My Intralase LASIK Experience

I'm here to say that within a few minutes after the operation, I sat up from the operating chair, I could see everyone and everything in the room. I cried, for me it was a miracle. I tested 6/15 the next day, and I could drive within 24 hours - without GLASSES!!!! My vision fluctuated for about 2 days. I just didn't read or read the computer screen for those 48 hours. I had NO complications, no halos, no on-going blurred vision, no pain, no infections. Every single day of the past week I am thankful and awestruck that I can 'see', I still can't get over it. Yes, I guess I'm a 'poster-child' for all that can go right.

Before Op outside Lasik Surgery Clinic

After Op

The next day

Some information about my INTRALASE LASIK:

LASIK eye flaps are traditionally created using a mechanical microkeratome. This has genereally been a safe technique. However, the microkeratome produces a meniscus-shaped flap of variable overall thickness and always thinner in the center than at the edges. Occasionally a corneal abrasion or an irregular, incomplete, or button-hole flap results.

The IntraLase™ femtosecond laser virtually eliminates the risk traditionally involved in creating a LASIK eye flap. The LASIK surgeon programs the desired thickness, diameter, and hinge placement. Then, without using a blade, the IntraLase™ laser creates a predictable uniform-thickness flap. IntraLASIK is an all-laser LASIK vision treatment that minimizes the possibility of flap complications while maximizing comfort and safety.

Benefits of IntraLASIK with the IntraLase™ femtosecond laser include:

• A premium approach to eye safety
• Virtually eliminates risk with eye flap creation
• Produces consistently perfect eye flaps
• Preserves corneal sensation better
• Markedly less dry eye complaints
• Virtually no eye flap induced distortion
• Lower LASIK eye enhancement rate

Following your LASIK laser eye surgery, you will be required to attend three (3) post-operative examinations:

• 24 hrs after the laser eye surgery
  
• 1 to 2 weeks
• 1 to 3 months (as advised by your optometrist)

How to take care of your eyes post-op:
The day of laser eye surgery should be a day of rest. Your eyes are very sensitive and it is very important to take extra care about activities in which the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched. Keep your eyes well lubricated.

• Avoid rubbing eyes. If your eyes are irritated, use lubricant drops.
• Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes.
• Take a bath instead of a shower. Avoid soap and water in the eyes.

24 hours post surgery

• Shower but continue to avoid any soap or water in the eyes.
• Limit yourself to light activities. Going to the office should probably be avoided. Work at home is acceptable.
• Driving short distances after the eye examination is acceptable if adequate vision is confirmed at the post-operative evaluation.
• Reading, watching TV, working on the computer and office work is acceptable, but it is very important to keep eyes well-lubricated.
• Flying in airplanes is acceptable but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes) – airplanes have very dry air.

Day 3 to a week after

• Light exercise (e.g. treadmill, Stairmaster, stationary bike).
• Playing with children (be careful).
• Moderate alcohol consumption may be resumed.
• Sauna or steam room

One week later

• Outdoor activities: jogging, rollerblading, relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking), playing golf.

Activities that can begin after 1 week WITH eye protection.

• Sun-tanning and salon tanning with eye protection for LASIK surgery patients.
• Racquet sports: tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton.
• Swimming, waterslides, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing.
• Basketball, soccer, baseball.
• Motorcycling (wear eye protection).

A month later

Activities that can begin at 1 month WITH eye protection.

• Water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, surfing.
• Sun-tanning and salon tanning with eye protection for PRK patients.
• Dirt biking, mountain biking.

Activities that can begin at 1 month without eye protection. Proceed with caution:

• Riding a roller coasters.
• Dying your hair and eyebrows
• Swimming, waterslides, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing.
• Basketball, soccer, baseball.

LASIK eye surgery can provide patients quickest improvement in their vision.

But according to the Eye Surgery Education Council, although many patients see improved vision immediately or the day after surgery, the full improvement may not be seen for up to a few months.

Side effects - including dry eyes, blurry vision and reduced night vision - are not uncommon and are usually temporary after LASIK surgery. Most of these symptoms clear up on their own. If they don't, the eye council recommends talking to your doctor.

So if you are considering Lasik:

- Make sure you have somewhere to stay right after the surgery. Somewhere peaceful and dark where you can sleep.
- Be able to make many phone calls. Conversation is your only source of entertainment for the first 24 hours since you can't read, watch TV, or use a computer. And you won't feel like partying.
- Have those eye drops on you at all times.
- Have lots of panadol or some painkiller ready, or better, handy.
- Do NOT have plans for the next day or you may be disappointed. Sometimes it may take a few days before life is back to normal.

Sources: Wikipedia, www.LSC.com.sg