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Home > Archive > Lasik Eyes Surgery > January 2006 > Had LASEK/PRK Zyoptix 12th of December
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Had LASEK/PRK Zyoptix 12th of December
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| Andre Aubert 2005-12-15, 6:00 pm |
| Hey all,
Now it has been three days since I had my LASEK procedure. It's not easy
to read a computer screen, but with low brightness and contrast it is
managable.
My contect lens prescription was -4.25 and -3.75 (unchanged for 2.5
years), but they figured my eyes to be -4.75 and -4.00, I believe. They
told me on my pre-op exam 9th of Dec that these numbers match well with
my contact lens strength.
On the 12th I came to the clinic and did another quick eye exam with the
doctor to double-check the numbers, and they were still correct. I got
to look at smaller letters than 1.0 (20/20) too, and I got 3 out of 4
right on the 1.5 line with my right eye with correction. My left eye
could read a little on the 1.2(?)-line, so best-corrected vision was
pretty good. I don't really understand how they can define that the
20/20-vision (or 100% / 1.0 vision as we use here) is what is "normal
vision for mankind" though. Who decided that?
I didn't get any valium or similar (didn't ask for it either), but
wasn't really nervous anyway. Got a little purse (not the female kind of
purse) with two kinds of eye drops (one that works against infections,
and one that lubricates and numbs a bit) and oral pain killers and
instructions.
The room with the laser (B&L) had some "boxes with fans" on one side
probably making the air conditions ideal and stable. Got several numbing
eye-drops with steady intervals, more on my right eye because that was
to be zapped first. While I was getting these drops from the nurse, the
doctor was playing with the laser (maybe not playing, probably calibrating).
Then I lied down on the laser-table. I can't recall exactly the order of
things happening, but I think it was something like this. There were
three coloured lights, two reds and then one green at the bottom - the
middle light was blinking. "Always look at the red blinking light" - yea
right, not easy when it was flying around as the surgeon poured the
alcohol on my eye to remove the epithelum layer. Had the alcohol there
for approximately 30 seconds (don't remember exactly), then it was
washed off with water and the cell layer was wiped aside. Had some ice
on the eye to reduce swelling. Then the laser was started and that took
about 40 seconds. The red blinking light, yea right, when the laser was
zappping the blinking light got HUGE, I just tried my best to look at
the somewhat center of it, a little below where the laser seemed to come
out of. I'm just glad the laser had an eye-tracker! It smelled pretty
strongly burnt as it was zapping away. Maybe I'll try to do a painting
of that sight one day, was pretty nice with the red lights and blueish
zapping. Then a bit more ice, then some mitomycin (works against haze)
for approx 30 secs (again, can't remember exactly), washed off with
water and dried up, then he tried to put the epithelum layer back, but I
noticed he just took it away. Finally I got a bandage lens on. He
quickly testet the laser again on some sheet of paper while my left eye
got some more numbing drops. Same procedure on my left eye, and I was done.
I asked afterwards if my epithelum layer was saved and replaced, but he
said he could only do a bit on one side, but decided to just remove it,
but this is not a problem at all. I don't know if saving the epithelum
layer just takes more practice by the surgeon or if maybe the mitomycin
makes it more difficult, or if it always is difficult, but mine weren't
saved. I don't mind, but would be interesting to see the healing
difference if one was saved and one was not. So, the removal of the
epithelum layer was done the LASEK-way and my healing goes the PRK-way.
Right afterwards I was a bit surprised I could see so clearly already. I
noticed I could see far but blury, - kind of equally blury far and near
(still is like this). I took two oral pain killers before I left, then I
was sent home. When I got outside I could see ok, but I noticed I rather
wanted to close my eyes. Got a taxi just a few meters from the clinic,
then got home and went to bed to relax. My right eye was stinging a bit,
and I wanted my left eye to sting too. If both are bad, that feels safer
than if just one is bad. Both eyes started to sting after a bit, so I
was happy. It just felt like having shampoo in my eyes, nothing really
bad. At night it started to hurt more, like having thistles(?) in my
eyes - but managable. I ran out of the strong pain killers by the end of
the next day, and that was a bit too early, got a weaker
non-prescription kind, so noticed more burning and pain - especially at
night - like needles poking into my eyes. I think the bandage-lenses
were a bit dry too and bugging me (like sleeping with regular contacts),
didn't feel good to open my eyes after sleeping so tried to move them
around before opening. I didn't feel the lubricating eye-drops helped
that much. Actually, opening the eyes much at all hasn't felt good, so
I've tried to avoid it. Just open slightly to see where I've been
walking when needed. Mostly been lying in bed listening to radio, not
being able to do very much else.
Now it has been three days, and things are feeling better, pain is gone.
The three days have been pretty uncomfortable, but that was as excpted.
