@NapkinEdStern]

I heard you need reading glasses after you get this procedure done. Is that true?

[@thejoki04]

No, I have not needed reading glasses. Both my wife & I had ours done & neither of us have had any problems since recovery was finished within the first year.

[@puretechreviews3091]

What were your dioptors? (Ex: 3.50) did you have astigmatism as well?

[@thejoki04]

-4.50 in each eye, & yes, I had astigmatism in both

[@puretechreviews3091]

@@thejoki04 That's my exact prescription! They're quoting me $2300 per eye without the groupon. How'd you get it that low? Also can you dm me your name or what I need so that I can say that you referred me?

[@thejoki04]

Dude, that’s crazy. It was 4-5 years ago, but I can’t imagine why they’d increase? I literally walked in & told them about my Groupon & they said they’d honor it without me buying the Groupon.

[@thejoki04]

& I have no idea how to dm on KZbin, tell me how.

[@puretechreviews3091]

@@thejoki04 I think they removed the feature. It's usually under the "about" tab. Shoot me an email! [e-mail]

[@ygbodybuilder3023]

I went today and I get like I was being forced to by a timeshare. They press you heavy to get it done and get it done the next day

[@thejoki04]

Lol, sorry to hear that man. I prob had a different experience because I was ready to have it done ASAP.

[@scottkirk747]

Okay guys...here's the one week update. As mentioned before in my last comment I had my consult on Wednesday and scheduled for the surgery on Friday. Got there 15 min early and was prepared to be there for up to four hours(like the paperwork they gave you said). Girlfriend took me there and went off on a shopping spree. Guys I was in and out including the 30 min recovery time after surgery in an hour and a half! (Sadly, she had to cut her spree shorter than she would have liked...which is obviously a win for my wallet :D). As instructed I didn't sign any of the documents they sent home with you until you come in for your surgery as they go over all of it with you and eagerly answer any questions about each form. Again, during my consult, I followed the gentleman's advice in this video and asked every question I could think of just short of where do babies come from? But I still had some questions about this "lifetime warranty" offer. Now as with most warranties there as stipulations that must be met in order to validate it. I asked some more questions about it and I was told that the BIGGEST requirement is to have an annual eye exam done(by the eye doctor of your choice) around the same time every year. Your eyes MUST be dilated during that visit. As long as that is done, your further corrections(if needed) are free. The only other thing that would disqualify your warranty is if some sort of trauma occurred to your eye. I told her that I do martial arts three times a week. She said if I were to be hit in my eye and damage occurred to the cornea from it, it would NOT be covered. Read that carefully though. I've went 27 years and been hit in the eye more times than I care to mention in my daily training. I've never done damage to my cornea. To meet Lasik qualifications the biggest criteria they go on is the thickness and health of your cornea. As long as you follow the directions given to you by them in post op, your cornea should be healed by at the most 6 months in the normal patient. When they cut the cornea to raise it, they put it back in its natural position and it heals just like a cut to the finger does. Use common sense and protect your investment. Wear eye protection any time you are going to be at an increased chance of potential eye injury. As long as those criteria are met, the warranty will stand. Back to the surgery...it was over with in 10 min or less. They take to to the pre op room, put some numbing eye drops in your eyes and clean around your eyes with iodine. Put one of those surgical hair thingys over your hair and shoes. They take you to the operation room(it was a little chilly but nothing unbearable) and they do the procedure. It didn't hurt. It was a little uncomfortable just because you're not used to people messing with your eyes. There was only one point that I got nervous. I haven't seen anyone mention this so I will. They will tell you to focus on a green light the whole time. Just before the laser corrects your eye, he will place an instrument (don't know what it was) on your eye and he'll tell you to tell him when the you can no longer see the green light. On both eyes all I saw was black. It was if I closed my eyes. Only lasted a second but wasn't expecting it so be prepared for that. Could immediately see better but it was if I was under water with my eyes open. They highly suggest going home and napping. PLEASE do yourself a favor and do that. After the numbing drops wear off, my eyes burned(same burn as if you got soap in them). Took a nap for 6 hours. Woke up and drove myself to the store at night. Could see almost perfect. Post op eval was less than 24 hours after the surgery they said I had 20/20 vision. Go tomorrow for my one week and my vision has only become better throughout the week. During the healing process you're going to experience fluctuation in your vision and dryness. Keep those eye drops with you. The first box I bought was the Walgreens brand preservative free. They were okay. I got some of the name brand ones last night and they last four times as long and feel much better. Follow this mans advice and don't put it off any longer. It really works guys. I have never opened my eyes and been able to see my entire life. People with good vision do not know how blessed they are because for the first time I can open my eyes and see without relying on anything other than my own two eyes. It will change your life. If you live in or around NC I highly recommend LVI in Durham.

[@thejoki04]

Thanks for adding your experience! That sounds exactly the same as my procedure & I appreciate you adding your details in writing here. You may notice a slight blurriness on smaller writing at a distance for a few months, but that will go away & sharpen. Enjoy this, it has been incredible!

