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My Lasik Experience (long and detailed)...
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| Today marks day number 5 of my post-op lasik timeline.
My doc was a local one in Spokane, WA and came highly recommended.
Found him by word of mouth. First time I heard of him was from my
waitress at a pizza place near my house! From going there, she struck
me as someone who didn't accept second best when it came to her body,
so I could trust her research. But then this doc's name kept coming up
in coversation with people and overhearing people talk about him
positively, over the 2 years that I was considering him. My
mother-in-law is a pharmacist who actually knows him and gave me a
personal positive review of his character... It sealed the deal. Plus
the price was right... More on that below.
My prescription was -2.50 and -2.25 with moderate astygmatism. I
decided on Wavefront instead of traditional primarily for the improved
night-vision reported and tighter custom correction it gives. Also,
had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket! 
On surgery day, I was extremely nervous. The assistants said if I
wasn't nervous then she'd wonder what I was on. It's funny the biggest
thing I remember was the difficulty in not getting my morning cup of
coffee (not allowed caffeine). Since my surgery was at 2:30pm, that
was quite the wait.
After getting to the office, I was led into a waiting room where I got
to see another person's LASIK operation in progress... Live on TV.
Also could see the action through a large glass window. It was a bit
disturbing, since I hadn't seen it like this before that point. Made
me a bit more nervous, not surprisingly. The strangest part was how
abnormal the eye looked after removing the microkeratome device and the
stabilizing ring...
So they call my name and I am brought into a pre-op room. The
coordinator proceeds to run through all the instructions again and
gives me 1-1/2 valium pills. The doc knew not to give me the same dose
as a 110 lbs. patient being that I am 220 lbs ;) After that she
sterilized and prepped the area around my eyes, talking me through
everything. It was a very soothing process. Even my wife was relaxed
quite a bit (I think she was more nervous than I was).
After the iodine was washed off with sterlized water and such I was
told it was my turn... Numbing drops were administered and then I was
examined by the doctor one last exhaustive time. I felt good with each
of the redundant steps that were taken.
After the doc was done, I was led into the O.R. I wasn't sure the
valium had kicked in yet until I stood up and felt the relaxation
somewhat. Seeing the operating room, my nervousness turned to
curiosity at the myriad of gadgets and the sophisticated laser sitting
prominently in the middle of the room... Wow, the technology here was
amazing.
I sat down on the bed and laid back. Being 6'5" I had to bend my knees
somewhat, but was supported by a pillow. I got my own stuffed toy,
which wasn't too necessary I found out... Not much of a fidgety person.
Numbing drops were administered again and I was swung under the laser.
The experience was nowhere near as bad as it looked on video. You
don't see the speculum(sic), you just feel the sensation of it keeping
your eyelids out of the way. I got complements on how nice my lids
were, "You won't get complements like this anywhere else in life." The
nurse said...
After all sorts of drops and liquid and things, the stabilizer was
placed on my eye and pressure was applied. Absolutely nothing was a
surprise and I was talked through the whole thing. The team of
technicians and nurses and such were taking care of me splendidly.
My vision faded out and the blinking amber light drifted away and faded
to black. I told them I couldn't see it anymore. I guess at that
point the microkeratome was attached and the flap creation began. I
heard a slight buzzing sound, which stopped and started rhythmically.
The right eye I didn't feel it at all and the left eye tickled when it
was happening... After the blade had fully done it's job it buzzed as
it retracted and the device was lifted off my eye.
My vision begain to come back in what was the strangest thing I've
seen. Bright lights and things in my periphery swimming with trails
and psychadelic eye candy. My sight returned after a few moments... I
was in awe. This wasn't bad at all. It was very strange, but not
bad...
Lifting the flap, I was told to repeat "Hello mister Fuzz!" with the
nurse as the doc lifted my flap. Indeed things became fuzzy enough to
where I could almost not make out the amber light anymore. That became
much easier as the lights dimmed around it prior to lasering...
I was told to train on the light and not look away. However, their
laser had advanced eye-tracking and could continue even if small
movements occured. I was so scared I locked onto that damn dot like my
life depended on it!
The laser ticked away for what seemed like maybe 5-7 seconds. I swear
I saw some faint blue "plasma-like" swirling surround the amber dot
when it was on. On the left eye I smelled the burning and said "Mmmm,
yummy smelling" after it was done, much to the amusement of the
staff...
