My LASIK Experience

Top 10 Things You Need To Know About Lasik Eye Surgery
I underwent my LASIK procedure this week! This post won't be for the faint of heart, as I've had many people asking about how the surgery works, so I may go into some graphic detail. I decided to have my procedure done with TLC Laser Eye Center, so every place may be a little different, but here's my experience.

PRIOR TO SURGERY
I initially went in for a consult to see if I was a good candidate for the surgery. I consulted with two places, but TLC was the one I preferred based on how I felt in the office, the online reviews, and friends who went through them as well. There are different types of vision correction surgery that you may be a better candidate for, I was best for LASIK. I needed to be out of contacts for two weeks for your cornea to heal and get an accurate test results. I had a pre-op appointment one week before the procedure to get accurate measurements for the laser.  I also had to start putting in lubricating eye drops even if my eyes didn't feel dry.  The day before my procedure, I had to start putting in antibiotic (gatifloxacin) eye drops as well as the lubricating drops.  By this point, my glasses are irritating the sides of my nose and I cannot wait to get rid of them.

DAY OF PROCEDURE
LASIK surgery
I elected to do my surgery first thing in the morning to get it out of the way and also so I wouldn't be anticipating it all day.  Upon arrival, I was taken into a regular exam room, where the post-op care was explained to me and I was asked if I had any additional questions. I was given a Xanax for relaxation and taken to a "zen room" while the medication kicked in. The zen room was warm and had a beach scene with wave sounds playing....perfect for me right? I was then taken back into the exam room where some lubricating and eye numbing drops were placed.  In the surgery suite, I laid down on a table underneath the laser machines. It was freezing in there, but luckily they had a blanket for me. They gave me a stress ball to have something to hold onto, but I already had my anxiety/calming and healing crystals in my hand. ;)

 Now the real fun part....They taped one of my eyes shut, put a device on to keep your eyelids open, then a suction piece is placed over the eye to hold it steady so that the laser can cut a flap in the cornea.....this is where you will feel some pressure, but no, not painful. I was able to see a little tunnel of different colored lights and then as the cornea was cut away, I couldn't see anything, just blackness. Then the laser correction begins. I was able to see red and green lights, almost like fireworks, and then I could smell and hear the laser.  The cornea flap is replaced and you can somewhat see a paintbrush like object sealing your cornea. The surgeon then tapes that eye shut and moves onto the next eye. I can't say that I was completely relaxed or comfortable, but I think it was all more because I didn't know what feeling/sights to expect. I never felt any pain though.  It was all a matter of focusing on your breathing....easier said than done, I know. After bot eyes were done, I could see right away when I stood up from the table.  I was in the surgery suite for a total of maybe 5 minutes, and in the office less than 2 hours.

POST-OP CARE
I was told that if I didn't take the prescribed 3 hour nap (and no longer) after the surgery, then I would feel burning and tearing. The Xanax by that time kicked in and I had no trouble sleeping. You do have a sleep mask that you sleep in for a week after the surgery to protect your eyes from rubbing.  Once you wake up, there are anti-inflammatory (prednisone acetate) eye drops that need to be placed every hour that first then, then gradually decrease in frequency the following days. For about one week you are putting in four different drops in your eye (anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, lubricating, and a night lubricating drop) then two different drops for a few additional weeks. You also won't be able to wear any eye makeup for one week prior.  It is normal to have a bit of blurriness and halos around lights at night for a few days, up to 3 months, following the procedure.  I have follow up appointments, 1 day, 3-5 days, one month, three months, 6 months, and one year afterwards to ensure that my eyes are still looking okay.

If you are still thinking about LASIK (hopefully I haven't scared you off), then at least go in for consult and see if you are even a good candidate.  I'm thrilled with the results and so far couldn't be happier. Just like everyone else told me.....one of the best decisions I've ever made.