[@firewolf171]

@thejoki04 Did it cost the same amount as the groupon promo? I found the coupon too for both eyes, wondering if they pressure for more side costs? Did you have to pay any outside fees that weren't part of the groupon?

[@CALVINSFAMILYQUEST]

Thank You for all the inside help.You actually eased my mind a good bit.

[@shonnasmiles6156]

Thank you so much for the review!!! I was the exact same! I read all the bad reviews and almost didn't go through with them! it was not even the same experience at all. Everyone was so sweet and treated me special actually. I have my surgery in two days and I'm so excited but still a little nervous. I'm getting PRK though so I'm a little nervous about the healing time

[@thejoki04]

You will not regret it! 5 months and my eyesight continues to get better!

[@scottkirk747]

Great review. Also was skeptical myself as the general comments and reviews online for this place were nothing short of terrible. But people also eat Taco Bell and expect not to have the raging jolly trots afterwards too. People will complain about anything. I just left the LVI in Durham NC and had a very similar experience you're describing. The wait was not bad however I was the only patient in there. Again, they plain as day tell you what to expect as far as your wait times. I got there 30 min early to complete paperwork and spent a total of 2 hours in there. The staff was nothing short of amazing. Very professional, knowledgable, eager to answer questions and nothing but smiles. All of the staff members there had this procedure done at this institute themselves which was very reassuring as who would take marriage advice from someone who's never been in a relationship? Steps that were followed during the exam were just as you described. I'm a paramedic and had a ton of questions for them and all were answered genuinely, confidently, and in detail to where anyone can understand them. I did sign up for the lifetime warranty and am scheduled to have my surgery done in two days however now have several more questions regarding the fine print on that. My question for you is, on your follow up appointments is there any out of pocket cost or is that included? I will follow up on this comment after my procedure however so far I am beyond satisfied with everything I have experienced thus far including the stuff the internet keyboard warriors are complaining about.

[@thejoki04]

If I remember correctly, I think there is a one time charge of like $90 or $100 that you have to pay one time on your initial visit to get the warranty started? I encourage you to ask about the fine print of the warranty when they bring you in for billing before your procedure. There are a lot of things & requirements that you have to follow to keep your warranty active & it doesn't cover some conditions. Not trying to talk you out of it, just helping. You will not regret it!!

[@steveng.c.8524]

Thanks for the explanation in the video, just to clarify, did you have all laser surgery? Did you have CONTOURA? Thanks

[@thejoki04]

You’re welcome! I had the full laser surgery, not CONTOURA.

[@krishus8394]

Did we need to purchase cortisone, Antibiotic and preservative free eye drops?? or will they provide??

[@thejoki04]

You will have to purchase the antibiotic eyedrops & preservative free eyedrops, but they give you coupons or them. I recommend shopping around to find the best price.

[@vickyticky3406]

Thanks for your review! Very helpful! Did they make you change into scrubs or hospital gown during surgery or could you wear your own clothes?

[@thejoki04]

You just wear your own clothes. They do keep the operating room cold for surgery purposes, so make sure you wear pants, closed toed shoes, and a light jacket or sweater.

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

Nice review man! I am going for my consultation on Halloween. I have been nearsighted since childhood and have wanted this done since forever. I'm so sick of glasses and contacts

[@thejoki04]

Thank you. It's so worth it. You completely forget what it's like wearing them!

[@Jerry_M06]

Did u tell them about groupon before the surgery or at the consultation bc I forgot to tell them at the consultation

[@thejoki04]

I told them about it when they brought me in to discuss price. I don’t remember if it was during the consultation or after. When you go back, I would just ask to speak with the finance person before you go in & I don’t think it will be an issue.

[@Jerry_M06]

thejoki04 they told me it was $1799 plus the insurance it was $2799

[@shovonb.]

Thanks for the review.. I'm getting mine done next week

[@shovonb.]

Had it done.. about couple of weeks ago.. everything went smooth and the location I went to in plantation FL was very nice and ppl were wonderful.. I would definitely recommend lasik vision Institute.

[@williamadams4872]

Did you go the LVI in Greenville with Dr O’Day? I’m hesitant about doing this as well based on a few negative reviews online

[@thejoki04]

Yes, that’s exactly who did mine. Still loving it almost 2 years later!

[@aprildailey1]

Hi I may have missed it but how much did it cost

[@thejoki04]

It cost about 2 grand for me, but I’ve heard the prices have dropped in the last year; you won’t regret it!

[@sonyashrestha2597]

I am wondering if punctual plug in hurts or not. I do not have dry eyes and I am wondering if it is not comfortable or hurts should I go for it or not?

[@thejoki04]

It takes the Dr 2 seconds per eye to put the punctual plugs in, & you will not feel them once it's done. The plug just temporarily blocks the tear drainage duct in order to keep more fluid resting in the eye than normal. If you get them, DO NOT rub your eyes (you're not supposed to anyway), or the plug could come out. I've read plenty of reports where people did not get them & felt just fine. If you don't get them, you may just have to use more eye drops in the first couple months which really isn't a big deal.

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Thank you so much. I am kind of wondering if it is comfortable or not. Did you put silicon of the other one that dissolves itself?