Immediately after the laser was done, my doc returned the flap to its
position and meticulously ensured it was irrigated and "squeegied" out,
and making sure the "submarine hatch" was all the way closed. After
that, a temp contact was placed over the eye.
The right and left eye were completed with no complications and came
out "perfectly" the doc said. I got a nice massage on my temples and
was then swung from out of the laser.
I remember looking around and, despite a fog, I was able to make out
most of the text on the walls and such. I was helped up and led to the
recovery room. I immediately got my cup of coffee and a cookie dish,
which I devoured
The mask was taped to my face and I was given my bag of toys for the
post-op care. Post-op instructions were given again and I was sent on
my way after another eye examination. Everyone was very pleased at how
the operation went.
That day I was extremely punctual with the drops. Every 10 minutes
with the tears and 4 times a day with the anti-inflam. and
anti-biotics. I even bought a timer that I carried with me to remind
me whenever I needed drops. My thoughts were so wrapped up in the
surgery, I almost didn't need the timer ;)
The temp contact stayed in all day long and was removed the following
morning on my post-op visit. Everything was still perfect... I
believe I tested 20/15 in both eyes on the post-op (was able to read
the bottom line on the chart, which I believe was the 20/15 line).
Current status on day 5: Vision fluctuating slightly, mostly after eye
drops. Overall I have eagle vision (as my wife puts it). Sometimes
later in the day its more fuzzy than earlier in the day. Today is my
first day back to work and am having very few problems at all. My job
involves working on computer 10 hours a day, so lots of potential for
staring. I just keep my eye drops up and am okay...
Dry eye? Well, not really. I mostly get dry eye after the initial
wetness of the eye drops wears off. Then, after a few more minutes, my
natural tears seem to be kicking in and keeping them comfortable. It
is at this time when my vision is the sharpest. I feel like I don't
need eye-drops anymore. The artificial tears also seem to make it
fuzzy for about 10 minutes afterwards... I consider reducing the
intervals for putting them in, but I am a big believer in following
doctor's orders, so I will maintain the regimen for the week schedule
they wanted.
Night-vision problems? Well, it's only day 5 and I see slight
starbursts around lights at times. Sometimes barely noticeable,
sometimes only minor. Adds sort of a glamor-shot feel to my vision at
times ("dreamy"). I have no halos, streaking, anomalies, or anything
like that. I've heard that anyone who has their cornea sliced has at
least SOME flaring for a little bit until it heals, so I am not at all
worried. I can drive at night completely safe, even now. Much better
than I expected this early.
The only thing I can complain about is the crap that's building up on
my eye lashes! At one point my neighbor said it looked like I just got
over pink-eye... Now that I can allow water to cascade down my face
from behind in the shower, that is reducing quite nicely. Since today
is the last day of the anti-biotics and anti-flams, that should help a
lot since they are the biggest gunk contributors.
Still have to wear the eye shields to bed (which interrupts my sleep
quite a bit).. And will have to keep doing that until Thursday. I may
go past this date somewhat, because I can be an eye-rubber at times
when sleeping.... I don't want to take any chances on this expensive
procedure...
Bottom line, my doctor was awesome, his staff was awesome, the laser
(Visx S4 I think) was awesome, and my experience was awesome. The
price was awesome too ($2500 out the door for both eyes and
waveform/customvue).
Everyone is different, and I know this is a 6-12 month process, but
damn... so far so great for me!
| |
| doctor_my_eye@msn.com 2005-01-27, 8:52 am |
| This all sounds great. The "eye goobers" are often salt-like
precipitates from the antibiotics, and you are right...they go away
when you finish your course of meds. Good luck, and remember not to
rub if those lids when they itch. A cold wash cloth might supress that
urge to itch.
Eric wrote:
> Today marks day number 5 of my post-op lasik timeline.
>
> My doc was a local one in Spokane, WA and came highly recommended.
> Found him by word of mouth. First time I heard of him was from my
> waitress at a pizza place near my house! From going there, she
struck
> me as someone who didn't accept second best when it came to her body,
> so I could trust her research. But then this doc's name kept coming
up
> in coversation with people and overhearing people talk about him
> positively, over the 2 years that I was considering him. My
> mother-in-law is a pharmacist who actually knows him and gave me a
> personal positive review of his character... It sealed the deal.
Plus
> the price was right... More on that below.
>
> My prescription was -2.50 and -2.25 with moderate astygmatism. I
> decided on Wavefront instead of traditional primarily for the
improved
> night-vision reported and tighter custom correction it gives. Also,
> had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket!
