Intralasik - Part One: BEFORE

Based on the numbers of queries and feedbacks I received on the topic of Lasik, I presume there must be quite a number of you out there who are contemplating about undergoing lasik surgery. I have received numerous questions from people around asking whether it’s painful, what and how it was done, which centre I went to, the cost, etc. So hopefully by writing this post, I get to share my own lasik experience with dear readers, and perhaps assist those considering lasik make out their judgment and decision. Now enough of the introduction and lets get straight to the point. 

I had my lasik at Optimax Eye Specialist Centre, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. I think the reason I chose this place was because Optimax has became sort of synonym with lasik, been featured before in several magazines and newspapers, and they also claimed to be the first  in Malaysia to offer advanced eye laser procedures. Well, every laser center claimed that they’re the best right? But eventually, I made up my mind when Dr. Hamidah, an eye specialist from Tawakal recommended Optimax to me.    

Prior to the surgery, I have done one free preliminary eye test at the centre to determine whether I’m a suitable candidate. I was tested on four machines, each to check the eye power, corneal thickness, eye pressure and general eye condition. A few days before the surgery, I underwent another eye check up. This time it was more thorough, lasted about 3 hours and cost me RM120.00. One of the test involved dilating the pupils, where they put drops in my eyes and the pupils will dilate within 15 to 30 minutes. When dilated, near sightings became very blurry and sensitive to bright lights, and it lasted until I wake up the next morning. However it didn’t affect far sighting, so I have no problem driving back after the test. If you’re planning to get your eyes thoroughly check, I suggest you get it done on a non-working day. I went back to work after the test and I couldn’t even see the monitor, so I ended up doing nothing for the rest of the day! Oh, and also stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the test so that the eye will get back to its natural shape. All the tests were carried out by the center’s optometrist, not by the doctor. So the exact procedure will only be determined after the doctor evaluates the result of the eye check up. I forgot to mention that there was a counseling session after the test, where the optometrist explained the procedures and possible risks using a flip chart. At the end of the session, I was asked to answer a set of written question to make sure I understood everything that was explained to me. 

The procedure prescribed for me was Intralasik for both eyes. It was more expensive compared to lasik, epi or lasek, but I think it was worth the money spent because intralasik was the latest and safest technology. Furthermore, the eyes also heal faster. However, there are pros and cons for each procedure, so one has to make lots of homework before making the call. My references mainly were these websites: http://www.fda.gov/CDRH/LASIK/, http://www.optimax.com.my/ and http://www.vista.com.my/, just to name a few. Oh, and remember last time when I said not everybody have positive feedback for lasik? Please checkout these websites too, http://www.afterlasik.com/My_Story.html and http://lasikdisaster.com/index.htm. Those who had made their decision might think twice after reading it. However as known, no surgery in this world is free from risk. It's up to each of us to decide whether “less than 3%" of patients will have unresolved complications six months after surgery” (info from CRSQA and my doctor) as acceptable or not. Some of the known risk are infection and delayed healing, undercorrection or overcorrection, decrease in best-corrected vision, corneal haze, halo and glare effect, epithelial ingrowths, flap loss or damage, dry eye and altitude effects, to name a few. 

Besides reading, I also sought opinion from people who had undergone lasik. In my case it was my dear grand auntie, Wan Marhamah, who kept persuading me to go for lasik, and my mom of course, who eventually kinda gave her green light because she didn’t object after knowing I did the eye test. Now come to the money matters. Total cost for both eyes were RM5,976.00. Hubby nearly choked, but revived later when he learnt that Optimax offer 0% interest free installment. He even surprised me with his 1k sponsorship. Thank you honey! 

Finally not to forget the most important part; to seek help from the Almighty. No technology will ever defy His power.

Comments

[Juri]

Hi Azury!! Jun here, sori tade account frenster laa, nak komen lama dah, tapi takut ko terkejut laks tgk nama lain hihi...
Anyway, it's great that u have this surgery! ini untuk correct far/short sighted je ek? how about vision loss caused by fluid pressure ek? my sis has BIH (bilateral intracranial hypertension kot, tak sure nama panjang dia) & her eyesight byk blind spot... sian sgt, sedih pun ada... hmm, just curious if it can be corrected thru laser like what u did, that wud be cool ;)

[azury]

Hi Jun! First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. It must be difficult for her, and for u as well. However, I'm afraid I can't answer your question since I have zero knowledge on BIH. Mungkin ko bole call Optimax and find out: 603-7722 3177 / 7728 3177. Hope your sister will recover soon. Take care!