|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Talksurgery adheres to the Health On the Net Foundation's Code of Conduct
|
|
|
|
PRK Procedure
Pros:
No general anesthetic required (drops only).
Rapid procedure (20 minutes from start to finish).
Quick recovery time with little discomfort.
Immediate and long lasting results.
|
Cons:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
|
Cost:
$4000
|
Healing time:
2-3 days
|
Pain-o-meter: 2
|
I decided on this procedure after years of contact lense use began irritating my eyes and becoming a nuisance. I consulted the an eye institute in Toronto and felt very secure with their recommendations as they have been at the forefront of most of the research in the area of vision correction. My doctor also told me that he had performed the procedure on several family members and friends, and that many of the doctors at the institute had also undergone the procedure.
After several standard tests, my doctor advised that I was an ideal candidate for PRK as I was moderately nearsighted with an astigmatism.
Prior to the procedure, I could not wear my contact lenses for several days in order to allow the shape of my eye to stabilize. I was also advised not to wear make-up for the procedure.
The procedure itself took 20 minutes from start to finish and approximately 60 seconds actual laser time per eye. The only disconcerting portion of the procedure is that after receiving anesthetic drops, the protective layer on the surface of your eyes is rubbed off with a rotation brush (totally painless, just strange)prior to the laser treatment.
Immediately following the treatment, you can see perfectly (although through the haze of your newly "polished" eyes).
In terms of healing, the doctor gave me more anaesthetic drops, steriod drops, a valium and a pair of enormous blue-blockers. Aside from a sensitivity to light, it almost feels as if someone has thrown sand in your eyes. This is only mildly uncomfortable and doesn't last more than a few days (only a day for some people).
Other than that, I was required to attend several follow up appointments the first year following the surgery. All of these were just to ensure everything was healing on schedule and that the newly corrected vision was enduring.
I'm totally satisfied with this procedure and would recommend it to absolutely anyone. It really has made life a lot more simple!
Here are more details:
How results differed from what I expected:
The only difference is that I am more sensitive to sunlight than before; it is now essential to wear sunglasses to prevent the regression of my eyesight.
Biggest fears pre-procedure:
My biggest pre-procedure fear was that the laser could somehow harm my vision or, at worst, cause blindness. However, I understand this has never happened and at worst, they won't be able to offer you 100% perfect vision.
Healing aids used:
Nothing serious required. However, I would recommend an audio-book for the day of your procedure; there really isn't much else to do when your vision is distorted.
Number of doctors consulted:
1
Number of years I thought about having the procedure:
1 year
Had an elective procedure before:
No
Complications or follow-up procedures:
Not specified
|
This information is not to substitute for professional medical advice. You
should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or
disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please
consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have
regarding your condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gender:
Female
|
Age:
27
|
Ethnic group:
Caucasian
Education:
Post-graduate degree
Country:
Canada
State/Province:
Quebec
|
|
|
|
About 70 percent of young women try to lose weight. That dissatisfaction with their body weight stays with them into adulthood.
(Source: "the Role of Weight Management in the Health of Women" by Sachiko T. St. Jeor, professor and director of Nutrition Education and Research at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine)
|
|
|
|
