It’s been 3 months since I took a leap of faith to go for the EpiLASIK procedure, and I have not looked back since. It took me a while to draft this post as I wanted to track the results after the surgery.
Thanks to the good hands of Dr. Tony Ho and ClearVision, the surgery went smoothly. In my opinion, it’s a worthy investment and a life-changing one! Of course, this is subject to the results of the initial eye examination- which helps determine if you are suitable for the procedure.
To reiterate my previous post- ClearVision offers EpiLASIK, which unlike LASIK, involves no cutting of the cornea. It is is a safe, surface-based method of laser vision correction to correct your myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia (long-sightedness) and presbyopia. Since there is no cutting of the flap in epiLASIK, the structural integrity of the cornea is preserved. Hence, this does not weaken the cornea, preventing complications such as flap dislodgement, flap wrinkles and cornea ectasia from taking place.
During the surgery…
I was booked in for the surgery at 10am and left the clinic before 12 noon. Most of the time was spent waiting- the actual procedure took less than 10 minutes. My eye area was numbed so that they could pry my eyelids open with an instrument. I was told to look at the green light without blinking, about 30 seconds per eye. And before I knew it, it was over! Right after the procedure, medication in the form of eye drops were applied immediately and I had to wait in a dark room for almost 30 minutes. I remember feeling a stinging sensation when I first tried to open my eyes, but I was assured by the nurses that this is a normal reaction.
Post surgery…
While the surgery lasted a few minutes, there was a down time of 4 – 5 days. I followed Doctor Ho’s instructions to stay indoors. I was rather paranoid so I did not leave my house for about 4 days, and tried my best to reduce screen time. Day 1 saw me sleeping most of it away. I would wear the post-surgery glasses almost 24/7 to protect my eyes as well. I only left my house for dinner on Day 4, because it was dark enough. Even then, I would still keep my LASIK glasses on. Showering was a little inconvenient as I had to avoid water contact with my eyes. Also, it is advisable to avoid eye make-up for at least the first week! During this crucial period, there will be a schedule of eye medications that you have to follow.
During the initial visual adjustment period, I experienced “short-sightedness” for the first few weeks, i.e. nearby objects were a blur. I had to increase the font size on my mobile phone and laptop! However, over the months, my vision gradually normalised.
Is it worth it?
DEFINITELY! Other than the precautions you have to take after the surgery, I would think it is worth the while in the long-run. I can’t even begin to explain the joy that visual freedom brings. Whether it’s doing sports, travelling or in my everyday life, it’s so much more convenient to not have to wear glasses. Also, if you do the math, it saves you quite a bit of money over time! If you’re still considering, book in for a LASIK consultation and let the professionals advise you.
Did you know? My readers can quote my name at ClearVision for a slight discount!
Refer to my pre-surgery post HERE to know what to expect.
Address: 6 Nutmeg Road, Nutmeg Court, Singapore, 228337; +65 6733 3316 /+65 6100 2020.
Operating Hours: Weekdays 9AM – 5 PM, Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM, Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Relevant links: Website: www.clearvision.com.sg FAQ: http://clearvision.com.sg/epi_lasik/
