Hi there!
Sorry for the lag time in between posts. I haven't had much of a change or "moment" since my last appointment that compelled me to write very much. However, last week I had another "cool" moment.
To celebrate two years of dating, I took John to a Red Sox game in Boston. About halfway through the game I had a moment where I realized that this was the first outdoor sporting event I attended where I was able to fully see. Normally with an outdoor event, my eyes would dry out due to my terrible contacts and ultimately create bad vision. I struggled to read scoreboards and see what was actually happening in front of me. This time was different. I could see crisply ... it was so cool! I had no trouble reading signs from far away (John and I played the "sign game" again) and my eyes were not dry. This was another moment where a person with regular vision would think of me as crazy, but to me, it was life changing.
John's gift to me was a surprise trip to NYC for the night to see Once on Broadway ... very cool and a great show! As I was sitting in the theatre, I had another "oh my God, I can see" moment. So many times I would go to theatre shows and concerts and have such a hard time seeing because of the lighting, dry contacts, etc. Just as I experienced during the Red Sox game a few days earlier, I was able to see in a whole new way. My eyes were not dry, I was able to see details on the set, and I could see facial features on the performers. I was also able to be amazed by Times Square as I experienced it for the first time during our walk back to the hotel (did you know that they leave the New Years' Ball up there all year long?!). I never realized how badly I was seeing with contacts until these very moments. I always knew that I had a better chance of seeing well at events if I wore my glasses, but I rarely went that route (so vain of me!).
I've realized more and more that the only time I experience a dry eye feeling in the morning is if I went out for a couple of drinks the night before, or if I didn't sleep a lot. After a few drops, I'm good to go. Another great feeling to note is that my eyes feel healthier and "free." I remember when I would take my contacts out, my eyes would seemingly breathe a sigh or relief because they were able to get some air and take a break. Now, my eyes feel adjusted and just great!
I had a minor freakout moment a week ago when an eyelash found its way onto my eye and I couldn't figure out how to get it off without touching my eye. After some very strategic attempts, I eventually just grabbed some eye drops and flushed it out and all was well.
Over the next two weekends, I am participating in a couple of mud runs. This weekend, I am running the Adventure 5k, and next weekend I am participating in Tough Mudder New England. I am not worried about the 5k, but for Mudder, I am going to grab a pair of goggles for the water and mud parts, as my eyes are still healing. I believe it takes them a good year to be fully healed, but the first 6 months are the most drastic. The last thing I want is to get some mud stuck in there and mess up my incredible progress (a lovely $4,000 mistake). There are parts of the course where ice water is mixed with other lovely ingredients that I heard can sting any open cuts ... I definitely don't want whatever that is to be touching my eyes! I did speak with one of the eye doctor assistants about this before having the surgery, and she said I will be fine as long as I stuck with some goggles. I am sure that's the least of my worries with a Tough Mudder!
My next appointment is still set for June. It is mind boggling for me to realize that I can see *better* now than when I was wearing contacts. Incredible!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
"You're a True Disciple for This"
Hey there!
Last Monday, I had my one-month post-op appointment! I meant to update this sooner, however, I have been very busy over the last week!
Everything went really well! My vision has remained stable since my last appointment. I can still read parts of the 20/15 line, so they consider that 20/20+. Dr. D. is still amazed that I have had virtually no complications or setbacks, despite having such horrible vision before. I think he was expecting there to have been some regression, and begin talking about some "touch-ups" (not uncommon), but I was good to go!
