My LASIK Experience: Everything You Need to Know

I finally did it! After years of debating if I should get LASIK vision surgery, I finally pulled the trigger. Before I get into the details, please note that this post is a recap of my experience. I’m not encouraging or discouraging you to get the procedure, but simply sharing my experience. Please consult a surgeon and make an educated decision before undergoing any medical procedure.

Selecting A Surgeon

I’ve been going to the same optometrist for the last 10 years. I started wearing glasses when I was 10 and transitioned to contact lenses when I was in high school. Although I tried a variety of contact lenses they were never really comfortable. Eventually, I started wearing glasses exclusively due to an eye allergy and dry eyes 5 years ago, I asked my eye doctor if I’d be a good candidate for LASIK. Since my prescription had remained the same for many years he thought I’d be a good candidate. Time passed and I never followed through until February.

Consultations and Co-Management

At my initial visit my eye doctor did a full eye exam, reviewed my prescription history, and took measurements to verify that I’d still be a good candidate for LASIK. After his review, he gave me two recommendations for surgeons. He gave me feedback on surgeons at both facilities but left the final decision up to me.

I scheduled an appointment with the surgery center where they walked me through the procedure, retook my measurements (to make sure they matched my eye doctor’s) did a few tests and discussed the financial component. Everything lined up and my surgery date was set!

Before I jump into the day of surgery, let me explain co-management.

Before selecting this particular center, I did a consultation at Lasik Plus to get a comparison. I know quite a few people that have gone to Lasik Plus and had great experiences. At the time, Lasik Plus was offering $1,000 off Lasik.

Ultimately, I decided not to go with Lasik Plus. It came down to the fact that I’d get one follow up visit the day after my surgery and if I had any issues after the surgery, I’d have to get in touch with my eye doctor.

Unlike Lasik Plus, my doctor participated in a co-management program with the surgery center. I had 1 follow up appointment the day after surgery, a 1 week follow up appointment with my eye doctor, a 1- month follow up, and I’ll have a 6 month follow up. If any issues arise, I can call my eye doctor. That level of care was a gamechanger for me.

The Day of Surgery

I arrived at the surgery center about 2 hours before my actual surgery. During this time they confirmed my measurements, and took a few tests to make sure everything was right. They also discussed aftercare. They put numbing drops in my eyes, gave me a pill to help relax me before the surgery and I literally felt like I was floating on clouds on my way to the exam room. Once in the exam room it was go time.

Did it Hurt?

I’ll say this, I felt A LOT of pressure. I don’t know if the nurse put enough numbing drops in my eyes or if it was simply the nature of the procedure but the actual procedure was extremely uncomfortable. I’m not going to lie there were a few moments when I wanted to just jump off the table and cancel the entire thing,

It felt like forever, but the procedure took about 10 minutes. Once the surgeon was done I breathed a sigh of relief and the doctor examined my eyes. Unfortunately, he saw a little tear on my cornea as a result of the tools of the surgery so he had to take me back to the surgery table.

Getting my eyes examined immediately after surgery

At this point I was OVER IT! I laid back down and the surgeon put a contact lens on my eye. This was basically acting like a little band aid so I didn’t experience any discomfort in my eyes. I didn’t feel the contact lens at all. I was finally done and free to go home.

The Aftermath

I tried to keep my eyes closed as much as possible right after the surgery. To be honest, it hurt to keep them open and the best way for your eyes to heal is to keep them closed as a much as you can.

Your doctor’s office will give you some shades to wear, but my eyes were still super sensitive to the light. I ended up riding home in the car with sunglasses on and a jacket over my head to block as much of the light as possible.

If you choose to get LASIK I definitely recommend getting your surgery scheduled for later in the day so you won’t have to deal with sunlight plus it will also make it much easier to sleep.

Once I got home, I went to sleep. For the next 5-6 hours my eyes were tearing profusely which is normal. The doctor prescribed me antibiotic drops that I’d need to use every hour for the first 24 hours. I’d use them for the next week of surgery but only 4x per day after the first day. I could see immediately after surgery but things were definitely blurry.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a normal part of LASIK and your doctor will also prescribe you tears to use as needed.

The Day After Surgery

I was able to drive to my appointment the day after surgery. It was so weird being able to drive without wearing glasses! At my appointment, the doctor removed the contact lens, and also said that one of my eyes was already seeing 20/20. I couldn’t believe it.

The second day after surgery, I did some night driving and probably shouldn’t have. My eyes have always been extra sensitive to bright lights at night, and I saw some halos around headlights.

One Month In

I’m really happy with the results of my surgery and I’m so glad I did it. Prior to surgery, my eye doctor told me that the goal wasn’t to have absolutely perfect vision but to get me as close as possible. I’ve been nearsighted my entire life and my doctor mentioned that he was happy that the surgeon left a bit of wiggle room. In 10 years or so I may need reading glasses but I’m totally ok with that.

Things to Keep in Mind

You can’t wear any eye makeup for a week or two after your surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions
You have to sleep in goggles for one week after your surgery
No rubbing your eyes for the first week or two
No swimming or water activities

If you have any other questions about my surgery, feel free to ask. Also, don’t forget to check out the LASIK highlight cover on my Instagram.