LASIK laser eye surgery is a life-changing procedure that can free you from the burden of wearing glasses, keeping up with prescriptions and missing out on experiences because you’re worried about your eyewear. LASIK differs from regular laser eye surgery (also known as photorefractive keratectomy laser surgery) in how it deals with the cornea. In LASIK, a thin flap on the cornea is created using a layer, exposing the underlying tissue. With photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a layer of the cornea is removed to allow light to shine into the eye properly. LASIK offers benefits in terms of healing time and has fewer risks of complications.
The Laser Eye Surgery Experience
Crystal Clear Vision
Julie writes a recipe and lifestyle blog called Table For Two. She received LASIK despite having some contraindications she thought might preclude her from the procedure.
“It is life-changing and seriously mind-blowing…I’ve always wanted to get LASIK. For years. I never thought I’d actually qualify for it because of my rheumatoid arthritis.”
“As soon as we were driving home, my eyes started to burn. Not like a painful burn but it felt like I squeezed sunscreen in both my eyes and my eyes would not stop tearing.
It lasted for about an hour when I was lying in bed with my eyes closed but then I fell asleep and three hours later I woke up to a clearer vision. Holy crap — it was mind-blowing. It was a little bit hazy still but I could see A LOT better than previously without contacts or glasses…The day after LASIK I woke up to crystal clear vision. Like I had slept in my contacts or had glasses on. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and could see across the room at the digital clock and clearly read the time. I didn’t have to stumble into the bathroom and when I came downstairs, everything was clear.”
Nerve-Wracking But Worth It
Mike Taber of The Single Founder blog says,
“I finally took the plunge and had LASIK laser eye surgery on my eyes. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for close to ten years now, but given my profession, I’ve always been very hesitant about it.”
Mike’s experience was filled with a few more nerves and uncomfortable moments than Julie’s. Despite the challenges, he would do it all over again.
“In the end, the whole process for both eyes only lasted about 15 minutes. Immediately afterward, everything was fuzzy which I was told is normal. They taped these clear plastic, Spiderman eye shaped shields over my eyes and I sat in the waiting room with my eyes closed for the next two hours. It probably should only have been 30-45 minutes, but they were really busy and never got back to me. No joke there…I’m certainly not going to say that I enjoyed the experience, but the results so far have been totally worth it. If I had to go back in time knowing what I know now, I would definitely do it again.”
Freedom From Contacts
Becca writes an active lifestyle blog called From Strength To Strength. She was interested in LASIK to help her further enjoy exercising.
“The results of the surgery will mean that I’ll be able to run and exercise without contact lenses or glasses and that will be completely brilliant…I have (or should I say had) astigmatism which basically means that my cornea is irregularly shaped…I have contemplated laser surgery for years but have always been a little scared of having it done – what if it were to go wrong? Initially, I was also concerned that it was a relatively new procedure and that not much was known about the long-term effects.”
“But that was years ago and as time has passed I have seen more and more friends and colleagues undergo the procedure and have amazing results. Not one person that I know who’s had it done has a bad thing to say about it…To allow the laser to treat the correct part of the eye, a flap has to be made in the cornea. In the type of treatment that I had this is done with a laser. A plastic guard was put over my eye to stop me from blinking and then the laser was brought into contact with the surface of the cornea. This was the most uncomfortable part of the whole procedure as pressure is applied to the eye and while it doesn’t hurt, thanks to the anesthetic, it’s a bit uncomfortable.”
“But it was over in 30 seconds, the other eye was done just as quickly and then I was ready to have the actual treatment…The whole thing took less than 15 minutes and as soon as I stood up I could tell that something had changed. Things were a bit blurry but I could already see unaided better than I’d been able to in years. Amazing.”
Even Celebrities Have Done It
Celebrities rely on their appearance more than anyone else, so it’s no wonder many of them have opted for LASIK to give them more versatility. A few celebrities you’ll definitely have heard of include:
- Nicole Kidman
- Brad Pitt
- Jessica Simpson
- Tiger Woods
- Kim Kardashian
- Elton John
- Richard Branson
- Mel B
Who knew? It just goes to show whether you’re a sports star, a singer or an actor, it can be handy not to have to worry about your vision.
It’s Now or Never
LASIK is an extremely safe, affordable and convenient solution for glasses-wearers looking to chuck their spectacles once and for all. Most people have some apprehensions going into the surgery, but if you choose experienced clinicians, you will have nothing to be worried about. A life without the encumbrance of glasses is too tempting for many to pass up, making LASIK one of the most common and perfected surgical techniques today.