Dr. D. told me I am a "true disciple" for LASIK, and to continue spreading my experience to others. He mentioned that there are many people out there trying to stop LASIK procedures in the US (mainly because of the bad seeds out there who jump to perform the procedure on people who may be considered 'high risk'). Those individuals (and somewhat rightfully so) had horrible experiences and clearly want to shut the whole operation down. There are definite risks with LASIK eye surgery, as with any surgery, and it is important to "shop around" when looking for the right doctor. I chose Nashua Eye Associates because they have been familiar with my case since I was seven years old. They have been my primary eye doctor for virtually 20 years ... it was a no-brainer. Also, they don't rely on LASIK corrective procedures to stay afloat. They are eye doctors first, and offer refractive surgeries as a side-gig, almost. They recognize the awesomeness that is LASIK and want to share the experience with others, like myself, who long for decent-to-perfect vision without aid. There are businesses out there (and yes, they are businesses) who are solely out there to perform LASIK procedures. That isn't a terrible thing, however, I've heard horror stories about individuals walking in, being instantly approved, second-guessing themselves, and visiting another doctor who ultimately refused to perform the surgery because the individual's corneas were too thin (a disaster for LASIK). The long and short of it is, do your research, and do it well. These are your eyes. You don't have a spare hanging around in the wings if something goes wrong. I contacted many LASIK offices, talked to individuals who have had personal experiences, read reviews, literature ... basically, I exhausted all areas to make sure I was making the right decision, and I believe I nailed it.
I was cleared to stop taking the steroid drops, and my eyelashes are so happy with that decision, I can tell! I no longer have the filmy look on my eyelashes, which sometimes caused a fog in my vision. Now, I can truly "see" how I am supposed to be seeing ... it's incredible! Last Sunday was the first time I woke up without dry eyes!!! What a cool feeling to experience after weeks of feeling as though I slept with my contacts in. I woke up, felt comfortable, and most importantly, could SEE! And really well! I am still continuing with my Restasis drops, since Dr. D. explained to me that my eyes are still healing, and the best way to help them heal is to keep them moist. He said, even if I feel like my eyes are fine, I still need to keep with the Restasis drops. There have been a few mornings where the dry eye feeling has returned, but it is usually when I haven't had a lot of sleep (or haven't hydrated myself very well the day before). Another awesome part of the appointment? I was finally cleared to wear makeup again! AMEN!
I went away for the weekend with John for St. Patrick's Day; the first time since having the surgery. As I was packing, I felt as though I was forgetting to pack something that I knew I needed. It was a nagging feeling! As I was driving, I realized what it was: my contacts, cases, solution, and glasses! Of course, I didn't need them, but I've never left home without those essentials before, so it was a really cool experience to figure out what it was I "forgot" and realizing I didn't need them anymore! I am going away to Virginia this coming weekend, and can't wait to not pack my contacts again!
Basically, my eyesight kicks butt, and my recovery has been incredible. I couldn't be happier. I go back to visit Dr. D. in June for my 3-month post-op and will post around then, unless anything crazy happens in between!
Last Monday, I had my one-month post-op appointment! I meant to update this sooner, however, I have been very busy over the last week!
Everything went really well! My vision has remained stable since my last appointment. I can still read parts of the 20/15 line, so they consider that 20/20+. Dr. D. is still amazed that I have had virtually no complications or setbacks, despite having such horrible vision before. I think he was expecting there to have been some regression, and begin talking about some "touch-ups" (not uncommon), but I was good to go!
Dr. D. told me I am a "true disciple" for LASIK, and to continue spreading my experience to others. He mentioned that there are many people out there trying to stop LASIK procedures in the US (mainly because of the bad seeds out there who jump to perform the procedure on people who may be considered 'high risk'). Those individuals (and somewhat rightfully so) had horrible experiences and clearly want to shut the whole operation down. There are definite risks with LASIK eye surgery, as with any surgery, and it is important to "shop around" when looking for the right doctor. I chose Nashua Eye Associates because they have been familiar with my case since I was seven years old. They have been my primary eye doctor for virtually 20 years ... it was a no-brainer. Also, they don't rely on LASIK corrective procedures to stay afloat. They are eye doctors first, and offer refractive surgeries as a side-gig, almost. They recognize the awesomeness that is LASIK and want to share the experience with others, like myself, who long for decent-to-perfect vision without aid. There are businesses out there (and yes, they are businesses) who are solely out there to perform LASIK procedures. That isn't a terrible thing, however, I've heard horror stories about individuals walking in, being instantly approved, second-guessing themselves, and visiting another doctor who ultimately refused to perform the surgery because the individual's corneas were too thin (a disaster for LASIK). The long and short of it is, do your research, and do it well. These are your eyes. You don't have a spare hanging around in the wings if something goes wrong. I contacted many LASIK offices, talked to individuals who have had personal experiences, read reviews, literature ... basically, I exhausted all areas to make sure I was making the right decision, and I believe I nailed it.
