Archived: Lasik or Epilasik: My experience Part 2

From Part 1

Post procedure

Once both eyes were done, I realised all of a sudden that I could see without glasses! I could see the face of the nurses, I could read the lettering on boxes, I could see obstacles in my way…. I could SEE!

Coming from someone who has been unable to function without glasses since I was 8 years old, its pretty much a miracle, I tell you!

You are given a care package containing eye drops, antibiotics and painkillers (should the need arise) and then you are off home. Its advisable also that you bring along a pair of sunglsses because your eyes will be very sensitive to light due to your pupils being dilated.

I had been told to expect a certain level of “pain” and discomfort which is higher than that of conventional Lasik, and it was supposed to last a day at least. Fearing this “pain”, I took the painkillers and pain drops faithfully as directed and did not suffer anything the first day.

Day 1

You have to go back to the clinic for a follow up check up the following day to make sure everything is fine. So I did, and was told all was well and to come back in 4 days when they would check if the contact lens could come out.

When I got home, I found that my left eye was starting to smart. If you have ever had to peel and cut onions in large quantities, you will know how it feels. It basically feels the same way. My left eye was smarting and tearing and it was beyond my control. Thankfully however, by the end of the day, it stopped and I felt better. I’m told it lasts longer due to the epilasik procedure. If you do normal lasik, it only lasts a few hours then you’ll be fine.

Day 2 – 3

I woke up in the morning and could see! Well, I could see more clearly than I would normally without glasses on. I stayed home with my curtains closed and lights off and rested my eyes the whole day. There was no more discomfort and I did not have any dry eyes. However, I faithfully dopped my antibiotic and lubricating drops anyway as per doctor’s orders.

Day 4

I went back to the clinic. I could see with near perfect eyesight in the morning! When I got to the clinic and after the routine eye check up, I was told the contact lens could be taken out – yay! It had been irritating me for the past 2 days. I did not have any further complaints, but my eyesight was not up to par again. Everything looks slightly blurry but I’m told its normal and will only get better as days go by. It is supposed to take 4-6 months to fully stabilise.

1 week later

Things have been going well. I don’t have 20/20 eyesight yet, but I can see enough to drive and function on a day-to-day basis. Its great not having to wear glasses anymore, except sunglasses, and I’m in the market for some nice sunnies! I don’t really have problem with night vision (its not too clear so I don’t drive at night) but while I was out at night I did not notice any particular problems with unbearable halos of light at traffic lights or street lighting as I had been warned about. In fact, it felt pretty normal to me.

Oh, there are some precautions though:-

• No swimming, sauna, facials for a month
• No eye makeup for a week to a month (ARGH!)
• No contact sports for a month
• No rubbing eyes for a month
• You have to sleep with an eye shield for at least a week
• No splashing water into the eyes for a month

And due to that last precaution, I have been having the hardest time washing my hair and face every single day!

This in a nutshell, is my experience with Epi-Lasik to date. I will update as I go along. Even as I type this, I’m not seeing the words too clearly on the screen and I’m resting my eyes often to reduce strain.

Every day is a brand new day, and every morning when I open my eyes, I will look forward to an improvement in my sight. Not having to wear glasses is, at the moment, very liberating!

technorati tags: Lasik, epi-lasik, eyes, health