Lasik, PRK, and SMILE Eye Surgeries: A Personal Experience

Introduction

• Personal concerns about elective laser eye surgery due to horror stories online.
• Decided to go for consultation and opted for SMILE surgery.
• Personal background: Vision issues since middle school, wearing glasses and contacts since then.
• Pre-surgery prescription: -5.00 in both eyes with slight astigmatism.

Types of Laser Eye Surgeries

1. Lasik

   • Procedure:
     • Laser cuts a flap in the eye.
     • Flap lifted, cornea reshaped, flap closed.
   • Pros:
     • Fast procedure.
     • Quick recovery time.
   • Cons:
     • Higher risk of dry eye due to nerve damage.
     • Flap never fully heals; risk of dislodging in an accident.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

   • Procedure:
     • Surface of cornea shaved down and reshaped.
     • Cornea regrows over time.
   • Pros:
     • No flap creation, thus no risk of flap dislodgment.
     • Less chance of dry eye.
   • Cons:
     • Longer and more painful recovery.
     • Increased light sensitivity and discomfort during recovery.

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

   • Procedure:
     • Laser creates a small incision and a lenticule inside the cornea.
     • Surgeon manually removes the lenticule through the incision.
   • Pros:
     • Less risk of dry eye compared to Lasik.
     • Quick healing time.
   • Cons:
     • Fewer candidates eligible.
     • Requires a highly skilled surgeon.
     • Newer procedure with limited long-term data.

Personal Choice and Experience with SMILE

• Initial intention to choose PRK due to participation in combat sports.
• Doctor recommended SMILE:
  • Less invasive, suitable for active lifestyle.
• Surgery Date: Scheduled on February 2nd.
• Pre-surgery Preparations:
  • Treatment with antibiotics and steroids.
  • Provided with artificial tears and an emergency contact number.
  • Took Ativan due to high nervousness.

Surgery Day

• Detailed recount of the process:
  • Numbing drops administered.
  • Eye taped and clamped open.
  • Laser procedure and manual extraction of lenticule.
  • Stressful due to active patient participation required.
• Post-surgery observations:
  • Immediate clarity in vision despite some haze.
  • Managed minor pain with provided medication and artificial tears.

Recovery and Results

• Immediate post-surgery: Blurred and hazy vision, light sensitivity.
• Next Day: Achieved 20/20 vision, confirmed at post-op appointment.
• Continued minor dry eye and slight night vision issues (halos, starbursts).
• Recovery progress steady over the next few days.

Final Thoughts and Advice

• Personal recommendation: Would choose SMILE again.
  • Emphasized importance of choosing experienced and highly qualified surgeons.
  • Advised against cost-cutting measures such as Groupons or cheaper international options.
• Noted prevalence of positive outcomes over negative anecdotes found online.

Conclusion

• Discussion on personal decision-making and the importance of thorough research.
• Encouraged potential patients to look beyond scary online stories and focus on statistical outcomes and professional advice.
• Open to questions and further discussions.

End of Personal Experience