Getting closer to 20/20
March 29, 2008
Disclaimer: This post is about my last round of lasik, and may not really be of interest to anyone except those considering eye treatments.
I had a second Lasik procedure Thursday (that had been scheduled since January–I made them let me wait until Spring break) and when I went back to the doctor Friday, they did not like what they saw, even though I was reading on the eye chart 20/20. I had swelling of the corneal flap (the incision they made-a flap they cut and lay open to do the Lasik) and there were white blood cells forming to fight the inflammation. Apparently this is BAD for the healing of the corneal flap. SOOOO….
Just to recap the history of my eye-surgery, I had total lens replacement in August, followed by a lasik procedure on my left eye in October, and then the Lasik for my right eye this week. I’ve been able to read w/o glasses for most material since Sept, but EVEN from a phone book since the October Lasik treatment on my left eye. But I still had an imbalance in the eyes. Not wanting to miss any more work due to the doctor visits, I scheduled the right eye Lasik for spring break.
Thursday my 17 yo took me (had to have a driver since they give you a lot of relaxers–not to put you under but to calm and soothe you for the procedure), had it done, and then came home to “sleep it off” which is literally what they ask you to do–giving you 2 sleeping pills and 2 painkillers. They forgot to give me mine, but I didn’t stress, but instead did a Bendryl and slept most of the afternoon. I did experience some mild discomfort, but didn’t stress it b/c I was told I may have some, and I knew they had forgotten to give me the painkillers. So I just took Advil, and went back for the post op visit Friday–alone. No driver needed.
When they looked at my eye, they said I had a lot of corneal swelling and they could see white blood cells trying to heal the cornea, but they needed the flap to seal and the swelling to go down w/o those white blood cells–which is what the drops (3 kinds) are supposed to do. Dr. Christenbury said the white blood cells would make it take longer to heal and could damage the shape of the cornea?????? (I really don’t know the medical jargon here or even if I have described what the risk here is correctly.)
So he said he needed to go back into my eye and “wash” it out. I had two choices-call and get myself a driver up there to drive me home OR let him do it without having the Atavan to make it a smooth comfy process, and drive myself home. Of course I said I’m a big girl and I did the procedure with NO medication, nothing to take the edge off. It really did not hurt, but I was ultra aware of everything going on–like even the squeegee they used to put my corneal flap back in place–doesn’t that sound weird? They lay me down, flipped open the flap, and flushed my eye with what seemed like 2 gallons of water–my hair was soaking wet on the right side, and flipped that flap back over, smoothed it out, and finally placed a contact like bandage over my pupil. I had to wear a plastic shield over my eye the rest of the day and night, only to remove for a 3 drop regimen every four hours.
So I went back this morning, and they removed the “contact-bandage” and the flap is sealing nicely, but there is still some swelling and haze–SO guess what? I have to go back Monday. One more day of spring break will be nice.
I feel fine, and I can read better. And I can tell already that my vision is more balanced than before, which is why I needed the right eye lasik treatment.
It may sound like this was very painful, but it wasn’t at all. The most uncomfortable part was having my eye physically touched, but they gave me MANY numbing drops, so really all I could feel was the pressure of their touching it.
Even with my complication, I would still recommend this to ANYONE thinking about it.I can now read the phone book and text message on my cell phone–which was not possible 6 months ago w/o glasses.
Now after creating this post, when my friends and family ask, I’ll just direct them here to “read all about it.”
Image Attribution:
Eye Chart. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/2/3496961_9e581fd0fe_m.jpg
March 29th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
LASIK was the worst decision of my life. Since I had LASIK I have spent much of my spare time researching LASIK complications. The medical literature and FDA clinical trials report that chronic dry eyes and night vision impairment occur frequently after LASIK. The complication rate is actually quite high and varies depending on which study you read. Moreover, the LASIK flap only heals to 2% of the cornea’s original tensile strength, and the biomechanical strength of the cornea is permanently reduced by about 50% after LASIK. LASIK patients face problems with glaucoma screening, future cataract surgery, and persistent decrease in corneal cells called keratocytes which are vital to the funtionality of the cornea. You can read more about LASIK risks and long-term complications on my website at http://www.lasikcomplications.com
March 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
DESPITE what my “anonymous” Lasik patient says about complications I am still VERY pleased with my results. All surgeries are susceptible to complications. The risks and possible outcomes are made abundantly clear to all patients before going through the procedure, and once again I will reiterate, I am VERY pleased with my vision since opting for this surgery.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Still debating to have Lasik or not. My aunt had it done a few years back and yes, had some initial complications and had to have one eye “redone” but she still says it was a good investment, too! I just REALLY have a problem with someone “messing” with my eyes!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Heather and others, Even though I need to go back to the doctor tomorrow morning –the doctors are concerned with some swelling I still have, I know today without a shadow of doubt I am seeing great. Using the MAC, I have gotten very used to open apple + to increase font size–but today I have not needed it at all. The default setting for font size is very comfortable for reading. Everything seems balanced, whereas before Thursday, I could definitely tell the left eye was stronger. Now they are equally good–I am not favoring either. AS with any other medical procedure it is in your best interests to research it, and seek first hand experiences too. I did both, and we also know the we librarians can dig to find information well. I am still pleased as punch with mine, and knew full well what side effects (like dry eyes) as well as possible complications I might have going in.It is wonderful that I don’t have to reach for glasses just to see the alarm clock in the morning, and can read text messages on my cell phone now. I highly recommend it, but of course, each person is different, and it is in your est interests to research the procedure as well as the doctor you choose well before making the decision.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I had lasik done on both eyes at the same time about 9 years ago and it was the best thing that I’ve ever done! Of course I wore glasses since I was 4 years old (and now I’m old!) and the lens were like coke bottle glass. I switched to contact lens and had problems with them like a ripped cornea when I tried to take them out of my eyes and I hated carrying all the junk needed when we backpacked. Finally took the plunge and I am so glad. I had no problems at all and had the best dr. 9 years later, still no problems and I still see wonderfully! Glad all went well for you too.