>
> On surgery day, I was extremely nervous. The assistants said if I
> wasn't nervous then she'd wonder what I was on. It's funny the
biggest
> thing I remember was the difficulty in not getting my morning cup of
> coffee (not allowed caffeine). Since my surgery was at 2:30pm, that
> was quite the wait.
>
> After getting to the office, I was led into a waiting room where I
got
> to see another person's LASIK operation in progress... Live on TV.
> Also could see the action through a large glass window. It was a bit
> disturbing, since I hadn't seen it like this before that point. Made
> me a bit more nervous, not surprisingly. The strangest part was how
> abnormal the eye looked after removing the microkeratome device and
the
> stabilizing ring...
>
> So they call my name and I am brought into a pre-op room. The
> coordinator proceeds to run through all the instructions again and
> gives me 1-1/2 valium pills. The doc knew not to give me the same
dose
> as a 110 lbs. patient being that I am 220 lbs ;) After that she
> sterilized and prepped the area around my eyes, talking me through
> everything. It was a very soothing process. Even my wife was
relaxed
> quite a bit (I think she was more nervous than I was).
>
> After the iodine was washed off with sterlized water and such I was
> told it was my turn... Numbing drops were administered and then I was
> examined by the doctor one last exhaustive time. I felt good with
each
> of the redundant steps that were taken.
>
> After the doc was done, I was led into the O.R. I wasn't sure the
> valium had kicked in yet until I stood up and felt the relaxation
> somewhat. Seeing the operating room, my nervousness turned to
> curiosity at the myriad of gadgets and the sophisticated laser
sitting
> prominently in the middle of the room... Wow, the technology here was
> amazing.
>
> I sat down on the bed and laid back. Being 6'5" I had to bend my
knees
> somewhat, but was supported by a pillow. I got my own stuffed toy,
> which wasn't too necessary I found out... Not much of a fidgety
person.
> Numbing drops were administered again and I was swung under the
laser.
>
> The experience was nowhere near as bad as it looked on video. You
> don't see the speculum(sic), you just feel the sensation of it
keeping
> your eyelids out of the way. I got complements on how nice my lids
> were, "You won't get complements like this anywhere else in life."
The
> nurse said...
>
> After all sorts of drops and liquid and things, the stabilizer was
> placed on my eye and pressure was applied. Absolutely nothing was a
> surprise and I was talked through the whole thing. The team of
> technicians and nurses and such were taking care of me splendidly.
>
> My vision faded out and the blinking amber light drifted away and
faded
> to black. I told them I couldn't see it anymore. I guess at that
> point the microkeratome was attached and the flap creation began. I
> heard a slight buzzing sound, which stopped and started rhythmically.
> The right eye I didn't feel it at all and the left eye tickled when
it
> was happening... After the blade had fully done it's job it buzzed
as
> it retracted and the device was lifted off my eye.
>
> My vision begain to come back in what was the strangest thing I've
> seen. Bright lights and things in my periphery swimming with trails
> and psychadelic eye candy. My sight returned after a few moments...
I
> was in awe. This wasn't bad at all. It was very strange, but not
> bad...
>
> Lifting the flap, I was told to repeat "Hello mister Fuzz!" with the
> nurse as the doc lifted my flap. Indeed things became fuzzy enough
to
> where I could almost not make out the amber light anymore. That
became
> much easier as the lights dimmed around it prior to lasering...
>
> I was told to train on the light and not look away. However, their
> laser had advanced eye-tracking and could continue even if small
> movements occured. I was so scared I locked onto that damn dot like
my
> life depended on it!
>
> The laser ticked away for what seemed like maybe 5-7 seconds. I
swear
> I saw some faint blue "plasma-like" swirling surround the amber dot
> when it was on. On the left eye I smelled the burning and said
"Mmmm,
> yummy smelling" after it was done, much to the amusement of the
> staff...
>
> Immediately after the laser was done, my doc returned the flap to its
> position and meticulously ensured it was irrigated and "squeegied"
out,
> and making sure the "submarine hatch" was all the way closed. After
> that, a temp contact was placed over the eye.
>
> The right and left eye were completed with no complications and came
> out "perfectly" the doc said. I got a nice massage on my temples and
> was then swung from out of the laser.