I was cleared to stop taking the steroid drops, and my eyelashes are so happy with that decision, I can tell! I no longer have the filmy look on my eyelashes, which sometimes caused a fog in my vision. Now, I can truly "see" how I am supposed to be seeing ... it's incredible! Last Sunday was the first time I woke up without dry eyes!!! What a cool feeling to experience after weeks of feeling as though I slept with my contacts in. I woke up, felt comfortable, and most importantly, could SEE! And really well! I am still continuing with my Restasis drops, since Dr. D. explained to me that my eyes are still healing, and the best way to help them heal is to keep them moist. He said, even if I feel like my eyes are fine, I still need to keep with the Restasis drops. There have been a few mornings where the dry eye feeling has returned, but it is usually when I haven't had a lot of sleep (or haven't hydrated myself very well the day before). Another awesome part of the appointment? I was finally cleared to wear makeup again! AMEN!
I went away for the weekend with John for St. Patrick's Day; the first time since having the surgery. As I was packing, I felt as though I was forgetting to pack something that I knew I needed. It was a nagging feeling! As I was driving, I realized what it was: my contacts, cases, solution, and glasses! Of course, I didn't need them, but I've never left home without those essentials before, so it was a really cool experience to figure out what it was I "forgot" and realizing I didn't need them anymore! I am going away to Virginia this coming weekend, and can't wait to not pack my contacts again!
Basically, my eyesight kicks butt, and my recovery has been incredible. I couldn't be happier. I go back to visit Dr. D. in June for my 3-month post-op and will post around then, unless anything crazy happens in between!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Still Can't Believe It!
I had another moment last night where I remembered I was seeing without the help of contacts or glasses. I have these moments every now and then, and they are never any less exciting! It just kind of occurs to me and I have a "woah!" moment and look around at everything. I think this will continue for a long time, if not forever!
My sight is awesome. I have no complaints. My only "issue," and it really is a nonissue, happened last week when I was bridesmaid dress shopping with friends. We were at the bridal shop and it was a sea of white, white, and more, well, white. On top of that, the lights were super bright. We were shopping for 3+ hours (the bride shopped for her dress as well) and it really took a toll on my eyes. I started to get an "eye-ache" ... basically a headache in my eye. I just continued with my drops, figuring dryness might be a contributor, and took some ibuprofen when I got home ... no big deal!
What a difference a week makes, because I should have had a similar occurrence yesterday (with the whole "eye-ache" thing). I took my dog, Remmie, to play with some of his doggie friends at my friend's 100-acre plot up north (a dog's paradise). We finally got snow last week (first real snow fall of the winter ... seriously) and stayed outside for 3 hours. The snow was bright ... so much so, that we all got some color on our faces. I was surprised that I didn't have any sort of headache or eye pain after that, considering what happened at the bridal shop the week before. Pretty sweet!
I can't tell if my eyesight at night is getting better (light glare/starbursts), or if I am just so used to it now that I don't even notice it. Either way, it doesn't bother me anymore, so I don't really care what the answer is. I drove in the snow storm last week, at night, and was completely fine. It's not even a second thought to me anymore.
I am still fairly careful when I'm showering and washing my face. I am also not rubbing my eyes at all, however, I'm getting braver with lightly brushing away any residue from drops under and to the sides of my eyes. I still have to clean my eyelashes, as the drops leave a lovely film on them that seems almost impossible to get rid of. Not having the ability to rub my eyes has been easier than I originally thought. I have become pretty creative with ways to alleviate an itchy eye and get rid of "sleepies" in the morning. Overall, not a big deal at all!
My eyes are still a little dry, but only in the mornings. I rarely have to wake up in the middle of the night to put drops in. In fact, I never wake up because I have dry eyes ... I often just decide to put some drops in if I happen to randomly wake up. I still have my steroid drops and Restasis, as per the doctor's recommendation. I go for my one-month post-op appointment on Monday, the 12th, and I'm hoping I can stop with at least the steroid drops and *fingers crossed* start wearing mascara again!
