I Can Finally Shave My Legs In The Shower!
Written: Mar 24 '01 (Updated Mar 31 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Painless, Immediate results
Cons: Cost, possible complications
The Bottom Line: This was the best money I've spent in a long time. If you hate wearing glasses, I recommend this procedure!
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| willowbear's Full Review: LASIK Eye Surgery |
I’ve had to wear glasses or contacts for the past 20 years and I’ve always hated it! I hate not being able to see my alarm clock in the morning or not being able to shave my legs in the shower! I had finally had enough of being blind without my glasses or contacts, so I recently decided to undergo a Lasik procedure to correct my nearsightedness. I was excited, but concerned. As someone who works in the computer technological field, my eyes are my job, and I did not want to take any chances that my eyesight might be damaged or impaired from this procedure. I spent a lot of time researching not only the procedure itself, but the doctors and facilities in my area that offered laser vision correction.
Overview Of The Lasik Procedure
Lasik is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea and can be done on people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. The surgery is performed using a topical anesthetic (drops are put into the eye) and the procedure involves folding back a thin layer of the corneal tissue with a microkeratome (a surgical instrument much like a carpenter’s plane). Once the flap is made, a thin layer of the corneal tissue is removed with the light from the excimer laser. After removal, the flap is replaced and bonds back into place without the need for stitches.
My Lasik Experience
After contacting five different offices in Omaha who offer Lasik, I decided to visit one for my free consultation. I chose this particular office for two reasons. First, they were one of two offices who were offering a special price on the procedure. They were also the only office who answered my emails promptly and even contacted me by phone to make sure that all of my questions were being answered to my satisfaction. I was impressed by their attention to customer service!
One week after exchanging phone calls and emails, I went in for my consultation. First I was required to watch an informational video that explained Lasik and other vision correction procedures in detail. I was then put through a series of tests to determine if I was a good candidate for the procedure. My eyesight was tested, the surface of my eyes was mapped out, the thickness of my corneas was tested, and I was given vision sensitivity tests. After an hour of testing I met with the doctor who would be doing my surgery. After looking over my test results and performing a few of his own, I was told that I was a perfect candidate for Lasik. He also warned me about some of the possible risks and complications. I had many questions for him as well, and after we had our discussion, I decided that I wanted to go ahead with the procedure the following week.
I was told to stop wearing eye makeup three days before my procedure and on the day it was scheduled, not to wear anything scented, such as perfume, lotions, hairspray, or deodorant, as scent particles can work their way under the flap and can even interfere with the laser.
I showed up for my appointment 45 minutes early and was given Valium to help me relax. Plugs were put into my tear ducts and I have to say that this was the only uncomfortable part of the entire procedure! When it was my turn to have my eyes done, I was escorted into the laser room and sat in a chair that reclined until I was flat on my back. My upper and lower lids were taped open and then an instrument that kept them open was then placed into the eye. The last thing placed over the eye was a suction cup that would help keep the eye open and keep me from blinking. A technician stood by my side the entire time, holding my hand and explaining ever step that the doctor was doing so that I was informed the entire time and knew what to expect. All I had to do I was to focus on a red light while the laser and my doctor did their work. There was no pain or discomfort at all! In ten minutes, both eyes were done. I did experience extreme dryness in my eyes so the doctor decided to put contacts over my eyes to protect the flaps as they healed.
After a short rest in the office, I was sent home with several different medications (eye drops) and protective goggles that I had to wear while sleeping for the first week. Once I got home I was to sleep for 4-6 hours. I had a hard time doing this because I was so curious as to how my sight was and I kept wanting to cheat and try out my new eyes! Finally at the insistance of my husband, I did settle in for a long nap and when I woke up, it was time for bed. No playing with the new eyes that night!
In the morning, I was astonished! It was wonderful to be able to look at the alarm clock without the help of my glasses. Although my eyesight was not perfect, it was better than I thought it would be right after surgery. Later in the day we made the trip back to the eye doctor for my first post-op appointment and he was very pleased with the results. Unfortunately, I had developed small abrasions in both eyes and for several days I was monitored as these abrasions healed. One week later they were both healed and the discomfort from them was gone.
It has now been 10 days since I had the procedure done. My eyesight has gone from 20/2400 to 20/30 in one eye and 20/20 in the other. I still have extreme dryness and have to use teardrops at least once an hour and have been told that I will have to continue using them for some time. Because of the dryness I do have a bit of a problem focusing in on things but it is improving each day. My sight at night has not been affected, although I do have a “ghosting” that is very common with this procedure. For some people it does improve….for others is does not.
Even with the slight complications I’ve experienced, I do recommend this procedure for anyone who is a candidate. It was painless and much easier to do that I thought it was. I do recommend doing your homework before you decide if it is right for you and I also suggest visiting one or more of the doctors in your area before you make a decision. Many offices offer free consultations and information seminars so take advantage of it. The Internet is also a valuable tool in compiling information about the procedure, its risks and benefits, so be sure to read all you can. Make your decision based on what is right for you. I can speak from experience when I say that it was definitely the right decision for me! I can finally shave my legs in the shower again!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
willowbear
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Julia
Reviews written: 54
Trusted by: 290 members
About Me:
To love what you do and feel it matters...how could anything be more fun?
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