>
> I remember looking around and, despite a fog, I was able to make out
> most of the text on the walls and such. I was helped up and led to
the
> recovery room. I immediately got my cup of coffee and a cookie dish,
> which I devoured
>
> The mask was taped to my face and I was given my bag of toys for the
> post-op care. Post-op instructions were given again and I was sent
on
> my way after another eye examination. Everyone was very pleased at
how
> the operation went.
>
> That day I was extremely punctual with the drops. Every 10 minutes
> with the tears and 4 times a day with the anti-inflam. and
> anti-biotics. I even bought a timer that I carried with me to remind
> me whenever I needed drops. My thoughts were so wrapped up in the
> surgery, I almost didn't need the timer ;)
>
> The temp contact stayed in all day long and was removed the following
> morning on my post-op visit. Everything was still perfect... I
> believe I tested 20/15 in both eyes on the post-op (was able to read
> the bottom line on the chart, which I believe was the 20/15 line).
>
> Current status on day 5: Vision fluctuating slightly, mostly after
eye
> drops. Overall I have eagle vision (as my wife puts it). Sometimes
> later in the day its more fuzzy than earlier in the day. Today is my
> first day back to work and am having very few problems at all. My
job
> involves working on computer 10 hours a day, so lots of potential for
> staring. I just keep my eye drops up and am okay...
>
> Dry eye? Well, not really. I mostly get dry eye after the initial
> wetness of the eye drops wears off. Then, after a few more minutes,
my
> natural tears seem to be kicking in and keeping them comfortable. It
> is at this time when my vision is the sharpest. I feel like I don't
> need eye-drops anymore. The artificial tears also seem to make it
> fuzzy for about 10 minutes afterwards... I consider reducing the
> intervals for putting them in, but I am a big believer in following
> doctor's orders, so I will maintain the regimen for the week schedule
> they wanted.
>
> Night-vision problems? Well, it's only day 5 and I see slight
> starbursts around lights at times. Sometimes barely noticeable,
> sometimes only minor. Adds sort of a glamor-shot feel to my vision
at
> times ("dreamy"). I have no halos, streaking, anomalies, or anything
> like that. I've heard that anyone who has their cornea sliced has at
> least SOME flaring for a little bit until it heals, so I am not at
all
> worried. I can drive at night completely safe, even now. Much
better
> than I expected this early.
>
> The only thing I can complain about is the crap that's building up on
> my eye lashes! At one point my neighbor said it looked like I just
got
> over pink-eye... Now that I can allow water to cascade down my face
> from behind in the shower, that is reducing quite nicely. Since
today
> is the last day of the anti-biotics and anti-flams, that should help
a
> lot since they are the biggest gunk contributors.
>
> Still have to wear the eye shields to bed (which interrupts my sleep
> quite a bit).. And will have to keep doing that until Thursday. I
may
> go past this date somewhat, because I can be an eye-rubber at times
> when sleeping.... I don't want to take any chances on this expensive
> procedure...
>
> Bottom line, my doctor was awesome, his staff was awesome, the laser
> (Visx S4 I think) was awesome, and my experience was awesome. The
> price was awesome too ($2500 out the door for both eyes and
> waveform/customvue).
>
> Everyone is different, and I know this is a 6-12 month process, but
> damn... so far so great for me!
| |
|
| Great post Eric. Brought back some memories. Although my surgery experience
was very similar to yours now after a year reading yours it sounds a little
scary. I think the valium is a must have to settle the nerves. I think I
would have been put off watching someone else have it done beforehand too.
Did you get a video of your op? They may not give them out in your part of
the world? Is good to look back at.
Sounds like a very positive result so I am glad for you.
I would continue taking the lubricating drops for as long as your doc says
too as it helps the healing process even if you feel like you don't need
them.
All the best with your new eyes.
Regards
Wal
"Eric" <aeric67@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1106597352.076085.155560@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Today marks day number 5 of my post-op lasik timeline.
>
> My doc was a local one in Spokane, WA and came highly recommended.
> Found him by word of mouth. First time I heard of him was from my
> waitress at a pizza place near my house! From going there, she struck
> me as someone who didn't accept second best when it came to her body,
> so I could trust her research. But then this doc's name kept coming up
> in coversation with people and overhearing people talk about him
> positively, over the 2 years that I was considering him. My
> mother-in-law is a pharmacist who actually knows him and gave me a
> personal positive review of his character... It sealed the deal. Plus
> the price was right... More on that below.
