My experiences with LASIK Laser Refractive Surgery For Vision Correction
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Well I did it. I took the plunge. After wearing glasses and struggling with the hassles of contacts (put em in, take em out, clean them, dry itchy red eyes, etc, etc, etc...) since 1979, I've got my perfect vision back On Friday, August 21, 1998 I had my eyes "zapped" by the Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure, using an Eximer Laser, to correct my myopia (near sightedness). This is a record of my experiences so far with some links to information on the surgery for those of you who might want to consider it.
I was inspired by my friend Warren, who 10 years ago took the risk to get Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery done to correct his vision for entry into the Toronto Fire Dept. Every time I see Warren I ask him how his eyes are and I've built on his experience in making my own decision. I also want to thank Dr. Walman for setting up his bulletin board so people could share their experiences with LASIK and to the many people on that board for sharing their experiences, both good and bad.
Hi, I've been reading with interest the many postings on this BB.
HISTORY: I went for my 1st RK evaluation 8 years ago with Dr. Karas in Toronto. I believe he was one of the pioneers of RK and PRK in Canada along with Dr. Gimble. Decided at that time not to proceed, although a friend who wanted to be a fireman at the time, had RK from Dr. Kara's 9 years ago and has 20/20 vision to this day. Combination of my father being a G.P. and not being too keen on the procedure (on advice from his opthamologist friends) and my own reluctance to go under the knife and research of articles in the JAMA convinced me.
Continued to monitor progress in the field and went for further evaluation in Sudbury 2.5 years ago for PRK. Good candidate -2.75L/-3.25R w slight astigmatism (These are estimate only as I can't remember the actual refraction). I do have a history of "Dry Eye" which bothers me at times to the extent that I am limited in the amount/length of time I can wear my contacts (hockey, swimming, skiing, sailing and other sports only). $ was the only factor.
Most recently, I contacted my opthamologist late last week to book another appointment with the intent on finalizing the surgery date. My surgeon has performed upwards of 1000 LASIK procedures, with only 1 reported "flap" problem, including surgeries on other physicians and his wife. I have some confidence having spoken to him at great length over the phone last week. My call was timely as the office was closed and the tech was in doing monthly service on the Eximer laser he uses and the Dr. was in the office monitoring the service. So he had lots of time to talk and answer my numerous questions.
One question I didn't think to ask was one on "dry eye" which I've seen reference to in several posts. What does it mean when people refer to relative levels/scale of dry eye in terms of a 5 or 6, etc? Since I have some dry eye now, how much of an impact will the LASIK proc. have on aggrevating it? What if I absolutely have to "scratch/rub" my eyes following the surgery because I can't stand the itchiness? I have tried a couple of off-the-shelf allergy and dry eye formulas and have had moderately painful reactions to the drops. What alternatives are there? While I have all but decided to go ahead with the surgery and I will be discussing the issue with my surgeon, I'd like to get an idea of the impact of dry eye on post operative response/care of the eyes from the group so I can have the right solution at hand and don't jepordize my recovery by rubbing my eyes too much.
I look forward to the "freedom" of skiing and swimming and being able to "see" again. Thanks in advance all.
Chris
Chris,
Lasik surgery will not make your dry eyes worse or better as it has no effect on tear production. However it is possible that in the immediate post op period you may be more uncomfortable than normal due to surface irregularities and drying. You will likely need to use lots of artificial tear drops. They do make many brands of preservative free drops which I would recommend if you are worried about allergic reactions. Good Luck.
Dr. N.
Chris,
Most people don't have a severe problem. I didn't have a dry eye problem either before LASIK and I have been tortured for over 4 months and waiting for relief. Doctor's keep telling you that you will get over it and to use artificial tears, but the weeks and months keep going by, you spend hundreds on tear drops and ointment, plugs, all to no avail. Maybe if they could experience the torture for awhile they wouldn't be so quick to cut on people. The love of money can get in the way of some. You better get a dry eye test by a doctor that is not an advocate of refractive surgery.
