2/12/2018 0 Comments A Patient's Thoughts on LASIKEven though it was developed in the 1980s and given FDA approval in 1995, LASIK is still the standard for refractive surgery. As one of the state's leading LASIK providers, we are always curious to hear what our patients think and say both before and after the procedure. (As you will see below, the responses can be pretty entertaining.) We sat down with Julie Tucker for a quick Q&A about her experience with LASIK and VisionAmerica and wanted to share it with you all. We hope you enjoy the read! If you do, please feel free to share it with your patients! What made you decide to get LASIK?
I got my first pair of glasses the summer after third grade and have been blind as a bat ever since. I think I've always had an irrational fear of somehow being in a situation without my glasses or contacts--including surgery and having a baby. I know in some cases with labor, people are required to take out their contacts, and I knew I'd completely miss the birth of my babies if that were to happen. Did you have any hesitations or fears about the process? I didn't have any hesitations until my husband made me read about all the risks on the Internet (Never research surgeries on the Internet. Just sayin'.) and until a coworker told me, "Oh, I could never do that! I'm assuming you think it's worth the risk?" I was such a nervous wreck about it after that, that my friend at VisionAmerica actually had the doctor call me and talk me down before I even agreed to come in for a consultation! And he assured me he'd never personally had anyone go blind. Comforting. Tell us about the actual process. What was the preparation like? How long did it last? Was it better/worse than you thought it would be? I had to wear glasses (instead of contacts) two weeks prior to the surgery to prepare my eyes for LASIK. I also set about asking everyone I knew who'd had LASIK what to expect. Hands down, they ALL said it was no big deal and that they'd do it again in a heartbeat. The day came, I got my valium and laid down. I quoted Joshua 1:9 over and over while the doctor did his thing. I remember him saying, "Julie, I need you to focus. I need you to be still and not move your eyes." It was all in all about a minute or two in length. (Although it is the longest two minutes of your life when your eyeballs are being cut by lasers!) All I could think about when it was over was, "I'm not blind!! Yippee!!" I walked out and my vision was still blurry, but better than it had been pre-surgery. I guess I should've been offended that BOTH my husband and my friend said separately they thought I'd chicken out. Gee, thanks! What was your experience like at VisionAmerica? VisionAmerica went ABOVE and BEYOND. I never in a million years would have expected ANY doctor to call me to assure me of the safety of LASIK before I even came in for a consultation. I was blown away by the extent VisionAmerica went to ensure I was comfortable and at peace. How long did it take you to recover? I was told to go home and rest and that I'd gradually see results over the next few hours. That night, I watched TV without corrective lenses for the first time since I was eight-years-old! Truly a miracle! My vision improved each day, and at my follow-up appointment, my vision was 20/20 or better! I did experience "halos" around lights when I drove at night or in parking decks for a few months after surgery, but it was minor and eventually went away. I had surgery on a Thursday afternoon and was back at work that Monday morning. I wore sunglasses at work for a few days as my eyes were sensitive to light, but that eventually went away as well. What has life been like post-LASIK? Incredible. I witnessed both my babies' births, I am able to exercise without glasses. I don't have to worry about contact solution or replacement contacts every time I get sick or my children get pink eye. LASIK was life-changing for me. Would you recommend LASIK to a friend? Absolutely. I keep trying to talk my husband into it! My only regret is not having LASIK sooner. If you have any questions about VisionAmerica's LASIK options, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
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