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My lASIK eXPERIENCE

2/25/2020

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It's officially been two weeks since I had LASIK at ReVision LASIK and Cataract Surgery. The procedure is something I've wanted to have done for years and in retrospect I'm not sure why I waited so long. I first got glasses when I was 5 and wore them every day for 27 years. Now, a couple weeks after having LASIK, I STILL find myself reaching for my glasses out of habit even though I no longer need them. Guys, not needing glasses is INCREDIBLE. 
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My LASIK journey started with a complimentary consultation. The staff asked me some questions, measured my eyes, tested my vision with and without my glasses, and measured the thickness of my cornea. They explained the risks, none of which were concerning, the main one being that I would likely have to wear reading glasses once I hit my late 40s/early 50s simply because of the natural aging process of the eye. After the testing was complete, Dr. Schumer came in to deliver the great news - that I was in fact a good candidate for LASIK. After learning that I was a candidate I was able to schedule my procedure. I sat down with a patient care specialist who helped me select a date. She also went over everything I needed to know about the procedure, everything from my arrival the morning of to the aftercare that I needed to plan for. I definitely felt like the consultation was smooth and seamless and I left fully prepared with answers to all of my questions. 
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The morning of the procedure I arrived at ReVision at 8:45. My husband drove me as I wasn't able to drive myself home immediately following LASIK. I got checked in and was given a bag that included some sunglasses that I would need later, some eye drops, and my aftercare instructions. I sent my husband and kids across the street to Krispy Kreme to enjoy some donuts while I was getting checked in and ready for the procedure.  

It wasn't long after check-in that I was called back. I was given numbing eye drops and a valium to ensure that I was both calm and comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Schumer came by as I was getting prepped and let me know that I had absolutely nothing to worry about. At one point I went to put my glasses in a case in my purse but my prescription sunglasses were already in the case, I realized it no longer mattered if my were protected so I just tossed them in my purse. It felt so good to know I wasn't going to need them anymore. ​
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One Last Glasses Selfie
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Right before my LASIK procedure
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Heading home immediately after LASIK
​When it was time for the procedure the nurses asked me what type of music I'd like to listen to and I thought that was such an awesome touch. I choose to listen to The Killers and quickly felt at ease listening to songs that I know that put me in a good mood. 

The procedure was quick and painless, lasting about 4 minutes per eye. First, a laser was used to crate a flap on my cornea. Because my eyes were numb from numbing drops I didn't feel anything. 
Dr. Schumer instructed me to keep my eye focused on a green light and before I knew it the first part was finished. After the flap was made, I was moved to another laser that actually does changes on the cornea. This process was even quicker! Once my eye was lined up for the laser it was seconds before I heard the nurse say "treatment is complete". All the while, my husband and kids were in the lobby watching my procedure on a screen.  My husband took a video of the procedure with his phone so that I could watch later. 

After the procedure I was taken back to the post-op area to relax before being released to my husband. I didn't expect for my vision to be improved immediately, BUT IT WAS! I could see so clearly, it was unbelievable. 
I was given Tylenol PM right as I was leaving so that I could go home and go to sleep. When I got home I headed to bed and slept for approximately 4 hours. The goal was to get to sleep before my numbing drops wore off. When I woke up my eyes were watery but I wasn't in any pain. While I could see well, I did have some sensitivity to light so I used the sunglasses that I was sent home with.  I was able to get back to my normal activities the evening of my procedure. That night I got work done on my computer, watched TV, and sat on the porch with friends telling them all about the experience and showing them the video Nate took. 

