Seeing Clearly - My Laser Eye Surgery Experience
5 days after my surgery and I am sitting at my laptop typing this blog. My eyes are a little tender when looking at the screen for too long, however nothing too bad and regular breaks and some of my eye drops are doing the trick.
I spent almost 8 years deciding whether or not to get laser eye surgery. My eye sight started to deteriorate and I was becoming more and more dependant on my glasses or contacts, which just wasn’t working for me anymore. I also just really wanted to see clearly again. Not have to worry about forgetting my glasses or whether or not I had taken my contacts out after one too many wines (ah the good old days).
I’ve spoken to so many people who are on the fence about this treatment. I was there with them and now that I have actually been through the process, I want to share my experience in the hope that it will help others in their decision. Everyone’s experience, results and side effects are unique so it’s important to never compare. Just take note of what is important to you.
The Nerves
I won’t lie, I was super nervous right up until the laser hit my eye ball (I couldn’t feel a thing when this happened). I like to do my research on things, educate myself and make an informed decision that is based on my thoughts and feelings, rather than that of others. This approach however made me over think things a lot. I kept thinking of the problems, what could go wrong, why not to do it. I think this is totally normal when it comes to any surgery. It’s my eyes after all.
The Research
I like to learn about things. I read lots, spoke to others who had been through the surgery (recently as the process has improved significantly in recent years) and then research into where to get it done and who would do it. I was lucky enough to find an amazing specialist clinic practically on my doorstep. I went with Dr Sanjay Mantry at Laser Vision Scotland and am beyond happy with my decision. The service from the get go was top class (Elaine his PA is amazing and so supportive throughout the full process). I had my consultation around 6 weeks before my surgery (it was delayed a few weeks as my surgeon got COVID). The consultation is where I was massively put at ease. You cannot get this surgery if it’s not right for you. The screening process and testing is extensive. That removed a lot of my anxieties immediately. You know about everything upfront and can make an informed decision as to whether or not it is for you.
The Surgery
I went for the LASIK treatment (you can read more on this here: LASIK - Info). In a nutshell:
“Lasik eye surgery procedure is performed on the surface of the eye and involves the creation of a very precise corneal flap, under which the surface is gently reshaped to correct your vision, before replacing the flap”
You can’t just ask for this, the testing and screening process determines whether or not you are a suitable candidate. I was keen to get this as the down time is minimal as is the discomfort. I can vouch for both of these after having the surgery. It blows my mind how efficient it is. You are only in as a day case for the surgery. It’s a swift and very efficient process with you only being in “surgery” 15 minutes and the rest of your time (approx. 2hrs in total) spent getting your pre-op info (how to use the follow up medication (eye drops) and after care and then sitting in a darkened room with some seriously snazzy, Matrix themed, sunglasses until you are collected to go home. In my instance I also got cookies. I know, can it get much better?!
The Recovery
I don’t know what I was quite expecting (I am a bit of a drama queen at times) however, in my own experience, it was pretty easy. My vision was blurred a little immediately after the surgery itself however my Matrix sunglasses helped that (and the cookies). I made sure I had hydrated well with drinking lots of water beforehand and this helped too, as my head did feel a little sore but nothing too overwhelming and a few paracetamols when I got home sorted it right out. Rest is very important. In a world where we are glued to our phones, it’s hard to do this. I had saved some good podcasts (my therapist ghosted me - hilarious and worth a listen), got cosy on the couch and rocked my sunglasses indoor look. I was fortunate that my husband was home and able to go out and play with Clyde so I could chill and not be a human climbing frame. I napped a little in the afternoon after my eyes started to feel a little “gritty” and started feeling better when I woke and was able to use my steroid and antibiotic drops (you take these for 10 days/1 month) 4 x a day to support your recovery. After a good nights sleep in my snazzy protective night googles, I woke feeling so much better. Tired (probably milking it for all it’s worth so I get a break from mum duties) but I could see and by see, I mean really clearly. I had my follow up check up later that day to confirm everything was good and my vision was near 20-20 (I swear all I’ve done is read small print things from a distance since Friday - wild, I know!). I have 3 more follow ups at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months to monitor both recovery and improvement. It’s not just about the treatment, the aftercare is equally as important. A reduction in my overall screen time from here on is the new normal for me, always wearing my sunglasses (with the right protective lenses) when outside in bright weather, check, having a nourishing diet to support eye health and always keeping hydrated, check. If this is the the ask on me to keep my vision this great, I am 100% in.
I hope this has been a good read for you. I’ve enjoyed walking back through the experience myself. I honestly cannot recommend this procedure enough. The decision is always yours. Do your research, go with reputation and qualifications over cost and send me any questions if you want me to share anything else about my experience that I haven’t covered in my feature length novel blog.