I started working out again at CrossFit TUFF, and it is so great to not deal with my contacts shifting mid-workout and making my vision fuzzy. I'm all about consistency and planning, so it is great to know I can rely on my eyes to be consistently awesome!
I still can't believe I actually had LASIK done and have had tremendous results! Wohoo!
My sight is awesome. I have no complaints. My only "issue," and it really is a nonissue, happened last week when I was bridesmaid dress shopping with friends. We were at the bridal shop and it was a sea of white, white, and more, well, white. On top of that, the lights were super bright. We were shopping for 3+ hours (the bride shopped for her dress as well) and it really took a toll on my eyes. I started to get an "eye-ache" ... basically a headache in my eye. I just continued with my drops, figuring dryness might be a contributor, and took some ibuprofen when I got home ... no big deal!
What a difference a week makes, because I should have had a similar occurrence yesterday (with the whole "eye-ache" thing). I took my dog, Remmie, to play with some of his doggie friends at my friend's 100-acre plot up north (a dog's paradise). We finally got snow last week (first real snow fall of the winter ... seriously) and stayed outside for 3 hours. The snow was bright ... so much so, that we all got some color on our faces. I was surprised that I didn't have any sort of headache or eye pain after that, considering what happened at the bridal shop the week before. Pretty sweet!
I can't tell if my eyesight at night is getting better (light glare/starbursts), or if I am just so used to it now that I don't even notice it. Either way, it doesn't bother me anymore, so I don't really care what the answer is. I drove in the snow storm last week, at night, and was completely fine. It's not even a second thought to me anymore.
I am still fairly careful when I'm showering and washing my face. I am also not rubbing my eyes at all, however, I'm getting braver with lightly brushing away any residue from drops under and to the sides of my eyes. I still have to clean my eyelashes, as the drops leave a lovely film on them that seems almost impossible to get rid of. Not having the ability to rub my eyes has been easier than I originally thought. I have become pretty creative with ways to alleviate an itchy eye and get rid of "sleepies" in the morning. Overall, not a big deal at all!
My eyes are still a little dry, but only in the mornings. I rarely have to wake up in the middle of the night to put drops in. In fact, I never wake up because I have dry eyes ... I often just decide to put some drops in if I happen to randomly wake up. I still have my steroid drops and Restasis, as per the doctor's recommendation. I go for my one-month post-op appointment on Monday, the 12th, and I'm hoping I can stop with at least the steroid drops and *fingers crossed* start wearing mascara again!
I started working out again at CrossFit TUFF, and it is so great to not deal with my contacts shifting mid-workout and making my vision fuzzy. I'm all about consistency and planning, so it is great to know I can rely on my eyes to be consistently awesome!
I still can't believe I actually had LASIK done and have had tremendous results! Wohoo!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Boozy Eyes!
Just a quick experience worth noting!
Alcohol and eyes ...
Last night was Trivia Night (as every Wednesday night is with my friends) which meant alcohol was in the plenty. I really didn't have much to drink at all (a shot of Fireball Whiskey... it was on the house, don't judge, and one beer), but I opted for alcohol over water for a change. After our team dominated (Team: Rihanna: I'd hit that ... again, no judging), I went home and headed to bed. I woke up twice in the middle of the night with a pair of really dry eyes (amongst crazy thirst, not surprising). I couldn't run fast enough to my drops I left in the kitchen (why were they not on my nightstand?! UGH). This wasn't the first time I had a "drinking night" since having LASIK done, but this was the first time I had a mixture of liquor and beer, so I'm wondering if that had anything to do with it.
Either way, this was the first time my eyes felt the dehydration from my drinking, which I found kind of comical :) I guess from now on I need to pound drops into my eyes like I should pound water before headed out for a night on the town ;)
Alcohol and eyes ...
Last night was Trivia Night (as every Wednesday night is with my friends) which meant alcohol was in the plenty. I really didn't have much to drink at all (a shot of Fireball Whiskey... it was on the house, don't judge, and one beer), but I opted for alcohol over water for a change. After our team dominated (Team: Rihanna: I'd hit that ... again, no judging), I went home and headed to bed. I woke up twice in the middle of the night with a pair of really dry eyes (amongst crazy thirst, not surprising). I couldn't run fast enough to my drops I left in the kitchen (why were they not on my nightstand?! UGH). This wasn't the first time I had a "drinking night" since having LASIK done, but this was the first time I had a mixture of liquor and beer, so I'm wondering if that had anything to do with it.