>
> My prescription was -2.50 and -2.25 with moderate astygmatism. I
> decided on Wavefront instead of traditional primarily for the improved
> night-vision reported and tighter custom correction it gives. Also,
> had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket!
>
> On surgery day, I was extremely nervous. The assistants said if I
> wasn't nervous then she'd wonder what I was on. It's funny the biggest
> thing I remember was the difficulty in not getting my morning cup of
> coffee (not allowed caffeine). Since my surgery was at 2:30pm, that
> was quite the wait.
>
> After getting to the office, I was led into a waiting room where I got
> to see another person's LASIK operation in progress... Live on TV.
> Also could see the action through a large glass window. It was a bit
> disturbing, since I hadn't seen it like this before that point. Made
> me a bit more nervous, not surprisingly. The strangest part was how
> abnormal the eye looked after removing the microkeratome device and the
> stabilizing ring...
>
> So they call my name and I am brought into a pre-op room. The
> coordinator proceeds to run through all the instructions again and
> gives me 1-1/2 valium pills. The doc knew not to give me the same dose
> as a 110 lbs. patient being that I am 220 lbs ;) After that she
> sterilized and prepped the area around my eyes, talking me through
> everything. It was a very soothing process. Even my wife was relaxed
> quite a bit (I think she was more nervous than I was).
>
> After the iodine was washed off with sterlized water and such I was
> told it was my turn... Numbing drops were administered and then I was
> examined by the doctor one last exhaustive time. I felt good with each
> of the redundant steps that were taken.
>
> After the doc was done, I was led into the O.R. I wasn't sure the
> valium had kicked in yet until I stood up and felt the relaxation
> somewhat. Seeing the operating room, my nervousness turned to
> curiosity at the myriad of gadgets and the sophisticated laser sitting
> prominently in the middle of the room... Wow, the technology here was
> amazing.
>
> I sat down on the bed and laid back. Being 6'5" I had to bend my knees
> somewhat, but was supported by a pillow. I got my own stuffed toy,
> which wasn't too necessary I found out... Not much of a fidgety person.
> Numbing drops were administered again and I was swung under the laser.
>
> The experience was nowhere near as bad as it looked on video. You
> don't see the speculum(sic), you just feel the sensation of it keeping
> your eyelids out of the way. I got complements on how nice my lids
> were, "You won't get complements like this anywhere else in life." The
> nurse said...
>
> After all sorts of drops and liquid and things, the stabilizer was
> placed on my eye and pressure was applied. Absolutely nothing was a
> surprise and I was talked through the whole thing. The team of
> technicians and nurses and such were taking care of me splendidly.
>
> My vision faded out and the blinking amber light drifted away and faded
> to black. I told them I couldn't see it anymore. I guess at that
> point the microkeratome was attached and the flap creation began. I
> heard a slight buzzing sound, which stopped and started rhythmically.
> The right eye I didn't feel it at all and the left eye tickled when it
> was happening... After the blade had fully done it's job it buzzed as
> it retracted and the device was lifted off my eye.
>
> My vision begain to come back in what was the strangest thing I've
> seen. Bright lights and things in my periphery swimming with trails
> and psychadelic eye candy. My sight returned after a few moments... I
> was in awe. This wasn't bad at all. It was very strange, but not
> bad...
>
> Lifting the flap, I was told to repeat "Hello mister Fuzz!" with the
> nurse as the doc lifted my flap. Indeed things became fuzzy enough to
> where I could almost not make out the amber light anymore. That became
> much easier as the lights dimmed around it prior to lasering...
>
> I was told to train on the light and not look away. However, their
> laser had advanced eye-tracking and could continue even if small
> movements occured. I was so scared I locked onto that damn dot like my
> life depended on it!
>
> The laser ticked away for what seemed like maybe 5-7 seconds. I swear
> I saw some faint blue "plasma-like" swirling surround the amber dot
> when it was on. On the left eye I smelled the burning and said "Mmmm,
> yummy smelling" after it was done, much to the amusement of the
> staff...
>
> Immediately after the laser was done, my doc returned the flap to its
> position and meticulously ensured it was irrigated and "squeegied" out,
> and making sure the "submarine hatch" was all the way closed. After
> that, a temp contact was placed over the eye.
>
> The right and left eye were completed with no complications and came
> out "perfectly" the doc said. I got a nice massage on my temples and
> was then swung from out of the laser.