Even now, I still move my hand towards where my glasses used to be to adjust glasses that are no longer there.  I relied on glasses for so long that it still seems surreal to no longer need them.  I played indoor soccer wearing glasses, went to the pool wearing glasses, I often fell asleep at night with my glasses on. There are so many little annoyances that I no longer have thanks to LASIK. Things like not being able to get comfortable in bed at night while watching TV because I wouldn't want to lay on my glasses, the annoyance of taking my glasses off every time I'd go to put a shirt on. I recently realized that I can pluck my eyebrows myself - something I struggled with because I couldn't get to them with glasses on and couldn't see to do it with glasses off. ​
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I couldn't be happier with LASIK or Revision LASIK and Cataract Surgery. The only regret I have is not visiting them sooner! To learn more about LASIK you can visit www.revisioneyes.com 
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Behind the Scenes at ReVision Lasik and Cataract Surgery

2/25/2020

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A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Schumer, Ophthalmologist, Founder and Medical Director of ReVision LASIK and Cataract Surgery. I spent some time with him in clinic and in the surgery suite where I was able to witness several procedures first hand. 

I've worn glasses since I was in Kindergarten so I've met my share of optometrists over the years. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see what the eye doctor life is all about. My first observation was that Dr. Schumer's passion for Ophthalmology and his patients is evident in all of his encounters. I've never spent time with a corneal surgeon before and was immediately impressed with Dr. Schumer's knowledge and experience.  He has participated in over 30 FDA studies and is a global teacher, trainer and lecturer in his specialty. ​
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While shadowing Dr. Schumer in the clinic I got to sit in during several follow-up appointments, watch a YAG laser procedure,  and hear Dr. Schumer recommend procedures to improve the vision of his patients. I have been dreaming of having LASIK for years and loved getting to learn more about the process from start to finish. ReVision LASIK and Cataract Surgery offers free consultations so anyone can come in and learn about the practice and their options. options. During the visit, you work together with your doctor to determine if LASIK eye treatment is right for you.
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After shadowing in the clinic for a few hours it was time to head into the surgery suite. ReVision Lasik and Cataract Surgery is located off Polaris Parkway. Patients come to the same beautiful building for their consultations, follow-ups, and procedures. ReVision specializes in LASIK, PRK, Implantable Contact Lenses, Intacs, Advanced Lens Exchange, Cataract Surgery, Dry Eyes, and Corneal Procedures. 

I was surprised to learn that Dr. Schumer performs surgeries "head up". In heads-up surgery, the surgeon performs microsurgical procedures, not by bending over and looking through the eyepiece of a surgical microscope, but by viewing images sent from a three-dimensional camera on a large flat panel display. This method provides better depth of field visual for Dr. Schumer when looking at the eye. It also minimizes stress on
his back and neck which makes performing surgery much more comfortable. When I entered the OR I was given a pair of 3D glasses so I could see exactly what Dr. Schumer was seeing on the large monitor. ​
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The first few surgeries I got to see were cataract surgeries. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens. Cataract surgery removes the cataract, and replaces it with a lens implant. As a cataract develops, light does not have a clear path to the back of the eye, and it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to see clearly. The photo below shows a patient with a cataract that has severely compromised his ability to see clearly!
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Next up was LASIK surgery, I was particularly excited to see what happens during a LASIK procedure because I've been wanting to ditch my glasses and have LASIK myself. The patients are awake during the procedure but they don't feel any pain or discomfort at all. There are no needles or injections. The procedure starts with a laser creating a flap around the cornea. Once that's been completed, the patient is moved to another laser where the LASIK treatment begins. With LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea to adjust your eye’s focusing ability. It only takes a few seconds for the laser to correct the vision and then Dr. Schumer puts the flap back in place. The entire procedure takes around 8 minutes per eye. Patients can see better immediately following the procedure and the recovery time is literally overnight. ​
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The ReVision LASIK and Cataract surgery staff understands that your vision is everything. Each and every member of the team is compassionate and excited to assist patients on their journey to better vision. After spending the day with the team I decided to take the leap and scheduled a consultation to find out if I am a candidate for LASIK. I can't wait to share my personal experience and answer questions about my journey to clear vision! ​
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You can learn more about ReVision Lasik and Cataract Surgery by visiting www.revisioneyes.com 
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