My guess is, the early practitioners were especially careful-- I had my eyes measured by laser for a 3D picture a couple weeks apart about three different times before having the operation. I don't know if this is still standard practise. I wonder if the proliferation of clinics has led to carelessness in some cases.
I had mine done about ten years ago when I was in my mid 40s. Before that, from the time I was a kid, the only time I had my glasses off was when I was in the shower or washing my face. Other than that, the first thing I did in the morning was put on my glasses and the last thing I did when I was ready for sleep was to put my glasses on the nightstand.... where I could find them without the ability to see them in the morning. If I ever had my glasses knocked off for some reason, I'd better have somebody with me, because I wasn't going to be able to find them back by myself.
Since the Lasik surgery, I can see things good up close and I can see things good at a distance. The only real problem has been a bit of a loss of night vision... just to the extent that I have a hard time tying on a new fishing lure in low-light conditions.
Getting rid of the eyeglasses was one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
I take care of a friend who wore glasses all her life and the ripe ole age of 85 had Lasik.
Been 15 years and she doesn’t wear glasses anymore.
Won’t throw them away but doesn’t wear them.