Vision Correction with LASIK

It has now been a year since I plucked up the courage and underwent the LASIK operation - vision correction with the aid of a laser beam. Before that I had thoroughly and for a long time researched and read every possible website on the internet where any information about this operation was described. Many times since adolescence I had imagined getting rid of the uncomfortable spectacle frames. As the years went by, it was no longer a question of visual appearance or inability to purchase beautiful, fashionable glasses, but rather a question of comfort and safety. It had always been bothersome that when entering some body of water, going to a sauna, performing some physical exercises, etc., the glasses had to be taken off and then one was left almost disoriented, as the minus values were quite large - -5 and -5.5. Now I can share my experience on this matter, for anyone who has decided to improve their vision.

I chose the Dr. Solomatina Eye Rehabilitation and Vision Correction Centre on Elizabetes Street, as I had heard good reviews. Everything, of course, began with an appointment and a visit, which had to be booked a couple of weeks in advance. At the first visit the doctor listened to my wishes, verified the thickness of the cornea, whether such an operation was feasible at all, and also performed other examinations and measurements. To my surprise, I did not have to wait long for the operation - it could be performed the following week.

The only thing to be reckoned with was a sum of money slightly over LVL 1,000 in cash (card payments are not accepted at this centre) and 1–2 weeks of sick leave. The doctor and her assistant explained everything kindly and clearly about the course of the operation and all the necessary precautionary measures before and after. Only the contract, drawn up in 2 languages (Latvian and Russian) and which I signed shortly before the operation itself, did not foresee any liability on the part of the eye centre for any mishaps during the operation. It looked like a one-sided game - liability only on the client who fails to observe something during the recovery process. But I took the risk, as I had thoroughly matured toward this step and trusted the gathered reviews.

On the appointed day one had to arrive an hour early with a companion. Calming drops were given to take, then followed waiting in the queue by the surgery room doors. There seemed to be 4 or 5 pairs. Shortly before the correction itself one was invited to an antechamber, where one had to put on a disposable cap and gown and, after eye drops had been administered, wait another 10 minutes or so.

The correction itself lasted no longer than half an hour. One was laid face up, the eyelids were fixed so as not to think of blinking or closing the eyes. With a special instrument the corneal flap was turned back, then the laser beam was applied. One had to continuously look straight at one red dot - it changed now black, now greenish. Then the corneal flap was replaced, the eye was rinsed with some solution. In principle nothing was felt, only a peculiar burning smell was noticeable.

After the correction, it was recommended to keep the eyes closed as much as possible and to put on sunglasses while travelling home. A companion was necessary in case one walked into something, as the eyes felt as if gravel or sand had been poured into them and they stung.

The most unpleasant part was the recovery process - artificial tears had to be administered at least 3 times a day and later also some medication, as I had developed a complication with one eye - it was blurring. According to the doctor, this can occur if the correction is performed during menstruation (no one warned me about this beforehand, so ladies - be aware and take care!).

Vision was not good immediately after the operation - at least 3 days passed before any results could be felt. Then for a while it sharpened to ideal, when the whole world around was so contrasted and distant things were extraordinarily well visible down to the smallest details. Eventually it stabilised and settled at -0.5. That is to say, neither glasses nor contact lenses are any longer necessary.

When checked after a year, the result is the same as after the operation and recovery period - -0.5. It has not deteriorated. I am thoroughly satisfied that I made the decision and underwent this vision correction.

For reference -

LASIK (Latin: laser in situ keratomileusis) is a type of corneal surgery for which hospitalisation is not required. For the operation the surgeon uses a specialised and precise instrument - the microkeratome - to create a thin flap of corneal tissue - the so-called flap - which the surgeon lifts and folds to the side like the page of a book. Then with the most advanced excimer laser, a pre-calculated volume of corneal tissue is removed from the exposed corneal bed. After the laser has finished, the corneal flap is folded back, having first rinsed the exposed corneal bed. During the procedure the flap remains attached to the cornea.

The volume of tissue to be removed is calculated before the operation, first examining how strong a vision correction your eye requires. Most often the measurements coincide with the strength of glasses or contact lenses, if they were correctly prescribed. After the corneal flap has been repositioned, the body's natural processes (healing) within a few minutes ensure its adhesion to the cornea. Within a couple of hours the corneal surface epithelium usually grows over the repositioned edge of the flap and adheres to the cornea. The LASIK system is used to treat short-sightedness, long-sightedness and also astigmatism.

http://www.lasik.lv/ - Dr. Lūkins Laser Surgery Clinic

http://www.acucentrs.lv/ - Dr. Solomatina Eye Rehabilitation and Vision Correction Centre