
I received the standard laser vision correction. In this procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea and is folded open so that a laser can be used to reshape the inner cornea. The flap is then returned to its position and is left to heal naturally. (Thankfully, I have really thick corneas to work with that made me a great candidate for this procedure.)
On the day of my surgery I was given numbing drops in my eyes to prevent discomfort, a small dose of Valium, a warm blanket and a Thunder Rumble doll to hold. The most uncomfortable part of the whole procedure was the device placed on my face to hold my eye lids apart. (You don't feel any pain, but you sure do feel the pressure of it suctioning to your face.)
I couldn't feel the laser, but I could hear the loud clicking sound it made and could smell it burning away the cells in my eyes. After, he moved the flaps back over my eyes and I was done! The room was blurry and I couldn't see immediately after as I rushed to put on my darkest shades and walk out to the lobby where my boyfriend sat waiting to drive me home. (Always. Have. A. Driver.)
I was in excruciating pain within minutes of being outside. I spent the day in a dark corner of my room huddled in the corner with a hot pocket. I was provided numbing drops which helped greatly over the next few days before the pain finally subsided and healed after sleeping most of it off. Blood vessels started to surface around the incisions of my eyes for a few weeks making me look crazy. Every now and then I still see bursts of light at night when I drive, but it's not as bad.
My eyes are still going good as long as I keep them and myself hydrated. (They have a tendency to revert back if not properly cared for.) I only get bad dry-eye effects when I wake up in the morning. Now, I don't even think twice that I even owned glasses or contacts. I would hate to have it done again if needed, but I hopefully i'm good for the next 20 years or until my eyes start aging.
Oh my gosh I'm so jealous! I want Lasik so bad. My prescription is -5.25 in both eyes and I used to wear contacts all the time but I gave them up because I wasn't letting my eyes breathe properly Now I only wear glasses and it's annoying. I'm definitely gonna get this done ASAP once I can afford it cause it's so expensive.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you on your successful LASIK surgery! You are right to keep yourself hydrated. Most people don't understand the effects of things on our eyes and our eyesight! My husband had a PRETTY bad prescription, and says LASIK is one of the best decisions he has ever made! I'm happy everything went so well for you and wish you luck!
ReplyDeleteAudrey Mack @ Find Clarity Vision - Apex
As an eye doctor, I can definitely tell you that most of what you describe is completely normal following Lasik eye surgery. People out there who are considering getting corrective laser eye surgery should know that there are other options. As a surgeon I usually (not always, but usually) prefer to go with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK, LASEK). In this process there is no need to cut a flap in the cornea in order to reshape it appropriately.
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