Refractive surgery / Reviews on Refractive Surgery
Santiago R. - 31 years
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Surgery for myopia, hypermetropia and/or astigmatism at Oftalvist Madrid "It has made a great difference to my quality of life and everything I have to deal with on a daily basis." |
With what visual problem do you arrive at Oftalvist?
Since I can remember I have worn glasses. I have been increasing the diopters until September 2015 when I had 2 diopters of astigmatism in each eye and myopia, 1.75 in the right eye and 1.5 in the left eye.
Why did you decide to have surgery?
The first thing to keep in mind is that you always have to be aware of wearing glasses or contact lenses, plus accessories. I tried to use the contact lenses, but he refused them. I always had to be aware of going out with one or two pairs of glasses (in case one broke).
Any forgetfulness or breakage of the glasses was a setback on trips, work meetings, congresses, even walking down the street if someone greeted me or when driving. This meant that I often had to buy new glasses with the consequent economic expense that it entailed.
In my case, making a quick calculation, when 4 years pass after the surgery I will have recovered the investment made with the operation. However, what affected me the most was when it came to playing sports, since I usually practice skiing, soccer and paddle tennis, where I did not wear my glasses for fear of contact or that they would break and, therefore, prevented me from developing activity in good condition.
What do they ask you at Oftalvist where you go to have surgery for myopia and astigmatism?
I had always thought that one day I would have surgery, but I always delayed it, among other things because I was quite skeptical of current techniques and especially of having my eyes touched.
One day a friend told me that the sooner I had surgery, the sooner I would begin to enjoy all that seeing well entails. As a pharmacist, I became interested in and studied the different techniques offered by ophthalmology clinics.
The doctors at the ophthalmology clinic in Madrid, after studying my case based on my clinical history and the previous tests performed, offered me the possibility of performing femtosecond laser surgery as I was an ideal candidate for such an operation.
They explained to me that at Oftalvist the traditional Lasik technique was performed with a femtosecond laser instead of a blade to cut the cornea. Although using the femtosecond is a little more expensive than the blade, it gave me much more confidence and I opted for this option because I have always been of the opinion that you don't play with your eyes and any prevention is welcome.
Could you describe what 100% laser refractive surgery consists of?
From the day I stepped foot in the clinic for the first time, it was clear to me from the beginning. Having the possibility of getting rid of the glasses, not only from a logistical point of view but also from an economic point of view, was a decision that benefited me.
The surgery does not last more than 30 minutes from the time you enter until you leave the operating room on your own foot. I was in the waiting room for just 10 minutes and they immediately transferred me to the operating room.
The surgery consists of 2 different lasers. The first thing they give you is some anesthetic drops so you don't notice any kind of pain or uncomfortable sensation; You immediately get under the first laser, which lasts no more than 30 seconds per eye. This is the Femtosecond laser that makes a cut in the cornea so that the second laser can reach the "crystalline" and correct the diopters.
Once the first laser is finished, they change your stretcher and start the second laser that lasted about 40 seconds per eye. With the anesthetic that they give you, you don't even realize it, and luckily, since as I mentioned, I was super reticent to touch my eyes. The time in the operating room flies by and nothing heavy is done. Being honest, I would say that it hurts more to remove a cavity.
How is the experience in the operating room?
The professionalism of the doctors and operating room staff make it much easier for the experience in the operating room to be a mere formality. From the moment you enter until you leave, they explain everything in detail; what you are feeling, seeing, etc. At no time did I notice any pain.
And the postoperative period of surgery?
At the end of the surgery, you leave on your own foot. I remember that the day of the operation was a very sunny day. They give you a cosmetic bag with sunglasses to protect your eyes. I recommend going home that same day since the moment the effect of the anesthetic wears off is when you start to notice some discomfort and tingling in the eyes, a sensation that lasts approximately between 4 and 6 hours.
I stayed at home relaxed with my eyes closed until it passed. The next day, the pain had practically completely subsided and you can lead a normal life without staring at the computer for many hours at a time. Basically what happened to me from the next day is that you start freaking out about everything. It was like being born again bridging the gap. While your brain adjusts to the fact that you no longer have to squint to see, I looked everywhere in disbelief.
For two or three weeks after the operation I had some moments in which my vision was slightly blurry, but it is momentary and it passes quickly. Over time, the layer of the cornea heals and after a month I no longer had any problems.
Do you follow any medical indications after surgery?
One of the most feared adverse effects after the operation is chronic dry eyes. In my case, it is true that 6 months after the operation I continue to use eye drops on demand to hydrate the eye. I use them less and less but I do continue with them. However, without a doubt, it is well worth it and I would do it again a thousand times.
Finally, what can you do now, that you couldn't do before, in your day to day?
Well the reality is that what it is to do you can do the same, the difference is in the quality with which you do and face everything in your day to day. It is not the same to see how life goes by as life goes by without seeing it :)