Thanks for the responses here, and for the email Kitty (the article on Dry Eye on your website was a great help). I am booked for a consult on the 13th with a slot reserved for the surgery on the 14th of August. If all goes well, I'll be able to "see" by the 15th (or sooner). Cooo-el!
Well, its 4 days before my scheduled surgery on Aug.14th. I'll have to post my "pre" surgery refraction #'s on Thursday when the final consult takes place, and I will follow up after the surgery with my own "impressions". The posts on this BB were really helpful, even though I'd already made up my mind to DO IT before I "found you guys"! Thanks.
Cheers for now!
I'm a little nervous, a little excited but here goes. at 4:45 today EDT... ZAP!
Pre-op refraction:
Right -3.05 0.05 170 degrees
Left -3.25 0.50 5 degrees
I'll keep you posted!!
Hope everything went real well.
Keeps us informed when you wake up.
WWW.ZYWORLD.COM/PHIDELT738
My lasik site
Well, I was ready, willing and anxious, but when I arrived for the surgery on Friday at 4:40, I found out a little detail my Doc. neglected to tell me. SORRY, WE DON'T ACCEPT MASTERCARD!!! Argh! Because of the way I'd arranged financing, my original intent was through certified cheque, then VISA, but timing as they say, is everything. Funds transfer didn't come through in time and all I had was one of those new, low interest M/C. Try to arrange for special treatment on Fri. afternoon at 5 o'clock with your local Royal Bank!
Anyway, the upshot is either, a) someone's trying to tell me something, or b) I'm rescheduled for next Friday at 6PM. Let's hope my surgeon doesn't have the same reputation as the car industry (ie: never buy a vehicle which was put together on a Monday - hangover recovery day - or Friday - I can't wait for the weekend day - ) :-o (he doesn't have that rep, I'm only kidding). :-)
Oh well, I'm taking it in stride and can only look forward to "seeing" on Saturday. I'll keep you all posted.
That is SUCH a bummer!!! My surgery was scheduled back June 23, 1998. My fiance and I got there on time (so I thought) 9:00 am a full half hour bebore my 9:30 surgery appt. The doctor's office doors were locked, but the receptionist motioned (they were glass doors) for us to come to the next door in the hallway in through the back way. Guess what? My appt was for 11:30 am. Boy, that was the LONGEST two hours of my life. We went back to my house and I bet we didn't say two words to each other until we left to try it again!!! I can laugh now.
Refer to: "Ok ok ok 2.5 hours to go!" posted on August 14th and my subsequent re-post "Aaaaaarrrrrrggggggghhhhhh!" posted on August 16th. These 2 messages document my disappointment of last week.
Well, one week later I did it. At 6:15 EDT last night I had bilateral LASIK. My Doc always starts with the right eye. Very slight pressure was felt. 2 minutes to set-up the eye, more drops, placing the "frame" for the flap cut and laser. 4 zaps with the laser of 3-5 secs each, 3 minutes with the eye closed and more drops, then switch to the left eye. Left eye felt a little more "pressure". The Doc said it was due to the different postioning required to do the left versus the right becuase of the laser. Something like writing left handed versus right handed, where its more difficult to read what you've just written when you write left handed because your hand's in the way! Only 3 zaps with the laser on the left eye. Anyway, not really that much difference. Certainly nothing I would describe as painful, just a slight pressure. What really struck me was the slight smell of burning "something!!!". Reminded me of the smell you get when a dentist is drilling your teeth. Funny what we notice, isn't it??
Within 20 minutes I was at the Pharmacy picking up "my drugs" and I could read the labels on the boxes behind the counter (even with the plastic shields on - I looked through the vent holes). By that time the freezing started to come out and my eyes started to water and sting slightly. It was like I started peeling onions, and just stood there and took it. By 9PM, it (the watery eyes) had dissipated somewhat, so I went to bed. It felt better with my eyes closed anyways. Woke up once during the night with a little stinging and watery eyes, but that was it. Next morning when I woke, it was a feeling something like I'd worn my contacts for about 16-hours the day before. No big deal. Went to the Doc for a quick follow-up and more drops at 10AM EDT.
