Lasik Part 2 – The Surgery

So I bided farewell to an old friend yesterday (11 Jul 2008). A friend I don’t ever want to see again. I started wearing spectacles when I was 8 years-old, I’ve been wearing them for the last 26 years. It was a faithful friend. A friend I can’t wait to get rid of.

From the lasik eligibility check-up, it was discovered that my optic nerves were abnormally large so I had to do the Visual Field Test to rule out glaucoma. I did the test yesterday morning and it involved looking into the white interior of device one eye at a time. There’s an orange light to focus the iris on and each time my eye register a speck of light, I have to click a beeper. The test took about 6 minutes per eye. The reading for my right eye was fine. The reading for my left eye was borderline so we re-did it. This time the machine said, “Within the normal limits.”

Then I was asked to seat in front of another machine where a rectangular blue light about 2 cm long and 0.5 cm wide was beamed into my eye. There was a red led light in the middle blended into the blue light. I was told that the red light was actually in front of the blue light but because of my high myopia, they seemed blended. I don’t know what that test was for but they cost me an extra S$100.

I had pre-booked my lasik op on the same day at 3.30pm pending the outcome of my Visual Field Test. My mind was all over the place… on the one hand, I hoped I can have lasik done, which means that I’m not at risk of glaucoma. On the other, I’m worried about complications from the surgery. But the call came at 1pm. My twins are to be delivered at 3.30pm.

The Surgery

Upon arrival at the reception, payment was promptly collected and the nurse told me about these 10 boxes of Refresh Plus eyedrops that I should get to lubricate the eyes and help hasten the healing. It cost $18 each, and at this point, this would be an easy sale because all you would think about is the surgery and recovery. Anything that can aid recovery would be most welcomed. Moreover, the nurses at The Lasik Surgery Clinic are such eye candies, it was a closed deal from the beginning. So I parted with an additional $180.

After payment, I was led into the waiting area for surgery where I was given a ‘legally binding’ document to sign stating that I understand all the risks associated with lasik and undertake those risks thereby discharging the doctor and clinic of any obligation or responsibility should complications occur. It’s either I sign, or no surgery. So, have to sign lor. Then I’m led to a curtained off area with a comfy armchair to await my turn for the surgery. Service was impeccable.

During the wait, a rundown on the dos and don’ts after surgery was given. Three tablets of the sleeping pill, Imovane, a bottle of antibiotic eyedrops and 10 pieces of eye-wipes were issued as the medicine package together with the 10 boxes of Refresh Plus eyedrops I purchased. I was also dressed in an operating gown.

It was about 5pm when the nurse came to get me. There wasn’t time to think about readiness. I followed the nurse, the door slid open, I was told to lie down, no greeting, no unnecessary pleasantries. My head was firmly clasped with a molding pillow and surprisingly, I wasn’t too freaked out about the machines.

A sticky plastic film was stuck over the eye to hold back the eyelashes. The doc cut an opening in that film and numbing eyedrops were instilled and all I could see were discs of yellow and red lights. I was told to focus on the blinking red light… the only indication left that I still have sight. First, an incision was made to create an opening in my corneal flap. Then the laser came on and there’s a burning smell… not of satay or Bak Kwa…

At one point during the surgery, my vision blacked out (it’s normal) and I could see nothing else except that blinking red. At this point, I began to hyperventilate. I knew a panic attack was coming on, but no matter how I consoled myself, the heart palpitations and shortness of breath took over.

What a bad time to get a panic attack?! I couldn’t hold it back any further so I said, “Doctor, I’m hyperventilating.” As soon as I said it, I began to feel better. The doctor assured me I was doing fine and it will be over soon. And my right eye was done. The left eye went much quicker. During the surgery, the doctor put on a pair of 0 degrees lenses to help hold the dislodged corneal flap in place. Two plastic eyeshields were stuck over my eyes, and I’m done!

Post Surgery

Immediately after the surgery, I could see much better as compared to when not wearing my glasses. The surgery didn’t hurt one bit and the aftermath wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. There was no stinging in the eye, excessive tearing or bright glare. I managed to see except that there is like a layer of mist.

I got home, took the sleeping aid and slept for about 6 hour. When I woke up, the haze had lifted but things still weren’t quite in focus. I went back this morning (12 Jul 08) for a review and the doctor said everything looked fine. Now it’s just a matter of matter for the eyes to heal. Even on the second day, I can already see clearly with my right eye, but there’s a splitting image on my left. I hope that’s normal after surgery and it will heal soon…

I can write this entry, so obviously I must be able to see well enough.