Either way, this was the first time my eyes felt the dehydration from my drinking, which I found kind of comical :) I guess from now on I need to pound drops into my eyes like I should pound water before headed out for a night on the town ;)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Just Keeps Getting Better
Well, it has been two weeks since my surgery, and things are seem to be going swimmingly! I can honestly say that the dry-eye situation is getting drastically better. I noticed this weekend that when I woke up in the morning, I wasn't running to find my eye drops. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I would put some in as a proactive measure, not because I necessarily needed them. I noticed on Sunday that my vision seemed to be at its peak. Everything was so crisp and there was no dryness! John and I played the "Can you read that sign?" game again while in the car :)
Last week, I received a really nice card from my doctor and his staff, thanking me for choosing and trusting them with my care. Inside, there was a wonderful gift -- a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble, as a "congratulations on your new vision!" gesture (I'm assuming). I thought that was so nice of them. There was also a referral sheet outlining what benefits I would get if anyone I referred actually went along with the surgery. Not bad ... I'd get a check for $100 for the first person and $150 for every person after that. I certainly can't complain!
Yesterday, vision in my left eye seemed to be a little blurred. Today, my right eye apparently decided to swap roles with the left eye and take a try at it (I would have written "... take a stab at it" but "stab" seemed a little violent when talking about my eyes, haha!). My left eye is back to normal; my right eye is a little off. Also, my right eye is feeling a little sore and there seems to be a little red irritation line looming ... no big deal, though!
I am amazed every day when I wake up that I am able to SEE! It really is incredible ... the coolest thing I've ever experienced. It is also pretty great that I never have to worry about sleeping with my contacts in, forgetting to put them in, and all of that fun stuff. I am going on a trip to Virginia next month to visit family, and I am excited that I won't have to worry about forgetting to pack a backup pair of contacts, my case, solution and glasses! It is exciting to just "get up and go" when I wake up now. Although it only took a few seconds to put my contacts in each day, it took several minutes for them to adjust (super annoying). Eliminating that morning ritual has really added some extra time to my morning scramble!
Once again, no real complaints! I still feel as though I'm living a dream! I can't believe I can finally SEE!!
Last week, I received a really nice card from my doctor and his staff, thanking me for choosing and trusting them with my care. Inside, there was a wonderful gift -- a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble, as a "congratulations on your new vision!" gesture (I'm assuming). I thought that was so nice of them. There was also a referral sheet outlining what benefits I would get if anyone I referred actually went along with the surgery. Not bad ... I'd get a check for $100 for the first person and $150 for every person after that. I certainly can't complain!
Yesterday, vision in my left eye seemed to be a little blurred. Today, my right eye apparently decided to swap roles with the left eye and take a try at it (I would have written "... take a stab at it" but "stab" seemed a little violent when talking about my eyes, haha!). My left eye is back to normal; my right eye is a little off. Also, my right eye is feeling a little sore and there seems to be a little red irritation line looming ... no big deal, though!
I am amazed every day when I wake up that I am able to SEE! It really is incredible ... the coolest thing I've ever experienced. It is also pretty great that I never have to worry about sleeping with my contacts in, forgetting to put them in, and all of that fun stuff. I am going on a trip to Virginia next month to visit family, and I am excited that I won't have to worry about forgetting to pack a backup pair of contacts, my case, solution and glasses! It is exciting to just "get up and go" when I wake up now. Although it only took a few seconds to put my contacts in each day, it took several minutes for them to adjust (super annoying). Eliminating that morning ritual has really added some extra time to my morning scramble!
Once again, no real complaints! I still feel as though I'm living a dream! I can't believe I can finally SEE!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
I Can See Clearly Now....