It's still not easy to read text and it's tiresome. My eye lids feel
heavy and big, that might be the anti-infection drops? It says they can
cause allergic reactions. After this bottle I'll start using a weaker
kind. Had a check-up exam today and got more pain killers, but hasn't
needed them yet. The epithelum layer was 90% healed, so we decided to
let the bandage lens stay for one more day (although it would be ok to
remove it, but would be more painful). Doctor said I could remove it
myself, but I decided to go back to remove it tomorrow, didn't like the
thought of struggling with it myself at home in case it was stuck and I
couldn't get it out. He asked if I could see some letters, but I said it
was clear but blury so couldn't read much, but that was okay. He said I
probably will see worse as the epithelum layer heals to the center,
because it will kind of cluster and that is where the pupil is, then it
will get better with time when it gets smoother. Took taxi home today as
well. My next follow-up appointment is in January. Until then I will
take my anti-infection drops four times a day and just wait for better
times :-)
Sorry about the long post, but maybe it's of interest to anyone soon to
undergo similar sugery.
---
André Aubert
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| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2005-12-15, 6:00 pm |
| Very interesting postoperative report. I appreciate the detail and I'm
sure others considering LASEK or PRK will too.
Be sure to let us know how things are next week!
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes.org
"Consider and Choose With Confidence"
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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| youve had prk 3 days ago, just give it 1-3 months for healing. If your
already reading 20/20 but blurry you could end up a clear 20/15 once
your healing is done. You may end a bit undercorrected then be like
20/30 but this is fine for still not needing glasses, except maybe for
night driving.
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| Andre Aubert 2005-12-16, 11:01 am |
| Removed my bandage lenses today. The epithelium layer has closed nicely,
but it's still kind of loose so I have to be careful not to rub my eyes
for a while still. Vision is a bit more blury now that the bandage lens
is removed (not as smooth surface). It's also more dry and I feel
"something" when blinking (probably the "not-so-smooth" epithelium
layer), but it feels a bit better than the bandage lens anyway. Not that
the bandage lens was bad, because it was not, but it feels nice to have
it out.
I wear sunglasses outside now because I don't like bright light, and
also try to protect against windblows. It just feels dry and not nice to
my eyes.
The anti-infection eye drops taste pretty bad. Sometimes some of it goes
down the tear canal, so I get a taste a little later. Should be more
careful to block the tear canals with my fingers for a minute right
after taking them, I guess. They are called "Spersadex med [=with]
Kloramfenicol". When I've finished this bottle I'll switch to another
kind called "Vexol, Rimexolon". One drop in each eye four times a day.
---
André Aubert
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| keep us to date on your procedure!
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| Andre Aubert 2005-12-19, 11:02 am |
| The weekend after I removed my bandage lenses hasn't been that good. In
the evening my eyes started to hurt when blinking, getting worse and
worse till I slept. The next day usually started well, but same happened
in the evening. On sunday my right eye was fine but my left was bad from
the morning, and same thing today (monday). Just moving my eye around
when closed could also be painful, also "blinking" with my eye closed
(if right eye is open and that blinks, my left "blinks" too).
So I went to the clinic today and the doc said the epithelium layer on
my left eye has some trouble attaching, but it's nothing dangerous. I
got an eye-cream to put on 5 times a day (in addition to the eye drops 4
times a day), and a bandage to keep my eye closed. New appointment
thursday to see how things are going.
My right eye can see pretty well, no discomfort. I notice that lights
(cars, streetlights) in the dusk kind of flare up a bit, but I guess
that's not abnormal just 1 week after PRK.
---
André Aubert
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| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2005-12-19, 11:02 am |
| André,
Sorry to hear of the epithelium problem. Using a heavy lubricant such
as Muro 128 or Refresh PM can help immensely with the kind of problems
you describe.
Although LASEK attempts to save the epithelium cells, the alcohol
solution used to distress them will kill many of the cells and new
epithelial cells will need to regenerate. During this time attachment
of the epithelium can be difficult.
Keep in mind that a treatment for poor epithelial attachment is to
remove the epithelium and "dust" the cornea with a very small amount
of excimer laser energy...essentially LASEK/PRK.
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes.org
"Consider and Choose With Confidence"
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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| Andre Aubert 2005-12-22, 11:01 am |
| Update,
went back for check-up today. The wound on my left eye's epithelium cell
layer has healed but the surface is still irregular (that will smoothens
out). I see with both eyes now and no bandage, but I'll keep using the
eye-oinment for lubrication just not as often as before. Everything
looked great and as expected, and doc said results seem very very well
after only 10 days.
I won't write for a while now unless something unexpected happens.
---
André Aubert
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| In article <l7ydnYgkhJ2BVzfe4p2dnA@telenor.com>,
Andre Aubert <andraub@online.no> wrote:
> Update,
>
thanks for the update. Glad to hear all is going well!
--
~RT
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| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2005-12-22, 6:02 pm |
| It sounds like your recovery from lasek is going as would be
reasonably expected.
You cannot use too much lubricant and keeping the eyes moist can
promote healing.
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes.org
"Consider and Choose With Confidence"
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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| Andre Aubert 2006-01-10, 12:56 pm |
| Just had eye-exam today, approximately four weeks after my surgery, so
it's time for another update.
