2012= 20/12.
Sorry-- that's not some mathematical equation I am trying to solve. This is how I describe the current state of my 2012 year to which I now have a 20/20 vision (well my post op shows I got 20/12 vision even better than 20/20).
I am officially announcing that after years of wearing prescription glasses and contacts (well almost half of my adult life), I have finally put them to rest after undergoing IntraLasik surgery almost 3 weeks ago at Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center. It is a famous Japanese center which was brought here in the Philippines few years ago.
If you remember, I blogged about the recent Cosmetologie 2012 event here and I happen to be "sweet talked" by one of their agents (hihi!) and was offered a huge discount being at the said event.
Someone I knew underwent Lasik procedure some fifteen years ago using the old technology called Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and was begging me to do it too since there has been a huge improvement in the technology since then.
Since 2 yrs ago, I was considering Lasik to get rid of my glasses and contact lenses. I am nearsighted with -4.50 grade + 175 astigmatism so you can imagine me literally blind without my glasses. However, this procedure as you all know does not come cheap. Sans the hefty price tag, I was imagining all the benefits of being a normal human being.
Traditional Lasik is different from IntraLasik as the former uses "blade" while the latter is called "bladeless" thus more expensive if you check in all lasik centers.
I decided to undergo IntraLasik though more pricey since I was told this one has lesser downtime.
Okay-- SOLD!
Intra LASIK or Blade?
The current traditional LASIK at Philippine centers are using blade machine called Microkeratome for cutting out the flap from the cornea. The Microkeratome is a hand-held instrument which contains a steel blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea.
A Microkeratome is only capable of making a single, one-dimensional cut across the cornea. As it cuts, the blade oscillates back and forth, which can leave an irregular surface after the flap is lifted. This can affect the quality of your postoperative vision. But Microkeratome physical blade have limitation and its capability of cutting range of the cornea is less than with Intra LASIK, therefore its range of curing myopia (a refractive defect of the eye) is also less.
With Intra LASIK Method, it creates a smooth surface after your flap is lifted and the blade never touches your eye. It decreases the risk of inflammation and infection from the surgery.
THE CONSULTATION:
I was asked to stop wearing contacts for at least a week. I had to undergo series of eye tests going from one machine to another. There would also be a chart test to further assess how terrible your eyesight is. And this is not your usual chart wherein the letters of the alphabet can be memorized. Instead a symbol is shown and you would then be asked about the position of this symbol (left, right, up, down).
And in the morning of my assessment, they told me I was qualified for the procedure! Yey!
THE DAY OF THE SURGERY:
All I could remember was that it wasn't painful however be prepared to feel as if there was a foreign object in your eyes after the surgery. The actual procedure didn't even last 60 secs for each eye! You need not worry because the staff are well trained and very accommodating making you feel at ease despite the fear of being in the operating table, lol.
You will be brought to a secure room, be asked to wear their gown, and off you go to the table. You will be asked to return to their clinic the next day for a follow up check.
AFTER THE SURGERY:
I was able to see though blurry right after the surgery. You will be then given a small package which contained all eyedrops you need while recuperating plus a soft pair of glasses you can wear as you may experience sensitivity to light. There was also another pair of "goggles" to wear every night for 7 days.
Some DON'Ts after the surgery:
- No swimming for 1 month-
- No rubbing of the eyes
- No wetting of eyes for 1 week (this was a torture, lol)
- No eye makeup (okay, I can deal with this) for at least 7 days
Overall, I am very happy I am feeling soooo normal like most of you by not wearing contacts or glasses. I read about all the negative reviews of Lasik procedures but then I had my mind set on getting this and no amount of negativity changed my mind.
By the time I will be in my 40's, I will probably be getting some reading glasses like most forty-year-olds do.
The pain after the surgery (foreign object inside your eyes) is a very small price to pay considering its benefits, in my honest opinion.
Special thanks to the following kind people who helped me get through this milestone (naks!):
- Dr. Brian Sulit (Shinagawa)
- Rhonie (Shinagawa)
- All Shinagawa Staff
- Tin and her mom (for being generous with chikas, time and you know what, lol)
- My boss (who understood I had to skip a day of work as I couldn't see clearly after spending too much time in my office computer few days after the surgery)
- Friends and family for prayers
Special thanks too to my cat for the support and weird looks at me while I wasn't my usual self during this period:)
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| My Persian cat is soooo cute:) |
TIP: Be sure to follow your check up schedule with their doctors. Remember that they know best so be like a dog for a while and say yes to everything:)
Shinagawa is located at Mezzanine, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center,6766 Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Philippines.
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center offers a comprehensive 3-year enhancement warranty that can be taken up either in the Philippines or Japan. In the rare event that you require another procedure (even years later), there is no additional consultation or surgical charge in terms of enhancement for short-sightedness and astigmatism. All you need to pay for is the cost of consumables.
For all questions about my procedure such as costs, etc. please email me at: theredlippie@gmail.com.
Ciao!
Love,
Miss J
PS: Mom-- if only you are here (and not in heaven), I'd gladly pay for your IntraLasik too (sob!). Miss you, lots:)
