I am now 10 days post-op after Wavelight/IntraLase Lasik, & I couldn't be happier! I had worn contacts for 20+ years, & although inconvenient, I was content until I began having issues with redness & irritation every time I put contacts in. Wearing glasses 24/7 was not a desirable option for me, since I like to maintain an active lifestyle, & they annoy me when I'm at work. I'd considered Lasik off & on for years, but my recent contact issues caused me to take the plunge & have the procedure within a week & a half of having my initial consultation.
I found all of the staff members at Tysons LasikPlus center to be knowledgeable & personable. During the consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined to determine if I was a suitable candidate for lasik. My vision was tested, as well as testing for dryness & corneal thickness. The OD who examined me (I think Dr. Christo?) was very friendly & answered all my questions, most before I even asked. She also noted that I am a healthcare provider, & therefore prescribed an additional antibiotic eye drop, due to having increased risk of infection.
Dr. Wills called a couple of days prior to my procedure to address any questions I might have had. On the day of the procedure, I did have a bit of a wait in the office before starting. Then I was re-examined to make sure there were no changes to the condition of my eyes. Dr. Mohanan examined them, & she was also very thorough & helpful in answering my questions. She then put the numbing drops in my eyes, and after about 10 minutes, Dr. Wills came in to do a final check for questions. I really appreciated his straightforward manner, & he did not act like my paranoid nurse-turned-patient questions (like "could I go blind") were ridiculous. The procedure was quicker than I expected. Dr. Wills talks you through every step of the procedure. The only uncomfortable part was when they used some kind of suction device (I'm assuming to immobilize your eye) when making the corneal incision. I thought it hurt (although most people say the whole procedure is painless) and I've been told I have a higher tolerance for pain. However, it was definitely tolerable, because there is a 10 second count down for each eye, so I knew when it was almost over. It's also a little unnerving during this part because you basically lose most of your vision temporarily, but I had been well-prepared for this. Then he uses the 2nd laser to make the corrections, which looks a little surreal since you're staring at red & green blurry lights but can't see anything else, & then it's done!
I was on my way home in about 2 minutes after the procedure was completed. My advice is, schedule the procedure during the middle of the day when you know you can be home quickly. My designated driver & I hit traffic, & Dr. Wills does not exaggerate when he warns you during the pre-op instructions that if you stay awake after the procedure (they recommend you go straight home & give you meds to help you sleep), your eyes will start to burn, tear, & hurt about 15 minutes after when the numbing drops wear off. This was no joke. I was almost regretting the whole thing during the drive home. But once I got home, I was able to go to sleep. I woke briefly after a couple hours, & my eyes were still watering & hurt, but I was able to go back to sleep. When I woke a few hours later, the pain & watering were gone & I could SEE! At my first post-op check my vision was 20/15! It still seems a bit miraculous. I don't regret any of the discomfort, & am completely satisfied, as I've had no complications whatsoever. Dr. Wills, Dr. Mohanan, & the rest of the staff were top notch, & I highly recommend! I'm loving the freedom of my new eyes! read more