From about christmas to new year my right eye was seeing a little
"double", I think you call it "ghosting". Especially difficult to read
small print on bright computer screen (or cell phone), and it usually
got worse later in the day. It gradually got better after days, and now
it's no problem at all.
Lately I have been experiencing a bit more dry and sore feeling in my
eyes, and even the "sticking eyelid to eye" some mornings. A bit care
when opening them does the trick, pretty uncomfortable but not very
painful. Lubrication helps, but it doesn't stay all night. Had some flu
lately and I guess that doesn't make things better either.
So, as for the eye exam. He was going to measure the pressure in my eye,
but elected not to, to avoid my flu-virus on the machine. However, he
quickly touched my eyelids so I assumed he did a quick manual test hehe.
He looked at my eyes through the magnifier, and said my cornea was very
very clear, no sign of any haze at all. He said that was unusually good
after only one month after PRK/LASEK even though he used minomycin. So -
he said I could now stop taking the Vexol (rimexolon) eye drops, no
reason to take them any longer, even though I had got prescription for
several more bottles. I thought maybe the eye drops did more than just
preventing haze (don't they?) but I will follow his advice and stop
taking them. I don't really like the drops either.
So - the vision test. My left eye didn't do that well, and all three
lines he showed (the smallest being 20/20) seemed about equally blury. I
could sort of make out a couple of letters on the 20/20, and not much
better on the line above. My right eye read the 20/20 line fine, and I
could probably go a bit smaller but we didn't. However, during the day
sometimes my left is clearer than my right, it just changes depending on
how dry they feel and wind/cold etc.
He said 1 month is still kind of early, so we'll look more into strength
and numbers at the next eye exam in 2-3 months as it should have
stabilized more by then. So I won't worry or consider enhancement quite
yet  , - my left eye works pretty alright now in daily life anyway. Oh
well, time will tell how it ends up!
My left has always been significally weaker than my right (my brain has
always paid more attention to my right eye), but with contacts it could
read 20/20 before. I have made my own snellen chart, and the 40/20 line
looks pretty clear, but the second and third letter in each of the two
sets of five letters kind of blend together, so I only see four. The
rest is easily readable, but it's strange how they blend when trying to
focus on them. I had the same problem before surgery. With my left I can
even spot a couple of letters on the 20/20 line, but much harder when I
actually try to focus on it. So the problem might be in my nerve or
brain rather than in the actual eye? Or else they should have found
something with the exams before surgery? My right reads "my" 20/20 about
just as easily as at the snellen chart at the eye doctor, so I think
it's pretty correct.
André Aubert
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| Glenn - USAEyes.org 2006-01-10, 12:56 pm |
| Thanks for the detailed report.
Surface ablation does indeed take some time to get back to that sharp
clear vision that you had before surgery. Although the epithelium will
have covered the treatment area and thickened, smoothing takes longer.
Dry eyes will delay the epithelial smoothing. Having the flu would not
help at all, as most medications for the flu will dehydrate. Keep
using those preservative-free eye drops to maintain lubrication for
your eyes. This will promote healing.
The mild sticky eyelid in the morning is a problem I too experienced
after PRK. I used a heavy lubricant gel "Refresh PM" at night before
going to bed. This resolved the problem and after a few weeks I no
longer need the nighttime gel.
It is very interesting that when accommodating (focusing on something
near) your vision becomes slightly worse in the one eye. It would
appear that there is some imbalance in the ability of the natural lens
to change shape. At least this apparently did not get worse after
surgery.
I hope to hear from you in 2-3 months after your next exam.
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes.org
"Consider and Choose With Confidence"
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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| Andre Aubert 2006-01-10, 6:01 pm |
| > It is very interesting that when accommodating (focusing on something
> near) your vision becomes slightly worse in the one eye. It would
> appear that there is some imbalance in the ability of the natural lens
> to change shape. At least this apparently did not get worse after
> surgery.
Just to make sure you understood me right; It is not when I focus on
something near, it's when I focus on anything at all really. In daily
life I just see it as less crisp vision than with my right eye. I also
see much better by looking with only my right eye than only my left, my
left kind of has this almost unnoticable dark pattern all over. But it's
when I try to read small text on snellen chart I really see the effect.
The 20/40 line starts with HOCZR which I easily see with my right eye.
With my left I see H ZR pretty easily, but O and C blend together and
kind of looks like just one letter. If I focus elsewhere, I sort of see
that there actually are five letters, but when focusing directly on them
they blend again.
I thought maybe this was abberrations so kind of expected that to show
up at the initial eye exams, but both my eyes had very good values. When
I was young (and sometimes still when I am tired/drunk, or unable to
focos with both my eyes), my left eye turned outwards and my brain shut
it out (didn't have double vision). One eye doctor wanted me to cover my
right eye to strengthen my left, but later another eye doc said that
wouldn't help at all, and I didn't like wearing it anyway (I was about
6), so I stopped. So - my weak/strange left eye might be a symptom of a
mild degree of amblyopia, maybe? I really don't know. I don't think it
has worsened the last (many) years, and it doesn't really stop me doing
anything. Just mildly annoying that I know something isn't right about it.
---
André Aubert
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