Originally Posted by
bionicarm
http:///forum/post/3011774
I had the 'flap and zap' performed on my eyes about 10 years ago. I started out at 20/100, and ended with 20/40 (which I still have today). My surgery was performed using the scalpel method like you described at first. Technology has improved to where they use a laser now. It's less invasive, and makes a cleaner cut thatn the scalpel method.
As I recall, this is how my procedure went:
They put special drops in your eyes for dilation, and also some antibiotic cream for post surgery. They also gave me a
[hr]
to 'cut the edge off' during the surgery. Once I got into the room with the equipment, I laid down on a table so they could pull the machine that does the actual Lasik over the top of me. They took this device that covers the top of your eye and had these 'spreaders' tp keep both your eyelids wide open. Absolutely no way to blink. Didn't really hurt, just uncomfortable. Your eyes start to dry out fast. The next thing they did was put this ocular piece that has the scalpel in it into the device keeping your eyelids open. When the procedure started, the ocular piece had this vacuum to it where it actually sucks your eyeball into it. They do this to get you eye in the proper position for the scalpel to slice the corneal flap. For a couple of seconds you can see the blade go across the eye, and then back. After this happens, your vision is completely blurred. This is when the 'flap' is made, and your cornea is exposed to the laser. Next thing you know, you hear this other vacuum noise, and your vision goes from white to complete blackness. All I saw was this small red beam in the far distance. The doctor then told me "Don't move". I then heard this 'ticking' noise in the background, which I was told was the laser hitting my cornea performing the actual Lasik surgery, burning off the parts that were mapped out with the computer during my initial diagnosis. About 30 seconds later, I could see white again and I could see the 'flap' go back over my cornea. Vision was pretty blurry at this time. The entire procedure took about 5 minutes. I had both eyes done in one sitting. Some people, and doctors, recommend you do one eye at a time. Their premise at the time was if something went terribly wrong, you'd only have one eye that was damaged instead of two. Don't think that's an issue any longer.
They kept me in post-op for about 30 minutes to make sure everything went OK. I was still a little loopy because of the
[hr]
, but within 10 or 15 minutes, I could already tell a difference with my eyesight. When I was released, the doctor told me to go home and immediately go to bed. The eyes heal faster while sleeping. They give you these goggles with holes in them to wear while you sleep. You defintely want these so you don't accidentally rub your eyes (Big No, No). The initial 12 hours were pretty uncomfortable. My eyes had this irritating scratchy feeling. Kind of like when you get sand, dirt, or a hair in your eye. You want to rub, but you know you can't. The doctor gave me two different kind of drops to use after the surgery. One was an antibiotic, the other helped with the irritation. After about 12 to 24 hours, the itchiness stopped. I had to make sure and not get water in my eyes the first 3 - 5 days when washing my hair. After that, it was back to normal.
OK, this post officially scared me to death!!! I can't imagine seeing the blade cut your eye and then things go completely black! Wow, that is scary! I think the scratchy feeling isn't an issue anymore with the new technology.
I have so many questions for the doctor! I will keep all of you updated. My appointment is not until next week. Thank you all for your input.