>
> I remember looking around and, despite a fog, I was able to make out
> most of the text on the walls and such. I was helped up and led to the
> recovery room. I immediately got my cup of coffee and a cookie dish,
> which I devoured
>
> The mask was taped to my face and I was given my bag of toys for the
> post-op care. Post-op instructions were given again and I was sent on
> my way after another eye examination. Everyone was very pleased at how
> the operation went.
>
> That day I was extremely punctual with the drops. Every 10 minutes
> with the tears and 4 times a day with the anti-inflam. and
> anti-biotics. I even bought a timer that I carried with me to remind
> me whenever I needed drops. My thoughts were so wrapped up in the
> surgery, I almost didn't need the timer ;)
>
> The temp contact stayed in all day long and was removed the following
> morning on my post-op visit. Everything was still perfect... I
> believe I tested 20/15 in both eyes on the post-op (was able to read
> the bottom line on the chart, which I believe was the 20/15 line).
>
> Current status on day 5: Vision fluctuating slightly, mostly after eye
> drops. Overall I have eagle vision (as my wife puts it). Sometimes
> later in the day its more fuzzy than earlier in the day. Today is my
> first day back to work and am having very few problems at all. My job
> involves working on computer 10 hours a day, so lots of potential for
> staring. I just keep my eye drops up and am okay...
>
> Dry eye? Well, not really. I mostly get dry eye after the initial
> wetness of the eye drops wears off. Then, after a few more minutes, my
> natural tears seem to be kicking in and keeping them comfortable. It
> is at this time when my vision is the sharpest. I feel like I don't
> need eye-drops anymore. The artificial tears also seem to make it
> fuzzy for about 10 minutes afterwards... I consider reducing the
> intervals for putting them in, but I am a big believer in following
> doctor's orders, so I will maintain the regimen for the week schedule
> they wanted.
>
> Night-vision problems? Well, it's only day 5 and I see slight
> starbursts around lights at times. Sometimes barely noticeable,
> sometimes only minor. Adds sort of a glamor-shot feel to my vision at
> times ("dreamy"). I have no halos, streaking, anomalies, or anything
> like that. I've heard that anyone who has their cornea sliced has at
> least SOME flaring for a little bit until it heals, so I am not at all
> worried. I can drive at night completely safe, even now. Much better
> than I expected this early.
>
> The only thing I can complain about is the crap that's building up on
> my eye lashes! At one point my neighbor said it looked like I just got
> over pink-eye... Now that I can allow water to cascade down my face
> from behind in the shower, that is reducing quite nicely. Since today
> is the last day of the anti-biotics and anti-flams, that should help a
> lot since they are the biggest gunk contributors.
>
> Still have to wear the eye shields to bed (which interrupts my sleep
> quite a bit).. And will have to keep doing that until Thursday. I may
> go past this date somewhat, because I can be an eye-rubber at times
> when sleeping.... I don't want to take any chances on this expensive
> procedure...
>
> Bottom line, my doctor was awesome, his staff was awesome, the laser
> (Visx S4 I think) was awesome, and my experience was awesome. The
> price was awesome too ($2500 out the door for both eyes and
> waveform/customvue).
>
> Everyone is different, and I know this is a 6-12 month process, but
> damn... so far so great for me!
>
| |
| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2005-01-27, 8:52 am |
| I hope everyone's surgery and first five days go like yours.
Congrats, and keep us informed of any changes.
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org
http://www.USAEyes.org
http://www.ComplicatedEyes.org
I am not a doctor.
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| Ragnar 2005-01-27, 8:52 am |
| Eric, your post reminds me of one of the tactics used by a certain
website which is now just about gone. They claimed they recieved
about 60 LASIK testimonials per week, yet only about 1 per week was
being posted. Why? Because they deleted the positive one's such as
yours and posted the negative ones. The more negative the better.
Since the demise of that website, this newsgroup has become the
gathering point for all the people who hate LASIK. I found it
interesting that in your long and detailed account that some yoyo (I
think it was Minarik or Rebecca) pulled out the one sentence that
sounded a little negative and blew it out of proportion.
Welcome to Peyton Place.
On 24 Jan 2005 12:09:12 -0800, "Eric" <aeric67@gmail.com> wrote:
>Today marks day number 5 of my post-op lasik timeline.
>
>My doc was a local one in Spokane, WA and came highly recommended.
