LASIK SURGERY - DON'T WAIT
Aug 26 '04
The Bottom Line Do your research and ask the questions. But don't be afraid, and don't wait! It makes a world of difference. You'll love it.
Several years ago I had an eye exam in January. Being right after Christmas, I really didn't have the money to get the new glasses, frames and contacts I would need so I waited and got everything in May. I took advantage of a 2-for-1 deal and got regular and sunglasses, along with contacts. My prescription is very high (at least -7 in contacts) so I needed special thin lenses and tinting. I left the store with my new frames and couldn't see clearly - my vision had worsened since the January exam. I was looking at having to purchase new lenses for 2 pairs of glasses. Luckily there was a warranty that paid for the remake of the lenses, but it was a wakeup call about how bad my eyes were and how expensive my lenses were getting.
I had been thinking of getting the surgery, but my eye doctor recommended not having surgery if I could still wear contacts, and I did not have the coverage on my insurance.
This year, my husband got a job that included Lasik surgery coverage so I decided to look into it. I went to a seminar provided by the insurance-suggested doctor - they wanted $4300 for both eyes; insurance would knock off $600. I still thought that was a bit steep, so I decided to think more about it.
What got me to finally make the move is the information that I got off of a website that translated my contact prescription into the standard "20/20" ratio. A contact rating of -7 or more is equal to something like 20/1100.
I was horrified and decided to have something done. It wasn't long after that when I received a flyer in the mail for Clear Choice Laser Eye Centers. I went to their offices, got the details of what they do and how they do it and the costs. I chose the option which cuts the corneal flap with a laser instead of the blade; the most expensive one. It allows for a thinner flap and lower incidence of infection. It was $2850 for 2 eyes (and I could not use my insurance).
I was concerned about the fact that their price was so much less expensive. I've learned that you do get what you pay for. I was also concerned about the volume of people coming and going in the office - like some kind of laser surgery conveyor belt. When comparing my options I considered that both places were doing the same surgery, but Clear Choice had improved technology. The higher price came with a well known hospital name and reputation, but if that really meant something then everyone would be going there for the surgery - so shouldn't they have the latest and greatest tools? Both places had doctors that had done thousands of surgeries - why pay more just for the reputation?
I had a couple of rounds of eye measurements - and with my vision being so bad I wore my contacts constantly, which affected the shape of my corneas. The maps of my eye surface clearly showed where the contacts were resting on my eyeball. The doctors recommended that I wait several weeks, without wearing my contacts, to give my eyes a chance to go back to their natural state. Their suggestion to wait relieved me from feeling that this place was just about getting you in and out. I waited another 3 weeks after that visit to get re-examined and to schedule a surgery date.
I had the surgery August 2nd. It wasn't until they called my name that the nerves really set in. Make no mistake, this is surgery - so what that it only took 15 minutes or that I was out of there within an hour of my arrival - THIS IS SURGERY. The closest I can come to describing what it's like it to compare it to having a PAP smear in your eye - guys will just have to ask a woman what I mean. Your eye is cranked open, they insert the device to hold your eyeball in place so there's pressure, and then there's a period of holding still while they add drops, laser and do some swabbing. When they are done they remove the device from your eyes, the pressure is released and it's over.
The only discomfort was at this point, and it was more from having the pressure on the eye. I had some pain pills and a valium and slept it off. While I was understandably blurry, there was no doubt that my vision was drastically improved. For me to even be able to see the eye chart without glasses, let alone read it, was a miracle.
I'm into my 4th post-op week. The first 2 weeks were a breeze, the beginning of the 3rd week I had scratchiness and burning - due to dry eyes and a bit of dehydration. It cleared up by the end of that week. I've had the halos at night while driving, and the right eye is not at the same clarity as the left, but each week these effects are lessened. They say I'm at 20/20 vision now. Since I'm still in the healing process I deem these things to be acceptable. If I still sense a difference in my right eye six months from now I'll consider a touchup.
Today, I am extremely pleased with the process - with Clear Choice services, the price, the results and the recovery. If I had gone from glasses to laser correction, the change would have seemed more drastic and wonderful, I believe. How this can be considered cosmetic surgery for someone with my previous vision is an insult. This was about way more than not wanting to wear glasses, which I look fabulous in, or contacts. I corrected a genetic defect. While you're free to make your own decisions, I caution anyone who would seek this out for reasons as shallow as wanting to look better - this is surgery.
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bartender2k
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