Archive for September, 2007

LASIK eye surgery is today’s one of the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. It is very popular not only in the United States but also in many other parts of the world. Now, what makes it popular? Studies have actually revealed some of the advantages of LASIK over other procedures, including a relative lack of pain afterward. This is supported by the fact that good vision is usually attained almost immediately or at least by the very next day following the LASIK operation.

However, just like any other medical procedures, the potential for LASIK side effects does exist. Probably you’ve read several articles offering factual or clinical information to help you understand the complications that might occur with LASIK. There are a lot of complications actually; however, these can be resolved if guided by proper examination and other factors that might affect the LASIK outcome.

One of the most important factors to consider before taking a LASIK eye surgery is to consider looking for the right surgeon. As you may know, there are a lot of eye specialists these days, but not all of them are competent enough to perform a LASIK procedure.

If you decide to have LASIK eye surgery, do all that you can to prepare yourself before the procedure. Know what to expect during the surgery and be practiced in relaxation techniques. After surgery, follow all your surgeon’s directions to maintain your visual health. Use this list as a reminder.

When considering LASIK surgery:
a.. Don’t rush into this. Learn all you can before you make the decision.
b.. If considering Wavefront LASIK, some eye centers can have a contact lens lasered with your unique treatment plan to “preview” the surgery’s results.
c.. Prior to having monovision surgery, make sure that you try monovision contact lenses first.
d.. No contact lenses for at least two weeks prior to evaluation.
e.. Try to observe a LASIK procedure to become familiar with the sounds, sights and smells associated with surgery and to see what actually happens. The imagination is scarier than the reality, usually.

Before LASIK surgery:
a.. Read and understand the informed consent form your doctor gave you.
b.. Take 500mg of vitamin C twice a day for a week to diminish the chance of corneal haze.
c.. Do without your contacts for three weeks prior to the LASIK surgery, to let your corneas resume their natural shape.
d.. Eat right, avoid caffeine, drink plenty of water and get sufficient sleep.
e.. No eye makeup on the day your LASIK surgery.

During the LASIK procedure:
a.. Think happy thoughts.
b.. Try to relax.
c.. Trust that you and your surgeon have made the best decision for your vision.

Directly after LASIK
a.. Do not drive for a couple of days.
b.. Go home and take a nap
c.. Do not rub your eyes.
d.. Take 500mg of vitamin C twice a day for at least two weeks after surgery, to diminish chances of corneal haze.
e.. No eye makeup for a few days after surgery.
f.. Take a couple of days off from work.
g.. Expect to not see clearly for a few days and to have some pain and discomfort.
h.. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including using your eye drops and medications.
i.. Wear your eye shield.
j.. Know when to ask for help.

In the weeks and months following LASIK
a.. For a few weeks, do not participate in contact sports, heavy lifting or other strenuous activities that could cause your eye to be struck or could put pressure on your eye.
b.. No swimming for a few weeks.
c.. Keep practicing those relaxation techniques.
d.. Continue to take care of yourself with your diet and sleep habits.
e.. Gradually get back into the routine of your life, including moderate exercise, such as walking.
f.. Expect your vision to keep changing for a while.
g.. Make sure your vision is stable before any enhancement surgery

These are definitely not all the things that you should do before, during and after having LASIK eye surgery. You should get a checklist from your surgeon and your optometrist. Serenity, good habits and general good health will help with the success of any elective surgery.

This is the story of Bob and his Lasik eye surgery. Bob does not exist. He stands in for all those other Bobs and Rauls and Michaels who lived through similar experiences. His story need not be yours.

Bob was excited about improving his vision through Lasik eye surgery. He had heard nothing but good things about it. When he went for his annual eye exam, Bob found out his opthamologist had completed a course in Lasik eye surgery the year before. The opthamologist told Bob he had done several Lasik operations with good results. He felt that Bob was a good candidate for Lasik eye surgery to correct his nearsightedness. Bob thought it over for a few days and decided to have the Lasik eye surgery.

Bob became a little apprehensive when he read the consent forms which included possible complications. When he asked the opthamologist about this part of the forms, the he slapped Bob on the back and told him not to worry about it. They had to list possible complications because it was required by law, but Bob shouldn’t worry a thing about it. Bob’s concern put to rest, he signed the forms and had the scheduled Lasik eye surgery.

When Bob removed the protective eye coverings a day later, he thought his vision did seem to have improved. Things seemed to be going well for a few days but then he noticed that his eyes were becoming more irritated and painful as time passed. When he called the opthamologist about the symptoms, he was told that dry eyes were common after Lasik eye surgery. The opthamologist prescribed artificial tears to be used a few times a day. Bob faithfully followed the doctor’s orders and used the artificial tears for a few days, but the symptoms did not improve. When he checked with the opthamologist, he said Bob could wait to see if the dry eye improved or decide to have a second Lasik treatment.

Bob elected to wait and see if his burning, painful eyes would improve. They did not, but he was wise to put off a second Lasik treatment. Bob found out that dry eye can decrease the chance of the eye healing properly after surgery, and patients who have a second Lasik eye surgery run more risk of getting irregular astigmatism. Bob is not happy with the outcome of his surgery, but he is aware that others who have had Lasik eye surgery have had similar or worse results.

It been two years since the Lasik eye surgery. His eyes are irritated and painful. A lot of the time his eyes are bloodshot. Bob says that even though he uses the artificial tears, sometimes it seems like the pain is worse with them than without. He says the artificial tears also make his vision blurry.

If you ask Bob today, he will say he is sorry he ever decided to have Lasik eye surgery. But, he does not just blame his opthamologist. Bob never looked into the possible side effects, never questioned his opthamologist’s experience and would not follow up with a second opinion. Bob learned the hard way that he was the one who ultimately had to live with the results of those decisions.