Hi guys,
So in the end I chose transPKR @ clear vision, I did my procedure in Oct 17 & just wanted to share my exp with y'all.
1st appointment was eye check up, I went on a weekday morning, so it was empty and I completed my check-up + doc's review within an hour. My cornea thickness and eye shape is suitable for this procedure, so there wasn't much concern. My eyesight was L 3.00, R 3.25, astigmatism 1.75 on both sides.
surgery day:
- Filled up some forms, paid money, and went through a briefing on post-care and how to use the medications, etc.
- after the briefing, you are asked if you need the toilet, otherwise they will "suit you up".
- there was 4 patients going thru surgery that day, and I was no.3 (I think it's first come first serve, so if you come in early and register first, you get to go first).
- "suit up" basically is wearing of the gowns and eye drop to dilate ur eyeballs. After suiting up, we sat outside the Operation Theatre and waited for our turn. (it's a relatively fast procedure, about 15 mins each).
- when it was my turn, I was literally shaking... but very excited at the same time...
- so anyways, I was instructed to lie down on the operating table. Doc go through with you briefly what will happen, and ask you not to worry and put numbing eye drop on 1st eye (mine was right).
- after the eyedrop, doc will fix the eye clamp on you. The eye clam obviously is to prevent u from blinking during the procedure.
- after a few mins, the doc will start the procedure... so basically you just have to lie there, look into the green light and hold as still as possible.
- doc will do a countdown.. and basically I'm just telling myself to hold as still as possible. I actually did smell some burning smell on my first eye and was freaking out lol. Once its done, doc said "well done! 1 eye done!" and then he will clean ur eyes with eyedrops and antibacterial wipe, which was kinda weird cause u can see him poking ur eyes, but you don't feel a thing. The doc will also put some sort of contact lens thats suppose to help your recovery.
- now, same thing repeat for the second eye. Personally I thought the second eye was much harder to go through. As after the procedure, my first eye was already going through light sensitivity, so it was damn hard and painful to keep my eyes wide open without moving. But didn't have much of a choice but to grit through ur teeth and finish that 30seconds of laser.
- after I'm done with both eyes, I sat up and saw clarity!!Was super excited, and got to take a obligated photo with the doctor before moving to the dark room for a 40mins rest.
Dark room:
- so basically there are 5 different eyedrops u have to put with a 10-mins interval, so the assistant/nurse will help you with your first set of eyedrops, thus the 40mins "rest" in the dark room.
- after my first eye drop, it was ok. I can feel the light sensitivity at this point already, but all's good.
- after a 10mins rest and the second eye drop, eye was starting to having burning sensation (feels like I got chilli padi in my eye)
- by the time the nurse come for 3rd eye drop, I could barely open my eyes... I was like ... is this normal? did the doc lasered the wrong thing, why is there so much pain... I guess much to my relief, the first 2 patient before me felt the same... and they were already in the "advanced" stage of pain lol
- 4th eye drop, the nurse had to pry open my eye... at this point I wanted to cry. the pain was intense, I don't know why did I spend so much money to torture myself....
- after the final eye drop, I could leave already. THANK GOD I had my partner come pick me, otherwise I don't know how I was going to get home.
- as soon as I got home, I took 2 Panadol Xtra and went to sleep.
- I woke up about 3hrs later and there wasn't the intense pain anymore! But I was super super sensitive to light. I had to wear my sunglasses around the house, and I can't even look at my handphone screen, but at least there was no pain.
Recovery
- post op day 1-5, I went back to the doc twice for review. I guess I took quite good care of my eyes, doctor mentioned that I healed very well, so I have to come back in 3 days to remove the contact lens.
- by Day 3, my light sensitivity has pretty much subsided.
- I went out in the evening on day 3, I couldn't really see well but I was bored to death at home, and was a bit shocked to see halo effects on the night lamps, but thank goodness it eventually healed.
- I went back to work on Day 5 , and it was quite hard to read the computer screen. So if you can, best to take longer break.
- In general, eye was ok except for the dryness from the contact lens. Especially when you just wake up, opening your eyes can be a bit painful.
- Day 8 I took out the contact lens, and I felt immediate relief. No more dry eye, but I still couldn't see clearly. Also to note, this was the last time I went back to the doc.
- Day 14, I can look at computer screen without squinting my eyes. Though my eye sight wasn't perfect yet, but it's manageable.
- 1 month post op, I pretty much can read/see most things already. But at this point, I still feel slight pain when I bring something too close to my eye (not touching). For example, when I wear eyeliner, or mascara, my eye actually feels quite stressed....eventually this feeling went away, not sure when exactly though.
- I am about 2.5months post op now. all's good, no light sensitivity, no dry eyes, no pain, no halo effect, no anything! I also went for an eye check up at the optometrist when I wanted to do a pair of computer glasses. and I am 20/15 with 0 astigmatism!
all in all, the surgery is a success for me, and of course I hope it lasts for as long as possible.
Is clearvision a good choice? I would say I am glad I went with transPRK, the healing time was a bit longer but the risk for side effect was very low and I am super happy with my results. If I had the money to spare, I wouldn't go for clearvision. The service level was pretty ****. I felt like I was just another patient, the doctor/nurses wouldn't spend extra effort to explain the procedures unless you ask. But if you haven't go through it, how would you know what to ask?
During one of my follow up appointment, it was a 10am appt, the doc only got to the clinic at 1030am, and I only got to see him at 11am... I was freaking pissed obviously, so I didn't go back for further review after removing my contacts even though it was FOC. But I guess, if you already know what to expect, know exactly what you want, and is looking for a reasonably priced and safe procedure without the bells and whistles, clearvision is a good choice.
HIH!