Carrie’s Story

LASIK Gave This Mom Priceless Freedom & Flexibility

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The morning after her procedure, she woke up and could read the numbers on her alarm clock without putting on glasses. “My alarm clock hadn’t been clear for 20 years!” she said. In the days, months and years following LASIK, she’s discovered even more ways it benefited her and those closest to her.

A Busy Life Before LASIK

Carrie had worn glasses or contacts since she was in fourth grade. This reliance on prescription lenses especially affected one of her favorite activities, swimming, because she constantly worried about getting water in her goggles and chlorine in her contacts.

Once she became a mom, and her life got increasingly busy, her eyewear was even more of an annoyance. After all, taking care of four young children is challenging enough without the added hassle of glasses and contacts. She finally discussed it with her husband and decided to look into LASIK.

Her LASIK Experience

As part of her research, Carrie talked with several friends and family members. She was initially hesitant about LASIK, as two friends needed an additional enhancement procedure after they received LASIK. “I didn’t want to go through it and have to get it redone six months later,” she said.

However, another friend told her about his positive experience at LasikPlus and recommended she go in for a free exam and consultation. Carrie originally intended to consult with multiple LASIK providers before settling on one to perform the procedure. But she was so impressed with the doctors and staff at LasikPlus, she decided that visiting other providers was unnecessary.

Carrie admits to being nervous during the actual surgery. “They do a great job of prepping you and talking you through it, but it’s still very strange.” She said being awake during a surgical procedure on her eyes was unnerving. She also joked that the Lamaze training she received as an expectant mother helped her breathe and stay calm.

Despite her anxiety, Carrie said the procedure was relatively pain-free and went much quicker than she expected. She experienced dry eyes for about two weeks after the procedure, but treated them with doctor-recommended, over-the-counter eyedrops.

A New Freedom After LASIK

Although she never avoided specific activities because of her glasses or contacts, Carrie said getting LASIK made those activities considerably easier. She teaches swim lessons without worrying about getting chlorinated water in her contacts. She drives her car with the windows down — something she couldn’t do previously, because her contacts would dry out.

Although Carrie got LASIK as “something for me,” it also benefited people close to her. For example, she can get up and go to a sick child in the middle of the night without groping for her glasses. “I can focus on what I need to do to take care of the kids.”

Carrie’s Advice

Carrie advises those thinking about LASIK to develop a good rapport with their provider’s office staff. Although the surgeon’s role is critical, patients will have a lot of contact with technicians, nurses and other personnel, so a friendly relationship helps make the LASIK journey smoother.

For example, all patients undergo a final round of testing before receiving LASIK as a final check that the patient is ready for surgery. One of Carrie’s test results wasn’t coming out properly, and staff members stayed until after 7 p.m. on a Friday night to make sure the test was accurate and Carrie received the treatment. “They were wonderful,” she said.

When considering the price of LASIK, Carrie recommends that prospective patients look at the bigger picture. “You can’t really put a price on better vision,” she said. The freedom and flexibility that come from LASIK are “priceless,” plus she no longer has to spend money on prescription eyewear and related accessories.

While Carrie has enjoyed 20/20 vision — and the freedom and happiness that comes with it — since receiving LASIK, it’s important to remember that each person’s eyes are different, and individual results will vary. Consult with a qualified LASIK specialist to see if the procedure is right for you.