[@thejoki04]

You won't be able to tell that they're in. I had the ones that dissolve on their own & didn't have any problems.

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Thank you so much.

[@sonyashrestha2597]

One more question did they use microkeratome or intralace to do your lasik surgery? Thanks

[@thejoki04]

I really don't know, I laid down, they put a suction stabilizer on my eye, & I stared at a green laser.

[@Libradebrief]

You have beautiful eyes

[@thejoki04]

Thanks!

[@deonnarenae8548]

thank you so much for the video. My hesitation is the price but I won't let that discourage me. Do you mind me asking if that was the Cobb location in GA?

[@thejoki04]

It was the location in Greenville, SC. It certainly is a great experience if you have the time to wait!

[@deonnarenae8548]

+thejoki04 okay, thank you. I'm gonna go through with it, I'm tired of my crooked glasses and dry contacts. lol

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Did you do prk or lasik? Is the punctual plug or tear duct plug really helpful?

[@thejoki04]

I did lasik. I did the punctual plugs was because my eye hydration levels were on the lower side, & I figured I would pay the $200 or $300 extra because I'd noticed my eyes feeling dry more over the prior year. I'm not sure how well they worked, but I think they worked great because I noticed I was able to get away with using the drops less times per day, & was able to get off them earlier than what they expected.

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Thanks I am going to do lasik with punctual plug too.

[@thejoki04]

Good luck, you're gonna love it!

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Thanks. Before lasik was your priscription high, low or moderate? Mines like -2.00 and -1.75.

[@thejoki04]

Before lasik mine was -4.50 in each eye, day after surgery both of my eyes were measuring 15/20.

[@mmshea1]

Thanks for the review on your procedure. I am going in next week to get mine done as well, just curios if you had the Punctal plugs? I am still on the fence but leaning more towards not getting them.

[@thejoki04]

Micheal Shea I'm sorry if I haven't replied to you. I did do the punctual plugs, just because my eye hydration levels were on the lower side. If they'd been normal or higher, I probably would not have.

[@chelseadeluna6035]

Hey I'm also in greenville sc .. is everything still going well with ur eye sight ?

[@thejoki04]

Chelsea DeLuna I am now at 1 yr & 4 months after my surgery & I could not be happier. My vision is clear, every bit of dryness has been gone for close to a year, & I am really happy I decided to use LVI & save that money. Like I mentioned, prepare to wait for 2-4 hours each day at the office, & they could possibly get you done sooner than you expect.

[@chelseadeluna6035]

thejoki04 thank you for the input I had my consultation today and actually I was the only client in the office lol. I was really shocked by that Hopefully it stays that way. I'm suppose to have my surgery Saturday

[@thejoki04]

Chelsea DeLuna that's great to hear! You will love it, good luck!!

[@blastzonekid7186]

Chelsea DeLuna o

[@briannguyen8424]

Thanks for your personal review. I've also had 2nd thoughts from the multiple complaints on the internet, but the staff at my location was very professional and nice at my initial appointment. I expect to get my op. in the upcoming weeks.

[@alissagomez4612]

When will you do an update ?

[@thejoki04]

Alissa Gomez My vision is still doing great! I occasionally need to use eye drops, maybe once or twice a week which is what I had to do while wearing glasses before. I guess I don't feel the need to do a 2nd video review since everything is going as planned. If you have any questions, please ask!

[@sonyashrestha2597]

Thank you.

[@sonyashrestha2597]

I did mine yesterday. Loved it. Thanks for the u tube and all the answers for my questions. Thanks again.

[@firewolf171]

@thejoki04 Did it cost the same amount as the groupon promo? I found the coupon too for both eyes, wondering if they pressure for more side costs? Did you have to pay any outside fees that weren't part of the groupon?

[@thejoki04]

Yes, the price was exactly what the groupon said. I didn’t actually have to purchase the groupon though, I went in with the groupon information I hand, & when it came time to sit down with the finance person (you figure out total cost on the first day), I spoke with them about everything, then told them I had the Groupon deal. They told me that they would honor the price so I would not have to mess around with purchasing through Groupon. They did try to get me to purchase some extras, but they weren’t pushy about it. I would just research the lifetime “warranty” plan, & punctual plugs before going in to know what you want because those would be the extra costs.

[@firewolf171]

Are the Lifetime plan and Punctual plugs mandatory to buy or are they both optional too? Thank you for replying back!

[@thejoki04]

They are both optional, you can just say no thanks to both of those & the price will be exactly what the groupon says! They may say the “Dr. recommends”, but my people were not pushy.

[@rickygarbaj]

Thanks for the review but dude driving and vlogging? :(

[@thejoki04]

Green screen!

[@jackhoughton2749]

seriously, this video was way too long, heard over and over about your research waiting and waiting for the guy to get to the point ........17 minutes really!

[@thejoki04]

Lol. This video was long & detailed on purpose to give the viewer an in depth explanation of everything to expect. Many people are uneasy about having their eyes worked on & want to know every single step of what they’re getting into.

[@Jeffrey2457s]

You're the kinda dude that he was talking about in the video, always trying to find a reason to complain ;)