IntraLASIK Correction of Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism Using IntraLase Technology

Glasses No Mas

This morning I had my nearsightedness (both eyes) and astigmatism (right eye) corrected via IntraLASIK surgery. The surgery involves two procedures. First, an IntraLase laser is used to create a flap with laser energy. The IntraLase laser is capable of creating extremely precise flaps by producing tiny bubbles inside the cornea that are 1/10,000 of an inch in diameter. The laser beam cannot penetrate into the eye beyond the cornea. After the flap is created, an excimer laser is used to reshape the eye by removing ultra-thin layers from the cornea in order to reduce farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism (nearsightedness and astigmatism in my case). The flap is returned to its original position, without sutures.

They gave Jeremy the option of watching both procedures on a monitor. He opted not to watch. Then when I went to the back they asked me if he would want to watch. I said probably not but maybe if they asked him again, he would have changed his mind. He did, indeed change his mind, and decided to watch. I'm jealous. I really wanted to be able to watch.

So, how did it go?

Well, I am typing this without any visual assistance. No contacts. No glasses. Just a little squinting while the 'haze' wears off. I'd say it went pretty well. I have some discomfort in my left eye and a nasty red line that follows the shape of my iris plus a nasty red spot but I assume that will go away with time. My right eye is pretty much pain free and most of the redness has dissipated.

I have four types of eyes drops - two of the drops I have to use every hour, one of the drops every four hours, and the last drop as needed for pain. That's a lot of drops. I can taste the drops after using them. The drops do not taste good.

You have to take valium before the first procedure. I opted to only take one valium as opposed to the two they give you. I'm not a fan of meds and I felt pretty calm so I didn't feel like I needed two....plus, having never taken valium before I was a bit leary of the effects. Valium, anyone?

I'll let you know how the progress goes. My post-op appointment is tomorrow morning so hopefully I'll find out what my new vision is - my vision pre-op was approximately 20/600. I couldn't read the large E on the eye chart although I could tell there was something there. I already know it's improved drastically since I'm sitting on the couch and I can read the time on the DVR. How great is that?!?

~Tracy