Pre-op refraction something like -3.75LE, -3.25RE (forgot to bring the prescription to record it accurately and not sure what that translates into ie: 20/20, etc). Post-op this morning LE20/25, RE 20/20. Slight haze in close-up vision for reading, but not significant. Eyes feel a little "gritty" but not annoyingly so. The bottom of the flap in the left eye is slightly rough with a slight "wave" in it, which the Doc says would heal nicely. The right eye has a slight roughness around the bottom of the flap. Again, eyes don't sting or feel gritty/dry any more than they did before the surgery after wearing contacts for a while. In fact, the past couple of years, I was only able to wear my contacts for a couple hours at a time. I can see as good or better than I could with either my glasses or my contacts.
From the office, I went home, picked up my vehicle and drove it in for a new muffler and came into the offcie for some email/internet stuff and feel great. I don't think I'll overdo it just the same and am only here for an hour or so to catch up on email correspondence. Thank you everyone for sharing your own experiences and providing feedback which helped in making the decision. I'll keep you all posted on my follow-ups (1-week, 1-month) and any problems I might have.
Cheers,
Chris
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
My 1-week follow-up is scheduled for today in about 40 minutes. Just an update on my experiences so far. Overall, I'm very pleased. My eyes still feel a little "gritty", but not bad. Some tears will take care of that. I've been relying mostly on my antibiotic drops so far and that serves well enough. I notice my left eye is slightly weaker now than immediately following the surgery. Possibly because I spend alot of time reading and at a computer. My right eye seems fine, until I get a little tired. My "reading" vision is noticiby weaker, almost fuzzy looking, but I can still read with little or no straining for normal sized text.
I drove last night for the first time after dark, and it scared me a little. My left eye was seeing offsetting "shadows" of all lights (ie: centre light is the real one, then offset on both sides are shadows of the real light). Although most of the vison when looking away from the light is quite sharp, I find that it almost looks distorted. If I had to drive down a street looking for an address on a house or a street sign, I don't think I could do it. My right eye doesn't seem to be affected such, although it does seem kind of "fuzzy".
Overall, I'm pleased so far. I can see as good or better than I could with my glasses. I find I have to be very careful not to automatically/inadvertantly reach up and rub my eyes. I was -3.75LE and -3.25Re before. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Cheers,
Chris
Richard,
I can only add my voice to the responses to your concerns, agreeing 100%. There is no pain. Just take a big breath and exhale and relax. I had similar experiences to everyone who responded to your concern, the slight pressure, focusing on the red lights, the burning smell, the moderately annoying stinging feeling like chopping up onions 15-20 minutes following the surgery, the contact lense wearing sensation the next day and "fuzzyness" for 3-4 days afterwards, etc...
Now, 10-days post-op, I'm seeing almost perfectly (those 3-4 point fine print words are a bit much as of yet) and have an almost unnoticable amount of "dry-eye".
Ultimately, you have to make the decision. We can only provide you with our experience. Be sure, as one person pointed out, that you have researched your surgeon and are confident in his/her abilities and good luck.
Chris
Back to the IndexI know, its probably an odd time frame for an update, but when you're as busy as I have been for the past couple of weeks, you'll take it when you can. My progress to date;
Pre-op refraction: LE -3.25 +0.50x3deg (20/20 corrected)
RE -3.50 +0.50x175 deg (20/20 corrected)
16-hours post-op: LE +0.50 20/25-2
RE +0.25 20/20
6-days post-op: LE -0.25 +0.50x 5 deg 20/20-2
RE plano 20/20
Overall, I'm very pleased. Some initial "starring" around lights with my left eye only at night has dissipated. The past couple of nights with the full moon have made for spectacular viewing, particularly with Jupiter and its moon's hanging about. Its much easier to focus the binoculars when you can "see" without the glasses. Reading is no longer "fuzzy" at all. Distance vision is great. I've golfed several times and I'm usually the first in our foursome to "pick up the ball" in flight and upon landing, whereas pre surgery, I'd have a difficult time "following" the ball. Went underground this morning for the first time since the surgery and forgot to get a pair of non-prescription safety glasses so I had to run back to the safety dept. and grab a pair. Vision in the dark is awesome compared to the alternative. Swimming is next. Our Masters Swim Club starts its season next week on Sept 15th.