Just worth noting that the night I had my surgery, one of my very best friends left me a voicemail of her singing the song, "I Can See Clearly Now," but changed the words from "...the rain is gone" to: "... my astigmatism is gone," haha. I have been sworn to vow to never play it for anyone, but I did save it for eternity and don't have a password on my voicemail if anyone just so happens to snag my phone ... her name is Kathleen ;)
Also worth noting: Today was the first day I actually woke up and had the true ability to "see clearly." It was the first time I didn't have to wear those silly eye shields to bed. Those never allowed me to truly "see" when I first woke up until I peeled them off of my face. They were just plastic with tape all over them, so vision was not clear (and shouldn't have been). My first thought when I opened my eyes this morning was, "cool!"
My eyes are still super dry in the morning, but now that I'm allowed to put warm compresses on my face, it helps clear everything up a bit and get my eyes rejuvenated.
Night glares are still hanging around and are getting a little annoying if I'm driving, but I'm hopeful that things will get back to normal over time. When I first started considering having this done, I was told it was going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Basically, I was told to not expect unrealistic results right off the bat ... give it time. Lucky for me, winter is pretty much out the door (although, it never really made an appearance this year), and longer days are ahead. Driving at "night" will be at a minimum since the sun will be out longer ... score! Always looking toward the bright side (get it??)
Also worth noting: Today was the first day I actually woke up and had the true ability to "see clearly." It was the first time I didn't have to wear those silly eye shields to bed. Those never allowed me to truly "see" when I first woke up until I peeled them off of my face. They were just plastic with tape all over them, so vision was not clear (and shouldn't have been). My first thought when I opened my eyes this morning was, "cool!"
My eyes are still super dry in the morning, but now that I'm allowed to put warm compresses on my face, it helps clear everything up a bit and get my eyes rejuvenated.
Night glares are still hanging around and are getting a little annoying if I'm driving, but I'm hopeful that things will get back to normal over time. When I first started considering having this done, I was told it was going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Basically, I was told to not expect unrealistic results right off the bat ... give it time. Lucky for me, winter is pretty much out the door (although, it never really made an appearance this year), and longer days are ahead. Driving at "night" will be at a minimum since the sun will be out longer ... score! Always looking toward the bright side (get it??)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
"I've Created a Monster"
I had an early-morning visit with Dr. D. at Nashua Eye Associates today and I must say, visiting that place during the morning is a much more pleasant experience (not that it's ever bad, though). Calm music was playing and the place was empty. Fast forward to the afternoon and the place is turned into the geriatric ward with walkers and wheelchairs bumping into things and really loud 'turn-your-hearing-aid-up' type voices. I think I am always going to schedule my appointments this early, however, I thought things were going to be off to a bad start when I woke up at 6:30am and tried to brush my teeth with deodorant.......
Awesome news to report: I see 20/15!!!!!!! To be fair, I couldn't read the entire 20/15 line, but I saw enough of it to count, I guess. Neither the 20/20 or the 20/15 lines were super crisp, but I was told that will come with time and it probably had something to do with my eyes being dry. I was told the morning is when our eyes are the driest, and I can certainly attest to that. I hadn't taken my Restasis drops yet, so I am sure that contributed to it as well. The longer I sat in the exam chair and let my eyes adjust, the clearer I could see the 20/15 line. In fact, when Dr. D. put a little moisture in my eyes before fully looking at them with the lamp, I could see the lines pretty clearly.
Dr. D. was shocked and really excited about my progress. Not that he didn't think it would work, but, with my eyes being as poor as they were before, the speed of the progress I've been experiencing really is miraculous. He sat back and said, "I've created a monster!" ... pretty cool if you ask me :)
I am now done with taking the Vigamox (antibiotic) drops and I'm down to taking the Prednisolone (steroid) drops twice a day (as opposed to four times a day). I am keeping with the Restasis drops as well as the Refresh Optive rewetting drops as needed (bought more today). Apparently there was another prescription I was supposed to be taking, but never received. Dr. D. was not fazed by it and we both kind of laughed it off. He said my eyes are healthy and there are still no ripples in my cornea. I've been cleared to sleep without the awesome eye shields (wohoo!) and I can now let water run on my face in the shower. No more neck-breaking shower experiences! I am now allowed to put a warm compress on my eyes and that will allow for my eyelashes to clear up a bit (medicine drops get caught on them), however, still no eye makeup (boooo). Also, still no rubbing my eyes. I'm not too concerned about it. I figure, if I've survived a week without rubbing my eyes, especially when they were at their most irritated, I'm fine to continue on. All-in-all, everything is better than expected! I made an appointment to come back in a month. Dr. D. said typically he could go three months before seeing me again, but he likes to check up on his LASIK patients sooner and keep a close eye on them (pun intended).
