Finally, a REAL Solution to Short & Long Sight

A keen techno buff, I always like to keep up with the latest opportunities science offers.  So, I have watched with interest for about 15 years, while the techniques of eye surgery for correcting both short and long sightedness  has steadily improved and finally become more readily available.  

 
Pioneered by a Russian who died recently in a tragic helicopter accident, the procedure has changed dramatically  since those early days.  With access to developments in laser and other optical resources, it is now possible to have the very minor operation performed in a matter of seconds, with a healing and recovery rate measured in mere hours! 

Check out the video's of Lazersurgery! 

My operation has been performed by Lazersight in Hamilton by Dr Douglas Cox, an Ophthalmic Surgeon with considerable experience with this type of procedure.

The particular procedure I have received is called Lasik, or colloquially, "flap and zap!"   This particular development in laser eye surgery involves two steps: the removal of a flap and then the laser procedure which reshapes the surface of the eye to change the way light focuses on the back of the cornea.  The flap is then replaced and allowed to heal.  

To read a more complete description I suggest you visit these two sites. Hamilton Lazersight and EyeMax, an Australian Eye Clinic

As I write this, my second eye, the left eye, is due to be lasered next Tuesday at 2.45pm.  The first was done on the 6th June with the second originally planned for the 27th June.  However, the machine broke down on the patient immediately before me (with no complications other than the frustration for her of having to return one week later for the completion of her operation) and mine was rescheduled for 11th July.

The whole process takes a minimum of two to three weeks at the very best, and this depends on being able to arrange for the necessary examinations and checks by an independent eye care professional before making the appointment for the first eye.

The procedure on the day of operation at Hamilton consisted of a morning appointment to check refractions and do various measurements and have a final check by the surgeon of your prescription.  There is then time for a leisurely lunch before returning for the actual operation in the afternoon.

Immediately upon returning the nurse preps you with local anaesthetic to the eye to be treated.  After a short wait for the drops to take effect, you are led into the theatre where you are invited to lie down comfortably on a couch.  A special pillow is placed under your head that holds the head in the optimum position and the surgeon tapes back the eye lids out of the way. 

The couch is swung under the machine and a blade passes across the eye to slice the flap under which the laser will reshape the eye.  There is absolutely no discomfort at all, in fact, it is really quite an enjoyable experience as you have the opportunity to observe the entire operation from below, although, not of course, with great clarity!  

The only requirement upon you, is the necessity to remain absolutely still and allow no movement of the eye whatsoever.  However, as the entire procedure takes only a few seconds, maybe a minute and a half at the outside, this is hardly difficult.  Bear in mind that half of that time is taken up with the Excimer slicing the flap in preparation for the laser.  Sometimes it is possible to smell a slight burning smell as the laser burns matter away.

Then, it is over, and the nurse invites you to stand and you are led away prior to a transparent cap being placed over the treated eye to protect it over the next few hours.

It is perfectly possible to see out of the eye immediately after surgery, however, due to the local anaesthetic wearing off quite rapidly, the eye begins watering quite badly and there is some pain that begins to assert itself rather remorseless as well.  However, the trick is to take a good dose of your preferred pain killer, aspirin, dispirin or paracetemol.  Lazersight provide you with some Paracetemol and two sleeping pills to help you through.  However, as Paracetemol does not work for me, I spent about 4 or 5 hours in considerable discomfort!  I finally fell asleep about 8pm and when I woke at 10pm all pain had gone.  

On Tuesday I will take 4 Extra Strength Dispirin and ignore the provided pain killers!   I have every expectation of having minimal discomfort.

The next day you front up at the surgery for the removal of the cap and the surgeon checks over the operation and you're away.  The results for me the first time, immediately upon removal of the cap, was simply fantastic , and I could not stop smiling!  I expect a similar experience the second time.  

As a matter of fact, at this point, I can hardly wait, as I am totally frustrated by having to endure the imperfect vision from my left eye.  You may think that a solution to this would be to take the lens out of the glasses you wore previously, however, it does not work like that.  The registration is totally different, and the discomfort of trying to see in that fashion renders the exercise of no value.  The only thing to do is tough it out until the next operation.

I am, at this point, totally satisfied with the procedure.  To any one contemplating the operation I can say, as several people to whom I spoke who had already had the operation said to me, "Do it.  Don't hesitate.  You will have only one regret, that it was not possible years ago!"

I will report back here after the second eye has been done to complete the record.   Click for Update.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me.

Some links worth checking out to do with laser surgery for the correction of short and long sight.

Bridgewater Laser Eye Surgery, Hamilton, New Zealand

Eye Institute, Auckland, New Zealand

Wikipedia's Entry about Lasik Eye Surgery: This site gives a good run down of the history and development of the procudure.

Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch, New Zealand

Tobias' Successful Lasik Surgery
On Monday June 5th 2000 Tobias underwent Lasik Eye Surgery. This is a 7-minute account of his op. on Google Video.

Watch more Google videos of successful eye surgery using Lasik -and wait, there's more!  This time check out YouTube!

Also, you might like to check out a new alternative to invasive surgery offered by Carlisle Mason Optometrists, Revize.

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