Dry eye has been a little bit more noticable in the past couple of days, particularly in the right eye. If I don't get on it early in the morning when I wake up with the artificial tears, it sometimes bothers me, particularly when I'm at the computer for extended periods. The secret is to rest the eyes regularly by getting up and going for a walk. This also helps the back and makes me feel less drained at the end of the day. I'm currently using "Tears naturale II", which I find quite effective and I have had no difficulties with alergic reaction or sensitivity to the preservative used (POLYQUAD 0.001%).
Anyways, that's it for now. I'd highly recommend LASIK to me, others will have to come to their own conclusions and decision. My next update will follow my 1-month follow-up.
Cheers for now all...
Chris
Back to the Index #jan25-01Hi Lynne,
My refraction was slightly worse than yours (-3.50, -3.75). I had the surgery on both eyes at the same time on a Friday night at 6PM. My near vision was a bit fuzzy for the next 3-4 days before clearing up. I did not require reading glasses before the surgery and do not require them now.
I work on the computer alot at work during the day and found I had to get up and give my eyes a break every half hour or so, but this is probably a good idea anyways to give your entire body a break from sitting at a computer, so it wasn't a big deal. As for reading the "fine print", I was able to read the instructions and contents on my artificial tears bottle within 5 days.
Now, one month post-op I couldn't be more pleased with the results. This is only my experience, obviously you have to make your own best decision on this one based on "all" available data. I wish you luck in your decision, whatever it may be.
Cheers,
Chris
Back to the IndexPre-op refraction: LE -3.25 +0.50x3deg (20/20 corrected)
RE -3.50 +0.50x175 deg (20/20 corrected)
16-hours post-op: LE +0.50 20/25-2
RE +0.25 20/20
6-days post-op: LE -0.25 +0.50x 5 deg 20/20-2
RE plano 20/20
Well, I went for my 1-month post op check today. All is healing well, although some further healing is required. The lower "flap" edge on my left eye still is a little "cloudy according to the doc and will heal some more.
Otherwise, all is well. Refraction today was:
No recent occurrences of "dry eyes", other than waking up a cuople of mornings with red irritated eyes. Masters swimming started last week and I've been in the water with goggles only so far. The Doc cautioned me about "diving" without the goggles until further healing takes place, but otherwise go for it.
As for night vision, it has steadily improved over the past couple of weeks. I still notice some marginal double figures on either side of lights at night with my left eye only. I also notice a deterioration in visual acuity when other car lights are shining in my eyes, but who doesn't, even without the surgery? I see road signs and the road very sharply and clear, much more so than with my glasses. Overall.... WOW!!!
And another thing... I've followed in the footsteps of some other posters and added my experience to my website. You can view my transcript of experiences to date (from postings on this BB), as well as access some links for LASIK and laser surgery questions. Check it out at:
http://www.geocities.com/cclangi/Lasik/lasik1.htm
I'll keep you all "posted".
Cheers and have a wonderful weekend of seeing!!!
Chris
Back to the IndexWell, here I am in Aus, enjoying the sun, sand and our new house and pool. the eyes have been great, despite reports in some of the popular medical media about loss of night vision and long-term impacts. I have no lasting ill-effects. Any initial night time distortion I had with starring, etc is long gone. My night vision is no worse than it was with glasses. In fact, its probably better as I don't have to worry about distortion and periferal vision. No dry eyes and only extended computer use seems to bother my eyes - as it did before the surgery. And there has been no deterioration "yet" in my near field vision, but that is inevitable with age..... yikes!!
I've had a couple of follow-ups with the Lyons Eye Institute here in Perth, with positive results. The doc noted some minor cloudiness near the left flap, but otherwise, healed perfectly. I'm able to play hockey (yes, the "real kind... on ice! Here in Aus) and see the puck, but I have adopted a 3/4 face shield for eye protection. Swimming and diving are no problems at all. That's all for now from sunny Perth, Australia......