Everything you need to know about Lasik: before, during & after

I underwent a lasik procedure June of 2021, I wanted to share this experience – in as much detail as possible – so that if ever you’re thinking of going through this procedure, you have an additional perspective to be able to make an informed decision for yourself.

I got the full treatment at the International Specialist Eye Centre (ISEC) at Mid Valley City, all prices mentioned would be based on my experience at ISEC unless otherwise stated.

Pre-lasik

Prior to the actual procedure, you would be required to do a pre-assessment to determine the thickness of your cornea, confirming your eyeglass prescription (“eye power/degree”) and to consult the doctor on the best treatment package.

Pre-assessment was about RM250++ for me. Prior to each visit, do note:

• You will be required to stop wearing contact lenses for 2-4 weeks (depending if you wear soft or hard lenses)

• Arrange for someone to chauffer you because your eyes will be dilated (and blurred) at every visit.

Types of lasik package:

1. All laser (bladeless)

• Aspheric Lasik

• Aspheric Eco (the one I went for)

2. With Blade

• Aspheric Lasik

• Aspheric Eco

3. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

My “eye power” were between 800-900, which was at the brink of what was still acceptable for a lasik procedure but came with slightly more risks. The options that were presented to me were either the Bladeless Aspheric Eco procedure or the ICL. It would be recommended for you to study in more detail, but here’s a summary:

It is generally a safe procedure and so many people undergo it every year. With that note (and the blind faith of my doctor’s expertise), I decided on the Aspheric Eco procedure despite it being very close to a “danger zone” because of my high prescription. Also because the ICL is 2x the price and I didn’t have that kind of money.

If you do decide to go ahead with it, it’s good to be able to take 2 weeks off of work. Although it highly depends on your own healing, there are times where your eyes might be really blur. Less screen time is also recommended during the healing process. I ambitiously took 2 days off and was suffering with my 150% zoom-ed browsers and maximized text options.

During lasik

As mentioned, the bladeless Aspheric Eco procedure can be done anytime (depending on the doctor’s schedule). Before surgery:

• Shower and wash your hair (because you might not be able to for at least 2 days… or 2 weeks)

• No makeup

• Get yourself a nice pair of sunnies

• Do also note that post-surgery consultations will happen one day, one week and one month after (on a minimum)

• Also make sure to arrange necessary transportation because you will not be able to drive

I had to do another pre-assessment to double check the stability of my prescription and to determine the thickness of my cornea (which added up to another RM250++). But once I decided, the surgery was scheduled for the same afternoon.

Here is a chronological recap of what I remember:

1. I was given blue surgery overalls and a cap to wear

2. My eyes were numbed and diluted

3. I was ushered into the operating theatre

4. Lied down on a cold and rather uncomfortable operating table

5. Really big machines were moved to hover above my face (which was a bit claustrophobic, but the entire process was pretty quick)

6. They used some form of clamps to keep my eyes open – which felt like a really heavy pressure on the eye

7. I was told to stare at a red/green light – for 20-30 seconds

8. The process repeated for the second eye

9. Given plastic guards to protect the eyes

Post-surgery prescription included:

- Optive Fusion preservative-free eyedrops (~RM48)

- Zymaxid

- Pred Forte (~RM18)

The total amount (inclusive of consultation, consumables, lasik procedure, a vitamin I added to strengthen my cornea, facility and service charges) amounted to close to RM9000.

Post-lasik

The first 6 hours after the surgery was absolute hell. My eyeballs were in so much pain I felt like gouging my own eyes out. BUT this is also because I’m allergic to painkillers and had no choice but to withstand the pain. If you do not have life-threatening allergies towards painkillers then it’s no biggie!

For the next two weeks:

• No vigorous exercising

• No washing of hair

• No wearing of makeup

The recovery and epiphany of “oh my god, I can see!” can happen as soon as one day after the surgery… to months after – all depending on the individual. I would suggest for you to take at least two days off post-surgery because your eyesight might still be tremendously blurry. For me, it was almost two weeks of blurriness (browsers was zoomed in at 150% and phone text size was set to the largest) before my eyes started to stabilize.

It was then followed by periodic blurriness which is caused by dryness (which still happens now even after 6 months). Because my eyes are naturally dry, I had to spend a lot more money on eyedrops and post-lasik care. This includes:

• Optive Fusion preservative-free eyedrops (~RM48)

• I then replaced Optive Fusion with a cheaper alternative, Tears Naturale Free (RM30.90)

• I also use Hylo Gel (~RM45) occasionally

• I apply GenTeal Gel (~RM26 ) before I sleep. This is a sterile lubricant eye gel that is very thick in its consistency and allows eyes to be moisturized for hours (but the nature of gel being thicker also means it disrupts vision)

PS: I would highly recommend getting an AA Pharmacy / Big Pharmacy membership because their prices are a lot cheaper!

The frequency of how much I use these respective eye drops varies. On a good day, I might only use one vial of the preservative-free eyedrops. However, when my eyes are tremendously dry, I can finish a whole box of 32 vials in one week (to which cost really adds up and burns the pockets).

Conclusion

Is lasik worth the money? Yes. I would 100% recommend it for people in their 20s (aging-related eye deterioration are inevitable despite lasik). No more foggy glasses, no more squinting to read road signs and no more fear of losing my specs on roller coasters. Most importantly: I. Can. See!

It's definitely pricey, but being able to clearly interpret the world around me has been a wonderful experience. I can wake up in the morning and see the face of my loved ones. I can put on makeup without being 2cm away from the mirror and I can recognize a familiar face from a mile away and avoid awkward "who is that random person waving at me??" moments.