The full review is below; however, here is a shortlist for those of us who do not want to read.
Pros :
No pain in the surgery
Vision is much better than before and 20/20 at times with both eyes.
Did not add on unneeded costs
Follow-ups and issues are included in the cost ( Stand behind the procedure)
Cons:
Rushed into the procedure (anti-anxiety meds did not take effect)
Told I will still need contacts/ glasses
Issues occurred during the process
Lasik mill experience
Impersonal experience
Extended recovery, possible follow-up PRK may be due to rushing procedure
I went into TLC and had the evaluation. I also checked out other Lasik places but was seeing the most recommendations for TLC. I had two pre evaluations that both went good. Was told not to wear my contacts for two weeks before the procedure and use eye drops and take fish oil. Was wanting the Contoura® Vision/topography-guided Lasik but was told due to my eyes possibly being a candidate for cataracts in the future this would not be advisable. Was nice to see that they didn't take my money for the Contoura® up charge and did evaluate my situation. On the day of the procedure, I was the first one they gave me something to calm my nerves and sat me in the waiting room. They waited about 5 to 10 minutes and then sent me back for the procedure. Here is my first issue. The anti-anxiety drug I was on reaches peak pharmacological effects set in 30-90 minutes after administration.
For this reason, I was very nervous / sweating going into the operating room. My surgeon was Dr. Kevin Clark. During the procedure, the staff had trouble with the femtosecond cutting process. The right eye, they eventually got the flap cut; however, on the left eye while they were trying the surgeon asked me to "look down" followed by a "no, not that much." They reverted to cutting or removing the flap manually on the left eye and putting in a bandage contact. I will say during the laser and flap removal process; there is no pain whatsoever. When the operation was complete, I was trying to get answers to what happened and what will this mean long term? However, was taken to a relaxation room instead and told that the doctor would check me out shortly and he could answer my questions. After a few moments, the doctor came and checked me out for release. I asked about the complications and was told: "It's not normal, but it is not abnormal either.". Also, the anti-anxiety meds were taking effect because while inside I was outraged, I was unable to push the doctor for more. They released me to my driver who knew me well enough to see, once I explained what happened, I was distraught. My driver then asked that they better explain the situation and was told while the left eye did not go as planned it should be fine long term. A day after the procedure, I had my follow up with a local OD, my right eye is 20/20, remarkable! My left eye, however, is very blurry, and the contact will remain in place. Also, this is the first time I sat down and thoroughly explained the issues they ran into during surgery and had an actual question and answer session where I left feeling somewhat relieved. ( Small plug for Scott G. Smith, OD as he was a breath of fresh air in the whole process.) The inconsistencies in my eyes cause me to have terrible headaches. On day four, they removed the bandage contact, but still, my left eye was very blurry. On day 13 was told I would most likely need glasses or contacts until they maybe will redo the surgery (probably PRK). This information is all from Dr. Scott Smith as TLC hs not contacted me at all since the surgery day.
The reason I write this is to help someone in the future, hopefully. I believe the TLC procedure for me was rushed as there were already four of us waiting for LASIK when I went into the operation. The anti-anxiety drugs had not taken effect as well as when they ran into issues with the femtosecond process the direction was unclear considering my eyesight was pitch black. Do I think the procedure was worth it? Yes, it is incredible to function without glasses and contacts (headaches, blurry vision, and all). The result of this review is, hopefully, a rework of the current procedures and practices. The saying goes an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of cure. I believe this to be true in my case as if they had waited or been more patient during the operation, I think both eyes would have gone according to plan, and I would have had much less recovery time and recovery issues. I paid more money to go with TLC because they were supposed to be the "best". They state at TLC "It's important to find a LASIK provider who is careful, unhurried and is as demanding about safety and results as you are." However, in my experience, I felt like a paycheck to the surgeon and TLC as the process was impersonal, expedited, and my concerns/questions ignored so they could get to the next patent/paycheck. read more