Today, my eyes are the usual dry and still have those lovely red irritated lines at the top and feel a little sore/tired. Dr. D. didn't mention anything other than my eyes looking great, so I'm going to assume everything is normal.
I already had one friend contact my eye doctor to set up a consultation. He was really impressed with my results and was approved for LASIK elsewhere, but the price he was quoted was significantly more than I paid. I'm anxious to hear how it goes. The office should be calling him today. If anyone is interested in hearing more, feel free to contact me. I cannot say enough positive things about Nashua Eye Associates, Dr. D and his team, as well as the team over at Lens Doctors. Obviously, I can only speak from my experience with them, but I'd say they are certainly among the best of the best. If my friend ends up having the procedure done and mentions I referred him, I should get money off of my procedure, which is totally awesome. I was referred by a friend and gave his name, so hopefully he will receive something as well.
I couldn't be happier with the way everything is progressing! :)
Awesome news to report: I see 20/15!!!!!!! To be fair, I couldn't read the entire 20/15 line, but I saw enough of it to count, I guess. Neither the 20/20 or the 20/15 lines were super crisp, but I was told that will come with time and it probably had something to do with my eyes being dry. I was told the morning is when our eyes are the driest, and I can certainly attest to that. I hadn't taken my Restasis drops yet, so I am sure that contributed to it as well. The longer I sat in the exam chair and let my eyes adjust, the clearer I could see the 20/15 line. In fact, when Dr. D. put a little moisture in my eyes before fully looking at them with the lamp, I could see the lines pretty clearly.
Dr. D. was shocked and really excited about my progress. Not that he didn't think it would work, but, with my eyes being as poor as they were before, the speed of the progress I've been experiencing really is miraculous. He sat back and said, "I've created a monster!" ... pretty cool if you ask me :)
I am now done with taking the Vigamox (antibiotic) drops and I'm down to taking the Prednisolone (steroid) drops twice a day (as opposed to four times a day). I am keeping with the Restasis drops as well as the Refresh Optive rewetting drops as needed (bought more today). Apparently there was another prescription I was supposed to be taking, but never received. Dr. D. was not fazed by it and we both kind of laughed it off. He said my eyes are healthy and there are still no ripples in my cornea. I've been cleared to sleep without the awesome eye shields (wohoo!) and I can now let water run on my face in the shower. No more neck-breaking shower experiences! I am now allowed to put a warm compress on my eyes and that will allow for my eyelashes to clear up a bit (medicine drops get caught on them), however, still no eye makeup (boooo). Also, still no rubbing my eyes. I'm not too concerned about it. I figure, if I've survived a week without rubbing my eyes, especially when they were at their most irritated, I'm fine to continue on. All-in-all, everything is better than expected! I made an appointment to come back in a month. Dr. D. said typically he could go three months before seeing me again, but he likes to check up on his LASIK patients sooner and keep a close eye on them (pun intended).
Today, my eyes are the usual dry and still have those lovely red irritated lines at the top and feel a little sore/tired. Dr. D. didn't mention anything other than my eyes looking great, so I'm going to assume everything is normal.
I already had one friend contact my eye doctor to set up a consultation. He was really impressed with my results and was approved for LASIK elsewhere, but the price he was quoted was significantly more than I paid. I'm anxious to hear how it goes. The office should be calling him today. If anyone is interested in hearing more, feel free to contact me. I cannot say enough positive things about Nashua Eye Associates, Dr. D and his team, as well as the team over at Lens Doctors. Obviously, I can only speak from my experience with them, but I'd say they are certainly among the best of the best. If my friend ends up having the procedure done and mentions I referred him, I should get money off of my procedure, which is totally awesome. I was referred by a friend and gave his name, so hopefully he will receive something as well.
I couldn't be happier with the way everything is progressing! :)
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