My LASIK Experience at the ASIAN EYE

So here's my morning eye-related ritual.  When I wake up, I would reach at our headboard for my eyeglasses.  After wearing it, I'll look at our wall clock to check on the time.  Then I would go to our dresser, unscrew the two lids of my contact lens container, then put on my contact lenses.  Then there's also an evening eye-related ritual - unscrew the two lids of my contact lens container, remove my contact lenses, put them in the container, drop some solution, then screw the lids back. Then, I would put on my glasses and lie down, watch TV or read, then when I'm too sleepy, I'll remove my glasses, put it on our headboard then retire.  

My eye paraphernalia

When I'm not wearing my glasses or contact lenses, everything is a blur. I'm a -4.50 on both eyes. On some days when I'm too tired, I would fall asleep without removing my contact lenses.  Then I would have to battle some mean eye infection. Every time I would travel, I would need to bring a whole eye care paraphernalia. I'm not complaining.  But I dream of having hassle-free days and more adventures without having to worry about my contact lenses folding under my eyelids or falling off accidentally.

I knew that a LASIK procedure is an option. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis), commonly known as laser eye surgery, is performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a laser on the eye's cornea to improve visual acuity. A year ago, I had undergone preliminary screenings in one of the eye centers in Mandaluyong but I wasn't able to follow through. I must admit that I'm quite scared or having doubts about the whole idea.  Blindness, you know, is something that can't be brushed off.  Yes, I'm paranoid that way.

So when I met certified eye experts, worked with them in some of their commercials, my confidence grew.  They told me that the procedure would be brief, painless and the effect would be immediate. It was a very good pitch.

Before the LASIK procedure, I have undergone a screening process. I came in in the morning. There were 16 steps to complete the whole process and ascertain that my eyes are perfect for LASIK.  It took me almost the whole day to do every single one of them. I had to look at different machines, look at different walls. My eyes were measured, even my tears. It was very thorough.

I realized that after the screening, my eyes were more sensitive to light.  But it was manageable.  My take-me-everywhere-you-go sunglasses was very handy.  I came in alone, did the whole test with just an iPod to entertain me, and was even able to come back to the office to finish up on some work.

Some of the machines for screening

Measuring the amount of tears my eyes were producing

Dr. Robert Ang told me that my eyes were perfect for LASIK.  He briefed me about what's going to happen come surgery.  He also assured me that there's nothing to worry about.  The receptionist told me to come back the next day.  So I did.

I came in an hour before my designated time.  They told me to put on a lab gown.  Then they asked me to sit on my designated La-Z-Boy chair.  There were 3 persons before me whom I think would be undergoing the same procedure as mine.  I was nervous to say the least.  But since everyone was calm, I kept my cool and try to shake the nervousness off. Then they led me to a room with all the machines and an big overhead lamp.  That was my moment of truth.

Dr. Ang told me to lie down and relax.  He put some anesthetic drops on my eyes, then he told me that I won't feel anything and after about 15 minutes, the procedure would be over.  When they got my confirmation, they went ahead.  They put a suction-like cap on my right eye, probably to spread it and prevent it from closing while the whole laser thing is happening.  It wasn't painful but the tears just kept on coming.  I think it was a normal reaction of the eye for anything foreign that enters it.  He told me to look at the red light.  Then I smelled something burning, then it sank in.  The surgery has started.  I knew I wasn't going blind because I can still see the red light.  Then I heard a lady counting off "25%... 50%... 75%..."  It was finished.  That quick. Then they transferred to my left eye and did the same thing.  Then they told me that there would be another round. This was also as quick as the first round.  All in all, my eyes had 2 laser passes each.  Dr. Ang was right, the time difference between clarity and blur was fifteen minutes.

They guided me to the door.  It was amazing because I can now see the room clearly albeit some cloudy spots.  I was amazed.  Then they re-examined my eyes.  When everything was good, the nurse gave me a rundown of things to do - wear protective glasses for a week (even while sleeping for three days), don't wet the eyes for three days, no swimming for a month, follow the prescription.

Wearing protective glasses after LASIK

So it's been three months.  I've done ziplines, swimming and snorkelling without fear of contact lenses popping out or folding because of the wind or water.  Of course I've worn goggles under water but still, the hassle of having to wear glasses or clean contact lenses after a swim wasn't present anymore.  And I don't need to bring along a whole eye care paraphernalia whenever I travel.  Also, I can now fall asleep without having to remove contact lenses or be fearful of eye infections because I forgot to remove them.  I now wake up to clearer mornings, literally. 

Were there side effects?  Some dizzy spells but very sporadic.  I'm not even sure if it's LASIK related but they told me that I might have some of these because my eyes would be adjusting to it's new grade. They also told me that by age 40, I might have grade discrepancies again. I might need to wear reading glasses.  But I'm still grateful, in our company's annual physical exam last October, my visual acuity reads 20/20.

I have undergone bladeless LASIK at Asian Eye.  It costs roughly around P110,000. They offer discounts to Kapamilya employees and their relatives.  For inquiries, you may visit their website, http://www.asianeyeinstitute.com/ or call 8982020. 

What I appreciated about Asian Eye was their thoughtfulness.  After about an hour or two, my phone rang.  They asked me how I was and reminded me about the eye drops I need to apply.  I thought that was sweet.  And after a week, they asked me to return for a free check-up.  Then after a month, I visited them again.  By this time, it wasn't free any more but it was covered by our healthcare provider, so technically, it was still free.

Would I recommend LASIK?  Let's just put it this way.  I love the kind of freedom I have right now.  Less panic.  Less hassle.  No need to be worried about glasses or contact lenses being left somewhere.  No more bumps and bruises because I can now see things clearly even in the dark.  I can dream of scuba diving and feel that it can now be a worry-free reality. I sleep with a clear view and wake up with the same.  It was life-changing.

 
FULL DISCLOSURE:  My LASIK was free.  Due to the nature of the work I do (producing commercials), I have met Dr. Ang and his team.  They were the ones who encouraged me to try out the procedure.  I'm glad I did.