>Found him by word of mouth. First time I heard of him was from my
>waitress at a pizza place near my house! From going there, she struck
>me as someone who didn't accept second best when it came to her body,
>so I could trust her research. But then this doc's name kept coming up
>in coversation with people and overhearing people talk about him
>positively, over the 2 years that I was considering him. My
>mother-in-law is a pharmacist who actually knows him and gave me a
>personal positive review of his character... It sealed the deal. Plus
>the price was right... More on that below.
>
>My prescription was -2.50 and -2.25 with moderate astygmatism. I
>decided on Wavefront instead of traditional primarily for the improved
>night-vision reported and tighter custom correction it gives. Also,
>had the extra cash burning a hole in my pocket!
>
>On surgery day, I was extremely nervous. The assistants said if I
>wasn't nervous then she'd wonder what I was on. It's funny the biggest
>thing I remember was the difficulty in not getting my morning cup of
>coffee (not allowed caffeine). Since my surgery was at 2:30pm, that
>was quite the wait.
>
>After getting to the office, I was led into a waiting room where I got
>to see another person's LASIK operation in progress... Live on TV.
>Also could see the action through a large glass window. It was a bit
>disturbing, since I hadn't seen it like this before that point. Made
>me a bit more nervous, not surprisingly. The strangest part was how
>abnormal the eye looked after removing the microkeratome device and the
>stabilizing ring...
>
>So they call my name and I am brought into a pre-op room. The
>coordinator proceeds to run through all the instructions again and
>gives me 1-1/2 valium pills. The doc knew not to give me the same dose
>as a 110 lbs. patient being that I am 220 lbs ;) After that she
>sterilized and prepped the area around my eyes, talking me through
>everything. It was a very soothing process. Even my wife was relaxed
>quite a bit (I think she was more nervous than I was).
>
>After the iodine was washed off with sterlized water and such I was
>told it was my turn... Numbing drops were administered and then I was
>examined by the doctor one last exhaustive time. I felt good with each
>of the redundant steps that were taken.
>
>After the doc was done, I was led into the O.R. I wasn't sure the
>valium had kicked in yet until I stood up and felt the relaxation
>somewhat. Seeing the operating room, my nervousness turned to
>curiosity at the myriad of gadgets and the sophisticated laser sitting
>prominently in the middle of the room... Wow, the technology here was
>amazing.
>
>I sat down on the bed and laid back. Being 6'5" I had to bend my knees
>somewhat, but was supported by a pillow. I got my own stuffed toy,
>which wasn't too necessary I found out... Not much of a fidgety person.
>Numbing drops were administered again and I was swung under the laser.
>
>The experience was nowhere near as bad as it looked on video. You
>don't see the speculum(sic), you just feel the sensation of it keeping
>your eyelids out of the way. I got complements on how nice my lids
>were, "You won't get complements like this anywhere else in life." The
>nurse said...
>
>After all sorts of drops and liquid and things, the stabilizer was
>placed on my eye and pressure was applied. Absolutely nothing was a
>surprise and I was talked through the whole thing. The team of
>technicians and nurses and such were taking care of me splendidly.
>
>My vision faded out and the blinking amber light drifted away and faded
>to black. I told them I couldn't see it anymore. I guess at that
>point the microkeratome was attached and the flap creation began. I
>heard a slight buzzing sound, which stopped and started rhythmically.
>The right eye I didn't feel it at all and the left eye tickled when it
>was happening... After the blade had fully done it's job it buzzed as
>it retracted and the device was lifted off my eye.
>
>My vision begain to come back in what was the strangest thing I've
>seen. Bright lights and things in my periphery swimming with trails
>and psychadelic eye candy. My sight returned after a few moments... I
>was in awe. This wasn't bad at all. It was very strange, but not
>bad...
>
>Lifting the flap, I was told to repeat "Hello mister Fuzz!" with the
>nurse as the doc lifted my flap. Indeed things became fuzzy enough to
>where I could almost not make out the amber light anymore. That became
>much easier as the lights dimmed around it prior to lasering...
>
>I was told to train on the light and not look away. However, their
>laser had advanced eye-tracking and could continue even if small
>movements occured. I was so scared I locked onto that damn dot like my
>life depended on it!
>
>The laser ticked away for what seemed like maybe 5-7 seconds. I swear
>I saw some faint blue "plasma-like" swirling surround the amber dot
>when it was on. On the left eye I smelled the burning and said "Mmmm,
>yummy smelling" after it was done, much to the amusement of the
>staff...
>
>Immediately after the laser was done, my doc returned the flap to its
>position and meticulously ensured it was irrigated and "squeegied" out,
>and making sure the "submarine hatch" was all the way closed. After
>that, a temp contact was placed over the eye.
