LASIK: Gina, 26

August 17, 1999
Web posted at: 11:44 a.m. EDT (1544 GMT)

Name: Gina

Age: 26

Residence: Los Angeles County

Procedure: LASIK

Which eyes: Both eyes

Cost: $5,000. Her regular doctor is co-managing the procedure. He will handle all the after-care checkups and will take a portion of the fee.

When done: June 24, 1999

Why did you do it?

Gina said she had worn glasses for eight of nine years and was "sick" of wearing them. She found contacts uncomfortable and didn't like waking up and not being able to see.

Would you call it successful?

"Definitely." She said it had been wonderful. While she did experience dry eyes for a while after the procedure, she found putting in the wetting drops and the antibiotic drops dealt with the problem.

She has also noticed a problem with glare at night. She said she considered it more than a halo effect, but she only experiences it at night or in dark or dim places. She sees a glare around lights.

She has returned for her one-month checkup and discussed the problem with the doctor. He informed her it could go away after three months. Technically she is still considered to be in the healing process. Her doctor told her if she still experiences the problem after healing, they would try lenses that she would wear only at night.

She says glasses to drive at night would be fine with her. If the problem remains, they cannot be certain that glasses will be able to help the problem. They will have to wait and see.

What was your vision before the procedure?

Gina was unsure of what her actual prescription was. She described her vision as "really bad" and said she thought it was -3.25 in one eye and -3.75 in the other. Basically she could not see well without glasses.

After:

She now sees 20/15. Her vision was 20/20 the day after the procedure, but it has improved. They have told her it will fluctuate and could go up or down.

Did this procedure meet your expectations?

"I've never been happier," she said. According to Gina, the procedure met her expectations "to the fullest."

Would you do it again?

"Yes, in a heartbeat! I would recommend it to anyone."

Any pain?

None whatsoever.

How would you describe the experience?

She said this was "the most pleasant painless experience" she ever had.

What risks were you made aware of ahead of time?

Gina said she was told she might experience glare at night or in dark places. Because her eye is light and her pupil is larger than average, she was informed she was at increased risk for this problem.

Did you seek out the treatment, or was it suggested to you by a doctor?

She asked her doctor about the treatment. She said she has a wonderful relationship with her eye doctor and has a good deal of trust in him. When she asked about the procedure, she said, he was very up-front with her.

She was nervous the day of the LASIK but was treated very well and was accompanied to the procedure by her doctor.

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