>
>The right and left eye were completed with no complications and came
>out "perfectly" the doc said. I got a nice massage on my temples and
>was then swung from out of the laser.
>
>I remember looking around and, despite a fog, I was able to make out
>most of the text on the walls and such. I was helped up and led to the
>recovery room. I immediately got my cup of coffee and a cookie dish,
>which I devoured
>
>The mask was taped to my face and I was given my bag of toys for the
>post-op care. Post-op instructions were given again and I was sent on
>my way after another eye examination. Everyone was very pleased at how
>the operation went.
>
>That day I was extremely punctual with the drops. Every 10 minutes
>with the tears and 4 times a day with the anti-inflam. and
>anti-biotics. I even bought a timer that I carried with me to remind
>me whenever I needed drops. My thoughts were so wrapped up in the
>surgery, I almost didn't need the timer ;)
>
>The temp contact stayed in all day long and was removed the following
>morning on my post-op visit. Everything was still perfect... I
>believe I tested 20/15 in both eyes on the post-op (was able to read
>the bottom line on the chart, which I believe was the 20/15 line).
>
>Current status on day 5: Vision fluctuating slightly, mostly after eye
>drops. Overall I have eagle vision (as my wife puts it). Sometimes
>later in the day its more fuzzy than earlier in the day. Today is my
>first day back to work and am having very few problems at all. My job
>involves working on computer 10 hours a day, so lots of potential for
>staring. I just keep my eye drops up and am okay...
>
>Dry eye? Well, not really. I mostly get dry eye after the initial
>wetness of the eye drops wears off. Then, after a few more minutes, my
>natural tears seem to be kicking in and keeping them comfortable. It
>is at this time when my vision is the sharpest. I feel like I don't
>need eye-drops anymore. The artificial tears also seem to make it
>fuzzy for about 10 minutes afterwards... I consider reducing the
>intervals for putting them in, but I am a big believer in following
>doctor's orders, so I will maintain the regimen for the week schedule
>they wanted.
>
>Night-vision problems? Well, it's only day 5 and I see slight
>starbursts around lights at times. Sometimes barely noticeable,
>sometimes only minor. Adds sort of a glamor-shot feel to my vision at
>times ("dreamy"). I have no halos, streaking, anomalies, or anything
>like that. I've heard that anyone who has their cornea sliced has at
>least SOME flaring for a little bit until it heals, so I am not at all
>worried. I can drive at night completely safe, even now. Much better
>than I expected this early.
>
>The only thing I can complain about is the crap that's building up on
>my eye lashes! At one point my neighbor said it looked like I just got
>over pink-eye... Now that I can allow water to cascade down my face
>from behind in the shower, that is reducing quite nicely. Since today
>is the last day of the anti-biotics and anti-flams, that should help a
>lot since they are the biggest gunk contributors.
>
>Still have to wear the eye shields to bed (which interrupts my sleep
>quite a bit).. And will have to keep doing that until Thursday. I may
>go past this date somewhat, because I can be an eye-rubber at times
>when sleeping.... I don't want to take any chances on this expensive
>procedure...
>
>Bottom line, my doctor was awesome, his staff was awesome, the laser
>(Visx S4 I think) was awesome, and my experience was awesome. The
>price was awesome too ($2500 out the door for both eyes and
>waveform/customvue).
>
>Everyone is different, and I know this is a 6-12 month process, but
>damn... so far so great for me!
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| I'm back! Just wanted to update everyone here about my progress (think
someone asked me to). It's been past my 2 week appt and my 1 month
appt, so I figured it was time to post again.
Still doing great. I have 20/10 vision right now with both eyes, and
20/15 in each eye by itself. At night, ONLY when I am extremely tired,
I have some slight smudging of certain colors. Other than that,
extremely sharp during day and night. The clarity is amazing. Much
better than my contacts, and even my glasses.
Still no dryness... even after being on a computer 10 hours a day. The
last couple days we've got a new puppy in the house, but even the
resulting lack of sleep has not made them dry during the day... which I
thought it would.
Still very very satisfied!
Anyway, have to run! Just thought I would update everyone.
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| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2005-03-19, 6:24 pm |
| Music to the ears! Let us hope you continue to have such an excellent
and uneventful result.
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance
Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org
http://www.USAEyes.org
http://www.ComplicatedEyes.org
I am not a doctor.
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